Over 1,000 islands form the province of Maluku, most of which are still uninhabited. The islands lie on one of the world's most active volcanic belt. Given its geographic location, the Maluku archipelago displays a transition between Asian and Australian fauna and flora.

Once the famed Spice Islands, ruins of forts scattered throughout the islands are witness of its colorful past as a busy trading post. Today the region is an important producer of cocoa, coffee, fruits and ironwood.

Blessed with fabulous sea gardens, idyllic, tropical beaches and spectacular landscapes rich with an enormous variety of endemic plant and animal species, Maluku focuses on developing its tourism potential.

Adventure and Outdoor Activities
Some of Southeast Asia's most beautiful powder-white beaches are in the Kai Islands, in northern Halmahera, like Hanimua Beach, and in the islands in the Bay of Tolebo. The beaches on Ternate and Tidore are mostly of black volcanic sand. Visit Pulau Pombo and Pulau Kasa MArine Reserves and Banda Island Marine Reserve for diving and snorkeling. Another island attraction is climbing volcanoes; the dominant, 650 m Gunung Api which rises from the Banda Sea and 1721 m Mount Gamalama on Ternate.

Nature Reserves
A paradise for ornithologists, Maluku is home to a rich variety of exotic feathered species. The forest-coated mountains of the islands are home to brilliantly colored king fishers, the red-crested Mollucan cockatoo, and many multi-colored lorikeets and parrots. At Aru Tenggara Marine Reserve and Pulau Baun Reserve, see kangaroos, wallabies, birds of paradise, monitor lizards and crocodiles. Tougher to reach is the 189,000 hectares Manusela Reserve on Seram Island. In Ternate, see the spectacular remains of an 18th century lava flow at Batu Angus (burned rock).

Cuture
Many aspects of life in the island: music, religion, dance and way of life are a fascinating blend of east and west. Fort Duurstede on Saparua, Forts Nassau, Belgica and Hollandia are 16th to 18th century Dutch strongholds in the Banda Islands. In the Christian-populated islands, Ternate's population is largely Moslem. The Sultan of Ternate still resides at the Kedaton (palace) which is partly open to public. The Tanimbar Islands is famous for ikat weaving, carving, gold masks and jewelry. The stone canoe is the village of Sanglia Dol is believed to be the vessel that first carried the village's forefathers. Morotai Island was the site of WW II battles when it served as an airbase for the Allies the for the Japanese. Wrecks of aircrafts and rusting guns still litter the island.

Cuisine
A lot of the local cuisine is fish-based. Sago cakes are the region's staple. To spice up your life, try colo-colo, a spicy-sweet sauce with chopped onions, tomatoes and chilli served over fresh roast fish. Other exotic local delicacies is laor sea worms.

Shopping
Ambon offers an interesting collection of local handicrafts, such as ships made from cloves, mother-of-pearl collages, weavings and primitive carvings. Look out for pottery on Kai and Lease Islands.