Haruku, the unknow

Haruku Island, a short hop from Ambon, is best known for its medicinal hot springs and crumbling Dutch forts. Fort New Zeeland and Fort New Hoorn are both near by Pelau village on the island’s north coast.

Haruku`s population of some 25`000 is evenly divided between Christians and Muslims.

Two bank reefs off Haruku`s north coast are an excellent spot for diving. The slope off the atolls is dramatic, increasing nearly vertical by about 30 meters out. Much of the coral here has been blasted, but the atoll’s almost vertical walls rising out of the depths attract a number of interesting open-water fish to the area. The pelagic species include sharks and giant groupers.