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MALUKU
(MOLUCCAS)
Ambon, an island in a large archipelago in eastern Indonesia,
and capital of the Maluku Province, was formerly part of the
legendary Spice Islands which drew the great trading nations
of Europe in their quest for cloves, cinnamon, pepper, nutmeg
and mace. First reached by the Portuguese in 1511, Maluku was
visited by the Spaniards, the English and finally the Dutch,
all of whom have left some reminders of their occupation.
These include the ruins of Fort Victoria in Ambon Town, Fort
Amsterdam near Hitu, and the old Dutch church in Dila. From
a later period, is the Allied War Cemetery of World War II.
Clove and nutmeg tress, no more the monopolise these islands,
but they can still be seen along the
Ambon
Hila road, alongside palm groves, hardwood forests and orchid
gardens. The sea surrounding the island has several underwater
gardens. Large Sea Lily (craned) gardens are surrounded by corals
of many shapes and colours. Another reminder of the former traders
and colonialists is the name of the inhabitants of Ambon, some
of which are derived from the Portuguese. Handicrafts from the
area consist of hand-woven cloth, wooden carving and sailing
ships made from cloves, seaweed bracelets and tortoise shells.
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