Ferry or Air to / From Banda?

[billt4sf]

My buddy and I made plans to go to Banda! YAY!!!!

What's best: the air flight, or the "fast" (5 - 6 hour) ferry?

If I had my choice, I would probably pick the air flight, I would think that IF they go, there would be less chance of a problem than a LONG (noisy!?) ferry ride.

The calendar dictates that we take the ferry though, as he wants to get back to wife and kids for Thanksgiving. If we do the flights, we would only get a few days in Banda. I think - now I'm not sure what days they fly (or even IF they fly!)

Thanks,

Bill & Mark

 

[Mike Veitch]

the flights are notoriously unreliable, I would not recommend it. The fast ferry is quite a nice option, saw it in there a few times in April and May. Big and looked comfortable, much better option than the Pelni! Looks like a giant speed boat, I don't think would be too noisy. New boat, not an old ferry

 

[billt4sf]

the flights are notoriously unreliable, I would not recommend it. The fast ferry is quite a nice option, saw it in there a few times in April and May. Big and looked comfortable, much better option than the Pelni! Looks like a giant speed boat, I don't think would be too noisy. New boat, not an old ferry

Thanks again, Mike!

 

[highdesert]

A group of Indo friends did a trip to Banda in April. They took the fast ferry. My friend said ' But thank goodness now they have fast ferry.. So its 3hrs ride n very comfortable.' She went on to say ' The ferry to banda is only on tues n sat. Going back to ambon wed n sun.'

Her photos show that the interior of the ferry is bright, air conditioned, has big windows, and big, cushy seats.