Since the first century AD, the Banda
islands have been the sole producers of the fragrant nutmeg and mace for
which Chinese, Indian, and Arab ships traveled across the seas. These
precious spices could be sold at enormous profit in foreign markets.
The people of Banda thrived on their
natural resources, but in later years suffered at the hands of Dutch
colonizers who wanted to dominate the world’s spice trade.
Despite such a big reputation, the fabled Banda islands are only a tiny cluster of islands, composed of three large islands and seven smaller ones. The islands are perched on the rim of Indonesia's deepest underwater gorge, the Banda Sea, where waters can reach depths of over 6,500 meters.
Despite such a big reputation, the fabled Banda islands are only a tiny cluster of islands, composed of three large islands and seven smaller ones. The islands are perched on the rim of Indonesia's deepest underwater gorge, the Banda Sea, where waters can reach depths of over 6,500 meters.