Saparua A small coral isle of 202 square km, 74 km east of Ambon. There's a big clove plantation in the center and many other plantations dot the coast. Saparua is very hilly, rising steeply from the sea. The island's main city and capital, Saparua, has a big market every Wednesday and Saturday. There are two ruins and old churches on the island. A 20 minute bemo ride from Saparua town is the village Ouw from here Nukawoni Indah is on a 25 minute walk trough the jungle or if you want to do it the easy way a 10 minute trip by boat.
History Saparua As a center of nutmeg and clove cultivation, Saparua has a torrid history. Spice has been traded from coastal villages on this and other islands for over 500 years. Old Dutch fortifications litter the coasts, most obliterated. 1817 was a revolt under the leadership of Thomas Matulessy, alias Kapitan Pattimura on the island; the island still celebrates Pattimura Day in honor of this national hero. Relay runners from each village carry a flaming torch until it arrives for the ceremony in Ambon.
SightsVisit the well-restored fort of Duurstede, its battlements and cannon still in place, pointing over the sea. Pattimura and his forces attacked the fort in 1817. Opposite the fort is a museum with miniature three-dimensional displays depicting the history of the fort and Saparua. On Wednesday and Saturday the marked in Saparua town. Or go to one of the white beaches.
Ouw is a big traditional pottery center that turns out most of the island's distinctive earthenware.
This is not art pottery, but pots, water urns, and sago molds intended for everyday use.
