Hidden away in a remote section of the north coast on Indonesia’s Seram Island is Ora Beach Resort, where accommodation is kept deliberately simple to highlight the sheer natural beauty of the surrounds. Only accessible by water, the resort is not easy to get to, but if you do brave the trip – via plane, ferry, car and fishing boat – you’ll be more than rewarded. Think steep limestone cliffs, powdery white sands, electric-blue waters, delicate coral reefs, mountains carpeted with riotously lush rainforest and more than 117 species of exotic birds.
Stay in one of the five stilted bungalows that jut out over the reef – perfect for fishing from the balcony – and get up close and personal with the breathtaking marine life on a dive or snorkelling adventure.
It’s about a half-day journey to Ora Beach Resort, so be prepared for an adventure. There are regular flights to Pattimura Airport in Ambon from Jakarta, Surabaya and Makassar. Once there, take a taxi to Tulehu Port (45 minutes) to catch a ferry to Masohi on Serram Island. Journey by car to the fishing village of Saleman (about two hours), before finally taking a short 10-minute boat ride from the village to the resort.
Stays start at about US$75 per person per night, including transfers from Port Tulehu on Ambon Island and all meals.
Ora Beach Resort
exoticorabeach.com