Aru Islands, Archipelago of 95 islands in Maluku Province, Indonesia
Aru Islands is an archipelago in Indonesia's Maluku Province made up of around 95 islands scattered across the Arafura Sea, separated by narrow channels. Six larger islands form the core of this island group, while smaller ones fill in the spaces between them.
Dutch explorers arrived here around 1623 and began incorporating the region into their trade networks, bringing prolonged European presence to the islands. This historical contact shaped how the area developed and its connections to the wider world.
The people here blend Papuan and Malay traditions, and you can see this mix in their daily lives and how communities are organized. Multiple faiths shape everyday practices, from local spiritual beliefs to Islam and Christianity.
Dobo, the main settlement located on Wamar Island, serves as your entry point with an airport connecting to other parts of Maluku. Plan for basic conditions when visiting and stay flexible with transport schedules, as services can be limited.
These islands are home to marsupials like the cuscus and various possum species that are otherwise found only in Australia and New Guinea, making them the westernmost occurrence of these animals. This animal life marks the archipelago as a geographical meeting point between two very different continents.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
