Off the Grid and Into the Blue: My Escape to Molana Island

Molana Island: The Secret Slice of Paradise I Almost Kept to Myself

You ever have one of those places that just sticks with you? Not because of fancy hotels or wild nightlife, but because it feels like you stumbled onto something untouched and special? That’s Molana Island.

I almost don’t want to write about it because, honestly, part of its magic is how few people know it even exists. But hey, if you’re reading this, you’re probably the kind of traveler who appreciates the wild, the real, and the off-the-grid kind of beauty. So, let’s dive into what makes this little Indonesian island so unforgettable.

First Impressions: Welcome to Nowhere (In the Best Way Possible)

Getting to Molana isn’t exactly straightforward—which is kind of the point. You’ve got to make your way to Ambon, hop over to Saparua Island, and then charter a boat to Molana. It’s not a quick trip, but trust me, when you step onto that white sand beach and see nothing but turquoise water, swaying palm trees, and not a single hotel in sight, you’ll get why it’s worth it.

The first thing that hit me? The silence. No honking cars, no tourist chatter—just the sound of waves and a few birds overhead. After spending so much time in busy cities, it felt surreal.

Snorkeling: Like Jumping Into a Postcard

I’ve snorkeled in some amazing places, but Molana? Next level. You don’t even need a boat—just walk a few meters into the water, and suddenly you’re floating above colorful corals, watching schools of fish weave through the reef.

I had one of those “holy crap, is this real life?” moments when I saw a sea turtle lazily drifting by, completely unfazed by my presence. If you love snorkeling but hate the hassle of crowded tours, this is your dream spot.

Where Are All the Tourists?

Honestly? There aren’t any. Well, barely. I ran into exactly zero other travelers while I was there.

There’s a rundown resort on the island—clearly abandoned—and you can tell that, at some point, someone tried to bring tourism here. But for whatever reason (maybe COVID, maybe just logistics), it never took off. The result? A paradise that feels like it’s just for you.

I walked for an hour along the beach without seeing another soul. No vendors, no sunbeds, no overpriced cocktails—just pure, untouched nature.

The Local Vibe: Warm Smiles and Curious Stares

Since there’s no one living on Molana, I spent some time on Haruku Island, a short boat ride away. If you ever want to feel like a rockstar, just walk through a small Indonesian village where they rarely see foreigners.

Everywhere I went, I was greeted with big smiles, waves, and the occasional “Hello, mister!” Kids ran up to say hi, and locals seemed genuinely surprised to see me there. One guy even asked if I was lost. Nope, just looking for paradise, my friend.

A Few Things to Know Before You Go

Molana’s magic comes from its raw, unspoiled nature, but that also means you need to come prepared.

• Bring your own food and water – There’s nowhere to buy anything. Pack like you’re going on a deserted island trip (because you basically are).
• Chartering a boat costs around 400,000 IDR ($25–$30 USD) – If you can split it with others, even better.
• There’s some trash on the beaches – Not a ton, but enough to notice. Like many remote islands, there’s no waste management system, so if you can, leave it better than you found it.
• Check the weather – I lucked out with sunshine, but it can get cloudy and rainy. Since there’s no infrastructure, you don’t want to be stuck in a storm.

Should You Go to Molana Island?

If you’re looking for luxury resorts, buzzing nightlife, or an easy vacation, this ain’t it. But if you crave adventure, untouched nature, and the feeling of discovering something truly special, then yes—go, now, before the rest of the world finds out about it.

I left Molana feeling like I’d been let in on a secret that most travelers never get to experience. If that’s your kind of trip, pack your snorkel and start planning.