Kei Besar (Great Kei) is a large and undeveloped island next to Kei Dullah (with its city of Tual) and pristine Kei Kecil (with its airport and gateway to the best beaches in the region). These are the three most prominent islands among 47 gems in the Kei archipelago in south Maluku regency of Indonesia. Compared to Kei Dullah and Kei Kecil, the island of Kei Besar is still unchartered by the modern traveler. You can be the first person to discover some of the sights we describe below. Charter a yacht with Islander, and we will show the rest of Kei Besar’s hidden gems.
Bombay is one of the unique villages on Kei Besar island. Mountainous, forested, and preserving a traditional style of ancient stone paths, foundations and staircases, Bombay strongly upholds the culture of a typical Keiese village. With some lovely beaches and smaller off-shore islands, snorkeling off its eastern coast can be even more rewarding than around Kei Kecil. Follow a river through the jungle to a scintillating Hoko waterfall, where you can swim around its base, rejuvenated by refreshing, natural waters.
Raw and barely touched, Kei Besar is famed for its waterfalls hiding secretly among the dense jungle. Succumb to the immersive sounds of nature at Hoko Waterfall and reinvigorate the soul in this remote paradise. Wait till sunset from the top of the hill to see locals fishing on floating “Bagan” platforms with traditional lamps – lingering fireflies dotted along the darkening sea.
