North Maluku

North Maluku is a tropical paradise that located in the eastern Indonesia. It consists of many of small and big islands, approximately 353 of islands, which spreads out surrounding the ocean. Moreover, not all of the islands in North Maluku are inhabitant. One example of the islands in North Maluku that not inhabitant is Dodola Island.

This island serves a magnificent beauty of tropical beach, where white sand with approximately 16 km of length surrounding and has clear water. In this island, the visitor can do a lot of exciting activity, such as swimming, sunbathe and diving. Beside Dodola Island, there is also an island where the excitement to explore the under water life can be get, namely Maitara Island. This island is located in the middle of Tidore and Ternate Islands.

Furthermore, the European people actually have already known North Maluku since long time ago. In the past, the Portuguese and the Dutch were come to North Maluku to conquer Tidore and Ternate islands because they were interested with the spices that grew fertile in the most part of Tidore and Ternate Islands. Nowadays, that still remains from the history of Tidore and Ternate are the castle of the Portuguese and the Dutch that stand in many parts of both Islands. Those castles become an interesting place of interest for Tidore and Ternate tourism.

Tourist Office:

Jl. Kamboja No. 14 A, Ternate,

Phone. (0921) 326277, 327396

Getting there:

Ternate can be reached by domestic flights from Jakarta via Makassar or direct flight from Makassar and Manado.

Tourism Events

Legu Gam. A folk festival held on April 2008 to celebrate the birthday of His Highness the Sultan of Ternate. Loyal subjects from through out the province gather at the Sultan’s Kedaton (Palace) to watch or participate in the various colorful and traditional performances of the region.

Places of Interest

Halmahera Island.

Halmahera Island. This island lies to the east of Ternate, separated only by a narrow strait. It is a mountainous island, still largely covered with forests. The coastlines are white sand and coral reefs are found in its waters. Offering a beautiful spectacle, Mount Mamuya (930 m) spews burning lava from time to time, adding to the allure of this island. Pearl oyster breeding farms on Mangaliho Island can be reached by motorboat.

Ternate Island

Ternate Island. Ternate, an island off the west coast of Halmahera, is just 15 sq. km in size but it offers a treasure of sights and experiences. There is an active volcano named Gamalama, two lakes, an old Sultan’s palace, a picturesque port and several good beaches.

The peak of Gamalama is 1,271 meters high and can be reached by trail. It has three craters and its surrounding environment is very beautiful. Stones from Gamalama’s eruption are scattered across the landscape. Both Lake Laguna, 7 km from town and Lake Tolire, 24 km from town, can be reached by car.

About 4 km west of the town, is the Afo clove tree, which is said to be more than 350 years old. Good beaches are to be found at Bastion, Ngade, Sulamadaha and Tobololo. Ternate Bay is popular for fishing and motorboats can be hired to take you to the best fishing grounds.

Morotai Island

Morotai Island, lying to the north of Halmahera, was an important air base during World War II, first for the Allies and later for the Japanese until its recapture near the end of the war. The ghosts of war still linger in this area, where many wrecks of aircraft and rusting guns lie abandoned in the bushes.The coral reefs here are not easily forgotten. Wayabula, Berebere, Busus-busu, Sangowo and Daruba are villages on the beach.