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 reach by motorboat.
Halmahera (also called Gailolo or Jailolo) is a part of Maluku (Moluccas) Islands, which covers an area of 17,780 km2, and is one of Indonesia’s most northerly islands. During the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, it was generally within the sphere of influence of a powerful sultanate in the Island of Ternate. It is the core of a larger region, called Moro that includes the island and the coastline of Halmahera, and is closest to Morotai to the south.
In the mid-sixteenth century, the island was also the site of a Portuguese Jesuit mission. The Moslem states on Ternate and Halmahera resented the outpost for its proselytizing activities, and managed to drive the mission away from the island in 1571. In the seventeenth century, Ternate further exerted its power over Morotai by repeatedly forcing major parts of the population to migrate from the island. It was here that the Americans started their allied invasions against the occupied Philippines and South Pacific Islands. General McArthur resided on a small island close to Daruba from whence he planned and coordinated countless air strikes, sea invasions and counterattacks against his enemies. The American Daruba Airlfield has seven runways and can still be sighted today. Due to the enormous amount of explosives, ammunition and guns still to be found in the shallow waters, the island remains out of bounds for the majority of foreigners who want to travel. Surveyors dive here.
Just south of Morotai on the island of Halmahera, several Second World War wrecks can still be explored in Tobello Bay. These sites are really off the map and beaten track, predestined for all devoted adventures and dedicated wreck divers. The region also offers an unparalleled “Robinson Crusoe” atmosphere, as there is absolutely nothing apart from beautiful coral islands and pure nature.
Getting There
Halmahera Island is accessible with all type of transportations, ranging from air, sea and land. Here are some alternatives you can choose to visit this island:a. Departing from Jakarta;
- If you have decided to access Halmahera Island by air, Batavia Air Airlines and Merpati Nusantara Airlines serve a direct flight from Jakarta – Makassar (transit city) – Ternate. Halmahera does not have any sizeable airports. Most air traffic comes through the provincial capital airport of Sultan Babullah Airport on Ternate Island. You can take a short hop from here to Galela Airport on Halmahera Island near Tobelo.
- For you who prefer travelling by liners, PELNI serves several: KM Lambelu, KM Sinabung, KM Dorolanda and KM Ngapulu, which are cruising to Ternate twice a month. These liners will transit in several towns such as Semarang (Central Java), Surabaya (East Java), Makassar (South Sulawesi) and Bitung (North Sulawesi) and will take 5 days cruising. Then, you can continue your trip by speedboat to Kota Baru for about 45 minutes, or you can get on a ferry from Bastiong Ferry Harbor, which will take two hours. Both of them will lead you to Sofifi (Halmahera).
- Merpati Nusantara Airlines or Express Air serves direct flights from Surabaya – Makassar (transit city) – Ternate, which will take about 4 hours. Then, you can take a short hop to Galela Airport on Halmahera Island.
- As the PELNI liners will transit in several towns, you can get on the liners from Surabaya (East Java) for a four-day cruise, shorter than Jakarta route. Afterwards, you can get on a ferry from Bastiong Ferry Harbor, which will lead you to Sofifi (Halmahera).
- Similar to Surabaya route, Merpati Nusantara Airlines or Express Air and Trigana Air will lead you to Ternate by its direct flight, which will take only 2 hours. Take a short hop to Galela Airport on Halmahera Island.
- From Makassar to Ternate, it will take three days by PELNI liners. Take the same route afterwards.
d.Manado Departure,
- Wings Air serves direct flights from Manado to Kao twice a week on Monday and Friday. Disembarking in Kao means that you have already arrived in North Halmahera. To reach Kao – Tobelo (the capital city); you have to ride a car for one hour.
- For you who prefer cruising by liners, KM Elizabeth III will serve you every Monday. The cruise will take about 15 hours.
Getting Around
Bemo (a motorized becak / rickshaw), mikrolet (blue minibuses), bentor (motorbike driven vehicle), ojek, and becak are the common land transportation in Halmahera Island, which can help you to visit some interesting places here.
To Do
There are many places of interest and dive sites in Halmahera. Among few:
Dorume Beach;
This beach is known for its huge waves, especially in December; which is the best time for surfers to visit. Another attraction is its very fine sands that seem to glitter in the sun as they contain metallic grains.Talaga Biru;
Literally means the Blue Lake, this small natural pond with crystal-clear water is situated near Mamuya village in Galela district. According to local legends, long time ago, fairies used to descent from heaven to take a bath here. Intriguingly, every single leaf falling into this pond from the surrounding trees always drifts to its shores, leaving the waters clear and translucent.
Dodola Island;
One of the most interesting tourist attractions around Morotai Island, Dodola is surrounded by extensive white sand beaches, which actually connect the neighboring islands of Dodola Besar and Dodola Kecil (Besar is Indonesian for large, and Kecil means small). The beautiful nature and the clear waters make it a great spot for swimming, diving, snorkeling, and simply relaxing alike. There are several other islands to explore here. Dodola is also of some historical interest. During World War II, General McArthur and his forces often visited it for recreation and as an island getaway.
One of the most interesting tourist attractions around Morotai Island, Dodola is surrounded by extensive white sand beaches, which actually connect the neighboring islands of Dodola Besar and Dodola Kecil (Besar is Indonesian for large, and Kecil means small). The beautiful nature and the clear waters make it a great spot for swimming, diving, snorkeling, and simply relaxing alike. There are several other islands to explore here. Dodola is also of some historical interest. During World War II, General McArthur and his forces often visited it for recreation and as an island getaway.
Batu Kopi (coffee rock);
Batu Kopi (literally: Coffee Rock) is situated at Posiposi-Rao Beach in the South-West Morotai district. The name comes from local folklore, claiming that an aroma of coffee comes out of this rock. Usually this aroma can be smelled towards the late afternoon. In the same location, you can also swim, surf, dive, and ride on a boat. For those who are interested in surfing, November and December are the ideal months to visit this place.
Batu Kopi (literally: Coffee Rock) is situated at Posiposi-Rao Beach in the South-West Morotai district. The name comes from local folklore, claiming that an aroma of coffee comes out of this rock. Usually this aroma can be smelled towards the late afternoon. In the same location, you can also swim, surf, dive, and ride on a boat. For those who are interested in surfing, November and December are the ideal months to visit this place.
Kakara Island;
Kakara Island has the oldest Hibualamo (the big house or the village hall) around Tobelo, and is considered the cradle of Tobelorese culture. Those interested in local history should visit this island to see the Hibualamo, which is constructed entirely in the traditional way and contains Tobelorese handicrafts.
Kakara Island has the oldest Hibualamo (the big house or the village hall) around Tobelo, and is considered the cradle of Tobelorese culture. Those interested in local history should visit this island to see the Hibualamo, which is constructed entirely in the traditional way and contains Tobelorese handicrafts.
World War II Japanese Tunnels;
In the villages of Samuda and Duma in West Galela District, we can find tunnels that were used as hiding places by the Japanese Military in World War II. The one in Samuda is 20 meters long and has several chambers that are thought to had been used as meeting hall.
In the villages of Samuda and Duma in West Galela District, we can find tunnels that were used as hiding places by the Japanese Military in World War II. The one in Samuda is 20 meters long and has several chambers that are thought to had been used as meeting hall.
Kao Bunkers and Cannons;
The most important period in the history of Kao was the Japanese occupation during World War II. There are many relics of the war around the city, notably around Kuabang Airport. Here we can find several bunkers and four cannons, which are still in good conditions. The biggest bunker, with two halls and 15 meters long corridor, is found near the runway. The runway itself was built by the Japanese military forces, and is now one of the most important airport facilities in North Halmahera.
The most important period in the history of Kao was the Japanese occupation during World War II. There are many relics of the war around the city, notably around Kuabang Airport. Here we can find several bunkers and four cannons, which are still in good conditions. The biggest bunker, with two halls and 15 meters long corridor, is found near the runway. The runway itself was built by the Japanese military forces, and is now one of the most important airport facilities in North Halmahera.
Sosol Beach and Tosimaru Shipwreck,
Sosol Beach is the main tourist attraction in Malifut district. Its long black-sandy beach, and free of strong currents, becomes very wide at low tide. A unique attraction here is the wreck of Tosimaru, a World War II Japanese cargo ship, visible from far away.
Sosol Beach is the main tourist attraction in Malifut district. Its long black-sandy beach, and free of strong currents, becomes very wide at low tide. A unique attraction here is the wreck of Tosimaru, a World War II Japanese cargo ship, visible from far away.
Dukono Volcano;
The 185 m high Mount Dukono is one of three active volcanoes on Halmahera Island and one of the most active ones in all Indonesia. Ascending the mountain is usually done from Mamuya village. There, you will find a volcano post, which can provide up-to-date information about the current status of Mount Dukono. It is possible to ride a motorbike through gardens up to the end of the road on the slopes of the mountain. From here, you will have to walk for about 2 hours through primary forest and cross several ravines until finally reaching the lahar (cold lava) fields surrounding the crater of Dukono. Here there is a camping spot for those who want to spend the night on the mountain. The crater is only one-hour walk away.
Dive Sites:
The 185 m high Mount Dukono is one of three active volcanoes on Halmahera Island and one of the most active ones in all Indonesia. Ascending the mountain is usually done from Mamuya village. There, you will find a volcano post, which can provide up-to-date information about the current status of Mount Dukono. It is possible to ride a motorbike through gardens up to the end of the road on the slopes of the mountain. From here, you will have to walk for about 2 hours through primary forest and cross several ravines until finally reaching the lahar (cold lava) fields surrounding the crater of Dukono. Here there is a camping spot for those who want to spend the night on the mountain. The crater is only one-hour walk away.
Dive Sites:
a. Somola Bay;
In Somola Bay, you can find small islands, which offer blue seawaters and mangrove trees growing on stones. In this area, tourists can go canoeing while enjoying the beautiful Somola landscape. This beautiful area can be reached with the ship from Pune Beach, Galela District.
b. Tagalaya Island;
Tagalaya is one of the islands located up front from Tobelo Town. The water is calm and crystal clear, and a white-sand beach surrounds the entire island. Coral reefs with rich marine lives are found at a depth of 2-10 meters off the coast of Tagalaya. Mangroves, growing out of white sand (not mud), and surrounded by the corals, make diving here a unique experience. You can also watch the locals fishing here.
Tagalaya is one of the islands located up front from Tobelo Town. The water is calm and crystal clear, and a white-sand beach surrounds the entire island. Coral reefs with rich marine lives are found at a depth of 2-10 meters off the coast of Tagalaya. Mangroves, growing out of white sand (not mud), and surrounded by the corals, make diving here a unique experience. You can also watch the locals fishing here.
c. Tobotobo Sea Garden;
It is located in Toboto village, Loloda District. This location has beautiful sea garden. It is very suitable location for snorkeling or diving. Tobotobo also has thousands bats that hang on the mangroves trees and also white and blue pigeon’s bath place.
It is located in Toboto village, Loloda District. This location has beautiful sea garden. It is very suitable location for snorkeling or diving. Tobotobo also has thousands bats that hang on the mangroves trees and also white and blue pigeon’s bath place.
d. Rorangane Island;
Rorangane is one of the uninhabited islands of North Halmahera, located just 15 minutes from Tobelo harbor. Similar to Tagalaya, the water is calm and crystal clear. White sand beaches surround the entire island. Besides offering good swimming spots, the coral reefs, at a depth of 10-30 meters, make it an ideal location for diving.
Rorangane is one of the uninhabited islands of North Halmahera, located just 15 minutes from Tobelo harbor. Similar to Tagalaya, the water is calm and crystal clear. White sand beaches surround the entire island. Besides offering good swimming spots, the coral reefs, at a depth of 10-30 meters, make it an ideal location for diving.
e. Sosol Beach and Tosimaru Ship Wreck;
Sosol Beach is the main tourist attraction in Malifut District. This one kilometer long black sand beach is free of strong currents and becomes very wide at low tide. A unique attraction here is the wreck of Tosimaru, a World War II Japanese cargo ship, visible form far away.
Sosol Beach is the main tourist attraction in Malifut District. This one kilometer long black sand beach is free of strong currents and becomes very wide at low tide. A unique attraction here is the wreck of Tosimaru, a World War II Japanese cargo ship, visible form far away.
To Stay
There are several good and affordable hotels in Halmahera Island. You can find these accommodations along Town Centre and Bastiong. Elsewhere, it is possible to stay with local people in villages.
To Eat
It’s easy to find some restaurants in this Island, which will pamper your appetite around Town Centre and Dufa-dufa Street.
You can also taste some peculiar delicacies in Halmahera Island, such as Halua, Boboko, Lapis Tidore, Kue Bilolo, Mam Raka and Popeda. Surely, you will have an irresistible carving with these foods.
Tips
- If you plan to dive around Halmahera Island, the best time to visit is during the dry season, which is usually from May to October. For surfing, the best time is November and December, where the waves are at their highest points.
- If you decided to stay in with the locals, be sure to bring in a guide or a friend who speaks in fluent Indonesian as only few people here are able to speak English rather well.
- Bring mosquito repellent.
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