NORTH MALUKU – TIDORE

North Maluku (Indonesian: Maluku Utara) is a province of Indonesia. It covers the northern part of the Maluku Islands, which are split between it and the province of Maluku. Maluku province used to cover the entire group. The planned provincial capital is Sofifi, on Halmahera, but the current capital and largest population center is the island of Ternate.

In the sixteenth and seventeenth century, the islands of North Maluku were the original “Spice Islands“. At the time, the region was the sole source of cloves. The Dutch, Portuguese, Spanish, and local kingdoms including Ternate and Tidore fought each other for control of the lucrative trade in these spices. Clove trees have since been transported and replanted all around the world and the demand for clove from the original spice islands has ceased, greatly reducing North Maluku’s international importance.

The population of North Maluku is 870,000 (according to the National Socio-Economic Survey, 2004), making it one of the least populous provinces in Indonesia.

Administrative division

Regencies

* West Halmahera (Jailolo)
* Central Halmahera (Soasiu)
* South Halmahera (Labuha)
* East Halmahera (Maba)
* North Halmahera (Tobelo)
* Sula Islands (Sanana)

Cities

* Ternate
* Tidore

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, 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.