Ternate
Introduction
You will find Ternate, also known as the City of Ternate, situated on an island within the Maluku Islands of Indonesia. Located off the west coast of Halmahera, the city is composed of five islands: Ternate, Moti, Hiri, Tifure, and Mayau. As the economic, cultural, and education center of North Maluku, it serves as a vital hub for neighboring regions.
History shapes your experience in this area, which served as the capital of the Sultanate of Ternate during the 15th and 16th centuries. You can trace its legacy back to the era when it fought against the Sultanate of Tidore over control of the spice trade in the Moluccas before becoming a primary interest for competing European powers.
Before you go
Prepare for a journey into a land shaped by its history as a center of the spice trade. You can explore the remnants of colonial ambitions by visiting various forts left behind by European powers who once fought to monopolize the region's riches. While Ternate and its neighboring islands are no longer central to global trade or major tourist circuits, you will find a welcoming atmosphere where locals often greet you with curiosity. Respond with a smile and friendly gestures when residents approach you to say hello.
Be mindful of your surroundings as Mount Gamalama is an active volcano in the region. While the area remains accessible, its history of activity serves as a reminder of the local geography's power.
Getting there
You can reach Ternate by air through Sultan Babullah Airport, where you will find frequent flights connecting the city to Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta Airport. Additional regular flights arrive from Ambon, Manado, and Makassar, as well as various smaller airports throughout the Maluku archipelago.
Alternatively, you can travel by boat. Ships serviced by PELNI operate from various parts of Indonesia; you should check the PELNI office or their app for current schedules and reservations.
Getting around
You can navigate the local area using various modes of transport depending on your destination and desired level of flexibility. For local travel, Angkots (bemo or minivans) operate from a central station near the tourist market to help you move around the city. If you prefer more flexibility when visiting specific attractions, you can hire an Ojek, which is a motorcycle taxi.
For regional travel by water, several options are available:
- Public ferries run between Ternate and Sofifi at scheduled intervals throughout the morning and afternoon.
- Speedboats operate all day from Semut Harbour, providing faster transit to both Tidore and Sofifi.
Where to stay
You can choose from a variety of accommodations in the heart of Ternate Tengah. For those seeking a central location, you can stay at a neat hotel where breakfast is delivered directly to your room early in the morning. If you prefer a view of Mount Gamalama, Fort Oranje, city beaches, and the island of Halmahera, choose a property featuring balcony rooms and convenient access to a supermarket on the ground floor.
Depending on your preferred style of stay, you can opt for a four-star hotel or an economical homestay. The homestay option provides air conditioning in a smoke-free environment and includes a lounge area where you can view the surrounding scenery.
Food & drink
Savor the local flavors of Ternate by sampling traditional Indonesian staples across various dining scenes. You can enjoy savory satay or opt for a hearty breakfast of nasi kuning, which features yellow rice served with side dishes like egg and fish. For seafood lovers, visit local markets in the evening to find fresh fish or head to specialized eateries to try grilled bubara, also known as giant trevally. If you prefer a unique local delicacy, seek out gohu ikan, a dish often referred to as the sashimi of Ternate. For a more indulgent experience, you can sample ketam kenari, or coconut crab, prepared in either oyster or padang sauce.
Explore the coastal areas to find traditional refreshments and snacks. You can enjoy air guraka, a local ginger drink, served alongside a variety of accompaniments such as fried peanuts, fried anchovies, sambal roa, and banana chips known as pisang mulu bebe. If you prefer Western options, pizza is also available in the local shopping centers.
What to see and do
Explore the layered history of the island by visiting various fortifications and royal sites. You can tour the Museum Kedaton Kesultanan Ternate, housed in a palace built for the sultan, or visit the nearby Ternate Sultanate Mosque. The massive Benteng Oranje features thick walls that have withstood earthquakes and once served as the heart of Dutch operations. Other historic structures include the Portuguese star fort known as Benteng Kalamata, which offers views of Tidore from its ramparts, and the phallic-shaped Benteng Tolukko. For a striking coastal view, visit Masjid Raya Al Munawwar Ternate, where the architecture stands prominently along the shoreline.
Experience the natural landscape by visiting crater lakes like Lake Tolire, known for its green water and local legends, or Lake Ngade, which provides views of Tidore Island and Mount Kiematabu. You can also find scenic viewpoints at Batu Angus to see neighboring islands or visit Taman Moya Mabuku in a hilly area for an overlook of the downtown district. For coastal relaxation, explore the black sands of Sulamadaha Beach, the swimming waters of Jikomalamo Beach, or the cafes and pools at Bobane Ici Beach. If you prefer to be near the water, Taman Nukila offers a seaside promenade and a monument suitable for viewing the sunrise.
- Dive in the waters of Falajawa Beach to see endemic walking sharks.
- Attend local events such as the maritime Festival Kora-Kora in November or Legu Gam in April.
Three days in Ternate
Day one, you begin your journey in Ternate. You can explore the local area and take in the surroundings of the city located in the Maluku Islands.
Day two, you can visit the nearby areas of Hiri, Tifure, Mayau, and As to experience more of the region's character.
Day three, you can spend your final day exploring the history of the Sultanate or viewing the landscape near Mount Gamalama.