From Bali to Ternate and Tidore
North Maluku is home to a group of twin islands, Ternate and Tidore. These two islands offer a glimpse into Indonesia’s rich history, culture, and natural beauty. Ternate and Tidore are located in the northern part of the Maluku Islands, east of Sulawesi, and are surrounded by crystal-clear waters that are perfect for snorkeling and diving. There is no direct flight from Bali to Ternate and Tidore. The fastest way is flying from Bali to Ternate and Tidore and it takes 7 hours 30 minutes by plane (including transit time).
2 Ways to get from Bali to Ternate and Tidore
1. By plane from Bali to Ternate and Tidore
The easiest and most convenient way to get to Ternate and Tidore from Bali is by flight.
From Ternate, you can take a boat or ferry to Tidore.
Example flights from Bali to Ternate and Tidore:
- Bali (DPS) > Makassar (UPG) > Ternate (TTE): with Lion Air. Around 7 hours 30 minutes (including transit time).
- Bali (DPS) > Jakarta (CGK) > Ternate (TTE): Batik Air and Garuda stops in Jakarta (CGK). It takes 10-12 hours (including transit time).
2. By bus and ferry
The cheapest way to get from Bali to Ternate is to bus and car ferry and train and ferry which costs €45 – €70 and takes 4 days 2h.
How to:
- From bus terminal Ubung in Denpasar > Surabaya Tanjung Perak port (East Java).
- When you’re in Surabaya Tanjung Perak port take PELNI ship > Ternate port (twice a week).
Airlines from Bali to Ternate and Tidore
Important Things to Know About Ternate and Tidore
Ternate and Tidore have a rich history as the center of the spice trade during the colonial era. The islands were once the main producers of nutmeg and cloves, which were highly valued spices in Europe. Today, visitors can still see the remnants of the colonial era, including the Forts of Ternate and Tidore, which were built by the Portuguese, Dutch, and Spanish.
Both islands also have a unique culture that has been shaped by their long history. Visitors can see the influence of Islam on the islands, as well as the blend of European and local cultures. The islands are also known for their traditional music, which features the use of the gamelan, a set of traditional percussion instruments.
Ternate and Tidore are also known for their natural beauty. Visitors can explore the islands’ volcanoes, including Mount Gamalama on Ternate and Mount Kie Matubu on Tidore. Both of these volcanoes offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The islands also have beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and clear waters that are perfect for snorkeling and diving.
Exploring the Attractions to visit on Twin Islands of Ternate and Tidore in North Maluku
Discovering the Rich History and Natural Beauty of Ternate and Tidore in North Maluku, Indonesia.
Ternate and Tidore are two small islands with a rich history, stunning scenery, and unique culture. Whether you’re interested in exploring historic sites, hiking through volcanic landscapes, or simply relaxing on the beach, these twin islands have something for everyone.
Here are some top attractions to visit in Ternate and Tidore, along with why they’re worth seeing, how to get there, and popular spots around them:
Ternate
The landscapes are of great beauty, such as the site of Batu Angus, a hardened lava flow that falls into the sea, or even lakes on the side of a volcano (Ngade lake and Tolire lake) which offer splendid panoramas of the islands. neighbors, which are also volcanoes.
The seabed is superb, with a rich marine life, we will mention in particular the beach of Sulamadaha whose landscapes are quite beautiful underwater than on the surface!
Recommended length of stay on Ternate: 3 days (+2 days for seabed lovers), the island being small, the distances are short.
Ternate, a small island in North Maluku, Indonesia, offers visitors a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, with attractions such as Kalamata Fort, an active volcano, and limestone caves showcasing its rich past and stunning scenery, while its unique culture is exemplified in sites such as the Sultan’s Palace and the island’s role as a center of the spice trade, making it a must-visit destination for those looking for an immersive and diverse experience.
Ternate. North Maluku. ftr, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Fort Oranye
This Dutch-built fort dates back to the 17th century and is a testament to Ternate’s colonial past. The fort has a museum that houses various artifacts from the Dutch and Portuguese periods, including antique cannons, maps, and manuscripts.
Inside the Fort Oranje Complex in Ternate. RaymondSutanto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
How to get there: Fort Oranye is located in the center of Ternate city and can be easily reached by taxi or private car.
Popular spots nearby: Sultan Khairun Grand Mosque, Gamalama Volcano.
Mount Gamalama
This active volcano is the highest peak in North Maluku, standing at 1,715 meters and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding islands. Visitors can hike to the summit to enjoy panoramic views of Ternate and the surrounding islands. The hike is challenging but rewarding, with a stunning view of the sunrise from the top.
Coast of Ternate and Gunung Ternate (Gunung Gamalama), seen from Tidore. Author/creator: Steijlen, Fridus., CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
How to get there: Mount Gamalama is located about 15 km from Ternate city and can be reached by car or motorcycle.
Popular spots nearby: Ternate Hot Springs, Tolire Lake.
Tobelo Beach
This stunning beach is known for its white sand, crystal-clear waters, and beautiful coral reefs. Visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing, and there are several small eateries selling local food.
How to get there: Tobelo Beach is located on the northern coast of Ternate and can be reached by car or motorcycle.
Popular spots nearby: Jailolo Bay, Sahu Island.
Kalamata Fort
This historic fort was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and was later occupied by the Dutch. Today, the fort is a popular tourist attraction that offers beautiful views of the surrounding area.
How to get there: Kalamata Fort is located on the western coast of Ternate and can be reached by taxi or motorcycle.
Popular spots nearby: Ternate Beach, Ternate Market.
_in_Ternate,_The_Moluccas_(Maluku)_(15012708900).jpg)
Kalamata Fort in Ternate, The Moluccas (Maluku). Fabio Achilli from Milano, Italy, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Ternate Market
Located in the center of Ternate city, the market is a great place to experience the local culture and cuisine. Visitors can browse a wide variety of fresh produce, spices, and traditional crafts.
How to get there: The Ternate Market is located in the center of Ternate city and can be reached by taxi or motorcycle.
Popular spots nearby: Sultan’s Palace, Fort Oranje.
Fish market Ternate. WiDi, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Sultan’s Palace
The Sultan’s Palace is a historical landmark that was built in the 17th century during the reign of Sultan Saidi Berkat. It is a symbol of the power and wealth of the Ternate Sultanate, which was one of the most powerful Islamic kingdoms in Indonesia during the colonial era. This palace was built in 1834 and restored in semi-colonial style.
Today, the palace is open to the public and serves as a museum that showcases the history and culture of the Ternate Sultanate. Visitors can explore the palace and its various rooms, which are filled with ancient artifacts, royal heirlooms, and historical documents.
Keraton (Sultan’s palace) in the city of Ternate, Indonesia. Kainjock, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Tolire Lake
This beautiful crater lake is located on the southeastern side of Ternate and is known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning views. Visitors can rent a boat and explore the lake, or simply enjoy a picnic on the shore.
Tolire Lake is located about 10 km (6.2 miles) from Ternate city and can be reached by car or motorcycle.
Popular spots nearby: Mount Gamalama.
Tolire Lake, Ternate, North Moluccas, Indonesia. Ultreia et suseia, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Tidore
However, it is strongly recommended to extend the stay on the island of Tidore, located just opposite, a few minutes by boat. Indeed, this small island is little visited and sparsely populated, which makes it much quieter than Ternate. There are superb seabeds easily accessible by swimming, but also two magnificent forts (BentengTahula and Benteng Tore) which date from the Spanish and Portuguese occupation and which offer superb views of the sea and the surrounding islands.
Travelers with more time can head to the large island of Halmahera (accessible by ferry from Ternate). Among the most famous places in the region, we can mention the Dodola and Morotai islands which offer idyllic landscapes…
Tidore Island, as seen from Ternate Island. Achmad Rabin Taim, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Tidore, a small island located just a few kilometers (miles) from Ternate in North Maluku, Indonesia, is renowned for its Islamic heritage and cultural sites such as the Sultan’s Palace, historic mosques, and artifacts dating back to the 17th century, while its natural beauty is exemplified in attractions such as Kiematabu Waterfall, stunning beaches, and the crystal-clear waters surrounding the island, making it a must-visit destination for those looking for a unique and immersive experience of Indonesia’s rich culture and diverse natural beauty.
Kiematabu Waterfall
This stunning waterfall is located in the middle of a lush rainforest and is surrounded by natural pools. Visitors can swim in the cool waters or enjoy a picnic by the waterfall.
How to get there: Kiematabu Waterfall is located about 15 km from Tidore city and can be reached by car or motorcycle.
Popular spots nearby: Oba Island, Mare Island.
Tidore Hot Springs
The Tidore Hot Springs are a natural wonder that is believed to have therapeutic properties. The hot springs are located in a secluded area and are surrounded by lush vegetation. Visitors can relax in the warm waters and enjoy the serene environment.
How to get there: The hot springs are located about 20 km from Tidore city and can be reached by car or motorcycle.
Popular spots nearby: Soa Siu-Sio Beach, Tidore Island.
View of Mount Gamalama, Ternate and Maitara Island from Leba Tidore Beach. Marychibi, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Soa Siu-Sio Beach
This beautiful white sand beach is located on the southeastern coast of Tidore and is known for its clear waters and beautiful coral reefs. Visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing, and there are several small restaurants selling local food.
How to get there: Soa Siu-Sio Beach is located about 15 km (9.3 miles) from Tidore city and can be reached by car or motorcycle.
Popular spots nearby: Tidore Island, Tidore Hot Springs.
Sulamadaha Beach
Sulamadaha Beach is a beautiful white sand beach located on the island of Tidore in North Maluku, Indonesia. The beach is known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, colorful coral reefs, and picturesque views of the surrounding hills.
Visitors can enjoy a range of water activities at Sulamadaha Beach, such as swimming, snorkeling, and diving to explore the vibrant marine life. The beach is also a great spot for sunbathing and relaxing with its calm and serene atmosphere.
To get to Sulamadaha Beach, travelers can take a 20-minute drive from Tidore’s capital city of Sofifi.
Smaller outlying islands
Oba, Mare, and Tidore Islands are three smaller outlying islands located off the coast of Ternate and Tidore in North Maluku, Indonesia. Here’s how you can visit these islands:
- By Boat: The most common way to visit Oba, Mare, and Tidore Islands is by boat. There are several boat operators in Ternate and Tidore that offer day trips or overnight stays to these islands. The boats depart from the ports in Ternate and Tidore and take about 30 minutes to 1 hour to reach the islands, depending on their distance from the coast.
- Island Hopping Tour: Another option is to take an island hopping tour that includes a visit to Oba, Mare, and Tidore Islands, as well as other nearby islands and attractions. You can find tour operators in Ternate and Tidore that offer such tours.
Oba Island
This small island is located off the coast of Tidore and is known for its beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters. Visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing, and there are several small restaurants selling local food.
How to get there: Oba Island can be reached by boat from Tidore city.
Popular spots nearby: Kiematabu Waterfall, Mare Island.
Mare Island
This small island is located off the coast of Tidore and is known for its beautiful beaches and coral reefs. Visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing, and there are several small restaurants selling local food.
How to get there: Mare Island can be reached by boat from Tidore city.
Popular spots nearby: Oba Island, Kiematabu Waterfall.
Tidore Island
This small island is located off the coast of Tidore and is known for its beautiful coral reefs and crystal-clear waters. Visitors can enjoy snorkeling, diving, and swimming, and there are several small restaurants selling local food.
How to get there: Tidore Island can be reached by boat from Tidore city.
The islands offer a range of activities for visitors, including swimming, snorkeling, diving, and exploring the local culture and way of life. You can also sample the local cuisine, which includes fresh seafood and traditional dishes. It is recommended to bring appropriate clothing, sunscreen, and insect repellent, as well as cash, as there may not be ATMs or credit card facilities available on the islands.
How to Get to Ternate and Tidore
Ternate and Tidore are accessible by air and sea. The easiest way to get to the islands is by flying to Sultan Babullah Airport in Ternate, which is serviced by several airlines. From the airport, visitors can take a taxi to the port and catch a ferry to Tidore. Visitors can also reach the islands by ferry from other ports in North Maluku or Sulawesi.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Ternate and Tidore is between May to September when the weather is dry and the seas are calmer, making it easier to travel around and enjoy the beaches.
Accommodation
There are several hotels and guesthouses on both islands that offer comfortable and affordable accommodation. Some popular options on Ternate include the Grand Dafam Bela Ternate and Kurnia Homestay, while on Tidore, you can consider staying at the Sultan Hotel Tidore or Hoga Guesthouse.
Food
The islands offer a unique blend of Indonesian and Portuguese cuisine, with seafood being a popular dish. Some must-try dishes include ikan bakar (grilled fish), sambal dabu-dabu (a spicy condiment made from chili, tomato, and lime), and papeda (a traditional Moluccan dish made from sago flour). You can find plenty of local warungs (small eateries) and restaurants serving these dishes.
Culture
Ternate and Tidore have a strong Islamic culture, and visitors are recommended to dress modestly and respect local customs and traditions. You can also visit some of the local markets and handicraft stores to buy souvenirs and traditional items such as batik fabrics, carved wooden masks, and pearl jewelry.
Travel Tips
It’s important to note that transportation can be a bit challenging on the islands, and you may have to rely on public transport or hire a local guide to explore the attractions. Additionally, be sure to bring mosquito repellent, sunscreen, and plenty of drinking water, especially if you plan to hike to the volcanoes or spend time outdoors.
In summary, Ternate and Tidore are two stunning islands in North Maluku that offer a unique mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. With their fascinating colonial past, traditional music, active volcanoes, and beautiful beaches, these twin islands are a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore Indonesia’s diverse culture and natural wonders.
In conclusion, Ternate and Tidore are two beautiful islands in North Maluku that offer a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Visitors to these islands can explore the remnants of the colonial era, learn about the sultanate’s history, hike to the top of a volcano, and enjoy the crystal-clear waters surrounding the islands. With easy access by air and sea, Ternate and Tidore are a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to North Maluku.
Photo credit (main picture): Thiobedda (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Wikimedia Commons
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