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Overview
Ternate and Tidore are two small volcanic islands in the North Maluku province of eastern Indonesia, separated by a narrow strait that takes only minutes to cross by boat. For centuries they were among the most strategically important places on earth — the primary source of cloves, nutmeg, and mace that drove the global spice trade and brought Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch, and British powers into direct competition and conflict here.
Ternate, the larger and more developed of the two, sits beneath the brooding cone of Gamalama volcano and serves as the commercial and transport hub for the region. Tidore, quieter and less visited, offers a gentler pace, its own volcano (Kie Matubu), and a strong sense of local pride in a sultanate history that predates European contact.
Together the islands offer a rare combination: serious history embedded in dramatic natural scenery, with warm, hospitable communities that have navigated centuries of outside influence while retaining distinct cultural identities. Tourism infrastructure is modest but adequate for independent travelers willing to move at a relaxed pace.
Before You Go
Visas
Indonesia operates a visa-on-arrival scheme for many nationalities, but entry rules, eligible nationalities, and fees change periodically. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and verify current requirements directly with the Directorate General of Immigration of Indonesia (imigrasi.go.id) before booking.
Health
Consult a travel medicine clinic at least four to six weeks before departure. Malaria is present in parts of North Maluku; discuss prophylaxis with your doctor. Ensure routine vaccinations are current and consider hepatitis A and typhoid given local food and water conditions. Bring any prescription medications in adequate supply, as pharmacy options on the islands are limited.
What to pack
- Lightweight, breathable clothing; modest dress for visits to mosques and the sultan's palace
- High-SPF sunscreen and insect repellent (DEET-based is most effective)
- A light rain jacket — rain can arrive quickly even in the dry season
- Sturdy footwear if you plan to hike on Gamalama or Kie Matubu
- Cash in Rupiah; card acceptance is limited outside the main town areas
Getting There
By Air
Baabullah Airport (TTE) on Ternate is the main gateway. It receives domestic flights from Makassar, Manado, Jakarta, and Ambon, operated by carriers including Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, and Batik Air. Flight schedules and routes change seasonally — verify current options when booking. There is no commercial airport on Tidore.
By Sea
Pelni, Indonesia's national passenger shipping company, operates long-haul ferry services connecting Ternate to ports including Makassar, Bitung (near Manado), and Ambon. Journey times are long — this is a practical option primarily for travelers with flexible schedules or who are island-hopping through Maluku. Check Pelni's current schedule at pelni.co.id.
Between Ternate and Tidore
Public speedboats (known locally as speed) cross the strait between Ternate's Bastiong Ferry Terminal and Tidore's Rum port in roughly 10 to 15 minutes. Boats run frequently during daylight hours. Verify fares and timings locally on arrival.
Getting Around
Ternate
Bentor (motorized becak, a three-wheeled vehicle) and ojek (motorcycle taxi) are the primary forms of local transport on Ternate. Negotiate fares before boarding. Some guesthouses and hotels can arrange car rentals with drivers for day trips around the island — this is the most convenient way to reach outlying forts and the Gamalama crater road.
Tidore
Tidore is quieter and ojek are the standard way to get around. Guesthouses can typically assist with arranging transport to key sites. The island's roads are in variable condition in places, so allow extra time.
General
Google Maps has reasonable coverage of main roads but may not reflect smaller tracks or current road conditions. Ask locally for the most up-to-date routing, especially for coastal and interior routes.
Where to Stay
Ternate has the widest range of accommodation, from simple guesthouses to mid-range hotels near the city center and waterfront. Tidore has very limited options — primarily modest guesthouses in Soasiu and a small number of homestays. Travelers wanting to spend significant time on Tidore should book accommodation in advance and confirm availability directly, as options can fill quickly during local holidays.
When choosing accommodation in Ternate, proximity to Bastiong Ferry Terminal can be convenient if you plan day trips to Tidore. Air conditioning is common in mid-range properties; budget options may rely on fans. Wi-Fi quality varies considerably — download offline maps and any necessary content before arriving.
Verify current hotel options and prices through standard booking platforms (such as Booking.com or Agoda) at the time of planning, as the accommodation landscape on smaller Indonesian islands changes more frequently than in major tourist destinations.
Things to See & Do
Historical Sites
- Benteng Tolukko (Ternate): A well-preserved Portuguese fort dating to the early 16th century, rebuilt by the Dutch. Offers views across the strait to Tidore and Halmahera.
- Benteng Oranje (Ternate): A Dutch colonial fort in the center of Ternate town, used administratively for centuries. Verify current access locally.
- Kedaton Sultan Ternate: The sultan's palace and museum, housing artifacts related to the Ternate sultanate and the spice trade era. Dress modestly; check opening days locally.
- Benteng Tahula and Torre (Tidore): Portuguese-era fortifications on Tidore with panoramic coastal views.
- Kedaton Sultan Tidore: The palace of the Tidore sultanate in Soasiu town.
Nature and Outdoors
- Gamalama Volcano (Ternate): Active volcano. Hiking is possible but conditions depend on current volcanic activity — check with local authorities or your guesthouse before attempting any ascent.
- Kie Matubu (Tidore): Tidore's volcanic peak, generally considered a more accessible and less active hiking option, though conditions should still be confirmed locally.
- Snorkeling and diving: The strait and surrounding waters have coral reefs and good visibility in calm conditions. Ask guesthouses for contacts with local dive operators — formal dive shops are limited, so verify equipment condition and guide experience carefully.
- Lake Tolire (Ternate): A crater lake north of the city, surrounded by forest. Accessible by road.
Cultural
- The Legu Gam festival, held annually in Ternate, celebrates the sultan's birthday and includes traditional music, dance, and ceremonies. Timing varies — verify the current year's dates locally.
Food & Drink
The local cuisine reflects the islands' geography and history. Seafood is central — grilled fish, prawns, and squid are widely available and typically fresh. Rice is the staple, often accompanied by spiced coconut-milk dishes that echo the islands' centuries-old relationship with cloves, nutmeg, and local spices.
Dishes to look for:
- Ikan bakar — grilled fish, often served with sambal and rice
- Gohu ikan — a raw tuna preparation marinated with lime, chili, and local aromatics, sometimes compared to a ceviche; a North Maluku specialty
- Papeda — a thick sago porridge traditionally eaten with fish broth and turmeric-spiced fish; a staple across eastern Indonesia
- Local clove and nutmeg products, including nutmeg juice (sirup pala), which is sold widely
Warung (small local eateries) in and around Ternate's market areas offer the most authentic and affordable eating. A small number of simple restaurants cater to travelers near the ferry terminal and in the town center. Alcohol is not widely served given the predominantly Muslim character of the islands; verify availability at your accommodation if this is relevant to you.
Drinking tap water is not recommended. Bottled water is available at small shops throughout both islands.
Practical Information
Money
ATMs are available in Ternate city and generally accept international cards, though connectivity can be intermittent. Carry sufficient cash before heading to Tidore or outer areas, where ATM access is very limited. Exchange rates at local money changers can vary; compare before exchanging.
Connectivity
Indonesian SIM cards from providers such as Telkomsel offer the best coverage in this region. Purchase and register a SIM at the airport or in Ternate's town center. Wi-Fi at guesthouses exists but is often slow.
Emergency Contacts
Dial 112 for Indonesia's national emergency number. For medical emergencies, Ternate has the main public hospital for the region (RSUD Dr. H. Chasan Boesoirie); verify its current contact details and services locally on arrival. Tidore has more limited medical facilities.
Electricity
Indonesia uses 220V/50Hz with Type C and F plugs (European round pin). Bring a universal adapter if needed.
Religious Observance
Both islands are predominantly Muslim. During Ramadan, eating, drinking, and smoking in public during daylight hours should be done discreetly. Friday midday prayer times affect business hours at some local shops and offices.
Safety
Ternate and Tidore are generally considered safe for travelers. Petty theft is uncommon but standard precautions apply — keep valuables secured and be aware of your surroundings in crowded market areas.
Gamalama is an active volcano and has had eruptive episodes in recent decades. Before any hiking or close approach, check the current alert level with Indonesia's Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG; magma.esdm.go.id) and follow the guidance of local authorities. Do not proceed if the volcano is at an elevated alert status.
Sea crossings between the islands are generally short but can be affected by weather and swell, particularly during the wet season (roughly May to September) when the sea state in the strait can become rough. Use established public boat services and avoid crossings if conditions look uncertain. Travel insurance that includes medical evacuation is strongly recommended given the distance to advanced medical facilities.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Both Ternate and Tidore retain functioning sultanates that remain culturally and socially significant, even though they hold no formal governmental power in modern Indonesia. The sultans are respected figures, and their palaces serve as living museums and community anchors. Visitors to either palace should dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered), remove shoes when asked, and behave respectfully.
Islam has been practiced on these islands for centuries — Ternate's sultanate converted to Islam in the 15th century — and shapes daily life, architecture, and social customs. The call to prayer is part of the rhythm of the day. Greeting people with selamat pagi (good morning), selamat siang (good afternoon), or selamat malam (good evening) in Bahasa Indonesia is appreciated and often warmly received.
Local pride in spice trade history is genuine and runs deep. The narrative of these islands' role in shaping global commerce — and the violence and exploitation that accompanied European colonialism here — is complex. Engaging with local guides and museum staff is the best way to understand this history from a perspective rooted in the islands themselves rather than the European canon.
