While the charming Java Island is definitely intriguing, have you ever thought about going to Maluku? Once known as the spice capital of the world, Maluku has now become the hidden gem of Indonesia, tucked away in the eastern part of the country.
North Maluku, especially, is packed with one-of-a-kind natural beauties and a rich marine life that can rival the world-renowned Raja Ampat in Papua. Keep on scrolling to find out more about North Maluku!
Read more:
- Plan an Exceptional Trip to Ora Beach, Your Private Heaven in Maluku
- Unique Places to Go in Morotai, Definitely Worth a Visit!
- Charming Destinations in Indonesia You Should Visit at Least Once in Your Life
BOOK A FLIGHT TICKET TO TERNATE, NORTH MALUKU
The Beauty of North Maluku that will Steal Your Heart
North Maluku is blessed with picturesque landscapes of white sand beaches, mountains, and clear turquoise lakes. Here are 7 of the best destinations you can visit during your vacay in North Maluku.
1. Morotai Islands

One of the most well-known destinations of North Maluku is Morotai Islands, an archipelago made out of 33 smaller islands with enchanting scenery. These historical islands were actually a military hive during World War II. You can even still find some of the WWII relics scattered around the islands!

As it consists of several other islands, the natural getaway options in Morotai Islands are endless! Starting from the infamous Dodola Island, with its glass-like water that’s divided into Dodola Besar Island and Dodola Kecil Island.
What’s making this island an iconic destination is, when the water starts to recede, you can see the white sand stretched out, creating a sand bridge that connects both parts of Dodola Island.

The marine life under the Morotai Ocean is no joke either. First, you can try a once-in-a-lifetime experience to swim alongside sharks in Mitita Island. Then, you can also dive into the deep Galo-Galo underwater cave. Or, if you want something lighter, you can just snorkel around and see the beautiful reefs and cute fishes.
Price: starts from 160,000 IDR/pax*
Operational hours & days:
- Monday, Wednesday, Saturday: departs at 7 AM (local time)
- Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday: departs at 8 PM (local time)
- Friday: departs at 7 AM and 8 PM (local time)
Address: Morotai Island Regency, North Maluku (Check on Google Maps)
How to get here: fly from Sultan Babullah Airport or use the ferry boat from Ahmad Yani Port
2. Sulamadaha Beach

After its revitalization by the local government, Sulamadaha Beach has started to get noticed by both locals and tourists. Due to the new facilities, spending your holiday in Sulamadaha Beach will now be even perfect.
With smooth-as-velvet white sands and calm waves, tourists are always enjoying their time chilling by the shore. And, if you bat your eye to the vast expanse of the ocean in front of you, you’ll see the obscure sight of Hiri Island.

The water is clear and the air is refreshing, so why don’t you appreciate both elements while taking a boat trip around the area? It’s said that the water in this beach is so transparent, you can even see the bottom of the ocean!
Price: free of entrance fee*
Operational hours & days: every day, 24 hours
Address: Sulamadaha, Ternate Island, Ternate City, North Maluku (Check on Google Maps)
3. Tolire Lake

Tolire Lake is the pride and beauty of North Maluku that’s loved by many. Situated at the foot of Gamalama Mountain, Tolire Lake is surrounded by exuberant trees.
Divided into Tolire Besar Lake and Tolire Kecil Lake, the lake, in general, has captivated the eye of many people. To facilitate the photo-hunters, the locals have made some spots where you can freely document the enchanting sight of the lake.

And the good news is, Tolire Lake is an all-day destination. During the day, you can observe the surrounding nature clearly. But, in the afternoon, you can watch the beautiful sunset, turning the green lake into golden.
Price: starts from 1,500 IDR/pax*
Operational hours & days: every day, 24 hours
Address: Takome, Ternate Island, Ternate City, North Maluku (Check on Google Maps)
4. Gamalama Mountain

Gamalama Mountain is the largest active volcano in Maluku. Since its first eruption in 1538, the volcano has recorded more than 60 other eruptions with its most extreme one in 1775! Therefore, people who plan to hike to the top of Gamalama Mountain must consult and check the volcano’s status with the local office.

But, if you’re more of a risk-averse person, you can still enjoy the site by visiting Batu Angus at the foot of the mountain.
Batu Angus is a pile of charred rocks that is the remnant of lava from the eruption of Gamalama Mountain in the 17th century. At first glance, you may find Batu Angus looks pretty ordinary. However, as you walk past the charred rocks that stretch all the way to the beach, you’ll soon discover its beauty.
Price: starts from 20,000 IDR/pax*
Operational hours & days: every day, 24 hours
Address: Jl. Batu Angus, Kulaba, Pulau Ternate, Ternate, North Maluku (Check on Google Maps)
5. Ngade Lake

Next on the list, we have Ngade Lake, a freshwater lake that is located right beside the ocean. Although it is quite close to residential areas, the beauty of Ngade Lake is still pretty much untouched with lush rainforest circling around it.
For locals, Ngade Lake is a place to make a living. They use it as a place to grow freshwater fishes like tilapia and carp or as a source of irrigation for their farm.
But, if you’re a visitor, you can start appreciating the lake by keeping it clean and restrain from defiling the surrounding. Remember, t-mates! Nature is the treasure that we all must preserve together.
Price: starts from 5,000 IDR/pax*
Operational hours & days: every day, 24 hours
Address: South Ternate, Ternate City, North Maluku (Check on Google Maps)
6. Jikomalamo Beach

Another list, another beach. In this one, you can experience the ultimate water adventure that you’ll remember for the rest of your life!
The beach has silky white sand and pristine ocean water, making it easier for you to kick back by the beachside or observe the marine biota underwater. Aside from the snorkeling and diving services, Jikomalamo Beach also offers other recreational activities that you can try.

Maybe experience the adrenaline rush upon getting towed by a speed boat while holding onto an inflatable banana-shaped boat with your friends? Or kayaking through the calm waves of the ocean? Both sound very exciting!
Price: free of entrance fee*
Operational hours & days: every day, 24 hours
Address: Jl. Syaikh Muhammad Al-Khidhir, Sulamadaha, Ternate, North Maluku (Check on Google Maps)
7. Hiri Island


Oh, you’re here for snorkeling? Well, there’s no better location to do that than Hiri Island. As one of the hot spots for divers around the world, Hiri Island will invite you to an underwater adventure you’ll never forget!

Other than snorkeling, you can visit other attractions on the island. Like Kastela Beach, for example, where you can see the artsy trees in the middle of the ocean. Or maybe walk along the lengthy coast of the island.
Price: starts from 5,000 IDR/pax*
Address: Ternate City, North Maluku (Check on Google Maps)
How to get here: use the local boat service from Sulamadaha Beach
Discover the Alluring Vista in North Maluku
Of course, the enchanting realm of North Maluku is not limited by this list alone. To see what else it has to offer, you can plan your trip to North Maluku now! Maybe start by booking a flight?
Tiket.com has a large selection of airlines and routes available for your destination. This will ensure your trip becomes even more exciting than it already is! Plus, you can now fly everywhere in peace with Free Protection from tiket.com!
So, what are you waiting for, t-mates? Go book your ticket now to get the best deal possible!
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*The information is valid at the time of writing. Price and other policies are subject to change at any time without prior notice.




