Air Mata Belanda, A Sacred River at Labuha, Bacan Island

Labuha is the capital of Halmahera Selatan District, North Maluku Province, it has a variety of interesting attractions, and one of those is located at Bacan Island, which is Air Mata Belanda (Tear of Netherlands).

The name of this attraction is sound pretty unique. According to the story, the name was taken from a legend that ever existed in this place. Previously there was a Dutch family who were traveling around the river that located near the place. At the moment, there was an eating utensil that fallen into the river. They intended to pick it up but the river washed it away and then they cried mightily.

This Air Mata Belanda tourist attraction is a river that has a semi vertical rapid. The river water is very clean, clear and cool. Moreover, this place somewhat is settled in remote area so that the environment is still very genuinely beautiful and natural. Playing down the river is a fun activity that you can do here. The cool, calm and natural attraction at this place can be an ideal place to unwind your tiredness and get away from the noise of the city for a while.

You can rent a private vehicle from Labuha city center or use chartered public transportation to get to the Air Mata Belanda. After we are arrive at the location, we actually have to do trekking through tropical forests and grasslands as far as one kilometer and then head up the river. The starting point of this trekking is behind Halmahera Selatan District’s office, near from Labuha city center.

Note: There is one thing you should keep in mind during the trekking, do not pick fruits from trees with red or yellow ribbon that tied on the trees, because according to local people, if anyone dare to take the fruit, he/she will be exposed to witchcraft. In fact, we better to keep honor the nature by not doing something harm.

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