Halmahera Island, North Maluku - Indonesia

[Backpacker]

Just south of Morotai, several Second World War wrecks can be explored in Tobello Bay. These sites are really off the beaten track, so you’ll need to come here with a spirit for adventure. The unchartered territory here creates a “Robinson Crusoe” atmosphere, as there are absolutely no signs of humans, just beautiful coral islands and natural forests.

The most popular activities on the island involve exploring its beautiful waters.
Surf at Dorume Beach, known for its huge waves, especially in December; which is the best time for surfers to visit. Along with it’s massive surf, the attraction here is the very fine sands of the beach that seem to glitter in the sun as they contain metallic grains.
Take in the scenery at the peaceful Talaga Biru, which literally means Blue Lake. This is a small natural pond with crystal-clear water, located near Mamuya village in Galela district. According to local legend, a long time ago fairies would descend from heaven to bathe here. Intriguingly, every single leaf falling into this pond from the surrounding trees always drifts to its shores, leaving the waters clear and translucent.

Dodola Island is surrounded by extensive white sandy beaches, which actually connect the neighboring islands of Dodola Besar and Dodola Kecil (Besar is Indonesian for large, and Kecil means small). The beautiful natural surrounds and clear waters make it a great spot for swimming, diving, snorkeling, and just simply relaxing. Dodola is also of some historical interest. During World War II, General McArthur and his forces often visited here for recreation.

Kupakupa beach is ideal for canoeing, swimming and fishing.

Batu Kopi, literally meaning Coffee Rock, is situated at Posiposi-Rao Beach in the South-West Morotai district. The name comes from local folklore, as it’s claimed that an aroma of coffee comes from this rock. Usually this aroma can be smelled towards the late afternoon. Here you can also swim, surf, dive, and take ride on a boat. For those who are interested in surfing, November and December are the ideal months to visit.

Kakara Island has the oldest Hibualamo (the big house or the village hall) around Tobelo, and is considered the cradle of Tobelorese culture.

Go back in time and explore history with a visit to the World War II Japanese Tunnels. Located in the villages of Samuda and Duma in West Galela District, these tunnels were used as hiding places by the Japanese Military in World War II. The one in Samuda is 20 meters long and has several chambers that are thought to have been used as meeting halls.

Visit the Kao bunkers and cannons and learn about the Japanese occupation of Kao during World War II. There are many relics of the war around the city, notably around Kuabang Airport. Here there are several bunkers and four cannons, which are still in good condition. The biggest bunker, with two halls and 15 meters long corridor, can be found near the runway. The runway itself was built by the Japanese military, and is now one of the most important airport facilities in North Halmahera.

For a combination of natural and historical attractions visit Sosol Beach and Tosimaru Shipwreck. The long black-sandy beach is free from strong currents so it’s a great place to relax and cool off with a swim. While you are here, look at the wreck of Tosimaru, a World War II Japanese cargo ship, which is visible from far away.

Stare into the rim of one of Indonesia’s most active volcano’s. The awe inspiring Mount Dukono is one of three active volcanoes on Halmahera Island and one of the most active ones in all of Indonesia. Test your endurance and climb this mountain which still spews with smoke. The climb up the mountain is usually begun from Mamuya village. There you will find a volcano post, which can provide up-to-date information about the current state of the volcano. It is also possible to ride a motorbike to the slopes of the mountain. From there, you will have to walk for about 2 hours through primary forest and cross several ravines until finally reaching the lahar (cold lava) fields surrounding the crater of Dukono. Here you will fid a camping spot for those who want to spend the night on the volcano. From the camping spot, the crater is only one-hour walk away.

Diving in the pristine waters amongst the tropical fish here is a remarkable experience. Some of the most popular dive sites include:

Somola Bay is where you will find small islands, which offer blue seawaters and mangrove trees growing on stones. In this area, tourists can go canoeing while enjoying the beautiful Somola landscape. This beautiful area can be reached with the ship from Pune Beach, Galela District.

Tagalaya Island is one of the islands located up front from Tobelo Town. The water is calm and crystal clear, and a white-sand beach surrounds the entire island. Coral reefs rich with marine life are found at a depth of 2-10 meters off the coast of Tagalaya. Mangroves grow out of white sand and surrounded by the corals, make diving here a unique experience. You can also watch the locals fishing here.
Tobotobo Sea Garden is located in Toboto village, Loloda District and is an ideal place for both snorkeling or diving. Tobotobo also has thousands of bats thanging from mangroves trees and also white and blue pigeon’s bath place.

Rorangane Island is one of the uninhabited islands of North Halmahera, located just 15 minutes from Tobelo harbor. Similar to Tagalaya, the water is calm and crystal clear. White sand beaches surround the entire island. Besides offering good swimming spots, the coral reefs, at a depth of 10-30 meters, make it an ideal location for diving.

kupa beach.jpg

Source: www.indonesia.travel

[bolangtheexplorer]

[cantik8]

Stayed most of the time in Jailolo with a local family which was awesome. You will found interesting were the following. Jailolo area:


- Sahu villages (Akelamo, Taraudu and Desa Ropu Tenga Balu) where they have old traditional houses. If you are lucky they might have a traditional party, where everyone dresses up in their ceremonial clothing, traditional dances, sopi, music and food.


- Gamtala hotspring was nice. Haven't done the boattrip through the mangroves, do so if you have a chance;


- Bobanehena is a small beach, with beautiful water


- You can climb mount Jailolo, but it takes a lot of preparation with the locals and mosquito reppellent, but it seems worth doing it if weather conditions are good;


- Taken a motorbike to Ibu (north of Jailolo), the road driving up there is a bit boring, you will like Ibu for it's calm and laid back life in the small village. Beach was nice seeing local fisherman getting back with their food.