East of Wallace Tours
Adventures in East Indonesia

Island of Halmahera

The unexplored island at the heart of the Coral Triangle

As the largest island in the Moluccan archipelago, Halmahera attracts visitors with a varied landscape that stretches over 17,000 km² and contains countless picturesque panoramas, above and below water. The vast jungle areas hide lakes, rivers and waterfalls, while the mountain peaks of the active volcanoes on the island seem to touch the sky. Halmahera’s seemingly endless coastline invites with numerous beaches and small islands to dive and snorkel, right in the heart of the ‘Coral Triangle’.

Halmahera is not just a habitat for diverse flora and fauna, it is also the Moluccan island with the largest number of endemic reptile and bird species. Scientists believe that the list of known species is still not complete. The jungle region, especially in the east and south of the island, is also home to the indigenous tribe of Togutil. Due to the immigration of various ethnic groups from other regions of Indonesia, bringing with them their rituals and customs, the island culture of Halmahera is also very diverse.

 

Discover the island of Halmahera on one of our tours

 

TOP Attractions on Halmahera

What you should see on Halmahera Island

  • Thermal springs on Halmahera: As a result of volcanic restlessness, there are also numerous thermal springs on the island, which contribute to an exceptional bathing experience. Simply an amazing experience to stretch out in one of the hot springs after a strenuous trek. Pure enjoyment!
     
  • Gunung Ibu, Dukono & Gamkonora:  If you are looking for adventure, then Halmahera with its breathtaking jungle and volcanic landscape is a real highlight for you. The rugged island topography often requires longer travel times between locations. However, there are always great rest opportunities along the more heavily frequented routes.
     
  • Picture-perfect backdrop: Halmahera has a varied, mountainous landscape, which is typically covered in a dense jungle cover behind the beautifully decorated houses along the street and always creates fantastic backdrops.
     
  • Spectacular coastal landscapes: Starting from the small harbor towns, which form a lively starting point for trips to the region, there are numerous diving and snorkeling areas along Halmahera's spectacular coastal landscape.
     
  • Remoteness: In addition to the 'mainland', Halmahera also includes countless islands; The Widi archipelago alone contains more than a hundred. Thanks to its isolation, visits from outside are rare. If you are looking for the ultimate island experience, you have come to the right place!
     
  • Lakes, rivers and waterfalls: Be overwhelmed by the impressive landscapes of Halmahera. Not only can you find numerous lakes, rivers and waterfalls, but also unusual rock formations, cliffs or atolls make the landscape of Halmahera unique and diverse.
     
  • An unknown Sultanate: Jailolo is not only a sub-district in western Halmahera, but also a sultanate and, together with Ternate, Tidore and Bacan, forms 'Moloku Kie Raha', the kingdom of the four mountains. This describes the alliance of these four sultanates, which dates back to the 14th century, symbolized by their most powerful mountains: Gamalama, Matubu, Sibela and Ibu. Discover the unknown Sultanate by island hopping.
     
  • Traditional island life: Far from Indonesia's capital Jakarta, local life still follows very traditional paths. Fishing and agriculture as well as the sale of the corresponding products determine the everyday working life of the population here. When you visit the traditional villages, you will get to know the people up close. You can taste the variety of culinary offerings at numerous local markets. Life in the villages is still determined by the rhythm of sunrise and sunset. Immerse yourself in another world!
     
  • The local people of Halmahera: As everywhere in the North Moluccas, you will be met with curiosity and open-mindedness on Halmahera. And it's not just the children who like to pose for snapshots.

 

Travel with us to Halmahera

A mystical story from Halmahera

The Giant Nuku of Halmahera

Once upon a time there was the giant Nuku, who was a gigantic and powerful giant. He ruled over the region and was known for his strength and wisdom.

Nuku was revered and respected by the residents of the surrounding villages. He was considered a protector of people and nature. His benevolence was crucial to the well-being of the entire island.

When Nuku felt his life was coming to an end, he decided to share his power and inheritance to ensure the continued existence of the island. Legends say that after his death, his massive body disintegrated into various parts and turned into the formations that make up the island of Halmahera today - mountains, valleys and islands.

The legend of the giant Nuku on Halmahera reflects people's belief in the connection between divine or mythical beings and the natural world and explains the geographical formations and the creation of landscapes in a mythological context.

Journey to Halmahera

By plane:

  • Singapur – Manado (Sulawesi) – Ternate –> Scoot 4 hrs. + Garuda, Wings 45 min....onwards by ferry and car

  • Jakarta (Java) – Ternate –> u.a. Garuda, Wings, LionAir, Batik 4 hrs....onwards by ferry and car

  • Manado (Sulawesi) – Kao (Halmahera) –> Wings 60 min.
     

By ship:

  • Mangga Dua (Ternate) – Sofifi (Halmahera) –> ca. 45 min.

  • Mangga Dua (Ternate) – Sidangoli (Halmahera) –> ca. 45 min.

  • Mangga Dua (Ternate) – Jailolo (Halmahera) –> ca. 60 min.

  • Daruba (Morotai) – Tobelo (Halmahera) –> ca. 90 min.


Our Tours to Halmahera
 

Catch the events and festivals on Halmahera Island!
 

Events on Halmahera