Explore the natural beauty, history and culture of Ternate by visiting various best tourist destinations that offer unique and unforgettable experiences.
Ternate, located in North Maluku, is a city rich in history, culture, and extraordinary natural beauty. Although not as popular as other tourist destinations, Ternate has a charming charm for tourists who want to explore hidden places at an affordable cost.
Traveling around the city of Ternate and exploring the surrounding islands can be done without draining your pocket.
For around 350 thousand rupiah, you can rent a vehicle and enjoy the beauty of the city all day long. Below are the 10 best tourist destinations that you must visit in Ternate.
1. Nukila Park
Nukila Park, although it looks like an ordinary city park, offers a uniqueness that cannot be found in other parks. In addition to being a place for people to relax, picnic, and gather, this park also has a very interesting diving spot.
In front of the park, you can enjoy the amazing underwater scenery, complete with small fish swimming around the coral reefs.
There is even a bus frame that was deliberately sunk on the seabed, which adds to the uniqueness and attraction of this area. Nukila Park is the perfect place to enjoy nature while doing diving activities easily.
2. Al Munawar Mosque
Al Munawar Mosque is one of the most iconic landmarks in Ternate. Established in 2003, this mosque has a very distinctive design, with two pillars built directly from the seabed.
The view of this mosque is very stunning, especially from a distance, because it gives the illusion that the building is floating on the surface of the sea.
Al Munawar Mosque has a capacity of up to 15,000 worshipers, making it the largest place of worship in the city. In addition to being a place of worship, this mosque is also one of the religious tourism attractions that is worth visiting when in Ternate.
3. Sultan Ternate Palace Museum
As one of the oldest Islamic kingdoms in Indonesia, the Sultanate of Ternate has a very long and rich history. The Kedaton Sultan Ternate Museum is the perfect place to dive into the glorious history of this sultanate.
Built more than 200 years ago, this museum houses various valuable relics from the glory days of the Ternate Sultanate, such as jewelry, weapons, traditional clothing, and ancient manuscripts.
Here, you can also see how Ternate’s natural wealth supported the expansion of the Ternate Sultanate’s power, which once even reached the Philippines and the Marshall Islands.
4. Kalamata Fortress
Ternate is known as the “island of a thousand forts” because of the many forts left behind by the Portuguese and Dutch that are scattered across the island. One of the forts that must be visited is Kalamata Fort, which is located not far from Bastiong Harbor.
This fort was damaged due to sea abrasion, but has now been restored and looks sturdy again. Kalamata Fort offers spectacular views, with Maitara and Tidore Islands clearly visible in the background.
Interestingly, visitors can access this fort for free, making it a very affordable historical tourist destination.
5. Sultan Bacan Palace Museum
The Kedaton Sultan Bacan Museum is a building left behind by the Ternate Sultanate that has now been converted into a museum. Located on Bukit Limau, the museum has an octagonal building shape that resembles a lion sitting with its two front legs facing the sea.
The museum houses various historical collections, ranging from geological, ethnographic, archaeological objects, to royal relics such as crowns, war tools, and traditional ceremonial tools.
One of the unique features of the Ternate Sultanate crown collection is the crown hair that can grow like human hair, and the hair cutting ritual is carried out every Eid al-Adha.
6. Kastela Beach
Kastela Beach is one of the most famous natural tourist destinations in Ternate. This beach offers an extraordinary view, with a very beautiful sunset because of the trees standing firmly in the middle of the ocean.
This beauty is made even more perfect by the orange color of the sky that blends with the surrounding natural panorama.
In addition, Kastela Beach is located close to Gamlamo Fort and Sultan Khairun Monument, two historical tourist destinations that are also very interesting to visit.
When visiting this beach, don’t forget to try Ternate’s culinary specialty, namely Pisang Mulubebe, which is often served as a snack while relaxing.
7. Woda Island, Tidore
Woda Island is located in Oba District, and was once inhabited by a group of fishermen. However, after the community was moved to Halmahera Island, Woda Island became an uninhabited island which is now a tourist destination.
The beauty of this island is stunning, with beautiful white sandy beaches and wooden bridges adding to its appeal.
This island is perfect for tourists who want to enjoy a calm and peaceful atmosphere, far from the crowds. Its natural beauty makes Woda Island one of the most popular places in Ternate.
8. Lake Tolire
Lake Tolire is located in North Ternate, about 10 kilometers from the city center. This lake has two parts, namely the dark-colored Small Lake Tolire and the green-colored Big Lake Tolire.
This lake was formed as a result of a phreatic eruption that occurred at the foot of Mount Gamalama. Local legend says that the lake is inhabited by a crocodile spirit, which makes local people very careful when approaching the lake.
In addition to its mystical story, Lake Tolire offers stunning natural scenery, with high cliffs surrounding the water’s surface. This place is also an ideal spot for taking pictures, enjoying nature, or just resting.
9. Maitara Island
Maitara Island is a small island located near Ternate, and can be reached by a short sea journey. This island is famous for its beautiful, very clean beaches and soft white sand.
Maitara Island is the perfect place to relax, sunbathe or simply enjoy the stunning ocean views. The natural beauty that is still preserved makes this island a very popular destination among tourists who want peace and quiet.
10. Tidore Island
Tidore Island, located not far from Ternate, is one of the islands that has an important history in the development of the Ternate Sultanate.
This island offers various stunning natural destinations, such as beautiful beaches, as well as various spots for taking pictures surrounded by beautiful tropical nature.
Tidore is also known for its historical sites, such as Fort Orange which was built by the Dutch during the colonial period. The natural beauty and history it possesses make Tidore Island a must-visit tourist destination when in Ternate.
Ternate offers a variety of stunning tourist destinations, from exotic beaches to historical sites full of stories.
With its undeniable natural beauty, rich history, and unique culture, Fort Victoria and Ternate are the perfect holiday destinations for anyone looking for a different travel experience.
So, don’t miss the opportunity to explore every corner of the amazing Ternate and create unforgettable memories.
