Ternate and Spice Island Tour
- 6 Days
- Historical Sites
Easy
Ternate is a jewel of the Maluku Islands in Indonesia and a once-thriving hub of the global spice trade. We will take you on an unforgettable historical tour of Ternate, Jailolo, and Ambon, revealing the hidden gems that make this region a must-visit for any traveler.
Known as one of the legendary Spice Islands, Ternate’s cloves were once worth their weight in gold. The island’s history is marked by foreign occupations, from Portuguese to Dutch, each leaving architectural marvels and cultural imprints.
Ternate’s Rich History
The Sultan’s Palace
One of the most significant landmarks in Ternate is the Sultan’s Palace, also known as Kedaton, which was built in 1813. This palace offers a glimpse into the city’s royal heritage. Visitors can explore the well-preserved rooms adorned with antique furniture and historical artifacts. The palace also houses a museum that chronicles the island’s storied past.
Fort Tolukko
Fort Tolukko, built in 1540, is a relic from the Portuguese era and a testament to Ternate’s colonial history. This fort offers panoramic views of the surrounding sea and mountains, making it ideal for history buffs and photographers. The fort’s strategic location and architectural design provide insights into the military strategies of the past.
The Enigmatic Afo Clove Tree
Visiting the Afo Clove Tree is a journey back in time. This ancient tree, believed to be the oldest clove tree in the world, is a living relic of the island’s rich history. Its sprawling branches and gnarled trunk bear witness to the spice trade that once made Ternate a global commerce hub.
Jailolo’s Natural Beauty
Jailolo, a haven for nature lovers, is just a short boat ride from Ternate. Known for its awe-inspiring lush landscapes and pristine waters, Jailolo offers a serene escape from the bustling city life. The island is perfect for hiking, snorkeling, and experiencing the rich biodiversity of the Maluku region.
Ambon’s Historical Significance
Ambon, another gem in the Maluku Islands, is rich in history and culture. Known for its strategic importance during World War II, Ambon offers a mix of historical landmarks and natural beauty. The island’s museums and memorials provide a deeper understanding of its wartime history.
Early morning transfer by hotel shuttle to the airport for your flight to Ternate. Upon arrival in Ternate, meet your guide at Babulah Airport Ternate. Lunch at Royal restaurant, then check into the hotel; after freshening up, move to Batu Angus village. Batu Angus Village is an expanse of dry lava from Gamalama Mountain's eruption in 1561. That dries lava shapes an animal and others. It's fascinating because it's close to the beach. Move to Tolire Lake and enjoy the sunset panorama on Tolire Beach. Back to the city, dinner at Pondok Katu resto, and back to the hotel. Accommodation Plan: Villa Ma'rasai, Deluxe with Sea View Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After Breakfast, visit the Spice farm in Air Tege-tege village. Walking the village surrounded by cloves and nutmeg trees, smell and taste spice, learn how they are farmed and used, taste the local snack, and buy fresh spice. Very exciting!!! And the participants can observe the oldest clove tree in the world (200 years old). Then have lunch at Royal Resto. After lunch, continue to visit the Kedaton Sultan Ternate to explore and observe the rich history of the Ternate Sultanate. Explore the Kedaton to observe the relics of the golden age and see the panorama of Ternate city. Then, we move to Alfred Rusell Wallace House to learn the history of the famous naturalist who observed the North Maluku plants and animals in the past. And see the room where he wrote a letter to Darwin about the theory of evolution. From The beautiful house, the tour moves to the Top of Ngade Lagoon to see the stunning scenery. This first-day tour will finish at the Ternate Landmark. From this spot, participants can see the land and sea when the Portuguese, who came from the east, and the Spanish, who came from the west, meet past and see the sounds of the circumstances of the earth. Back to the hotel and have dinner. Accommodation Plan: Villa Ma’rasai, Deluxe with Sea View Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, we visit the Oranje Fort to see the Dutch Fort built by Cornelis Metelief the Jonge in 1607. It was the first Office of VOC in Indonesia when they held the spice trade. From this Fort, the participants can explore the old spices trade. Then, continue to visit the cloves and nutmeg market. We continue to Toluco to visit the Kastela Fort, an enormous fort in the past. Have lunch at De View Resto. We will stop at the Kalamata Fort to take photos. Then we go to Bastiong Port. We visit Tidore Island by motorized boat. When we arrive at the island, we visit the Sebastian Elcano monument (the first Spanish to reach Tidore Island), the Torre and Tahula Fort, Tidore Sultan Palace, The Back to Ternate, and back to the Hotel to have Dinner. Accommodation Plan: Villa Ma’rasai, Deluxe with Sea View Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer to Dufa-dufa harbour. At 7:00 a.m., we leave Ternate on a regular speedboat for Jailolo. Upon arrival, we have breakfast at a local restaurant and then drive to Gamtala Village. Gamtala Village in Jailolo, West Halmahera, is usually crowded during the Jailolo Bay Festival in May. A few celebrations took place, such as a ceremony to replace the top of the Sasadu (traditional house) roof, until Horum Sasadu, when everyone gathered in a traditional house and had a festive dinner together. We will continue our journey with mangrove boating tours to explore the beauty of the mangrove. We will have some stops at the shelter surrounded by the mangrove forest, Portuguese Fortress. If we meet with the locals, we enjoy time with young coconuts and some birds you may see on this boating trip. Back to Gamtala Village, try the hot spring water by dipping your foot. Then, drive by car to see the traditional house of the Sahu tribe. We return to the harbor to catch our speed boat in Ternate. Have dinner at the restaurant, and then transfer to your hotel overnight. Accommodation Plan: Villa Ma’rasai, Deluxe with Sea View Meals Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer to the airport for the flight to Ambon. Arrival in Ambon, meet our guide, then transfer to the hotel for overnight
