Ternate, Indonesia
Region: North Maluku
Geographic Coordinates: 0.780000, 127.382000
Temperature Range: 25.0°C to 32.0°C (77°F to 90°F)
Climate: Tropical climate with high rainfall and consistent temperatures throughout the year.
Population: 204215
Language: Indonesian
Ternate is a small island situated in the North Maluku province of Indonesia. It is one of four major islands in the area, Alongside Halmahera, Bacan, And Morotai. The island spans approximately 111 square kilometers and has a population of around 200, 000 people. Ternate boasts natural beauty, Rich history, And unique culture. One of Ternate’s main attractions is its stunning beaches that stretch for miles along crystal clear waters perfect for swimming, Snorkeling and diving. Sulamadaha Beach features white sand and coral reefs that are home to various marine life such as turtles and colorful fish.
Another attraction on Ternate is its historical sites. As a powerful sultanate during the spice trade era in Southeast Asia, Visitors can explore ancient forts such as Fort Tolukko which was built by the Portuguese in 1540 or visit Gamalama Mountain where they can find remnants of old forts from Dutch colonial times. The culture on Ternate is also unique due to its mix of different ethnic groups such as Javanese, Buginese, Chinese and Arab descendants who have lived on the island for centuries.
Visitors can experience this diversity through local food like ikan bakar (grilled fish), Nasi kuning (yellow rice) or try their hand at traditional dance performances like cakalele or tari gambyong. Ternate also offers visitors opportunities to explore nature through hiking trails that lead to waterfalls like Kali Waterfall or Gunung Api Gamalama where they can see rare flora species like Nepenthes maxima (pitcher plants).
Additionally, Visitors can take boat tours around neighboring islands such as Tidore Island which has beautiful views overlooking Mount Kie Matubu. one unique aspect of Ternate is its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire which makes it prone to volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. While this may seem daunting, It also provides visitors with the opportunity to witness natural phenomena such as volcanic activity up close. Ternate offers a unique blend of nature, Culture, And history that make it a must-visit destination in Indonesia.
Whether you’re interested in exploring ancient forts or hiking through lush forests, There’s something for everyone on this beautiful island.
- Sultan’s Palace (Kedaton)
- Fort Oranje
- Ternate Island Market
- Mount Gamalama
- Tolire Lake
- Tobololo Beach
- Sultan Babullah Airport Monument
- Mosque of Baabuddin
- Martapura Fortress
- Ternate City Park
- Agriculture: Ternate is known for its production of cloves, nutmeg, and other spices.
- Fishing: The island’s coastal waters are rich in fish and seafood.
- Tourism: Ternate is a popular destination for tourists due to its historical sites, natural attractions, and cultural heritage.
- Handicrafts: Local artisans produce traditional handicrafts such as woven fabrics, wood carvings, and pottery.
- Small-scale manufacturing: There are several small-scale manufacturing industries in Ternate that produce items such as textiles, furniture, and food products.
- Education: The city has several universities and educational institutions that contribute to the local economy.
- Retail trade: There are many small shops and markets selling a variety of goods including groceries, clothing, electronics etc., contributing to the local economy.
- The Sultanate of Ternate was a dominant Muslim sultanate that had control over a significant portion of eastern Indonesia and southern Philippines between the 15th and 19th centuries.
- Alfred Russel Wallace, a British naturalist who co-discovered the theory of evolution through natural selection with Charles Darwin, spent several years studying Ternate’s flora and fauna during the mid-19th century.
- In 1522, Ferdinand Magellan led a Portuguese fleet to Ternate where they established a trading post that eventually resulted in Portuguese colonization of the area.
- During colonial times, Ternate was one of the world’s leading producers of cloves, nutmeg, and mace which created intense competition among European powers for control over its lucrative spice trade.
- The Dutch East India Company established a fort on Ternate in 1607 and gradually gained control over much of eastern Indonesia through treaties with local rulers.
- Japanese forces occupied Ternate from 1942 until their surrender in 1945 during World War II.
- After World War II, like many other regions in Indonesia, Ternante played an essential role in fighting for independence from Dutch colonial rule.
- Sultan Mudaffar Syah Mosque is one of Indonesia’s oldest Islamic structures dating back to around AD1414-1415 when it was built by Sultan Zainal Abidin I as his royal mosque upon his conversion to Islam.
- Khairun University is situated on Khairun Island which is part if North Maluku province where Ternante is located. It has been operating since October 1st, 1963.
- Tolire Lake located in Ternante is an attractive tourist destination surrounded by lush greenery with clear blue water that attracts many visitors every year.
- Fort Oranje is a historic Dutch fort that was built in the 17th century.
- The Sultan’s Palace used to be the residence of the Sultan of Ternate and now serves as a museum that showcases local culture and history.
- Kedaton Museum is dedicated to the history and culture of Ternate, featuring artifacts and exhibits on traditional crafts, music, and dance.
- Gamalama Volcano is an active volcano that offers hiking trails and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
- Soa Sio Shrine is a sacred site for Muslims in Ternate known for its beautiful architecture and intricate carvings.
- Tolire Lake is a scenic lake surrounded by lush greenery and home to a variety of bird species.
- Bastiong Market is a bustling market where visitors can find local produce, spices, handicrafts, and clothing.
- Nukila Gallery & Cafe is an art center featuring rotating exhibitions by local artists as well as serving Indonesian cuisine at its cafe.
- Sulamadaha Beach is a popular beach destination with crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming or snorkeling activities.
- Hiri Island Archaeological Site holds importance as an archaeological site where ancient stone structures dating back to the 14th century can be found on Hiri Island near Ternate Island.
- Maulid Nabi Muhammad: This is an annual celebration of the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, observed by Muslims in Ternate and throughout Indonesia.
- Ternate Festival: Showcasing the culture and traditions of Ternate through various events such as traditional dances, music performances, food fairs, and handicraft exhibitions.
- Kora-Kora Race: A traditional war canoe race that takes place during the Ternate Festival, involving teams of paddlers racing against each other in brightly decorated canoes.
- Tabuik Festival: Held annually to commemorate the death of Imam Hussein, a grandson of Prophet Muhammad who was martyred in Karbala (Iraq) over 1,300 years ago. The highlight is a procession where large effigies called tabuik are carried through the streets before being ceremoniously thrown into the sea.
- Sultan’s Birthday Celebration: Celebrated with great pomp and ceremony every year on October 17th with parades, cultural performances, fireworks displays and other festivities to mark this occasion.
- Independence Day Celebrations: August 17th marks Indonesia’s independence from Dutch colonial rule in 1945 celebrated with flag-raising ceremonies and parades featuring traditional costumes and cultural performances by local groups.
- Chinese New Year Celebration: Although only a small minority are ethnic Chinese in Ternate; Chinese New Year (also known as Lunar New Year) is still widely celebrated with dragon dances and other festivities that reflect Chinese culture and traditions.
- Ramadan Festivities : Ramadan month sees many activities related to fasting , prayers , charity etc . Eid al Fitr marks end to Ramadan which also sees celebrations across town.
- Ikan Bakar Sabang: This restaurant serves grilled fish dishes with traditional spices and herbs.
- Warung Makan Mama Yati: A popular local eatery that serves various Indonesian dishes such as nasi goreng, mie goreng, and sate.
- Rumah Makan Sari Laut: A seafood restaurant that offers fresh catches of the day cooked in a variety of ways.
- Kedai Kopi Pelangi: A coffee shop that serves local coffee blends along with snacks like pisang goreng (fried banana).
- Pempek Nyonya Basirah: A small shop that sells pempek, a traditional Indonesian fish cake dish served with vinegar sauce.
- Warung Kopi Ternate Asli: A coffee shop that specializes in Ternate’s own blend of coffee made from locally grown beans.
- Martabak Telor Mas Jaya: This street food vendor sells martabak telor, an Indonesian-style stuffed pancake filled with meat or vegetables.
- Restoran Bintang Laut Biru: Another seafood restaurant known for its grilled fish dishes and spicy sauces.
- Toko Roti Sinar Baru: A bakery famous for its freshly baked bread and pastries like croissants and cinnamon rolls.
- Warung Nasi Gurih Ternate : An eatery serving traditional rice dishes cooked with coconut milk such as nasi kuning (yellow rice) or nasi uduk (coconut rice).
- Ternate Island Nature Reserve is a protected area that covers 1,000 hectares of land and sea. It offers hiking trails, birdwatching, and scenic views for nature enthusiasts.
- Kastela Beach is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing due to its crystal clear waters.
- Fort Oranje is a historical fort built by the Dutch in the 17th century that provides panoramic views of the city and surrounding islands.
- Ternate City Park is a small park located in the heart of the city with playgrounds, fountains, and green spaces perfect for picnics.
- Gamalama Mountain is an active volcano that offers challenging hikes to its summit for stunning views of Ternate Island’s landscape.
- Sulamadaha Beach is another beautiful beach with calm waters ideal for swimming or snorkeling among coral reefs.
- Sultan Khairun Botanical Garden features a wide variety of plant species from around Indonesia, making it an excellent destination for botany enthusiasts.
- Gua Soasio Cave is an impressive cave system located on Tidore Island near Ternate that provides underground exploration opportunities to visitors seeking adventure in Indonesia’s natural wonders.
