Kota Ternate Sights

  1. Benteng Kalamata

    At the southernmost end of town, this small, heavy-handedly renovated fort is about 1km south of Bastiong. Once known as Benteng Kayu Merah (Red Wood Fort), it was built in 1540 by the Portuguese, and rebuilt by the Dutch in 1610. Waves lap right up to its angled walls and there are great views across to Tidore. Take a Rua, Sasa or Jambula bemo.

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  2. Benteng Oranye

    Almost hidden in the market-melee right at the centre of town are three re-concreted walls and four cannon-topped bastions. That's all that remains a massive 1607 fort, the Benteng Oranye that was headquarters of the entire Dutch VOC operation before it moved to Batavia (Jakarta) in around 1619. The fort later became the residence of the Dutch governors in Ternate.

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  3. Benteng Tolukko

    Built by the Portuguese in 1512 and restored by the Dutch in 1610, this dinky little 'womb-shaped' fort was the first European stronghold on Ternate. For a donation the lady living beside the entrance can let you in and show you photos of the extensive 1996 renovations. Take any bemo bound for Dufa-Dufa ( Rp2000 , 3km from town centre).

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  4. Gunung Api Gamalama

    This 1721m volcano is Pulau Ternate. Gamalama erupted in 1840, destroying almost every house on the island. Although it has blown its fiery nose as recently as 1980, 1983 and 1994 it is not considered imminently dangerous. A volcanology unit keeps careful watch from Marikuruba village. There are pleasant, short, clove-grove hikes from Air Tege Tege village (near the transmitter tower).

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  5. Keraton

    Built in 1796 and restored in semi-colonial style, the Sultan's Palace is still a family home. However there is a museum section (donation) containing a small but interesting collection of Portuguese and Dutch helmets, various swords and armour, plus memorabilia from the reigns of past sultans. Notice the genealogy of the Ternatean royal family dating back to 1257. The airy veranda offers wide views towards Halmahera.

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