Things to do in Pulau Ternate & Tidore
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Pondok Katu
This refreshingly air-conditioned oasis has high-beamed ceilings and is popular for seafood lunches and good Chinese food.
reviewed
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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.
First step in a visit is signing in at the Sekretariat kiosk (06:00-18:00) to find when a guide is available. If you're lucky you might even be granted an audience with the sultan's enchanting sister Ibu Rini, and hear tales (in fluent English) of the royal …
reviewed
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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).
The going is very steep and climbing above the tree line is both strenuous and hazardous. Reaching the often cloud-shrouded summit takes around five hours and requires a guide. At least two foreign visitors have disappeared in the attempt; some claim this was because they broke taboos (eg n…
reviewed
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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.
reviewed
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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.
reviewed
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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).
reviewed
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Hitam Putih
Decent light snacks and excellent juices in a hoedown taverna with fish tanks and dinky lanterns. There's karaoke but the atmosphere is oriented towards couples and families, unlike many buy-a-girl places around town.
reviewed
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California
Ternate's chicken fast food palace struggles valiantly with power cuts to produce very tasty 'chicken steaks' as well as bird-burgers and Kentucky-style drumsticks.
reviewed
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Kafe Citra Rasa
Looks dowdy by day but at night it's fairly charming in the swaying wicker lamplight. Popular with couples and very affordable despite unpriced menus.
reviewed
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Rumah Makan Jailolo
Bright, reliable place for inexpensive point-and-pick rice-and-fish meals.
reviewed
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Sriwijaya Swalaya Minimarket
For self-catering try the Sriwijaya Swalaya or Muara minimarkets.
reviewed
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Muara Minimarket
For self-catering try the Sriwijaya Swalaya or Muara minimarkets.
reviewed
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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.
First step in a visit is signing in at the Sekretariat kiosk (06:00-18:00) to find when a guide is available. If you're lucky you might even be granted an audience with the sultan's enchanting sister Ibu Rini, and hear tales (in fluent English) of the royal …
reviewed
