31 Attractions You Must Visit in SOUTH HALMAHERA - North Maluku Province

South Halmahera Tourism is inseparable from the history of the Sultanate of North Maluku. So, there are several historical objects such as the Palace, Mosque, the crown of Sultan, the defense fortress of the Portuguese and Dutch heritage. In addition, South Halmahera is also famous for its nature and marine. The diversity of flora and fauna also colors South Halmahera in North Maluku province.

South Halmahera regency includes Bacan Island, the Southern of Halmahera Island (Gane), Kasiruta Island, Kayoa Island, Botanglomang Islands, Joronga Islands, Makian Island, Mandioli Island, Obi Island, and so on. In South Halmahera, there are many types of nature, history, and maritime that makes you want to spend your vacation at this place.

History

Sultan Bacan is one the four sultanates in North Maluku (Kie Raha). In the 13th century, the territory of the Sultanate of Bacan covered up to Mindanao and Papua. Bacan is well known as a producer of nutmegs and cloves. In 1503, Portuguese trading fleet first landed and established a trading post on Bacan Island, which is rich in spices. At that time, Bacan was under the control of the Sultanate of Ternate, as a result of the invasion of Ternate in 1578. Then, Fort Bernevald was built by the Portuguese in 1606. When the Dutch began to dominate in the 18th century, they strengthen their forces in Fort Bernevald.

Followings are the attractions in South Halmahera regency:

#17 Attractions in BACAN ISLAND

The capital of South Halmahera is located in Bacan Island, which is in Labuha City. Bacan Island is located in the southwest of Halmahera Island. Bacan Island has fresh air, lush forests and beautiful sea. The existence of Labuha city on the slopes of Mount Sibela and surrounded by sea becomes its own color. Read More >>

Widi Islands

Widi Islands stores a million charm that becomes an unforgettable experience when you visit this place. Each island of Widi has its own uniqueness, with a wide stretch of white sand, crystal-clear sea, coral reefs and rich in various kinds of colorful fish will make you wonder here. Read More >>

Source: Photo Kanenori Miura

#3 Attractions in KAYOA Region

There are many attractions in Kayoa region which famous for its marine. Kayoa region includes the sub-districts of Kayoa, West Kayoa, South Kayoa and North Kayoa, scattered in various islands. Read More >>

Joronga Island

Joronga Island has not been known by many people but it has the potential of marine tourism that should be developed. Crystal clear sea and fine white sand will tempt the tourists who visit this place. The best access to this island is via Bacan Island.

Source: Photo Ilhamarch

Makian Island

Makian Islands is a small island with a wide of about 10 km. In this island, there is Kie Besi Volcano with an altitude of 1,357 meters above the sea and 1.5 km wide crater, that makes Makian Island more beautiful and interesting for those who like climbing a mountain. This island is also known as "Walnut Island" because it produces one of the best walnut in Indonesia. Read More >>

Source: Photo Miurak

#6 Attractions in OBI ISLAND
If you know batu akik (agate) Obi then you can surely guess that the gemstones are from Obi Island. Obi Island is also an interesting place to visit. The environment is still unexploited and natural makes Obi Island perfect for Eco-tourism. Read More >>

Kasiruta Island

Probably, most people think that Bacan Stones which are currently very popular in Indonesia, comes from Bacan Island. In fact, Bacan stones are derived from Kasiruta Island. Kasiruta Island is frequently visited by foreign tourists who seeking Bacan stones. Read More >>

Source: Photo East Indonesia

Culinary

For spicy lovers, South Halmahera is the right place, because it has 16 variants of chili sauce with a variety of flavors. The most famous chili sauce is sambal beok, with the ingredients of chili, shrimp paste, and orange. There is also kamplang, which is sago mixed with mackerel. In South Halmahera, there are at least 18 ethnics, such as Bugis, Makassar, Arabic and Chinese which make the culinary here tasteful. This regency is surrounded by sea, that is why it has abundant marine products. In addition, this area is also a haven of durian, duku (lanson) and nutmeg.

Souvenirs

The famous souvenirs from South Halmahera are Bacan and Obi gemstones which are the mining products of this regency.

Transportation

Transportation that can be found easily here is ojek (motorcycle taxi), or you can also rent a car. To visit some islands in South Halmahera, you can go by ship or speedboat. 

Accommodation

There is no commercial accommodation in every region in South Halmehara. The only accommodation you can find is home stay.

Access

The access to South Halmahera are by sea and by air. The sea lanes which connect to South Halmahera Islands are from Ternate city and Labuha city which is the capital city of South Halmahera in Bacan Island. 

Meanwhile, the air line available today is from Ternate to Bacan Island. If you are from outside North Maluku province, then you have to first transit in Ternate.