Ternate Island is an exotic paradise located in Indonesia's Spice Islands. The island boasts breathtaking natural beauty, with lush jungles, crystal clear waters, and towering volcanoes. Visitors can explore the island's rich history by visiting the Portuguese-built Fort Oranje and the Sultan's Palace Museum. The island is also world-renowned for its cloves, nutmeg, and mace. Adventurous travelers can hike up the active volcano of Mount Gamalama, or go diving in the stunning coral reefs surrounding the island.
Visitors can fly into Sultan Babullah International Airport on Ternate Island with domestic flights from Jakarta and other major Indonesian cities. From Ternate City, it's a short drive to most accommodations on the island.
The best time to visit Ternate Island is during the dry season from May to September, when the weather is warm and dry with less rainfall.
Ternate Island has a tropical climate with high humidity and average temperatures ranging from 25 to 32°C throughout the year. During the wet season from October to April, rainfall is more frequent and heavy, with occasional thunderstorms.
Accommodation on Ternate Island ranges from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury resorts. A budget option can cost around $15 USD per night, while mid-range options range from $40-70 USD per night. Luxury resorts can cost upwards of $200 USD per night.
Local Indonesian cuisine can be found at street stalls and small restaurants for as little as $1-2 USD per meal. Mid-range and upscale restaurants can cost between $5-15 USD per meal. Groceries for self-catering can be found at local markets for reasonable prices.
Ternate Island is generally considered safe for travelers, although petty crime can occur in tourist areas. Solo female travelers should exercise extra caution at night and avoid walking alone in secluded areas. The island has a mixed population with Christian and Muslim communities, and generally has good tolerance for racial, religious, and LGBTQ diversity.
Ternate Island has a population of approximately 200,000 people, with a mix of indigenous and immigrant communities. The majority of the population is Muslim, with smaller Christian and Buddhist communities. The official language is Indonesian, although other regional languages are also spoken.
Popular activities on Ternate Island include hiking up Mount Gamalama, visiting historical sites like Fort Oranje and the Sultan's Palace Museum, exploring the island's stunning coral reefs through diving or snorkeling, and attending the annual cloves and nutmeg festival in September.