The island of Ternate is a small volcanic island situated within North Maluku, Indonesia. The place is not a popular tourist spot, yet the landscapes here are breathtaking and rich in history, having been a part of the ancient Spice Islands. This place used to be one of the locations that European traders competed over, and now, it remains an important entry point to North Maluka.
Coming to the island is convenient, with an airport that has connecting flights to and from Jakarta and Surabaya, the large cities of Indonesia. Additionally, it is possible to go on a short speedboat ride if you are traveling from Halmahera, a neighboring island.
After you arrive, it’s easy to get around the place. There’s a paved road that goes around the whole island, and you can drive all the way around in an hour and a half. The roads are relatively easy, with a steep section around the Ngade Lake.
Ternate has everything a visitor might need, including cash for purchasing food and other commodities, a cell phone signal, and electricity available 24/7. The majority of the population belongs to the Muslim faith, and it is a very serene place. Malaria here is low, though it is advisable to use mosquito lotion.
Local cuisine is available at guest houses and food stalls; alternatively, there are KFC and Pizza Hut available too. Food delivery app GrabFood is available too.
You can find your way around Ternate in a day since it is a small place, but you can take advantage of additional days to explore other nearby islands, including Tidore, Hiri, and Maitara, which offer calm beaches, places to watch the sunset, such as Kastela, and great views, including that of Ngade Lake, where you can see Tidore Island.