TOLIRE LAKE, Maluku: A Walk to Remember

Tolire Lake, Ternate. Photo: Michael Sjukrie

Long time ago, in a small village, a father impregnated his own daughter and causing God fury. God cursed the father and his daughter-the form of big Tolire Lake reflected the fathers figure and the Small Tolire Lake reflected his daughter. Other myth about the lake, local people believe that the lake is the house for many invisible crocodiles.

Tolire lake covered 5 acre and 50 m depth located 10 km from the main city, Ternate and reachable by bus or Ojeg (ojeg: rented bike) depend on the mode of travel (if you manage your travel individually/couple, you better take ojeg, otherwise, for those who wish to travel in a group, hiring bus would be perfect). Tolire lake stated in the deep crater of Mt. Gamalama, the highest mountain in North Maluku with highest peak is 1715 m above sea level.

The relaxing and oozing view of Gamalama mountain, the crystal clear water of the lake, the luscious green view of the forest, the enchanting sounds of chirping birds and the lovely smile of Ternates people, all bounding together make this place glowing with beauties

Getting There

Lot of eager visitors questioned this simple-easy-issue. Dont worry, all you have to do is prepare your packs and then take flights.

• From Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta Airport flight toward Hasanuddin Airport, Makassar (it takes you 3.45 hours). Dont forget to have SARABA in the airport (SARABA is local beverage)
• Take 30 minutes flight from Hasanuddin Airport to Sultan Baabullah Airport, Ternate.
• You are getting close to Tolire Lake and Gamalama Mountain. Be patient during 10 km trip by hired-bus (US$28, rate subjected to US$1=Rp. 9019,- January 10th, 2007).
• For individual traveler, use ojeg (rented bike drives by owner), costs Rp. 10.000,-/hours

Where to Stay

You can stay in non-star hotel owned by local people, installed with Television and air-conditioning

Moving Around

You can acces the lake using hired bus if you wish to travel in a group, while "ojeg" will be the perfect choice for individual traveller.

Dining Guide

There are several foods, beverage and fruit to boost-up your taste and surely make your visit unforgettable. Unique and genuine! Thats how the visitors, whether it Indonesian or foreigner express their feeling the moment they give it a try.

• SARABA : made from coconut milk, brown sugar and ginger
• Sagu : local food made from sago palm
• Durian: a very famous fruit in Indonesia with strong aroma. You can buy it along Tolire Lake and it costs you Rp. 5.000,-
• Bagea: traditional cake made from sagu, crispy and a bit salty. And the best way to enjoy it is with sweet black tea
• Makron: made from sagu (sago) mix with almond
• Nasi Jaha: made from submerged rice in coconut milk-put in bamboo stick-grilled in charcoal

Souvenir Tips

You can buy various souvenir in Pasar Gamalama or in the middle of Ternate town, traditional food, local handicrafts and etc. Make sure you know how to bargain the price to get the best price

Other Things to See or Do

After an extraordinary experience at Gamalama Mountain and Tolire Lake, dont forget to visit other places of interest which located near by the lake. Make sure you dont miss these:

• Small Tolire Lake
• Ngade lake
• Sultan Baabullahs grave
• Old forts as the legacy of Portuguese
• Sulamadaha Beach
• Gamalama market
• If you are not tired enough, found your self in Saturday night pub crawl and count 1-2-3 step for the POCO-POCO (line dancing focused on food-step)

Travel Tips

• Throwing small stone using slingshot to the lake (you can buy the stone from the kids who sale it Rp.1.000,- for 5 stones). What is unique about this? Many visitors claim when I throw it to the lake, its never touch the water, Believe it or not! Thats how they told their experiences.
• Bring your sweater or jacket
• Bring your camera/handy cam because you wont let your self miss all the beauties, the lake, the mountain and the people as well
• Dont bathing in the lake. Local people believe, if somebody bathing in the lake, something bad will happen. While the visitors said, it's way too cold.

Do You Know? Facts about Ternate

• Famous for various spices
• Place for many historical building as the legacy of Portuguese and Netherlands in the past