Mount Gamalama
Gunung Gamalama
The 1,715-meter active volcano that makes up the entire island of Ternate. From the summit you can overlook the crater and the islands of Tidore and Maitara.
Mount Gamalama is one of Indonesia's most active volcanoes. The whole of Ternate Island is its mountain body, and the city wraps around the coast at its foot. Hikes usually start from the village of Marikurubu above town and pass through clove and nutmeg plantations before entering the forest. The round trip takes about 8 to 10 hours and requires a local guide. Starting before dawn gives you the best chance of clear morning skies at the crater rim, where you can look out over Tidore and Maitara. Even without climbing to the top, you can enjoy mountain views along the island ring road or around the Afo clove tree area. The volcano erupts from time to time, so be sure to check the alert level from Indonesia's Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) before setting out.
Opening hours
Climbing requires a guide; depends on volcanic alert level
Nearby sights
- Cengkeh Afo
- Lake Tolire
- Batu Angus
- Kedaton of the Sultanate of Ternate
- Sulamadaha Beach
- Fort Kastela
- Sultan of Ternate Mosque
- Fort Tolukko