Volcanic trekking and wilderness exploration in the North Moluccas

Early in the morning, you'll begin a more in-depth exploration of the island dominated by the Gamalama volcano. Your itinerary includes visits to the forts of Kalamata (built by the Portuguese in 1540), Orange (also built by the Portuguese in the 16th ^century ), Tolukko (built by the Spanish in 1522), and Kastela (also built by the Portuguese in 1522). In the afternoon, you'll approach a curious old lava rock dating back to a 1673 eruption of Gamalama, followed by a stroll around the beautiful Tolire Lake. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon.

Departure in the morning for the neighboring, and once rival, island of Tidore, whose Sultans controlled southern Halmahera and, at certain times, Buru and Ambon, as well as several islands off the coast of West Papua. The day is dedicated to discovering remnants of its past (Tahula and Tore forts) and its crafts (traditional blacksmithing, textiles, etc.). You will also visit the Sultan's palace. Return to Ternate in the late afternoon.

Early morning transfer by speedboat to Jailolo port on Halmahera Island, then drive to the base of Mount Ibu. From there, you begin the approach hike to the summit. The trail starts with several kilometers of relatively flat walking through vast coconut groves dotted with small wooden shelters. It's often possible to cover about two kilometers by motorbike to an altitude of just over 200 meters. The path continues through nutmeg and clove plantations before entering the forest at around 600 meters. After 2 to 3 hours of walking, you reach Pos 1 (675 m) , a pleasant shelter once used by pig hunters to prepare the meat before descending back to the village. The trail then descends into a ravine (655 m) of black sand and rocks, occasionally crossed by a spring. Depending on the activity and the wind, you can already hear the rumblings and rockfalls of the volcano—a striking sound, especially at night. The path follows the ravine for a few hundred meters before climbing back up and entering the forest again (673 m). After a few grassy areas, you reach Pos 2 (780 m) , near the volcanological sensor station (approx. 800 m). This is where you will set up your bivouac for the night.

Around 3:00 a.m., you resume your ascent towards the summit of the volcano. The trail emerges on the western flank of the crater, at an altitude of approximately 1,250 meters, offering spectacular views of its vast amphitheater of black rock. Following the ridge, you reach a superb viewpoint (1,315 meters) overlooking the west coast and Mount Gamkonora. The panoramas are breathtaking, as is the active cone, which emits immense plumes of smoke with a steady rumble, accompanied by ashfall on the forest. At night, the scene is illuminated by a mesmerizing orange glow with each breath of the volcano. The crater rim has two high points, to the west and east, but hikers stop at the viewpoint, as the summit is not accessible by trail. After some time to observe the view, you descend back to camp in the late morning, and then to the base of the volcano. In the afternoon, a stop at the nearby waterfalls allows you to cool off before heading to Tobelo for the night.

A day of relaxation and exploration: visit the Tobelo market and enjoy snorkeling (or canoeing) along the white sand beaches of Luari, Kupa Kupa, or Kumo, which offer calm, crystal-clear waters. In the afternoon, transfer to Mamuya, where you can bathe in hot springs. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon.

Transfer in the morning to the village of Ruko, then board a three-wheeled motorcycle which will take you, through vast coconut plantations, to the foot of the Dukono volcano. The approach hike begins at Point 2 (370 m) and follows a steady climb of approximately 3.5 km, with eight small streams or ravines to cross, notably around 647 m and 795 m where water can sometimes be found after rain. The forest zone begins around 500 m; higher up, around 800 m, it gives way to dense vegetation of sugarcane grasses. From about 838 m, the panoramas open up to Mount Mamuya (933 m) and the coast near Tobelo. You then reach the outer rim (940 m), dominated by the small Mount Dilekene and its volcanic features. Below, the Tanah Lapang, a vast plain of black volcanic sand, resembles a miniature version of the Bromo Sand Sea; crossing it offers the first glimpse of the active crater, from which plumes of ash and deep rumblings erupt. The final approach to the rim of the active crater adds approximately 1 km (1 to 1.5 hours depending on the thickness of the ash). On the other side, ancient lava flows, jagged or smooth, create a surreal landscape when covered in ash. You set up camp at the last checkpoint, at 946 m, on the crater plain, to enjoy the spectacular volcanic fireworks display at night.

As night falls, you resume your trek towards the summit of the volcano. As you ascend, the view opens up to Mount Gogodom (1,102 m) and Mount Bale-Bale (923 m), as well as the small islands off the coast of Tobelo and, on a clear day, the large island of Morotai. You finally reach the rim of Dukono's crater, at an altitude of approximately 1,150 m. Almost circular and funnel-shaped, it measures nearly 400 m in diameter and 200 m in depth. Crawling carefully to the edge, you discover the crater's interior, both impressive and terrifying, as the vent roars and spews immense clouds of ash. The plumes rise to nearly 500 m before being carried away by the wind, each explosion preceding the subsequent deep rumble by a few seconds. This raw, fascinating, and awe-inspiring spectacle of nature offers a striking glimpse into the volcano's power. For safety reasons, climbing to the highest point of the ridge is not recommended. After about an hour of observation, you descend back to the camp and then continue to the village of Ruko, where your vehicle will be waiting to take you back to Tobelo.

Transfer in the morning to Morotai Island. During World War II, Morotai was a Japanese airbase. American forces captured it in September 1944 and used it as a staging point for an Allied landing in the Philippines in early 1945, and in eastern Borneo in May and June of the same year. The Allies were also preparing a landing in Java for October 1945, but this was canceled with Japan's surrender on August 15. The day is dedicated to exploring the island. You will visit the World War II Museum and pay your respects at the statue of the last surviving combatant. You will also get close to the stunning Raja Falls, among other attractions, and end with a magnificent sunset along D'Loha Beach.

The day is dedicated to discovering the surrounding paradise islands (Sum Sum and Dodola in particular), which offer extraordinary snorkeling spots.

Transfer day to Tobelo, then Sofifi, and finally Ternate.

Free time until transfer to the airport. End of services.