Halmahera: Maluku's Largest Island

Halmahera is the largest island in all Maluku, and by far the largest one in North Maluku province. Strangely shaped with four mountainous peninsulas, its geographic features also include several active volcanoes, scenic lakes, unexplored caves and plenty of pretty off-shore islands. It also boasts Aketajawe-Lolobata National Park, the first in North Maluku, and one of the most pristine and unvisited in all Indonesia. Halmahera also possesses the highest number of endemic birds of all Maluku islands, and a fascinating variety of reptiles - with several interesting new species discovered in recent years. I ts native inhabitants are mostly members of unique ethnic groups who speak languages more closely related to those of Papua and the Pacific than to languages spoken elsewhere in Indonesia or even Maluku. These peoples hold onto some fascinating traditions, though like everywhere in the region, you must be lucky enough to happen on a special event to see traditional rituals, costumes and dancing. Over the years. The pages below are just a quick overview of the various regions of Halmahera - for many of them I have built separate pages where you will find more detailed info on their attractions and culture.