Tobelo Travel Guide

Tobelo is a fairly uninspiring town in the northeast of Halmahera Island, North Maluku. It is the capital and largest town of the regency and is second only to Ternate in the province.

Tobelo has a fairly lofty setting overlooking the coast but doesn’t have much going for it for tourists and is primarily used as a base for looking around Halmahera Island. It is a big coconut producer, with great swathes of the land around the town given over to coconut plantations.

There are several small islands off the coast of Tobelo that are worth exploring, including Tagalaya and Tolonuu islands, and visitors also have many miles of decent hiking in the jungle surrounding the town and volcano. There are also one or two decent swimming beaches nearby.

Getting There & Away

There are no major airports near to Tobelo, with the only real option being landing at Sultan Babullah Airport on Ternate Island and taking a boat or bus from there. You could also take a short hop over to nearby Galela Airport if you find a flight. The nearest major airport is in Makassar in South Sulawesi. Ferries land at Tobelo from Manado in North Sulawesi and from Ternate.

Things to Do

Tobelo Attractions

Tobelo out and about

There’s not much to see in tobelo itself, being largely an industrial town, yet nearby are several pretty beaches and a volcano.

Side trips from Tobelo

Tagalaya and Tolonuu islands

These two islands are just a few kilometers offshore from tobelo and are accessible by speedboat from town.

Events

Easter garden festival

Tobelo is mostly populated by christians, with celebrations at christmas and easter. church congregations over easter run competitions to see who can make the best easter garden.