MorotaiAbout Morotai
Morotai is an island in Indonesia’s North Maluku province, located north of Halmahera and forming part of the region’s island chain.
The island is visited for its beaches, coral reefs and scattered wartime relics left from the Second World War, including abandoned airfield infrastructure and coastal fortifications. Snorkeling and diving are available around reefed areas, and simple village tourism and coastal road travel are the main local activities.
During the Second World War the island was used by Allied forces as an operational base and staging area in 1944; remnants of that military infrastructure remain part of the island’s landscape. Its more recent history is that of an Indonesian provincial island with fishing and small-scale agriculture as local livelihoods.
Morotai lies in eastern Indonesia within North Maluku province, north of the larger island of Halmahera; it is reached by regional boat or short domestic flights serving North Maluku.
- WWII history: Holds numerous World War II sites and former Allied airfield remains along its shores and interior.
- Best time to visit: Dry season from roughly May to October is generally better for boat travel and diving due to calmer seas and visibility.
Best Time to Visit Morotai
The best time to visit Morotai is during the dry season (roughly May-October) for more reliable diving, snorkeling and boat access.
Weather & Climate near Morotai
Morotai's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 19°C to 28°C. Heavy rainfall (2261 mm/year), wettest in May.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Good | 20° - 27° | 23° | 233 mm | overcast | 83% | 1.9 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 11.9h |
| February | Good | 19° - 27° | 23° | 210 mm | overcast | 83% | 2.0 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 11.9h |
| March | Good | 20° - 27° | 23° | 220 mm | overcast | 82% | 1.9 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 12.0h |
| April | Good | 20° - 28° | 24° | 214 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 1.6 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 12.1h |
| May | Good | 20° - 28° | 24° | 238 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 1.6 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.1h |
| June | Good | 20° - 27° | 24° | 219 mm | overcast | 81% | 1.7 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.1h |
| July | Good | 20° - 27° | 23° | 161 mm | overcast | 81% | 1.9 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.1h |
| August | Very Good | 20° - 28° | 24° | 133 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 2.3 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.1h |
| September | Very Good | 20° - 28° | 24° | 127 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 2.1 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.0h |
| October | Very Good | 20° - 28° | 24° | 124 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 1.8 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.0h |
| November | Good | 20° - 28° | 24° | 184 mm | overcast | 81% | 1.4 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 11.9h |
| December | Good | 20° - 27° | 24° | 198 mm | overcast | 82% | 1.6 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 11.9h |
How to Get to Morotai
Morotai is an island in North Maluku reachable by air or sea from larger regional hubs. Regular connections are operated from Ternate (Sultan Babullah Airport / ferry links) by regional flights or by ferry services to Morotai island; once on Morotai you travel by local roads to towns and beaches. Inter-island schedules vary seasonally-check current flights and ferry timetables.
Tips for Visiting Morotai
- Schedule your visit in the dry season (roughly May-October) when sea conditions are calmer and diving, snorkeling and inter-island boat trips are more reliable.
- Base yourself in Daruba, the island's main town, to arrange local boat trips and guided dives-most operators and access points for WWII wrecks and reefs operate from there.
- Set aside time to explore the island's WWII sites and remote beaches by hiring a local boat or guide; those historical remains and quiet coves are often missed by visitors who only stop at the main settlements.