{"id":12937,"date":"2023-06-06T11:09:07","date_gmt":"2023-06-06T10:09:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.experiencetravelgroup.com\/blog\/?p=12937"},"modified":"2024-11-07T13:47:50","modified_gmt":"2024-11-07T13:47:50","slug":"where-is-halmahera-a-glimpse-of-indonesias-hidden-paradise","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/archive.experiencetravelgroup.com\/blog\/where-is-halmahera-a-glimpse-of-indonesias-hidden-paradise\/","title":{"rendered":"Where is Halmahera? Indonesia\u2019s hidden paradise"},"content":{"rendered":"

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A glimpse of Indonesia’s hidden paradise<\/span><\/h2>\n

The\u00a0Spice Islands, Indonesia<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

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I\u2019ll admit it: before my colleague and co-founder, Tom, suggested we visit, I\u2019d never heard of Halmahera. Indonesia<\/a> is wonderful and we\u2019ve been arranging bespoke holidays there since 2011, so that\u2019s a relatively embarrassing confession – especially since I\u2019ve personally always flown the flag for this extraordinary and all-too-often overlooked country.<\/span><\/p>\n

In my defence, there are so many islands in Indonesia that even the Government can\u2019t count them: the latest estimate puts the total at between 13,000-19,000. The case for the prosecution might argue, however, that Halmahera is one of Indonesia\u2019s largest islands, being several times bigger than Bali for example, and is comfortably the largest in the Maluku islands.<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” full_height=”yes” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” parallax=”content-moving”][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-xs-12″][vc_gallery interval=”3″ images=”12954,12955,12956″ img_size=”large”][\/vc_column][vc_column css_animation=”fadeIn” css=”.vc_custom_1515682996367{padding-top: 5% !important;padding-right: 5% !important;padding-bottom: 5% !important;padding-left: 5% !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-0 vc_col-lg-4 vc_col-xs-12″][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Halmahera, Indonesia’s Hidden Gem<\/span><\/h2>\n


\nBe that as it may, I am exceptionally glad we made the somewhat arduous trip from Manado in North Sulawesi to Halmahera. En route, we passed through the twin sultanates of Tidore and Ternate<\/a>, two volcanic cities\u00a0with which Halmahera is heavily entwined.
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

Large though the island is, I saw only a tiny chunk of it \u2013 as indeed, only a tiny chunk is easily accessible to tourists. There is only one hotel available and across the rest of the island, there’s little in the way of tourism infrastructure; you get the sense that there is a lot to explore, but it would take quite the intrepid traveller to do it.\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” content_placement=”middle” css=”.vc_custom_1515676545726{background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][vc_column parallax=”content-moving” css=”.vc_custom_1515676642847{margin-top: -35px !important;}”][vc_single_image image=”12940″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1528274218236{margin-bottom: -35px !important;}”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” full_height=”yes” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” parallax=”content-moving”][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-xs-12″][vc_gallery interval=”3″ images=”12957,12944,12938″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column][vc_column css_animation=”fadeIn” css=”.vc_custom_1515683085349{padding-top: 5% !important;padding-right: 5% !important;padding-bottom: 5% !important;padding-left: 5% !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-0 vc_col-lg-4 vc_col-xs-12″][vc_column_text]That said, the accommodation there is,<\/span>\u00a0Weda Dive Resort,<\/a><\/span>\u00a0is pretty special. It\u00a0was set up by passionate environmentalists, Rob and Linda Sinke, to go alongside their (slightly) more mainstream dive resort over on the Lembeh Straight \u2013 Divers Lodge Lembeh. The location, design, ethos and construction of this low key resort is an inspiration and a tribute to the pristine locale.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The owners also purchased 800 hectares (and growing) of primary rainforest via the charitable body they set up, the Sawai Ecotourism Foundation<\/a>, to protect it for the future. The reserve is home to two display trees for the bird of paradise found there and birdwatching excursions are a major feature of a stay here.<\/p>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_raw_js]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[\/vc_raw_js][vc_column_text]Off-shore, the pristine coral is a joy to behold, as is the range and breadth of marine life. The owners are dedicated to sustainable diving practices and their commitment is highly admirable.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” content_placement=”middle” css=”.vc_custom_1515676545726{background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][vc_column parallax=”content-moving”][vc_single_image image=”12950″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” full_height=”yes” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” parallax=”content-moving”][vc_column offset=”vc_col-lg-8 vc_col-xs-12″][vc_gallery interval=”3″ images=”12953,12951,12952″ img_size=”large”][\/vc_column][vc_column css_animation=”fadeIn” css=”.vc_custom_1515683113612{padding-top: 5% !important;padding-right: 5% !important;padding-bottom: 5% !important;padding-left: 5% !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-0 vc_col-lg-4 vc_col-xs-12″][vc_column_text]Outside of the resort, you\u2019ll find well-maintained villages and an abundance of colourful houses, characteristically Mollucan in their style. Locals were friendly to outsiders (in my experience) and they appear unused to inquisitive westerners. We certainly made friends along the way.<\/p>\n

The vestiges of previous internal strife are perhaps evidenced by a very clear divide between Christian and Muslim villages, and I was told the population is fairly evenly divided in this respect. To outsiders like us, able to gain only a fleeting impression, everywhere and everyone seemed engaging, fun and keen to talk and share stories with us. English was not widely spoken and we relied on (very) basic Indonesian, smiles and hand gestures to communicate. It was all the better for it.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content_no_spaces” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” css=”.vc_custom_1528279275587{padding-top: 60% !important;background-image: url(https:\/\/www.experiencetravelgroup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/MG_8542-e1528277218800.jpg?id=12948) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][vc_column width=”1\/3″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-9 vc_col-lg-3 vc_hidden-md vc_col-sm-offset-4 vc_hidden-sm vc_col-xs-offset-3 vc_col-xs-6 vc_hidden-xs”][vc_column_text css_animation=”fadeIn” css=”.vc_custom_1528279215456{padding-top: 24px !important;padding-right: 24px !important;padding-bottom: 24px !important;padding-left: 24px !important;background-color: rgba(0,48,83,0.7) !important;*background-color: rgb(0,48,83) !important;}”]<\/p>\n

I now know where Halmahera is, but I cannot say I know that much more. It was a travel experience right at the edge of my comfort zone and all the more wonderful for it. <\/span><\/i><\/h2>\n

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Curious?<\/span><\/h1>\n

If you would like to consider whether incorporating Halmahera and the North Maluku Islands into your tailor-made holiday would be right for you, one of our expert consultants would be happy to help. Please contact us on\u00a0020 7924 7133 or fill in the form<\/span> here<\/a>. If you\u2019d like to speak to me, that can also be arranged once you have had a preliminary chat with one of our consultants. Just let them know!<\/span><\/p>\n

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<\/div>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” content_placement=”bottom” parallax=”content-moving” css=”.vc_custom_1515674319823{background-image: url(https:\/\/www.experiencetravelgroup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/17-0069R-_MG_0104a-e1513765138690.jpg?id=11796) !important;background-position: center;background-repeat: no-repeat;background-size: cover !important;}”][vc_column width=”5\/6″ offset=”vc_col-lg-offset-3 vc_col-lg-6 vc_hidden-md vc_col-sm-offset-1 vc_hidden-sm vc_col-xs-offset-1 vc_col-xs-10 vc_hidden-xs”][vc_single_image image=”11636″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1515671078794{padding-top: 10% !important;padding-right: 25% !important;padding-bottom: 10% !important;padding-left: 25% !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1515684084547{margin-top: -15px !important;margin-right: -15px !important;margin-bottom: -15px !important;margin-left: -15px !important;padding-top: 48px !important;padding-right: 48px !important;padding-bottom: 48px !important;padding-left: 48px !important;background-color: #003053 !important;}”]We don\u2019t believe in standing still. Watching the world go by through a window. Hearing it through the stories of others. <\/span><\/p>\n

You want to be in it, out there. Asking questions and finding answers. Finding yourself in worlds unknown. Finding the path less trodden. Meeting people with a different story to tell.<\/span><\/p>\n

Just ask why, what, how, who?\u00a0We\u2019ll never stop helping you find the answers.<\/span><\/p>\n

Our travellers come home with stories to tell, memories to keep and new ways of seeing their lives around them. That\u2019s what happens when you truly connect with a destination.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1515671203130{padding-top: 48px !important;padding-right: 48px !important;padding-left: 48px !important;background-color: #faeee7 !important;}”][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1515670566021{background-color: #faeee7 !important;}”]<\/p>\n

FREE YOUR CURIOUS SIDE WITH\u00a0<\/strong>EXPERIENCE TRAVEL GROUP<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n

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0203 393 5381<\/span><\/h5>\n
hello@experiencetravelgroup.com<\/span><\/h5>\n

www.experiencetravelgroup.com<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

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FREE YOUR CURIOUS SIDE WITH\u00a0<\/strong>EXPERIENCE TRAVEL GROUP<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

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0203 393 5381<\/span><\/h5>\n
hello@experiencetravelgroup.com<\/span><\/h5>\n

www.experiencetravelgroup.com<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

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More posts like this<\/h1>\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Uncover the secrets of Halmahera, Indonesia’s untouched gem. Dive, explore, and experience the allure of this Spice Island’s hidden paradise.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":12938,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[639],"tags":[714,1271],"coauthors":[924],"class_list":["post-12937","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-indonesia","tag-local-life","tag-off-the-beaten-track"],"aioseo_notices":[],"views":5120,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/archive.experiencetravelgroup.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12937","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/archive.experiencetravelgroup.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/archive.experiencetravelgroup.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/archive.experiencetravelgroup.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/archive.experiencetravelgroup.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12937"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/archive.experiencetravelgroup.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12937\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/archive.experiencetravelgroup.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12938"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/archive.experiencetravelgroup.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12937"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/archive.experiencetravelgroup.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12937"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/archive.experiencetravelgroup.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12937"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/archive.experiencetravelgroup.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=12937"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}