In the past, Ternate and Tidore were two significant producers of cloves, making them two of Indonesia’s most influential and wealthiest kingdoms, until the arrival of the Dutch and British, who fought to monopolize the spice trade.

These two islands now host some of the most stunning dive sites in the region. Batu Angus, Kora-Kora Bay, Oba Bay, and Gamalama Wall are some spots scattered on these islands. The diversity in these areas is impressive.

Reef fish like angelfish, surgeonfish, clownfish, parrotfish, and butterflyfish scuttle among the soft corals, sponges, and sea fans. Schools of tuna, barracudas, trevallies, and snapper can also be seen darting across the water. Species of sharks, like whitetips, blacktips, and sometimes grey sharks, saunter the deeper water, waiting for the prey. Whales and dolphins are occasionally spotted, adding to the excitement of diving in Halmahera.