MOROTAI ISLAND

Indonesia is known to the world as a country with stunning underwater beauty. It's no wonder that there are many interesting diving and freediving spots in Indonesia to explore and one of them is in Morotai Island, North Moluccas. Morotai is one of the important islands that is related to Indonesian independence during World War II. Located on the northern island of Indonesia, access to the island is still quite difficult. Apart from that, limited transportation that can reach this island means that only a few tourists know about the existence of Morotai Island. Designated as a historical site, there is a huge array of war ruins here, including plenty of memorabilia from the World War II. The waters on this island are home to coral reefs and various fish species, such as blacktip reef sharks, mackerels, manta rays, GT, turtles etc.

HOW TO GET TO MOROTAI ISLAND

While Morotai is not the most remote place on earth, it is certainly considered remote in the context of Indonesia. Its geographical location, limited infrastructure, few transportation options, and relatively low levels of development contribute to the perception of Morotai as an isolated, off-the-beaten-path destination, making it a remote island by Indonesian standards. This remoteness is what also makes Morotai a unique, peaceful, and relatively untouched destination for those seeking an escape from the more crowded tourist areas in the country.

BY PLANE

CGK - TTE - OTI (Garuda Indonesia and Lion Air/Batik Air)
CGK - MDC - TTE - OTI (Lion Air/Batik Air)
SUB - TTE - OTI (Lion Air/Batik Air)

Flights to Morotai’s Leo Wattimena Airport (OTI) from Ternate (Babullah Airport, TTE) are limited. Currently, Wings Air operates a once-weekly direct flight, typically scheduled on Wednesdays. The duration of the flight is about 1 hour, using ATR 72 aircraft. This infrequent schedule means planning ahead is essential. To confirm updated flight days and times, it’s best to check directly with Wings Air.

Much of the local transportation in this area operates more informally or is not well-documented online, meaning travelers often rely on word-of-mouth or direct visits to ferry terminals to get updated schedules and ticket prices

OVERNIGHT BOAT

Travel to Morotai

Overnight ships to Morotai (usually docking at Daruba, the main port) are operated by PELNI or other local ferry operators. Schedules vary and may not operate daily, so check with the local PELNI office in Ternate or at the Bastiong Harbor. Ships are generally equipped with basic sleeping accommodations, ranging from economy class (communal sleeping areas) to private cabins for a more comfortable experience. Ticket IDR 250.000/person (price can change at any time) and if you want to rent a private room/cabin while on the ship there is an additional fee of IDR 400.000 - IDR 500.000/room. 1 room for 2 person. The overnight ship journey from Ternate to Morotai takes 8-12 hours, depending on the ship and route (8 pm to 8 am).

Tips :

Confirm the Schedule: Ship schedules can change due to weather or operational factors. Verify details a day or two before departure
Bring Essentials: Pack snacks, water, and any items you may need for an overnight journey

ROAD TRIP

Travel from Ternate to Sofifi (Halmahera)

Take a public speedboat or ferry from Ternate to Sofifi, the capital of North Maluku Province, located on the west coast of Halmahera.
Travel time: Around 30-45 minutes by speedboat or 1.5-2 hours by ferry.
Tickets can be purchased at Ternate’s Bastiong Harbor

Travel overland from Sofifi to Tobelo (Halmahera)

Once in Sofifi, take a shared car or bus to Tobelo, a major town in northern Halmahera.
Travel time: 3-4 hours (depending on road conditions).
The journey offers scenic views but may involve some bumpy sections.

Take a boat or ferry from Tobelo to Morotai. From Tobelo, head to the harbor where boats and ferries depart for Morotai Island (usually to the town of Daruba)

Options :

Ferry: Operates several times a week (schedule may vary)
Speedboat: Faster but slightly more expensive
Travel time: 2-3 hours by ferry or 1.5-2 hours by speedboat

Tips:

Check the latest schedules locally as they can change due to weather or other factors
Consider staying overnight in Tobelo if needed, as connections may not always align perfectly

BEST SEASON

Visiting the same destination but at a different time may give you different experiences. So, make sure that you go to North Moluccas at the right time. Generally diving in Morotai or Ternate can be done all year round. But, the best time to visit Morotai Island that we highly recommend is during the dry season. This period is characterized by pleasant weather, with less rainfall and calmer seas, making it ideal for outdoor activities like beach-going, diving, snorkeling, and exploring the island

GORANGO MOROTAI'S TEAM

Founded in 2018, Gorango Morotai is one of the dive operators in Morotai. Gorango Morotai creates the perfect diving experiance for you and offers exceptional service and hospitality in a relaxed, easy-going and friendly manner. The friendliness of the crew, the attentiveness of service, the quality of the product served and the use of the well-presented boat are all important components. Your safety and comfort is our priority.

We work with local resources, ensuring that the local community also gets the benefit from something we make.