Discover South Halmahera

South Halmahera combines island and coastal landscapes with nature experiences and cultural discoveries. On Pulau Guraici, tropical island groups, clear blue seas and white-sand beaches shape the natural surroundings. Pulau Widi also offers white-sand beaches and clear water, while Pulau Tawale is known for its quiet, largely untouched island atmosphere. If you are looking for a holiday rental in South Halmahera, you can first consider whether island nature, coastal experiences or culture will shape your stay.

Explore islands and coasts

On Pulau Guraici, possible activities include swimming and relaxing on the beach, as well as snorkelling and diving to explore the underwater world. There are also opportunities for snorkelling and diving on Pulau Widi. Pulau Tawale combines clear seawater with a peaceful island atmosphere; there, you can snorkel, enjoy the seascape or spend time with family and friends. Each island offers a different focus for your stay: the underwater world and beach, a quieter island setting or time together by the sea.

Among the coastal destinations is Pantai Umamoi, with its clear blue sea and largely natural surroundings. You can swim, snorkel, play in the sand or relax on the beach. Facilities also include a gazebo, an observation tower and a rinse-off area. At Pantai Sibela in Desa Babang, Kecamatan Bacan Timur, Kabupaten Halmahera Selatan, the blue sea meets dense coastal vegetation. Swimming, playing in the sand, relaxing and taking photographs are all possible activities there. The destination also has a car park, public toilets, an information centre, an evacuation route, and areas for recreation and leisure.

Dermaga Biru (DERBI) is also located in Desa Babang, Kecamatan Bacan Timur, Kabupaten Halmahera Selatan. Visitors can watch the sunrise and sunset, take photographs and spend time with family or friends. Facilities include a car park, public toilets, a prayer room and food and drink stalls. Pulau Nusara, meanwhile, combines clear blue seas and white-sand areas with a largely natural island environment. Facilities there include a tourist pier, cottages, gazebos or rest areas, and a beach area for relaxation.

Nature and special excursions

Air Panas Tawa in Desa Tawa offers a different nature experience: at this geothermal site by the sea, hot water emerges from fissures in the coastal rock. The naturally warm bathing water forms where geothermal water meets seawater. After entering Desa Tawa, the site can be reached in about 3 to 5 minutes.

The Birdwatching and Butterflies Tour combines observing the Burung Bidadari with a visit to a protected area for the butterfly Ornithoptera croesus. The tour lasts five hours, starts at 9:00 am and ends at 2:00 pm. Pick-up is at Pelabuhan Babang or, on request, at another location. Near Labuha on Pulau Bacan, Kali Swiss is another nature destination, with very clear water and lush green trees. Visitors can relax and swim there.

Cultural heritage and history

The traditional dance Tarian Marabose is part of South Halmahera’s cultural heritage. It is associated with traditional events, receptions, cultural festivals and important regional celebrations. The Marabose Festival is also connected with the region’s maritime history and cultural heritage. It was first held in 2022; the 2023 edition took place from 8 to 12 August 2023 at Swering Pantai, Desa Tembal, Kecamatan Bacan Selatan, Kabupaten Halmahera Selatan.

Parts of Benteng Barnaveld and its defensive walls remain visible; the site is a historical attraction for locals and travellers. Masjid Kesultanan Bacan is a historical testament to the trade relations and political interactions between the Sultanate of Bacan and the Dutch colonial authorities. If you would like to include history and regional culture in your trip alongside beaches and island nature, these offer further themes to consider when choosing destinations.

Allow for boat journeys when planning your trip

Pulau Tawale can be reached from Pelabuhan Babang by local motorboat (longboat) or chartered speedboat. The crossing takes about 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the engine and sea conditions. Pulau Widi can be reached from there by speedboat or boat; the stated distance is approximately 80 to 100 kilometres, and the journey takes about 2 to 3 hours. The crossing to Pulau Guraici takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on the destination island and landing point; the stated distance here is also approximately 80 to 100 kilometres. If you plan to visit one of these islands, these different journey times may influence your choice of destinations and holiday rental.

Another way to explore the region is Central Halmahera.

For the broader travel overview: North Maluku.