Tidore Ferries

Sorry, there is currently no available ferries on this route.

Most travelers reach Tidore via ferry from neighboring Ternate, with regular boat services operating throughout the day making the crossing in approximately 30 minutes. For those coming from further afield, flights arrive at Sultan Babullah Airport on Ternate, followed by the short ferry journey to Tidore. Travelers from Jakarta or Manado can find regular air connections to Ternate, typically requiring 3-4 hours of flying time. Public minivans (angkot) and motorcycle taxis (ojek) provide convenient transport between the airport and Ternate's ferry terminal. For visitors bringing vehicles, car ferry services operate several times daily, though advance booking is recommended during peak periods.

Nestled in the Maluku archipelago, Tidore rises from the sea as a perfect volcanic cone draped in lush greenery and aromatic spice plantations. This historic island once stood as a powerful sultanate and vital trading post in the global spice trade that shaped world history. As your ferry approaches Tidore's shores, the blend of stunning natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and the lingering legacy of the spice routes creates an unforgettable Indonesian destination that feels worlds away from the typical tourist trail.

Tidore enjoys a tropical climate with relatively consistent temperatures year-round, though rainfall patterns create distinct visiting seasons. The ideal time to visit falls between May and October when drier conditions prevail, offering clearer skies for mountain trekking and coastal exploration. November through April brings the rainy season, when brief but intense afternoon downpours can temporarily limit outdoor activities. The Tidore Festival in April celebrates the island's cultural heritage with traditional dances, music performances, and boat races, making it worth braving occasional rain. Ferry services operate year-round, though rough seas during January and February occasionally cause delays or cancellations, so scheduling some flexibility during these months is advisable.

Tidore serves as an excellent base for exploring the historic Spice Islands region by ferry. Neighboring Ternate lies just 30 minutes away by boat, offering volcanic hikes, colonial forts, and the vibrant Grand Market. The remote Bacan Island, reached in about 3 hours by ferry, rewards visitors with pristine beaches, exceptional snorkeling, and the chance to spot rare wildlife including the endemic Moluccan cuscus. Adventurous travelers can continue to Halmahera, the largest Maluku island, on a 2-hour ferry journey to experience traditional villages, spectacular diving sites, and bird watching in one of Indonesia's most biodiverse regions. The scenic ferry routes between these islands offer breathtaking views of perfect volcanic cones rising from the azure Molucca Sea.

Exploring Tidore begins with a visit to the Sultan's Palace (Kedaton), where royal artifacts and cultural treasures illuminate the island's powerful past as a spice trading center. Nature enthusiasts should trek at least partway up Mount Kiematubu, Tidore's volcanic peak, where panoramic views encompass the surrounding islands and the vast Halmahera Sea. The remnants of Portuguese and Dutch forts, including Benteng Tahula, offer fascinating glimpses into the colonial struggles for control of the lucrative spice trade. Culinary adventures await at local markets and warung (small restaurants) serving papeda (sago porridge) with yellow fish curry, grilled seafood with local spices, and unique durian preparations. The traditional village of Gurabunga, nestled on the volcano's slopes, provides insight into clove and nutmeg cultivation techniques unchanged for centuries.

Tidore's cloves were once worth their weight in gold across medieval Europe, making this tiny island one of the most valuable territories in the world during the 15th century. The island's Sultan Nuku successfully led a resistance against Dutch colonial forces for over 25 years, becoming a legendary figure in Indonesian independence history. Tidore briefly became the center of a Japanese-supported state during World War II, creating a unique chapter in its complex political history. The island's traditional boats, called kora-kora, could hold up to 100 warriors and were feared throughout the Maluku seas, with replicas occasionally featured during special maritime festivals.