In past centuries, when the Sultanate Ternate was in power, Halmahera had dominated the politic and economy in Mollucas. Ternate, a tiny island in the North Maluku, is the Gate to Halmahera. The area, which was famous for its spices, is now crawling up in the dive business. Exploration to the Halmahera’s underwater world has begun.
There are several areas that have started developing the diving; in the west Halmahera is Jailolo Bay, some dive sites in Guraici Islands in the north, and other dive sites near Ternate and Tidore. Diving in Jailolo is quiet easy in term of transport. There are many speedboats connecting Jailolo and Ternate, maybe it is also because Jailolo is the capital city of West Halmahera. However, diving in this area, you should contact the dive operator in Ternate to organize and assist your dive trip. Since the dive sites are categorically remote area dive where access to emergency situation and medical facility are limited, please make sure that the operator and guide you choose are credible.
Jailolo offers plethora of macro biotas and mini drop offs. Diving around the Jailolo Pier, you can enjoy a muck dive where you may encounter various types of Nudibranch, scorpionfish, and also mandarinfish if you dive at dusk. A little further out of the bay, there is submerged reef on 5-40m deep where black tip and white tip shark usually seen. Schooling fusiliers, damsel, anthias, and turtle also highlight the scene.
Exploring the Jailolo’s underwater is fantastic. Not only the muck diving and coral reef attraction, you can also explore the wreck of Sidangoli. The wreck is big and full of life, although sometimes you may encounter reduced visibility and some current but it is still a diveable wreck for most divers.
