North Halmahera

North Halmahera is an administrative regency on Halmahera Island in North Maluku, featuring coastal lowlands, interior mountains, and a scatter of small islands offshore. The main city, Tobelo, sits along a palm-lined road that connects the various districts.

During World War II, the region became strategically important when both Japanese and American forces established military positions across the territory in 1944. This wartime presence left lasting marks on the local landscape and communities.

The local population speaks several different languages alongside Indonesian, with each group maintaining distinct traditions visible in daily life. You can hear these local voices in markets and streets throughout the region.

Start your visit in Tobelo, the administrative hub, which has air access through Kau Airport nearby. Getting around the region works best with a vehicle, as roads connect the districts but services are limited outside the main city.

The waters surrounding the region harbor more than 800 species of reef fish, making them a remarkable marine hotspot. Divers and snorkelers who venture into these waters encounter extraordinary biodiversity.

Location: North Maluku

Capital city: Tobelo

Elevation above the sea: 10 m

Shares border with: West Halmahera, East Halmahera

Website: http://halmaherautarakab.go.id

GPS coordinates: 1.73194,128.00778

Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:23