Morotai Island in Indonesia: everything about holidays

Morotai is part of the Maluku Islands group and is one of the northernmost corners of Indonesia. This relatively little-known region offers clean beaches, dense forests and a peaceful atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for travellers looking to relax far from civilisation.

General information

• Area: about 1,800 km².
• Population: more than 78 thousand.
• Largest city: Daruba.
  
  

How to get to Morotai Island

The fastest and most convenient way to reach Morotai is by air. The main gateway is Leo Wattimena Airport, also known as Pitu Airport. It receives domestic Wings Air flights from Ternate. For international travellers, Jakarta or Manado can serve as connecting points.

You can also reach Morotai Island by boat, with tickets available at Ahmad Yani Port in Ternate.

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History of the island

Morotai held an important place in the history of the region. In the 16th century, thanks to the trade in nutmeg and cloves, it received special attention from the sultanate. During World War II, the island was at the centre of military operations and served as a strategic base for Allied forces.

In the Battle of Morotai in 1944, Allied forces liberated the island from Japanese control. This strategic victory allowed the Allies to use Morotai as a base for operations in the Pacific. Military artefacts from that era can still be found on the island, adding historical value to its natural appeal.

Several decades ago, there were ambitious plans to build a spaceport on Morotai because of its location in the Pacific Ocean near the equator, the presence of runways and the lack of densely populated development. However, these plans were never implemented.

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How to get around Morotai Island

Morotai's transport infrastructure remains fairly simple, so it is best to plan travel around the island in advance. The main means of transport are motorbikes and cars, which can be rented in Daruba or near Pitu Airport. Local residents' boats are used for trips between small islands and beaches.

Public transport on Morotai is poorly developed, and distances between individual locations can be significant. Many roads are in good condition, although remote areas have sections with limited road coverage. Visiting some natural attractions and surf spots may require an additional boat transfer.

When planning a trip, keep in mind that air connections to the island are limited to domestic flights, and schedules may change depending on the season and weather conditions.

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Morotai infrastructure: what to know before your trip

Morotai is still a less developed tourist destination compared with Bali or Lombok, so the island's infrastructure is quite basic. Most hotels, cafes, shops and ATMs are concentrated in Daruba, while the range of services in remote areas is much more limited.

Internet and mobile coverage are available in the main settlements, although connection speeds can be unstable, especially outside the city. There are small shops and markets on the island, but the range of goods is limited, so it is better to bring some necessary items with you in advance.

Medical infrastructure on Morotai is also limited: there are basic clinics and pharmacies, but serious medical care may require evacuation to Ternate or Manado. Travellers are advised to arrange insurance, especially if their plans include diving, surfing and active water sports.

Things to do on the island

Morotai offers travellers tranquillity, nature and colourful diving. The island is suitable for those who plan to spend their holiday surfing, snorkeling with a mask and snorkel, and enjoying peaceful sunsets on beautiful beaches.

Diving on Morotai

There are a number of excellent dive sites around the island. The warm waters are rich in marine life, bright coral reefs and sunken objects dating from World War II.

Here you can explore the wreckage of military aircraft and sunken ships, admire unusual corals and encounter many ocean inhabitants, including blacktip reef sharks and manta rays. One unusual representative of the region's underwater world is Hemiscyllium halmahera, the so-called walking shark, discovered in 2012 off Halmahera Island. This shark has a unique way of moving - it uses its fins to "walk" along the seabed. This resemblance to land creatures makes it a truly amazing animal.

Among the fascinating dive sites:

• Wawama Wreck - at an average depth of about 30 metres, you will find remains of aircraft and vehicles from the wartime period. The site is also home to marine life such as trevally, snapper, butterflyfish, wrasse, parrotfish, surgeonfish, turtles, rays and many others.
• Susi Wreck - the remains of a sunken vessel resting at an average depth of about 20 metres. Among the most common inhabitants of the dive site are groupers and barracudas, wrasses and butterflyfish. Octopuses and sea snakes are also found here.
• Mitita (Shark Point) - among the site's most famous inhabitants are tuna, lionfish and blacktip reef sharks.
• Tosininga - at this site, you may encounter blacktip and whitetip reef sharks, Napoleon wrasse, octopuses and turtles, moray eels and many different species of fish.
• Ohayo Point - trevally and snapper, sweetlips and groupers, butterflyfish and angelfish, wrasses, parrotfish, pufferfish, gobies, moray eels, octopuses, crabs, turtles and rays live here. Grey reef sharks are also found.
• Niomi Point - another location where encounters with blacktip reef sharks are possible.
• Galo Galo Cave - a wild underwater cave full of marine life.

The best diving season on Morotai Island is considered to be from late March to early September. However, diving is possible here all year round.

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Surfing on Morotai

The island's coast offers excellent and uncrowded surfing spots, promising exciting experiences against a backdrop of natural scenery. In particular, Tanjung Sopi, located in Sopi village, is mainly suitable for experienced surfers and is well known in surfing circles.

Peak surfing season on Morotai runs from November to March.

Beach holidays

Sopi beach - the clean beaches of Sopi village are excellent for both active and relaxing seaside holidays.

Tanjung Gorango - a cape and beach area in the north-eastern part of Morotai Island. The location is decorated with rock formations that give it extra charm.

Pulau Dodola - a scenic island located about half an hour by boat from Morotai Island. The main feature of Pulau Dodola is that it consists of two parts that connect during high tide. Cottages are available for those who want to observe this process, enjoy the white-sand beach and clear ocean waters, and stay overnight. Snorkeling and fishing are available here.

Pulau Kolorai - an island known as a tourist village. A visit allows you to learn about the culture and way of life of the local community and relax on a beautiful beach.

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What to see on Morotai Island

Morotai's attractions include both scenic natural locations and historic sites.

Daruba City Park - a small city park located near the beach. It is livelier in the evening. Here you can take a few memorable photos in front of the "Morotai Daloha" sign, watch the sunset and have a snack.

Trikora Monument-Museum - a monument dedicated to the military operation of the same name. By visiting the location, you can not only learn about this important episode in the country's history, but also enjoy views of the coast.

Glass Water - a clear spring located near the centre of Daruba that served as a vital source during World War II. The location got its name from the remarkable transparency of the water. The underground Air Kaca River, of which this spring is part, is surrounded by a number of beliefs. In particular, it is believed that water from the spring can cure illnesses.

Amphibious tank, left by the Allies during the war, is displayed in the area of Gotalamo village, not far from Daruba.

Remains of an army dock and military base - today's modest ruins were the headquarters of the Allied army and navy in the 1940s.

Kokota Waterfall (Air Terjun Bunga Kokota) - a scenic waterfall located in Mira village in the eastern part of the island, about an hour's drive from Daruba.

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Where to stay on Morotai

The choice of accommodation on Morotai Island is not as wide as on Indonesia's popular tourist islands, but it is quite possible to find a comfortable place to stay. Some options are located along the coast, offering easy access to the beach and stunning ocean views.

• D'Aloha Resort: cosy cottages located on the beach near Daruba. Each room has air conditioning, a TV and a hot-water shower. There is a restaurant serving local and international cuisine.
• Metita Beach & Dive Resort: an eco-resort on the tiny island of Metita, 3 kilometres from the southernmost tip of Morotai. Guests have spacious air-conditioned cottages with open-air bathrooms, a restaurant with three meals a day, a spa pavilion and a good house reef.
• Moloka'i Morotai by Sahid: a hotel located near the beach, a few kilometres from Pitu Airport. It offers a 24-hour front desk, clean and quiet rooms, meals and a pool overlooking the sea.

If you want a deeper experience of Morotai, stay with local residents, for example at Sinuan Homestay, which offers guests separate cosy cottages and the opportunity to learn about the island's culture and way of life.

The combination of historical significance, natural beauty and opportunities for diving, surfing and adventure attracts travellers in search of lesser-known corners of Indonesia.

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