TERNATE ISLAND

Some of the TOP Hotels in Bali

Bali's most famous and crowded resort is Kuta beach, a six-kilometre sweep of golden sand, with plenty of accommodation, shops and nightlife. Nearby Sanur is much quieter, but most backpackers prefer the beaches of peaceful east-coast Candi Dasa and traveller-oriented Lovina on the north coast. The island's other major destination is the cultural centre of Ubud , a still charming but undeniably commercialized overgrown village, where traditional dances are staged every night of the week and the streets are full of arts-and-crafts galleries.

Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa : The Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa is a luxury property strategically located only 15 kilometers away from the... Nusa Dua
Aston Bali Resort & Spa : The Aston Bali Resort and Spa is a luxury hotel located on the waterfront facing golden sandy beaches... Tanjung Benoa
Sanur Paradise Plaza Hotel : Sanur Paradise Plaza Hotel is situated in the coastal village of Sanur, an ideal location from which to explore... Sanur
Sanur Paradise Plaza Suites : The Sanur Paradise Plaza Suites is located in Sanur Village just two kilometers from the Sanur Paradise Plaza Hotel....Grand Bali Beach Hotel also is a nice hotel in Sanur.
Swiss Belhotel Bali Aga : The Swiss Belhotel Bali Aga is a deluxe property strategically located only 20 kilometers northeast from the Ngurah Rai... Nusa Dua
Grand Hyatt Bali Hotels located in Nusa Dua and The Oberoi Bali located in Seminyak, Maya Ubud located in Ubud, The Alilia Ubud, Chedi, Hard Rock Hotel Bali located in Kuta beach, Melia Bali located in Nusa Dua and Padma Bali located in Kuta

A circular island only 9 km in diameter of 40 sq km, made up almost entirely of 3 main volcanic peaks rising to 1830 m. history: Famed in history for its spices, Ternate is still one of the main sources of cloves. During the 14th and 16th Centuries the sultans of Ternate ruled over their Moluccan empire from Ternate town. The Portugese, seeking commercial control over this spice island, moved in to commence business. But when they did away with the sultan the island revolted, causing the Portugese to lose their hopes of prosperous trade. The hatred generated by this murder eventually cost them the East Indies. The Spainards, who founded Manila in 1570, moved south and captured the Portugese garrison in Ternate in 1574, extending their power even further. Fearing a Spanish attack from the Philippines, the Dutch opportunistically moved in and nearly succeeded in setting up a monopoly of the spice trade here. TERNATE CITY This town has clung to the side of a smoking volcano since 1600. Though Ambon is more cosmopolitan, Ternate is more relaxing (except for the earth tremors at night). The streets are empty by 8 pm. This city is 90% orthodox Muslim. Young schoolgirls in white veils and sky-blue blouses are frequently seen in the streets. The populace is really into marching groups - women, men and children of all ages. Change money only at Bank Dagang Negara, JI. Nukula; none of the other banks trust travelers checks. Better yet, bring enough cash because it's a hassle and takes time (you have to have an interview with the bank manager to get your money). getting there: Although Ba Ullah airport is quite near the city you must pay Rp500750 to get into town. You're very much a visitor on Ternate and you spend half a day reporting to bureacrats. Upon landing at the airport you must pay the police for some nameless registration, Rp250. Report to imigrasi next, then to the local police station for another stamp and pay another Rp250, then you've officially arrived. stay: Cheapest is Anang Arief's house, JI. Babullah SK2/27, at Rp750 single. Register with the kepala kampung, Rp100. If you don't desire family life, there's Hotel Massa, Rp1500. Or comfortable small family hotel Pang. Sejahtera, JI Lawa Mena 21; Rp3000 full room and board, or Rp2000 just for sleeping. Rent a room in town for a year, Rp30,000.eat: Try ikan bakar (roasted fish) with coloh-coloh sauce, a specialty here. Lots of good places to eat such as Anugerah next to the mattress shop in front of the Taxi Terminal; meals for Rp150-250. A good hole in the wall is opposite Massa Hotel; quite filling mie kuah for Rp200. For hot sweet soya sauce with green fruit cocktail (ruyak), Rp50-75, gado2, cakes, and nonalcoholic drinks, go to the warung without-a-name in Kampung Makasar. It lies in a garden leaping with exotic plants (which are for sale). Orange, durian and chocolate ice milk at swank Garuda Restaurant in the city.