About Tolire Lake
Tolire Lake is a volcanic crater lake system comprising Tolire Besar and Tolire Kecil located in Takome Village on Ternate Island, North Maluku, at the foot of Mount Gamalama. Formed by a volcanic eruption, the larger lake is notable for its great depth, steep crater walls, dark water and resident crocodiles. It is a prominent natural attraction near Ternate City, known for its dramatic landscape and associated local folklore.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a large, deep volcanic crater lake surrounded by steep, forested crater walls at the base of Mount Gamalama, about 10 km from central Ternate. The main viewpoint is from the crater rim looking down to the dark water surface. The smaller lake, Tolire Kecil, lies nearby closer to the coast. The site offers panoramic views, photo spots, small food stalls and a quiet natural setting with no direct lake access for swimming or boating.
Key highlights
- 01
Twin crater lakes - Tolire Besar (Large) and Tolire Kecil (Small) formed by Mount Gamalama eruption
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Steep crater walls rising around the deep, dark waters of Tolire Besar
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Resident crocodiles inhabiting Tolire Besar lake
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Panoramic views of Mount Gamalama and surrounding forest from the crater rim
- 05
Local folklore linking the lake's origin to a cursed village
History of Tolire Lake
Tolire Lake was formed by a volcanic eruption of Mount Gamalama that created a maar crater later filled with water. Tolire Besar is reported to be very deep and is considered a geological feature of Ternate's volcanic landscape.
Culture & Context
The lake is associated with local folklore in which a village was swallowed and became the lake as punishment for a father's misconduct, and the crocodiles in Tolire Besar are regarded by local belief as guardians of the lake.
Route
| By air | Fly to Sultan Babullah Airport in Ternate, then continue by road to Takome Village |
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