Mount Gamalama is a conical volcano that dominates the entire island of Ternate in the Maluku Archipelago, Indonesia.
Located on the western coast of Halmahera Island, this mountain is not only a natural icon that offers breathtaking beauty, but it also holds a wealth of history and rich traditions.
Also Read
Interesting Facts About Mount Gamalama
Here are some fascinating facts about Mount Gamalama worth knowing:
1. The First Recorded Eruption in 1538
Mount Gamalama has erupted more than 60 times since its first recorded eruption in 1538.
At least four major eruptions have resulted in casualties, the most severe occurring in 1775. That eruption destroyed the village of Soela Takomi and claimed 141 lives.
It also led to the formation of two famous lakes in Ternate: Great Tolire Lake and Small Tolire Lake.
Other eruptions occurred in 2003 and 2011, with volcanic ash forcing locals to evacuate.
Although not as catastrophic as previous eruptions, these events show that Mount Gamalama remains active and poses ongoing risks.
2. A Mountain That Never Stops Moving
The constant volcanic activity of Mount Gamalama has inspired a unique tradition among the people of Ternate called Kololi Kie.
This is an annual ritual where the community circles the mountain, visiting sacred sites, including ancestral graves.
The ritual is a form of respect and a plea for the mountain not to erupt and bring disaster.
Despite the mountain’s activity, life around it continues, and Ternate’s population keeps growing, even though the volcano remains active.
3. The Name “Gamalama” Means “Great Land”
The name Gamalama comes from the local language “Kie Gam Lamo,” which means “Great Land.”
This name reflects the dominance of the mountain, which covers almost the entire island of Ternate, leaving only a small amount of space along the coast and lower slopes for settlements and plantations.
Like other mountains in the Maluku region, Mount Gamalama is the center of life and a spiritual symbol for the local people.
4. The 1770 Eruption Created Great Tolire Lake
The major eruption in the 1770s created one of Ternate’s famous natural landmarks, Great Tolire Lake. This crater lake formed on the mountain’s northwest side and has become a popular tourist destination for both local and international visitors. The 2015 eruption also reshaped the cone of the mountain, creating a large crater that is often explored by hikers.
5. Climbing Routes to Mount Gamalama
For hikers, Mount Gamalama offers two main routes: one from Marikurubu (around 275 meters above sea level) and one from Moya (around 345 meters above sea level).
The route from Marikurubu is steeper and more dangerous, while the Moya route is more stable, offering scenic views of clove, nutmeg, durian, and cinnamon plantations along the way.
Both routes converge at a campsite known as Terminal (1,343 meters above sea level), where hikers can rest before continuing to higher points.
The final climb from Terminal to the sacred site on Mount Gamalama takes about an hour, with increasingly challenging terrain. Hikers will pass steep ravines before reaching the summit.
6. The Sacred Site on Mount Gamalama
Mount Gamalama, like many mountains in Halmahera, has a sacred site revered by the local community.
The people still hold on to animistic traditions, viewing certain areas of the mountain as holy.
Hikers are forbidden from relieving themselves or acting disrespectfully in these areas. The sacred site is located in a grassy area offering the first spectacular view of the mountain’s cone.
From here, hikers can also see several graves believed to be the resting places of former sultans.
On clear days, the summit offers extraordinary views of surrounding mountains, including Kie Matubu in Tidore and Jailolo in Halmahera.
Mount Gamalama is not only an active volcano that dominates the island of Ternate, but it also serves as a symbol of culture, history, and spirituality for the people of North Maluku.
From the major eruption that created Tolire Lake to the deeply rooted Kololi Kie tradition, this mountain offers much more than a typical nature hike.
The allure of Mount Gamalama lies in its combination of stunning natural beauty, legendary tales, and its connection to the daily lives of the local people.
If you plan to visit Ternate, climbing Mount Gamalama can be an unforgettable experience, where nature, history, and culture come together in perfect harmony.
