At one time, the two small islands of Ternate and Tidore, in the Maluku, were the world's only source of cloves.
Ternate Town, established by the Portuguese in 1521 and ruled in turn by the Spanish and Dutch, is dominated by the Dutch-era Fort Oranje. The ruins of a Portuguese fort are nearby. Don't miss the Sultan's palace (also known as the Keraton) or a ride around Ternate Island. Those in good shape will want to climb Gamalama Volcano in the center of the island.
Nearby Tidore Island has less to see but is still interesting because of the cloves, nutmeg and other spices that grow there. Tidore also has ruins of two old forts.
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