Pulau Morotai is a medium-sized island in the north of the North Maluku Province, northeastern Indonesia. It sits in the Halmahera group of islands and is known for the famous battle here between the Allies and Japan in WWII and for wreck diving.
Pulau Morotai is one of Indonesia’s most northerly islands and is split into five regencies. The Japanese captured the island in 1942, while the southern part of the island was taken by the Americans and later used for Allied invasions of the region. Wrecks of vehicles and aircraft can be seen strewn about as well as just offshore, now harboring underwater life.
There are many coral reefs around the coasts of Pulau Morotai, with several villages provide access to nice beaches. These include Berebere, Wayabula, Busus-busu, Sangowo, and Daruba. The number one dive site in Pulau Morotai is off Lapas Pante Beach and has depths of 10m, 40m, and up to 60m. The sheer variety and color of coral and marine life here is staggering.
Getting There & Away
Morotai Island Airport is the fastest way into Pulau Morotai; a small airport with a large runway that was formerly used by US military planes. Twin Otter aircraft fly in from Ternate (200kms to the southwest), which receives flights from Ambon and Makassar, the nearest main airport (3 hours) with connections to Jakarta.