Indonesia -- Glimpses of Jailolo on West Halmahera

Jailolo, on the western side of Halmehera Island, Indonesia, is a very clean and pleasant rural area that's only 17 sea miles from the bustling, gateway city of Ternate. It has a small port with plenty of ferry and speed boat traffic from Ternate and other nearby communities. The town is neat and tidy, the houses brightly painted, and the area full of fruit trees of every sort, and fertile vegetable gardens. It's a refreshing change from the crowded, dirty, noisy city. The Culture and Tourism Office of Jailolo provided us a car, driver, and English-speaking guides to show us these glimpses of Jailolo town and surrounding areas: nutmeg/clove plantations, traditional meeting houses, sea views, local life, traditional craft and lore, including the traditional dish "Popeda" made from the starch of the local Sago Palm. The highlight was visiting a hot springs area, and from there, taking a local canoe down the river, all the way to the sea and to a beach strewn with stones that float and views of the majestic volcanoes from which the stones came. We also got to see the residence of the "Bupati", the highest man in the local government. Jailolo is reportedly the place to be in mid-May for the annual Festival Teluk Jailolo. Each year there are colorful costumes, dance, and a number of sea activities, both traditional and modern. We thank the Bupati for his welcome, and the Culture and Tourism Office of West Halmehara for receiving us on such short notice and showing us the highlights of Jailolo. Filmed in December 2012.