Kora-Kora Festival

Festival Kora-Kora

View on map
MusicTernate/Tidore
DatesDates TBA · Usually DecemberCheck locally before booking
DurationWinterEstimate from available data
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forLive music, late nightsThe Kololi Kie opening ritual, a ceremonial
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: IDR
CategoryMusicFestival type
The story

Kora-Kora Festival in Ternate/Tidore

A June festival in Ternate City reviving the historic kora-kora war boats of the Ternate Sultanate through replica-boat rowing races, opened by the Kololi Kie ritual circling Mount Gamalama, with participation from Ternate, Tidore, and West Halmahera reflecting the historically close ties among North Maluku's spice-trading communities.

Kora-kora were the war and transport vessels of the historic Ternate Sultanate, and this June festival, based in Ternate city itself despite its regional name referencing Tidore as well, revives them through a rowing race using replica boats built to the traditional design.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

The Kololi Kie opening ritual, a ceremonial circumnavigation of the active volcano Mount Gamalama that dominates Ternate island, ties the festival's start to a specific geographic and spiritual landmark rather than a generic opening ceremony

02

The mystery stays covered

Its use of actual replica kora-kora vessels built to the historic Sultanate design, rather than generic racing boats, connects the sport directly to a documented royal naval tradition

03

The city starts moving

Ternate's city government explicitly promotes the event as part of a wider city branding effort tied to the island's identity as a historic spice port

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

a ceremonial circling of Mount Gamalama volcano

Water and renewal

Living ritual

opens the festival

The sacred route

Living ritual

followed by races using replica kora-kora vessels historically used by the Ternate Sultanate

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually December

Getting around

For Kora-Kora Festival, plan transport around the exact Ternate/Tidore venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.

What to wear

Casual clothing suited to outdoor coastal conditions; traditional dress is featured among performers rather than expected of attendees.

Safety

Keep phone power, water, and a clear meeting point sorted before the main crowd arrives.

Where to stay

For Kora-Kora Festival, stay near the part of Ternate/Tidore you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Tickets/cost

Ticketing varies by venue and stage. Confirm official passes before booking travel.

Language/currency

IDR

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map6.21 S, 106.85 EOpen in Google Maps

Ternate/Tidore, North Maluku, Indonesia

Nearest airportTTE — Sultan Babullah
TransportFor Kora-Kora Festival, plan transport around the exact Ternate/Tidore venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.
Stay areaFor Kora-Kora Festival, stay near the part of Ternate/Tidore you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Ternate/Tidore via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Ternate/Tidore, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for December.Compare faresFestival gearCasual clothing suited to outdoor coastal conditions; traditional dress is featured among performers rather than expected of attendees.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for Indonesia and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Kora-Kora Festival?

Kora-Kora Festival is listed for December · Winter. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Kora-Kora Festival take place?

The festival is listed in Ternate/Tidore, Indonesia. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

Winter is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Needs editorial review. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Ternate/Tidore, North Maluku, Indonesia

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLAwaiting confirmation
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually December
Source statusNeeds editorial review
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