Kie Matubu Peak

Piercing the Clouds at Kie Matubu Peak: North Maluku's Highest Crown

Standing majestically in the heart of Tidore Island, Kie Matubu Peak is not just the highest geographical point in North Maluku, but a symbol of natural grandeur that blends local spirituality with dramatic volcanic beauty. With an altitude reaching 1,730 meters above sea level (mdpl), this conical volcano offers a 360-degree panorama encompassing the legendary island clusters of the Spice Islands.

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Kie Matubu's Volcanic and Geological Splendor

Geologically, Kie Matubu is a stratovolcano that dominates the morphology of Tidore Island. The name "Kie Matubu" itself in the local language means "Great Mountain" or "Mother Mountain." Its symmetrical physical characteristics make it one of the most striking visual icons in the North Maluku region. Its steep slopes are covered by vegetation that changes with increasing altitude, creating an ecosystem zonation that is fascinating for researchers and nature lovers.

Unlike other active volcanoes in Indonesia with large open craters and high volcanic activity, Kie Matubu is currently in a dormant phase, providing a sense of security for climbers to explore up to its summit crater, which is now filled with green vegetation. Andesite rocks and traces of ancient lava flows can be found along the hiking trails, narrating the island's formation history millions of years ago.

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Rich Biodiversity and Rainforest Ecosystem

Climbing Kie Matubu is a journey through various layers of life. At the foot of the mountain, visitors are greeted by local plantations dominated by fragrant clove and nutmeg trees—commodities that once triggered ocean exploration by Europeans. As you ascend, these production forests give way to a humid and dense mountain rainforest.

The ecosystem at Kie Matubu Peak is home to endemic flora and fauna of Wallacea. Lucky climbers may hear the calls of the White Cockatoo (Cacatua alba) or catch a glimpse of the Red Lory (Lorius garrulus) with its fiery red plumage. In the sub-alpine zone near the summit, trees tend to shrink and become covered in thick moss due to the high humidity from the frequent mist that shrouds the mountain. Wild forest orchids are also often found hiding behind the trees, adding to the botanical richness of this destination.

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Hiking Experience and Outdoor Activities

The main activity at Kie Matubu is, of course, hiking. There are several trails, but the most popular one starts from Gurabunga Village. Gurabunga itself is a unique village, situated at an altitude of about 800 mdpl, where the air temperature is cool and clouds are often at the same level as the residents' terraces.

The journey from Gurabunga to the summit takes approximately 3 to 5 hours, depending on the climber's fitness. The trail is quite challenging with a consistent incline, but the exhaustion will be amply rewarded upon reaching the peak. From the top, visitors can enjoy spectacular views: to the north lies Mount Gamalama on Ternate Island, to the south are Mare and Moti Islands, while in the distance, the large landmass of Halmahera Island is visible.

The most sought-after moment is the sunrise. Many climbers choose to camp near the summit to witness the "Sea of Clouds" phenomenon, where the entire city below is covered in thick white mist, leaving only the mountain peaks emerging like islands in a sea of clouds.

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Best Time to Visit

The best time to conquer Kie Matubu is during the dry season, which typically falls between June and September. During this period, the hiking trails are generally drier and less slippery, and the chances of getting a clear sky without mist at the summit are much higher. Conversely, during the rainy season (December - March), climbing is strongly discouraged because the very steep trails become dangerous and visibility at the summit is often completely obscured by dense fog.

Advice for climbers is to start the journey from Gurabunga in the early morning around 02:00 WIT if aiming to catch the sunrise without staying overnight, or to start hiking in the afternoon if planning to camp.

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Facilities and Accessibility

Access to Kie Matubu Peak begins from Tidore City (Soasio). Visitors can use local transportation to reach Gurabunga Village. In Gurabunga, facilities for tourists are quite adequate, ranging from the availability of local guides (highly recommended for safety) to accommodation in the form of homestays in the homes of friendly local residents.

The summit area itself is a natural area with minimal man-made facilities to preserve the ecosystem's authenticity. There are no water sources on the hiking trail after passing the boundary of the villagers' plantations, so climbers must bring sufficient water supplies from the village.

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Conservation Efforts and Local Wisdom

The people of Tidore, especially the residents of Gurabunga, have a strong spiritual connection with Kie Matubu Peak. The mountain is considered sacred, so there are customary norms that every visitor must adhere to, such as the prohibition of harsh language or damaging plants.

Environmental preservation awareness is increasing among the local nature lover community. Conservation efforts are focused on the "Bring Your Trash Down" campaign, where every climber is required to bring back their plastic waste. Protection of endemic birds is also continuously promoted so that Kie Matubu remains the last refuge for North Maluku's biodiversity amidst the threats of climate change and land clearing.

Kie Matubu Peak is not just a physical tourist destination, but an inner journey that connects humans with the purity of North Maluku's nature. Standing at its highest point provides a new perspective on how small humans are in the face of God's magnificent creation in the eastern horizon of Indonesia.