Kao region which is located on Kao bay, does not only store a lot of relics of World War II, but it also has white sandy beaches and beautiful islands. Kao is the main entrance of air transport in North Halmahera. Kao Tribe is the indigenous people of this region, who speak Pagu and Modole. Kao is in the region of North Halmahera, North Maluku province.
The history of Kao during World War II
Between 1942-1945, Kao region was a stronghold for thousands of Japanese soldiers. In fact, after the defeat of Japan in New Guinea, Japanese forces retreated to consolidate here. Japan eventually put as many as 42,000 soldiers in Kao and a number of 20,000 in the inner bay. With a little joke, Kao at that time even touted as "Small Tokyo" or "The Second Tokyo".
There were about 300 Japanese bombers stationed on the runway that was built slightly outside Kao and protected by more than 60 heavyweight anti-aircraft cannons, lots of lighting and a number of car units. The local elders who still remember the war said, at that time there were so many boats parked in the waters of Kao.
Japan enjoyed a good life in Kao until the end of the war was near. More than 100 female slaves, from Hong Kong, Singapore, China, Java and Manado, were placed in the special "entertainment barracks ". Until finally Gen. Douglas MacArthur, who then chose Morotai as a stepping stone for the Allied forces, successfully made the Allies turned to outperform the Japanese air force installation in Kao and destroyed them quickly.
Although most of the war relics have been taken or lost, four heavyweight anti-aircraft cannons can still be found in the position heading to the sky, intended to protect the west side of the location where the Japanese air base was built. In 1986, a small area of the multi-runway was reconditioned and renamed as Kuabang Kao, by the name of a local hero- anti Netherlands colonialism. (Source: buku Maluku, Indonesian Spice Islands, Periplus 1997)
Here are some attractions in Kao region:
1. Sosol Beach
Sosol beach has a calm sea currents, and when the water recedes, the coastal areas will be very broad. You can find a Tosimaru shipwreck, a Japanese relic during World War II, which foundered as a result of the Allied bombing. You can use mikrolet (minibus) to this location, with Destination: Kao, departing from Wosia station (Tobelo city) with a distance of about 98 km, and then stop at Sosol Village (Malifut). Next, you can continue by walking to the beach for approximately 5 minutes.
2. Bunker and Cannons in Kao
At Kuabang Kao airport, there is a bunker and four pieces of cannon. The two rooms bunker with about 15 meter-length tunnel is located near the airport terminal building. Kuabang runway itself is a cornerstone of Japanese heritage which is currently used to serve commercial flights. You can use mikrolet (minibus) to this location, with Destination: Kao, departing from Wosia station (Tobelo city), and stop at Kuabang Airport. Remember, you must get permission from the airport authorities to visit this site because it is located in the airport area.
3. Bobale Island
Bobale Island has fine white sand and charming sea shades which becomes a destination for divers. This island is also known as pearl producer. Read More >>
4. Gamlaha Beach
Fine white sand and calm sea currents in a beautiful nature are the hallmarks of Gamlaha. From this beach, you can enjoy the view of Bobale Island which is located right in front of it. The beach is located in Gamlaha Village, about 65 km overland. From the main road to the beach, the location is approximately 500 m.
There are only a few accommodation in Kao, compared to Tobelo. Some of them are:
1. Penginapan Dirgahayu, in Minahasa architecture. Jl. Trans Halmahera. Kao. Halmahera Utara. Mobile: 082291200741.
2. Modole Indah. Jl. Tamini (Pasar Lama). Mobile: 081340378812.
3. Citra Malifut, in Soma Village, Malifut. Mobile: 081244928777.
Restaurants
In Kao, there are two restaurants, located on old market area and next to a mosque. Daru Village which is located on the north of Kao also has several warung and restaurants around the harbor. The dishes available are mostly Javanese cuisine. While in Malifut and Dum-dum area, there are several restaurants that usually become places for cars with track Tobelo - Sofifi.
Banks
The only banks in Kao till now are BRI and BPD Maluku. Both are located on Jl. Trans Halmahera, which also equipped with ATM.
1. Penginapan Dirgahayu, in Minahasa architecture. Jl. Trans Halmahera. Kao. Halmahera Utara. Mobile: 082291200741.
2. Modole Indah. Jl. Tamini (Pasar Lama). Mobile: 081340378812.
3. Citra Malifut, in Soma Village, Malifut. Mobile: 081244928777.
Restaurants
In Kao, there are two restaurants, located on old market area and next to a mosque. Daru Village which is located on the north of Kao also has several warung and restaurants around the harbor. The dishes available are mostly Javanese cuisine. While in Malifut and Dum-dum area, there are several restaurants that usually become places for cars with track Tobelo - Sofifi.
Banks
The only banks in Kao till now are BRI and BPD Maluku. Both are located on Jl. Trans Halmahera, which also equipped with ATM.
Transportation
To reach Kao, You can use public transportation such as mikrolet (microbus) from Wosia station (Tobelo city) which serves Tobelo-Kao, for about 1.5 hours. Whereas, to reach remote areas in West Kao, such as Tolabit, Toliwang, Ngoali and Sasur, you can use Damri bus owned by the government at the same station. While in Kao people usually use ojek (motorcycle taxi) or mikrolet (minibus) for a short distance.
Source: Pemda Halmahera Utara
To reach Kao, You can use public transportation such as mikrolet (microbus) from Wosia station (Tobelo city) which serves Tobelo-Kao, for about 1.5 hours. Whereas, to reach remote areas in West Kao, such as Tolabit, Toliwang, Ngoali and Sasur, you can use Damri bus owned by the government at the same station. While in Kao people usually use ojek (motorcycle taxi) or mikrolet (minibus) for a short distance.
Source: Pemda Halmahera Utara
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