Tolire Beser Tolire Kecil

Ternate Island is an island that is not only rich in spices, but also folklore and traditions
passed down from generation to generation. One of the Ternate folk tales that has become a
legend and is remembered to this day is the story of the origins of Lake Tolire. Mystical nuances
mixed with emotion color this classic Ternate folk tale. Uniquely, we can still see the places that
are part of this story today.
There is a story of a father who had intimate relations with his daughter until she became
pregnant. In fact, it is said that his father was the leader of a village located at the foot of Mount
Gamalama and was quite respected by his residents. After this embarrassing relationship was
discovered by the villagers, the father and daughter received social punishment by being expelled
from the village where they were. In a very embarrassed condition, the father and daughter left
the village where they lived. But before they had time to leave, a powerful earthquake struck the
village. Some residents believed that the earthquake was a punishment from the Almighty
because of the immoral acts between the father and his daughter. The village was shaken with
the ground cracking, water appeared and drowned the entire village and its inhabitants into the
earth. Eventually the village became a giant lake known as Lake Tolire Besar.

This curse did not stop here, the Princess, who knew the disaster was coming, had time to
escape to the edge of the sea coast. However, the earthquake curse still occurred and hit the land
where the princess stood. The disaster that occurred in their village occurred again and created
another, smaller lake known as Lake Tolire Kecil. Until now, the people of Ternate still believe
in this legendary story and consider Lake Tolire Besar as a symbol of their cursed father and
Lake Tolire Kecil as a symbol of the existence of their father's daughter.
 This heartbreaking story also happened to the residents of the village. They were also
affected by the sins of the father and daughter and the Almighty cursed them all to become white
crocodiles who guard Lake Tolire Besar, which was originally their village. This story is
believed to be just a legend, but according to local residents, many tourists and local residents
have seen the white crocodiles guarding Lake Tolire Besar with their own eyes. Regarding this
curse, local residents also believe that no one can throw a stone into the middle of the lake.
Various stories related to this legend are a special attraction for tourists who visit Tolire
Lake. In fact, food sellers in the Tolire Lake tourist attraction complex can sell pebbles to prove
that no one can throw stones into the middle of the lake. Strangely, until now no one has been
able to throw a stone into the middle of the lake. Usually, no matter how far you throw it, it will
only end up on the edge of the lake, or back to the cliff where you stand.
Despite this heartbreaking legend, Lake Tolire is still a very enchanting lake. The five
hectare expanse of the lake with a depth of up to fifty meters is an attraction for tourists. Not
only that, when the afternoon approaches, both the Big and Small Tolire Lakes will be the
perfect place to enjoy the sunset with a beautiful blue sea as a backdrop. Local residents also take
advantage of this situation to trade, usually fried bananas and young coconuts are the mainstay of
food sold to tourists while they enjoy relaxing time on Lake Tolire