Indonesia's spices have played a significant role in the nation's history, connecting the archipelago with the rest of the world for centuries. Driven by a commitment to preserving this remarkable heritage, Cengkeh Afo and Gamalama Spices (CAGS) presents the Afo Clove Gastronomy Tour, inviting visitors to discover the history, culture, and rich spice heritage of Ternate.
Cengkeh Afo, The Iconic Spice Heritage of North Maluku
As one of North Maluku's most iconic spices, cloves have played a central role in the history that earned Ternate the title of The Spice Island. For centuries, this valuable commodity has been more than an economic asset—it has connected the Indonesian archipelago with the wider world through the global spice trade.
In the heart of Ternate stands Cengkeh Afo, an ancient clove tree that remains a living witness to this remarkable history. Its presence serves as a reminder of a time when spices were among the world's most prized commodities.
Through the Afo Clove Gastronomy Tour, Cengkeh Afo and Gamalama Spices (CAGS) not only introduces visitors to the history of this legendary tree but also shares knowledge about clove cultivation, the cultural significance of spices, and the importance of preserving the bamboo forests that support the region's gastronomic ecosystem.
Afo Clove Gastronomy Tour: Discovering North Maluku's Culinary and Spice Heritage
The journey begins in Ternate with a visit to Cengkeh Afo, the legendary clove tree that witnessed the glory of the global spice trade. Visitors are welcomed with a soothing herbal drink while listening to stories about the spice routes that once made Ternate one of the world's most important trading centres.
The adventure continues with a light trek through the spice forest on the slopes of Mount Gamalama. Along the way, visitors can admire centuries-old clove trees while learning about the benefits and philosophy of various spices from a local guide.
The experience continues with an interactive culinary workshop showcasing the traditional use of North Maluku's spices. Visitors can learn to prepare spiced tea and coffee, make nutmeg syrup, and cook rimo-rimo, a traditional bamboo-cooked dish. The culinary experience is complemented by a variety of regional specialties, including spiced chicken, red grouper in yellow kenari sauce, smoked fish and vegetable stew, grilled fish with local spices, crispy garlic anchovies, steamed cassava, corn rice, sautéed papaya flowers, torch ginger sambal, and an assortment of traditional spice-infused desserts.
Before the journey concludes, visitors receive a small package of North Maluku's signature spice blends as a memorable keepsake. Through the Afo Clove Gastronomy Tour, every step becomes an opportunity to discover how a single ancient clove tree helped shape Indonesia's history, flavours, and cultural identity.
About Cengkeh Afo and Gamalama Spices (CAGS)
Cengkeh Afo and Gamalama Spices (CAGS) is a gastronomy-based tourism provider in Ternate that presents the Afo Clove Gastronomy Tour. The programme introduces visitors to North Maluku's spice heritage, local cuisine, and cultural traditions while supporting education, cultural preservation, and environmental conservation through sustainable tourism experiences.
Alamat: Cengkeh Afo Street, Rt 06/Rw 03, Tongole Urban Village, Ternate
Website: krisdaffa@gmail.com
Instagram: Cengkeh Afo/Gamalama Spices
