I Shall Return Promise of General Mc Arthur. Morotai is the northernmost island in Maluku, just off the northern tip of Halmahera.It is famous as the important base in WW II, from where Mac Arthur launched has assault against the Japanese to liberate the Philippines.In July 1944, General Douglas MacArthur, the commander of the South West Pacific Area, selected Morotai as the location for air bases and naval facilities needed to support the liberation of Mindanao, which at the time was planned for November 15. While Morotai was undeveloped, it was preferred over Halmahera as the larger and significantly better-defended island was judged too difficult to capture and secure. The occupation of Morotai was designated Operation Tradewind. The landing was scheduled to take place on September 15, 1944, the same day as the 1st Marine Division's landing at Peleliu. This schedule allowed the main body of the United States Pacific Fleet to simultaneously protect both operations from potential Japanese counter-attacks.Unfortunately there is little left to see from this period - the once plentiful war relics (guns and machinery) have now mostly been sold for scrap metal. Nor is the most accessible and visited southern area of the island of much cultural or natural interest: most locals are Galelarese and Tobelorese as in North Halmahera. with a sprinkling of Sangirese and Butonese migrants, and the forests of the hilly interior have been extensively logged. Probably the most obvious attractions around here are some fine beaches, especially those on the little islands off Daruba, Morotai's major town.For those having the time and adventurous spirit to head to the mostly roadless North of Morotai, the island has more to offer though. Up there, there is more exciting scenery with some fine stands of forest, the traditional Galelarese culture seems to have been better preserved than anywhere else, and there are even some "secret" surfing-spots awaiting those who are persistent (or lucky?) enough to first find out about, and then reach them!
Read: Guide Book to Sail Morotai 2012