The town is predominantly Muslim with a large Christian minority and a Protestant Church has existed in Tobelo since at least 1924.

"[4] Initial reconciliation efforts at the district level worked for some time in preventing any clashes and assuage hurt feelings.

The religious violence, which simmered in January 1999 in Ambon culminated in rioting in Tobelo by end of December 1999.

This rioting was further triggered by the fleeing of several thousand Christians from Central Halmahera, and Tobelo had turned into a refugee camp.

[3] The Galela Districts with their own language are another area where remnants of strife (burnt out churches and mosques) between the religious groups are still seen with military checkposts established to prevent any further disturbances in the region.

[8] Tobelo's predominant Christian character is expressed colourfully at Christmas with bamboo poles arching over the side of the roads hung with lights and multi-coloured flags.

During the annual North Halmahera Cultural Festival the Tobelorese wear full traditional ceremonial dress.

[9] A wedding is typically accompanied by traditional Tobelorese music, played with gongs and drums and a Cakalele dance is usually performed in front of the bride as she approaches the groom.

[9] Around the time of New Year, Tobelo attracts a number of Yangere groups from all over North Halmahera and perform music and dances.

[10] Each year, in April, after the harvest season there is a practice of offering of plates of rice and certain items of basketry by the married women to the Church, duly observing conventional social norms.

This is also an occasion when women dressed in military uniform hold a parade through the village and enter houses demanding food and sweets.

The Kupa-Kupa beach is located about 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) from the town, near the oil terminal for the Pertamina company.

[9] Off the coast of Tobelo town is a group of small, coconut palm covered islands with golden sandy beaches.

Three programmes were launched for the period 2002–2005 envisaging an investment of US$19 million with the objective of: providing effective law enforcement, the rule of law and security; improve good governance in regional governments, local legislative bodies (DPRD), and the justice sector; improve policy formulation through increased participation of the public and ensure its implementation; resolve IDPs situations within a framework of building community resilience and social cohesion; and Develop the local economy and reduce unemployment through cross-community economic enterprises, skills training, start-up capital, and business opportunities.

The major attraction here is the broad spread of coral reefs, which are rich in marine life at a depth of 2–10 metres (6.6–32.8 ft).

[16][17] Kupakupa beach, 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) from the town, has huge banyan trees on its shores, which makes the waters in the sheltered location inside the bay ideal for watersports, such as swimming, canoeing and snorkelling.

[18] Telaga Paca is a small crater lake close to Tobelo town to the south – a few km off the main road.