The best hotel in Soa Sua (Tidore)

North Maluku, Indonesia

Fuji S2 digital, Nikon 12-24

Actually a very nice place, with some rooms overlooking the water and the coast of Halmahera, and run by a delightful Tidorese woman.

The town of Soa Sua was surprisingly prosperous in appearance, with many substantial houses brightly painted in a riot of colors.

I couldn't figure out where the money comes from - the population of Soa Sua is at last several thousand people. There is some agriculture (coconuts, sugar cane, and cloves and other spices are still grown), but it doesn't seem enough.

Part of the answer appears to be government work. A number of government offices for different parts of Halmahera are actually located here, where there is at least minimal communications and other infrastructure.