Time Stands Still on the “Island of Flowers”

Kompas/Agus Susanto

Tourists enjoy the panoramic view of Bajawa from Ngada regency, East Nusa Tenggara, Friday (4/8). Bajawa is a transit stop for tourists traveling in Flores.

Leandro van Hoop sighed as he arrived at Hotel Korina. He had gone to three other hotels in Bajawa, Ngada regency, East Nusa Tenggara, that Friday (4/8/2017) afternoon. Unfortunately for him, all accommodation in the remote district on Flores Island had been fully booked by foreign travelers.

At Hotel Korina, Leandro finally found a triple room available. He immediately booked and paid for it. “We tried booking a room through websites, but nothing was available. That is why we are going from hotel to hotel to find a room,” he said in English with a Spanish accent.