"The Island Kingdom of Tonga" a Tonga Travel Page by wcph

Some information:

Area: 748 sq km

Best time to go: during the dry season between May and October

Capital: Nuku'alofa

Currency: Tonga Pa'anga (TOP)

Independence: 4 June 1970 (from UK protectorate)

Languages: Tongan, English

Location: Oceania, archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean, about two-thirds of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand

Religions: Christian

Visas: not required

Arrival & Departure: Fua'amotu airport is 15km southeast of Nuku'alofa. You can take a taxi (T$25-30) or shuttle bus (T$10) to your hotel. There was a departure tax of T$25 (not included in ticket).

The sights:

Tongatapu is the main island in Tonga. The following is a round island tour that I did (approximately 7 hours duration) by hiring a taxi from Nuku'alofa:

Lapaha Terraced Tombs - site of 28 ancient langi or burial tombs (photo in album)

Ha'amonga'a Maui Trilithon - constructed in the 13th century (photo on the left)

Fua'amotu Beach

Hufangalupe Natural Bridge

Mapu'a 'a Vaca Blowholes (photo in album)

Beach at Good Samaritan Inn (photo above)

My impressions:

The archaeological sites of Lapaha and Ha'amonga'a were interesting and the Mapu'a 'a Vaca blowholes should not be missed. Unlike Samoa, beaches here are public and free but not as spectacular.

People were friendly and I felt very safe there. There were very few tourists.

I stayed at Black Pearl Suites (photo in album) on Vuna Road which opened in 2004. The rooms were comfortable and clean. I would like to recommend Friends Cafe, it was clean and the food was good. You can also use the internet there (T$1.50 for 15 mins).

Costs mentioned above are current as of October 2005.