Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020 |

# Tonga June Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea / Tonga
christieande 09:18 UTC 21 Nov 2009 | Hello Where is the best accommodation option for Tonga? looking for budget accommodation on the beach. Planning to surf and dive and snorkel from the resort.is there any traditional fale type accommodation on the island? Thanks |
haroldinho 13:21 UTC 21 Nov 2009 | From what I've read so far (going to Tonga in 2,5 weeks time) for snorkling and diving you'd best fly North from Tongatapu, to either Ha'apai or Vava'u. | 1
finsnflukes 21:12 UTC 21 Nov 2009 | Hi christieande, if you are looking for gorgeous beaches without the crowds, then Ha'apai is certainly a good option. On Uoleva Island, there are three "resorts" two budget ones and one that is more expensive. I would definitely recommend Taiana´s Resort. It has the loveliest little beach huts - basic, but very clean, friendly hosts and good food. A single fale currently costs T$28, a double T$35 and they are equipped with mosquito nets and have beautiful Tongan tapa cloth on the walls. There is great snorkeling on their doorstep and you can also do diving, whale watching, island and snorkeling trips from there. There is a dive operator on the main island Lifuka that can take you to Uoleva and will you pick you up for activities from there free of charge. Hope this will help, enjoy! | 2
harry_mudd 00:27 UTC 23 Nov 2009 | yep, as above. forget the main island. There is Fafa, but budget it isn't. | 3
viladay 02:46 UTC 04 Mar 2010 | Hello! I personally love all of Tonga; Tongatapu, 'Eua, Vava'u, Ha'apai, Niuas - We really have an amazing country. It is true that the outer island have the most pristine and amazing beaches, etc. I always encourage visitors to see as much of Tonga as possible. If you can get out to the outer islands, that is awesome. However, the truth is not everyone has the budget to travel beyond Tongatapu. Also, Tongatapu has some amazing sights and activities and beautiful beaches, small islands, snorkeling, diving, etc. If you do end up on Tongatapu, here are some suggestions on having a fantastic & adventurous time. For kayaking, Fatai Kayak Adventures (Holonga Village, Eastern Tongatapu) offers tours or you can rent on your own. They also do guided tours to the outer islands of Tongatapu and include snorkeling. There is some amazing snorkeling on Pangaimotu Island (next to the shipwreck) and on Makaha'a Island (both destinations on their tours). Deep Blue Diving provides scuba diving both at the reefs of Tongatapu and at the infamous "cathedral" on 'Eua. They also do deep sea fishing tours, as well as a few operators (I believe on Royal Sunset, and maybe Fafa) also do fishing tours. 'Oholei has a great dinner show in a cave, as well as Liku'alofa & Vakaloa that also do dinner shows. Ha'atafu Beach has some great surf if you are looking to catch some waves (but at high tide since it is a reef break). Also, the Eastern side of Tongatapu has some really interesting historical landmarks. If you rent a car or a bicycle (if you enjoy long bicycle rides), the Ha'amonga, Langi (Ancient Tombs), Captain Cook's Landing, Nukuleka (cradle of Polynesia), and 'Anahula Cave are all on the Eastern side. Keleti Beach is a great place to have lunch or dinner while watching the waves break on the reef. Also, do not miss Hufangalupe Lookout. It is breathtaking at sunset. Take a bottle of wine and enjoy the sunset - it is an amazing place on Tongatapu that a lot of people forget about. The tricky part is there is only one sign in Vaini that points you towards Hufangalupe. When you make that turn, take the road all the way until it ends at the cliffs. On Sunday, make sure you go over to Pangaimotu (a fun locals hangout on Sunday) or Fafa (if you are looking for a more intimate setting) for a day trip. We have some amazing beaches on the Western side (Ha'atafu) and on the Eastern side (Hala Ika, Emeline, Finehika, Keleti, etc.) However, there are no road signs - just take a map and ask the local villagers and they will be happy to point you in the right direction. In terms of budget lodging, 'Otuhaka is on the beach, and Toni's Guesthouse provides budget backpacker lodging. If you get the chance, make friends with the locals - they will take you in as a member of their family. If you are lucky to see a Tongan wedding or funeral, you will really see the beauty of the Tonga extended family ties. In addition, attending a traditional kava ceremony, or trying out the nightlife with Tongan friends will really give you a genuine feel for what life is like here. Also, whether you are religious or not, attending a church service is also a great way to experience a part of Tonga - the singing is beautiful and most likely someone will invite you home for ths Sunday 'Umu (traditional Tongan cooking in a underground oven that is usually done with the extended family on a Sunday). Anyways, hope this helps and have a fantastic trip! Tonga is amazing, I do hope you come and experience it first hand. Cheers! | 4
harry_mudd 04:36 UTC 04 Mar 2010 | paragraphs will make it easier to read. | 5
straddie 02:14 UTC 12 May 2010 | i wouldn't bother coming to tonga for surfing, though it gets good when the conditions are right. come for relaxing, swimming, snorkelling, culture, beachcombing. i've met too many surfers who have stayed in certain places in tonga for 1 or 2 week surf holidays and were angry because there was no worthwhile surf whilst they were here. | 6