40th n TONGA

pimprezz1304:27 UTC21 Jan 2008

Kia Ora,

After asking questions on my previous thread about Accommodation, New Years, Dutyfree, etc in TONGA. Thought i'll just give a quick review of my trip. Arrived in TONGA on my birthday, going through Immigration & Customs at FAÁMOTU AIRPORT was quick & interesting.
FAB RENTALS owner Lee & Roger greeted us with our rental car, advised us on destinations to visit & driving tips. Driving along the road we were shocked to see lots of Pigs, piglets, dogs roosters, everywhere. Roadside local dairies, stalls even a Prison stall.

Stayed at NUKUMAÁNU COTTAGE (quiet side of Royal Palace) for our 1st night. Robina the owner is absolutely gorgeous & very helpful, escorted us to our 1bdrm self contained superior bungalow very clean, fresh with lovely artwork & furniture. Gardens well maintained.

We enjoyed walking, eating & shopping in Nukualofa Town, at the market, handicraft shops, restaurants, government buildings etc (didn't see any burnt buildings) Visiting some of the historical & cultural sites & buildings enlightened our knowledge of TONGA. Meeting the locals from different villages was hardcase. Driving from one destination to another seemed like forever allowance speed of 40km to 60km, avoiding potholes was a laugh.

We were prebooked for our 2nd night at Good Samaritan Inn, after checking this place out & the response i got on arrival, omfg we left immediately. Stayed at Otuhaka Beach Resort in a superior bungalow with private ensuite, clean & tidy. Nice garden with tropical trees, coral beach, good snorkelling, enjoyed playing pool, volleyball, table tennis etc, totally stoked to get a surf in. Didn't eat at their restaurant (had our own food) enjoyed the company of the resort keepers & owner Loni.

Our remaining 3 nights we stayed at Nukumaánu Cottage, cruised around Tongatapu, more shopping (buying unique gifts) eating at Two Sisters Restuarant, Pizza Bar, Chateau Icecream NZ, etc. Missed a daytrip to Pangaimotu Is & Fishing Tournament Comp due to weather. We also missed the Cultural dance & feast night at the National Tongan Centre due to cancellation.

Overall me & my family enjoyed our holiday experience. The Tongan People we met were very friendly, kind & helpful (especially the guys) My most exciting time was visiting NUKUALOFA LDS MORMON TEMPLE in Liahona on our last day in TONGA. We will definitey visit Tonga again to catch up with lifetime friends we made & visit other places we missed.

raro05:17 UTC21 Jan 2008

Glad to hear it was a good trip. FAB Rentals' Lee and Roger are great and very helpful, glad you mentioned them!

harry_mudd02:02 UTC22 Jan 2008

It's a great place, isn't it? ;-)

yardiegrrl22:05 UTC25 Jan 2008

can't find contact info for the cottage online. all the hits lead back to your post

pimprezz1307:14 UTC26 Jan 2008

Kia Ora Yardiegrrl,

Nukuma'anu Cottage won't be found in Lonely Planet, only under www.tongaholiday.com or type, name in search engine where you'll found what you require. I do have photos of cottage under Trip Advisor.

amaile08:26 UTC26 Jan 2008

Nukuma'anu Cottage site

40th n TONGA Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea / Tonga
pimprezz1304:27 UTC21 Jan 2008	Kia Ora, After asking questions on my previous thread about Accommodation, New Years, Dutyfree, etc in TONGA. Thought i'll just give a quick review of my trip. Arrived in TONGA on my birthday, going through Immigration & Customs at FAÁMOTU AIRPORT was quick & interesting. FAB RENTALS owner Lee & Roger greeted us with our rental car, advised us on destinations to visit & driving tips. Driving along the road we were shocked to see lots of Pigs, piglets, dogs roosters, everywhere. Roadside local dairies, stalls even a Prison stall. Stayed at NUKUMAÁNU COTTAGE (quiet side of Royal Palace) for our 1st night. Robina the owner is absolutely gorgeous & very helpful, escorted us to our 1bdrm self contained superior bungalow very clean, fresh with lovely artwork & furniture. Gardens well maintained. We enjoyed walking, eating & shopping in Nukualofa Town, at the market, handicraft shops, restaurants, government buildings etc (didn't see any burnt buildings) Visiting some of the historical & cultural sites & buildings enlightened our knowledge of TONGA. Meeting the locals from different villages was hardcase. Driving from one destination to another seemed like forever allowance speed of 40km to 60km, avoiding potholes was a laugh. We were prebooked for our 2nd night at Good Samaritan Inn, after checking this place out & the response i got on arrival, omfg we left immediately. Stayed at Otuhaka Beach Resort in a superior bungalow with private ensuite, clean & tidy. Nice garden with tropical trees, coral beach, good snorkelling, enjoyed playing pool, volleyball, table tennis etc, totally stoked to get a surf in. Didn't eat at their restaurant (had our own food) enjoyed the company of the resort keepers & owner Loni. Our remaining 3 nights we stayed at Nukumaánu Cottage, cruised around Tongatapu, more shopping (buying unique gifts) eating at Two Sisters Restuarant, Pizza Bar, Chateau Icecream NZ, etc. Missed a daytrip to Pangaimotu Is & Fishing Tournament Comp due to weather. We also missed the Cultural dance & feast night at the National Tongan Centre due to cancellation. Overall me & my family enjoyed our holiday experience. The Tongan People we met were very friendly, kind & helpful (especially the guys) My most exciting time was visiting NUKUALOFA LDS MORMON TEMPLE in Liahona on our last day in TONGA. We will definitey visit Tonga again to catch up with lifetime friends we made & visit other places we missed.
raro05:17 UTC21 Jan 2008	Glad to hear it was a good trip. FAB Rentals' Lee and Roger are great and very helpful, glad you mentioned them!	1
harry_mudd02:02 UTC22 Jan 2008	It's a great place, isn't it? ;-)	2
yardiegrrl22:05 UTC25 Jan 2008	can't find contact info for the cottage online. all the hits lead back to your post	3
pimprezz1307:14 UTC26 Jan 2008	Kia Ora Yardiegrrl, Nukuma'anu Cottage won't be found in Lonely Planet, only under www.tongaholiday.com or type, name in search engine where you'll found what you require. I do have photos of cottage under Trip Advisor.	4
amaile08:26 UTC26 Jan 2008	Nukuma'anu Cottage site	5