Backpacker in Tonga

Hi there

I am going to Tonga as part of my NZ and Oz trip in Nov/Dec. I only have 7 nights there so would be grateful if someone would be so kind to share any good ideas of what to see and do there. I have ordered a copy of the lonely planet guide but just could not wait for it to arrive.

Need ideas of decent cheap accommodation, good beach, good activities, how t oget around, what to see and do and of course what not to do and where not to go.

I know that in some of the pacific islands you need to prebook all accommodation, is that the case for Tonga too?

Also, as I have never been in this part of the world before, is it safe-ish (I mean where can anyone say it is completely safe these days?) to be a girl on her own?

Really, any info at all is soooo welcome!!!

Many millions of thanks

Sus

I highly recomend you stay at Tonis guest house. Its cheap and nice enough. His tours are great and they will drive you where ever you need to go. Its not that exciting to spend a week on the main island. You could take a flight to vava'u for a few days. Or the ferry or plane to 'eua. Can you spend longer there? You need atleast 2 weeks and good planning to see 'it all'. Tonga is very relaxed. Lots of things only happen weekly. Nothing happens sunday. Safety is not too much of a worry. People are lovely and friendly and don't try to rip you off. Its an awesome country.

Thanks mate. Unfortunately I only have a week and it is a bit poo. Have added too many stops to my trip but have been thinking that all the places I get a flavour for I can always return to so plan to cram in as much as possible and then rest in the places where I have a bit longer. Am not really after meeting other travellers too much but want to see the "real" life of the places where I go. But will of course enjoy meeting others too!!!

Thanks again!!

Sus

Late November is the time for school graduation ceremonies. Also during the long X'mas holiday, which may begin immediately after graduation and end at the end of January, there are many Tongans coming back to Tonga. Thursdays in December is the busiest time for a marriage officer in Tonga, because overseas relatives are back to attend weddings. Go visit the area between the Talamahu market and the Vuna road on Thursday morning. You will get to see Tongans dressed up in their traditional wedding attire (not only the newly wed, but their relatives as well). If you bump into friendly relatives, you may get invited to their wedding feast.

Just ask around the locals for graduation and wedding taking place while you are in Tonga.

Enjoy your stay in Tonga.

If you have a week I would definitely try to get up to either Ha'apai or Vava'u - we spent a week in Ha'apai at Matafonua lodge and it was absolutely fantastic - Great snorkelling and beaches and Sally and Dave (the hosts) are great. We only spent about 6 hours on Tongatapu - saw the blowholes, walked around the town and were happy with our choice to spend all our time up north. I was with my boyfriend but would have felt pretty safe on my own - would not have been walking around at night in Nukualofa by myself though.

I'm a woman and I felt perfectly safe walking around Nukualofa by myself at night.