Budget Beach Accomodation

We're stopping in Tonga for a week on our round-the-world-trip and wondered if there was any decent budget accomodation options, ideally on west coast beaches. Everything we've seen so far is on the pricey side. We're looking for U.S.$20/night max. Is that possible?
Cheers,
Ed&Sofie

Hi Ed and Sofie,

if you are willing to hop on a plane and travel to another island group (which I would highly recommend), then Ha'apai has exactly what you are looking for: Taiana´s Resort on Uoleva Island is situated on the most beautiful beach with little beachfront fales for around US$20 for a double. Very basic, but very clean, hardly any tourists, running water and Kalafi and Taiana are awesome hosts. There´s no power on the island, no cars, noise or hectic, just laid back South Pacific atmosphere. If you are interested, you can check out some online reviews on Trip Advisor: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g317041-d1135198-Reviews-Taiana_s_Resort-Ha_apai.html

Thanks for that info. Is there any surf on Ha'apai? How much are the flights?
Thanks
Ed

Oh, we just checked the flights and once we've bought them it makes the week expensive again, even though the accommodation looks great! I think we have to stay on Tonga to make it affordable....

If you´re interested in surf, then you should have a look at Ha'atafu Beach Resort on the north western tip of Tongatapu. You can surf there and I think they also do surfing lessons.

Surfing opportunities in Ha'apai are limited without lengthy boat travel.

There is one reef break off the south point of Uoleva but its pretty gnarly as far as I've heard. If you need more info on it contact Sam Judd from http://www.sustainablecoastlines.co.nz, he surfed it last year.

Cheers.

Hi there! Glad to hear you will be visiting our great Kingdom! Regarding your request for budget travel on the beach, there are several options:

• 'Otuhaka (on the Western Coast), I have heard this is one of the cheaper options
• Vakaloa, Liku'alofa, Blue Banana Guest House (A little more expensive, but all on the beach as well)
• Ha'atafu Beach Resort (if you love to surf, this is heaven - Steve takes his groups out to some amazing breaks)
  On the Eastern side there is:
• Keleti Beach Resort (beautiful view of the waves breaking on the reef)
• 'Oholei (although check on this one - their dance shows are running, but not sure about the accommodation)
• And for activities, there is Fatai Kayak Adventures in Holonga Village.

These properties are all on the water - but there is more budget accommodation in town and in some of the villages. A great resource for where to stay (contact info), things to do, visit and see (in addition to the wonderful Lonely Planet) is the Jason's Tonga Guide Booklet - free in the N.Z. airport, if you are coming through there. It also has a map and can be useful during your stay here in Tonga. You can also check out these websites for more information about visiting Tonga:

www.thekingdomoftonga.com

www.tongaholiday.com

Hope you have a fantastic time in Tonga! It is an amazing place to live, and we are happy that you are coming to visit!

Cheers!

you coukld stay at , say nerima lodge, and have them drive you to the beaches. http://www.maca.to/english/index.html

At US$20 per day, its slim pickings.

I agree with finsnflukes. Jump on the plane to Ha'apai and then take the boat to Uoleva.
There is another budgetoption there next to Taianas with slightly more rustic huts named Captain Cook's. We stayed there for five nights in februar and paid 30 pa'anga(12 Euro)/night. They serve great food! Remember to stock up with beers at Mariner's Cafe' on Lifuka before you leave for Uoleva.
Captain cook will let you have'm in his fridge but they will smell fish......
Fantastic deserted beaches around the island. As made for some rumpypumpy in the sand.....

i would go to Uoleva in Ha'apai. For US$20 or less on the beach in western Tongatapu you'll be sleeping in the toilet block, or providing sexual favors to the proprietor. Surfing in Tonga is not consistent (lack of swell and / or onshore), so bring your board if you wish, but you may not get to use it. If you stay for a month you should get some waves, but if you just have 1 week you'll be lucky to get something.

First let me say that I love Haapai and if you can afford to go there, please do. It is absolutely beautiful. The more of Tonga that you can see, the better. Every island has its charm and unique beauty. Having said that, I live on Tongatapu and surf Haatafu and I have never been dissapointed. The waves are great. Steve, the owner of Haatafu Beach, has been living and surfing Tonga for over 25 years (or more) and he provides an amazing surf program, taking people out to some amazing breaks (or you can just surf at Haatafu, as I do with my family). Sven, the owner of Heilala Lodge, has been operating for many years and provides a very hospitable & personal experience. Vakaloa also has some great owners who take great pride in their guests. Likewise to Blue Banana, Likualofa, etc, etc. There are many places to stay on the Western side that will provide you with a wonderful stay. I love all of Tonga, so it makes me happy to see people interested in exploring more of our great country. And if your budget limits you just to Tongatapu, you will still have an amazing time. But you will definitely have to come back and see more! That is what makes us so great, there is so much to see, Tongatapu, Eua, Haapai, Vava`u, Niuas...... Have a great time! Cheers!