HELP!

Hi, I've always wanted to go to Tonga & I spontaneously booked flights this morning on the internet when I saw a good deal. So, I leave in about 10 days - flying from NZ into Nuku'alofa (sorry about spelling!!). I thought it would be like many other places that I've travelled where you hop off the plane & start planning your trip - but the more I read the more I think I was wrong!! Please help!! Luckily I'm from NZ & I read that we don't need VISA - so thats one thing i my favour!!

I'm only in Tonga for a week so I think I'm going to need to plan my trip first, if possible....I'm travelling alone so I want to feel safe. I fly in at 1am so I'm hoping it won't be a problem to book a nights accom in Nuku'alofa & get a transfer to my hotel?? Any ideas?

I was originally planning/hoping to just stay on the mainland & swim/snorkel/chill out etc although after reading through others comments this doesn't sound like a good plan. So, any ideas por a cheap, safe place to stay where I can easily swim & snorkel??

Thanks so much - I appreciate any advice I get
Suzy

Nuku'alofa is about a 35-40min drive from the airport. You should probably book a place in advance that can also arrange the transfer on arrival.
Off the main island, Pangiamotu is the only islet in the budget/moderate category.

Ha'apai apparently has the best snorkeling, tho I didn't stop there for long. Vavau is very nice, but all the good snorkeling is off the main island and requires a boat ride, which can cost a bit of $$$.

Check Airlines Tonga site for airfares to Ha'apai and Vava'u to see if they are acceptable for your budget:

Airlines Tonga

If you can go to Ha'apai, the best snorkelling with cheap basic accomodation will be at Taiana's on 'Uoleva.

I can help you to book with them (they are on an island without electricity, so I will get in touch with their relatives in Lifuka), as well as a night in Tongatapu with airport pick-up.

If you will just stay in Tongatapu, I would also suggest Pangaimotu, as Raro said above. If that the case, I will contact them for vacancy and the rate, and at the same time, a night in Nuku'alofa with airport pick-up.

Cheers,

I agree that Pangaimotu Island Resort is probably the best choice for cheap accommodation on the beach in the Tongatapu Island group! We did a couple of daytrips there during our recent visit and it was really good fun!

You can however also stay on the main Island of Tongatapu and do daytrips to Pangaimotu and other beaches. This would give you the freedom to also enjoy the activities on Tongatapu. For example; go the dinner show at the Tongan Cultural Centre on Thursday night, join in on an Island Tour and/or rent a car for a day etc. etc.!

Hope this may help!

Steve

I'd do what Amaile says: spend the first night in Nuku'alofa, then fly to Pangai - the main 'town' on Lifuka island which in turn is the main island in the Ha'apai group. Depending on when your flight arrives you might have to stay one night in Pangai - Fifita Guesthouse adjoins Mariners Cafe - the best (and only) place to eat. If so, go down to the wharf and watch the kids and young people jump in and swim late afternoon and see if you can visit the little museum.

Going out to 'Uoleva: take some drinks and snacks or buy some at the little supermarket or daily market down by the waterfront..... Taiana's has their own boat and VERY SIMPLE huts almost on the beach; the food is basic but the beach is just lovely and the snorkelling good, especially the clam garden. They often light a bonfire on the beach in the evening so if you took some sosisi (sausages) you'd be REALLY popular!!

The other possibility is go to the next island of 'Uiha and stay with Hesse and his wife Kolani at the tiny guesthouse at the village of Felema..... If you can get in touch with the Tongan Visitor's Bureau branch in Pangai, they could organise either option. Amaile is always helpful too.

To be on the safe side, get back to Nuku'alofa the day before your plane leaves, and go over to the Pangaimotu Resort for a day trip......... you'll be glad you made the effort to get to the Ha'apai!

Would recommend Heilala Holiday Guesthouse in Nuku'alofa - they'll pick you up from the airport at 1am too.

[L=]http://www.heilala-holiday-lodge.com/[/L]<BR><BR>If this is too much for your budget, most backpackers stay at Tonys in town. Haven't stayed there myself, so can't comment.

Toni is shifted to Tofoa, close to Heilala Lodge. Toni does airport transfers at any time of a day or a night, if you e-mail your flight info. The former Toni's guesthouse in town is now called Misa's. Toni also does an excellent tour of Tongatapu island for just T$ 30.00 per person (minimum 3 people, or minimum T$90 guarantee to do a tour, thus if only one person, it's T$90.00, if two, T$45.00 each).

On 8th March (Thursday), some kind of Women's Day will be celebrated in Nuku'alofa. There will be many tables/tents, displaying and selling handicrafts and other stuff. (I have booked a table with my friends to display and to sell my hand-made ta'ovala, waist mats, kafa, a rope to tie waist mat, and etc.)

Conjunctivitis is getting popular in Tongatapu at the moment. Wash your hands before you touch your eyes, if you are visiting Tonga now.

For your info: e-mail contact for Toni's

Toni's Guesthouse