Situation in Nuku'alofa + Tonga questions

We're planning a trip to Tonga later this year, and I was hoping some of you could help my planning by answering a copuple of questions :)

Anyone with recent updates about the general situation in Nuku'alofa and around Tongatapu after the riots in November?

Has anyone stayed at Fafa Island Resort? What's the place like?

I'm also looking at places on Tongatapu for maximum USD 50 per night for a double. Any recommendations here?

Is it worth going to 'Eua for a bit of trekking? We're in Tonga during the whale watching season; anyone actually seen whales from 'Eua or in the waters between 'Eua and Tongatapu?

Any feedback is greatly appreciated.

Hi - we haven't been back to Tonga since Nov - but for accommodation in Nuku'alofa within your budget I would recommend Villa Mackenzie or Harbourview motel - haven't stayed at either, but know people who have and both have been highly recommended. If they are a bit pricey, I think Heilala holiday lodge is also recommended. We stayed at Tom's guesthouse which is well located, very clean and comfortable.

We stayed twice at Hatafu Beach resort about 30 min drive on the western (?) side of Tongatapu - and can definitely recommend it. Very well run, excellent food - breakfast and dinner are included in the price. It is a surf camp, but non surfers stay there too - a mix of guests ranging from families, couples, singles, young and old. Very easy going low key place. Accommodations are fairly basic - but clean. Shared amenities block. We had a thatched fale that over looked the beach.

My husband spotted whales off the beach when he was out surfing.

All these places plus others are listed on the www.tongaholiday.com website.

We didn't go to 'Eua, so can't comment.

All the best, I'm sure you'll enjoy Tonga.

The situation in Nuku'alofa:

Has been very calm. Arrests of ringleaders started, which I assume may finish before the end of March. Nuku'alofa CBD will be open to public access from next week. Reconstruction of the whole CBD may begin in April to finish before the King's coronation ceremony in August 2008. Some shops and restaurants which didn't get damaged in the riots have been operating for a month now.

Fafa is very nice, but very expensive. I've been there only as a day-trip, though.

I have been to 'Eua during the whale season, but the place to stay to watch is Hideaway resort.

If you want to stay on the beach in Tongatapu, check Blue Banana resort, as well. If you want to stay closer to town, check Nerima Lodge, as well.

Have stayed at Fafa and it was fine.
Very small island, reasonable but not great snorkling from shore.
Meals were good but reasonably expensive.
Their boat broke down during transfer and we had to be rescued by their speedboat but no great drama.

The CBD in Tongatapu will be open for perusal soon click here for details

Hi guys, thanks for a lot of useful information. It's always good to get some advice from insiders and people who have visited the place. Just one more question: Tongan feasts are heavily promoted by guidebooks as a "must do" when you're in Tonga. What kind of experience is it? - and where's the best place to to go for a feast?

There are touristy ones and local genuine ones.

Touristy ones are Tongan buffet & Show kind of thing, Tuesdays and Thursdays at National Center, Fridays at Good Samaritan, Liku'alofa, Nawaiali'i, I think. There are some in Vava'u as well, usually posted on touristy bulletin boards up there. I personally like the National Centre ones, because their food is decent and show is really good (they only do Tongan dances, while others do Samoan, Hawaian, and other Polynesian dances to entertain locals). Cost is usually about T$25.00 per person plus drinks and transfers.

Genuine locals ones: Hard to say when and where. Annual church conferences, for sure, but the dates and locations are not decided.

For the genuine ones, which I personally prefer, you can ask around while in Tonga, and just invite yourself to one. But wear decent clothes.

There are touristy ones and local genuine ones.

Touristy ones are Tongan buffet & Show kind of thing, Tuesdays and Thursdays at National Center, Fridays at Good Samaritan, Liku'alofa, Nawaiali'i, I think. There are some in Vava'u as well, usually posted on touristy bulletin boards up there. I personally like the National Centre ones, because their food is decent and show is really good (they only do Tongan dances, while others do Samoan, Hawaian, and other Polynesian dances to entertain locals). Cost is usually about T$25.00 per person plus drinks and transfers.

Genuine locals ones: Hard to say when and where. Annual church conferences, for sure, but the dates and locations are not decided.

For the genuine ones, which I personally prefer, you can ask around while in Tonga, and just invite yourself to one. But wear decent clothes.

Ahh Nuku'alofa CBD back open for business..except for the Talamahi Market...still means travelling around for fruits and vegetables.

The vendors at the temporary market at Tofoa told me that they are told to be back in Talamahu on 17th Feb.

When you are driving in CBD area, be aware of nails left over from demolition. My friends have been getting flat tires.