Tonga

Understand

Tonga has some 100,000 inhabitants, of which more than two thirds live on the main island, Tongatapu. 98% of the inhabitants are of Polynesian/Melanesian descent. In the capital, Nukuʻalofa, European and indigenous cultural and living patterns have blended, but village life and kinship ties remain influential throughout the country. Everyday life is heavily influenced by Polynesian traditions and by the Christian faith; for example, all commerce and entertainment activities cease on Sunday. There is no official state religion, but a local version of Christianity plays a similar role. The archipelago was united into a Polynesian kingdom in 1845. It became a constitutional monarchy in 1875 and a British protectorate in 1900. This "Treaty of Friendship" was ended in 1970 and Tonga instead became a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. Tonga is the only independent indigenous monarchy in the Pacific that survived the age of colonialism. Tonga's rule is based upon an essentially feudal system where the king disburses land and positions without recourse to an elected body. Although Tongan royalty is largely loved and revered by Tongans, younger people often have an appetite for stronger accountability and a more modern constitution (although there are still many die-hard young monarchists). An election was held in November 2010. This was planned to lead to a major reduction in the powers of the King and the land-owning nobility in favour of a more democratic form of governance; however, of the 26 seats in Parliament, a third were allocated to the nobles. After some horse trading, a noble emerged as the Prime Minister. There were pro-democracy riots in Nuku'alofa in November 2006, which left 8 people dead and large portions of the town centre burnt out. Rebuilding after the r

See

Tongatapu. Tongatapu is Tonga's largest island with over two-thirds of the country's small population. It is a coral island surrounded by coral reefs. The capital, Nuku'alofa, on the north coast, has a relaxed air, despite the troubles of a few years ago. There are some interesting places to visit, such as ancient tombs and coastal blowholes, and some nice beaches with good snorkelling. Tongatapu also provides a good opportunity to view a unique culture. There are several small islands to the north of Tongatapu that have been developed into resorts. Nuku'alofa has good quality accommodation and guest houses within range of the backpacker. 'Eua. 'Eua Island is located only 17.5 km east southeast from Tongatapu. It is the highest island in Tonga and is not related geologically to the other islands, being much older. It has beaches on the western side but dramatic cliffs on the east coast, with Tonga's largest tropical rain forest, which is a great place to go trekking. There are a few small guest houses. Vava'u. Vava’u is a group of more than 50 islands, about 150 miles north of Tongatapu. They are either raised coral limestone or coral atolls. The beautiful harbour opposite the main town of Neiafu is a common destination for yachties sailing the South Pacific, attracting about 500 yachts every season. The waters of the islands are known for their clarity. The area attracts many humpback whales between June and November and there are organised tours to see them. Other things to do include diving, renting a yacht, kayaking; game fishing and kite surfing. There are some good walks on the main island. There are many places to stay both in the capital Neiafu and on the outlying islands.

Ha'apai. Ha'apai is a group of about 60 islands, south of the Vava'u group and north of

Do

Apart from a few historical sites on Tongatapu most things to do in Tonga reflect its island nature. Diving, snorkelling, fishing, boat trips, kayaking and kite surfing are all possible. There are some lovely beaches if you just want to laze around. Tonga has some good restaurants and this is the place to come if you like lobster. Take time to learn a little about Tonga's fairly feudal culture and its many traditions. Go to church. Even if you are not religious the singing can be very moving. Watch tapa cloth being made from mulberry bark and try a drink of kava, the traditional drink, which is mildly psychoactive. As in other Pacific Island nations, Rugby football is very popular in Tonga.

Buy

Money

The national currency is the pa'anga, or Tongan dollar, denoted by the symbol "T$" or sometimes "PT" (ISO currency code: TOP). Coins of T

Getting there

Visas Visa exemption is in place for citizens of any Schengen country (including Faroe Islands and Greenland), who do not need a visa for a stay of 90 days or less within a 180-day period. Visa is also not required for citizens from China, Israel and United Arab Emirates.

Citizens of the following countries can get a free, one-month visitor's visa on arrival if they can prove they have a return ticket to leave Tonga at the end of their stay and sufficient funds to cover their stay: Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Cook Islands, Dominica, Fiji, Ireland, Japan, Kiribati, South Korea, Malaysia, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Monaco, Nauru, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Russia, Samoa, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Turkey, Tuvalu, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States, Vanuatu and Wallis and Futuna. Visitor's visas can be extended at the immigration department in the capital.

By plane Fua'amotu Airport (TBU IATA) is on Tongatapu around half an hour from Nuku'alofa. The largest airport in Tonga and the only one on Tongatapu. There are several flights a week from Auckland, Sydney, Suva and Nadi. Lifuka Island Airport (HPA IATA).

By private boat Lots of people arrive by private yacht since Tonga, particularly Vava'u, is a common stop on the around-the-world circuit.

Getting around

To get between island groups, you basically have to fly (or sail). Motorbikes, scooters and cycles can be rented on Tongatapu, Vava'u and Ha'apai. On Tongatapu you can hire a car. There are also taxis. To get around the main island, Tongatapu, Teta Tours and Toni's guest house offer day tours of all the main tourist sights. The speed limit is usually 40 km/h and this is stuck to by the local drivers. You're meant to also buy a local Tongan driving licence on top of your existing licence before you drive (25 pa'anga). The roads are good in and around Nuku'alofa but deteriorate the further from the town and the further south you travel. Most cars in Tonga are in a terrible state, maintained on a budget and held together by a combination of 'Western Union' stickers and prayer. The low speed limit helps to keep accidents down. There are buses to various points on Tongatapu from Nuku'alofa although there are no timetables.