Tonga Travel Guide is the perfect source of information and guidance to get you started on your Tonga holiday. A visit to Tonga can give anyone something to think about, while at the same time make them feel relaxed and refreshed. Tonga is a Polynesian island of more than 170 islands, all rich in local culture and untouched by modern civilization. The largest island, Tongatapu, shelters numerous lagoons and natural limestone cliffs with white sandy beaches. It is home to Tonga's rural capital Nuku'alofa and beautiful beach resorts, including the Ha'entya Maui and Kilauea beach resort.
A visit to Tonga can be one of the best ways to experience Polynesian culture, since its people are famous for their hospitality and friendliness. An exciting activity that you will certainly enjoy while visiting Tonga is snorkeling in the vast, shallow waters around Tonga. The white-water rafting along the Grand Cayman and other islands of the Tongan archipelago is another excellent way to see nature and appreciate Tongan life. One of the best things to do when in Tonga is to visit its national park. You can go hiking, camping, Jeep safari, or go underwater with an eco-tour in the sea with a professional diving group.
For travelers interested in wildlife and the exotic, there is the chance to see rare species of animals in Tonga. The largest national park in Tonga is the Hauraki Gulf National Park, which offers opportunities to see the world-famous tailed macaque and giant New Zealand otter. Other options include the Ka Tonga and Baringo caves, which are home to an indigenous bird community. Other creatures of interest include tuatara, platypus, and elephant seals. If you are not sure whether you want to see these animals up close, you might prefer to visit the South Pacific Science Museum instead.
Another opportunity to see the exotic in Tonga is the Vava Ulu national park. It is located on the east coast, just north of Tahiti. Vava Ulu features a wide variety of unique plants, and is the largest reserve of its kind in the entire Pacific. This vava ulu is the perfect location for a nature trip, with many types of animals to view including sea lions, stingrays, pigs, and turtles.
When it comes to culture, Tongans are known for their hospitality, and they are generous in welcoming visitors to their islands. You can enjoy delicious ha amonga from Tonga's friendly locals. In addition to this, it is possible to learn the ha amonga songs of Tongans. This cultural aspect of Tongans is one of the most appealing aspects of taking a trip to the tropical islands in the Pacific.
Another popular attraction in the archipelago is the national museum of Tonga, which is a highlight of the island. The Tongan Royal Palace is another significant site on the island. Built in honor of the late king Kamehameha I, the palace is dedicated to the regal spirit of Tongans. The royal palace features impressive architecture, and is home to some of the finest examples of ha amonga work in Polynesia.
When it comes to sightseeing, you should never miss the Tonga town of a ovala. The ta ovala is known for its colonial buildings and churches that mark the royal history of Tonga. The local people are warm and welcoming, and you can witness their traditional lifestyle by exploring their fishing villages. If you want to experience a different taste of food, then you should try out the unique Tongan cuisine, which is based mostly on fruits and vegetables.
Some of the other sightseeing resort islands to see in the Pacific are Maui and the F Fiji Island. These two islands are also notable for their scenic beauty, and it is no wonder why tourists from all over the world come here to explore the lush tropical scenery. Maui features the Waimea Canyon, where visitors can view thousands of exquisite flowers. On the other hand, the f Fiji Island offers serenity along with some stunning waterfalls and other natural attractions. Regardless of your preference or choices when it comes to sightseeing, there will always be a perfect destination for you among the many Tonga travel guides.
Up to date information for vaccinations before you travel to Tonga are available from the NHS Fit for Travel website.
Review the latest FCDO Travel Advice before travelling to or from Tonga
Best Time to Visit: May to October. Best Time for Good Weather: Generally speaking, May to October. Best Time for Sightseeing: May to October (but note variations mentioned above). Best Time for Honeymoons: May to October. Best Time for Diving & Snorkeling: June to October.
British passport holders visiting Tonga as a tourist or on business are normally given permission to enter the country for up to 30 days. You should be able to provide an onward air or sea ticket, adequate funds and relevant health certificates.
See which forms you may need for entry into Tonga.
The official currency of Tonga is the Tongan Paʻanga (TOP). If you're looking to transfer or spend money in Tonga you can grab amazing Tongan Paʻanga deals via Wise.com (GBP to TOP).
Many of the animals seen on Tonga are not endemic to the island. Some of the life here can be found in Melanesia to the west of the Tonga islands, but there are many species unique to this area. Like other islands, there are no indigenous mammals or amphibians. However there are birds, reptiles, insects, and marine life found here. Some of it is unique to Tonga. There are two birds native to the islands that are found no where else in the world. One is called the Polynesian Megapode. With no predators, this bird flourished before the arrival of man. Laying its eggs on the ground, they were easily taken by people when they first arrived. At one time there were five species from this genus, this is the last species left and is now protected by the government. The Tongan Whistler is the other bird that is only found in Tonga. They live in the forests found on the larger islands, but are also under pressure of extinction with their natural habitat being destroyed.
Tongan food? Ota ika is a Polynesian dish consisting of raw fish marinated in citrus juice and coconut milk. The Tongan, Tahitian, and Samoan variants are essentially identical in that the raw fish is briefly marinated in lemon or lime juice until the surface of the flesh becomes opaque.
You can typically expect to pay around £0.90p for an equivalent pint of lager or beer.
The official language is Tongan, but English is taught in the schools and is widely spoken in the main towns. Tongan is similar to Samoan. You can learn some basic Tongan before you travel to Tonga and really impress the locals!
The currency in Tonga is the Tongan Paʻanga (Tongans in general are very friendly and polite. Therefore, about 5-10% of the tour price is a good tipping amount.).