Tonga

Tonga, Western Samoa, Polynesia
XXL Pacific
For centuries, the natives of the Polynesian islands subsisted on land and sea. Until the intrusion of colonial powers and the subsequent introduction of fatty pieces of meat, fast food and sugary drinks have spawned a plague of diabetes and obesity. Today, while much of Tonga's national GDP, Western Samoa and neighbors is wasted on these “western poisons”, fishermen barely manage to sell their fish.
Tongatapu, Tonga
The Last Polynesian Monarchy
From New Zealand to Easter Island and Hawaii, no other monarchy has resisted the arrival of European discoverers and modernity. For Tonga, for several decades, the challenge was to resist the monarchy.
Obese resident of Tupola Tapaau, a small island in Western Samoa.
Tonga, Western Samoa, Polynesia

XXL Pacific
For centuries, the natives of the Polynesian islands subsisted on land and sea. Until the intrusion of colonial powers and the subsequent introduction of fatty pieces of meat, fast food and sugary drinks have spawned a plague of diabetes and obesity. Today, while much of Tonga's national GDP, Western Samoa and neighbors is wasted on these “western poisons”, fishermen barely manage to sell their fish.
View of Fa Island, Tonga, Last Polynesian Monarchy
Tongatapu, Tonga

The Last Polynesian Monarchy
From New Zealand to Easter Island and Hawaii, no other monarchy has resisted the arrival of European discoverers and modernity. For Tonga, for several decades, the challenge was to resist the monarchy.

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How to go

VISA AND OTHER PROCEDURES

Portuguese and Brazilian citizens do not need a visa to enter Tonga and stay for tourist purposes for up to 30 days.

HEALTH CARE

Tonga authorities do not require any vaccination certificates. It is advisable to have the Hepatitis A vaccine to visit Tonga. Take precautions to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes. There is a variable risk of contracting Dengue fever. 

For more information on traveling health, see the Health Portal of the Ministry of Health and Tropical and Traveler Medicine Clinic. In FitForTravel find country-specific health and disease prevention advice (in English).

TRIP TO TONGA   

A Star Alliance fly from Lisbon to Sydney or Auckland from €980. From Sydney or Auckland, several airlines complete the long journey by flying to Nuku Alofa, the capital of the Kingdom of Tonga and the main city of Tongatapu: Virgin Australia, Fiji Airways, Air New Zealand.

Must Do's

  • Tongatapu and the capital Nuku'alofa​
  • ​Whale sighting 
  • ​Tropical Forests of 'USA
  • Vava'u Archipelago
  • Tofua volcanic island

Explore

INTERNAL FLIGHTS

If you intend to fly between groups from this archipelago nation, you will probably have to do so with the Royal Tonga Airline. The flights are short – one of them, from Tongatapu to 'Eua, takes just 8 minutes. They cost from €45 to €150 (both one-way), depending on the distance.

TRUCK 

Several inexpensive buses (maximum €1 tickets) run through Tongatapu without fixed schedules for the journeys. Beyond Tongatapu, public transport is available in Lifuka, island of Ha'apai and Foa, island of Vava'u. Riding a bus or minibus in Tonga is a cultural experience not to be missed.

SHIP

The islands around Togatapu are served by small boats that depart from the Queen Salote pier. Some ferries sail between islands. These are the cases of MV 'Olovah. MV Pulupaki that navigates between Nuku'alofa and Vava'u, from the MV Ikale – the fastest to connect Tongatapu to 'USA, in this case, under the operation of the company Uata Shipping Line. Of the MV 'Otu Tonga e MV 'Alaimoana, also between the capital Nuku'alofa and 'USA, operated by Tofa Shipping.

CAR RENTAL

You can rent a car, motorcycle and bicycle in Tongatapu. Please note that the maximum speed is 40km/h and believe it or not, from time to time, the police control it from the side of the road. Prices for a bike start at €10 a day, a motorcycle is between €10 and €20 and a car between €20 and €40. 

TAXI

They circulate in Tongatapu, Vava'u and Lifuka (Ha'apai), a few also in 'Eua. They are identified with the letter T on the registration number and do not work with a meter, so you must agree on the price before the trip. The Tonga Visitors Bureau can provide a table with price references for each route. 

 

When to go

Any time is good to visit the Kingdom of Tonga and Tongatapu in particular. During the Southern Hemisphere winter – from May to November – temperatures are slightly lower and humidity is lower. This is also the time when cyclones are rare and local festivals abound.

From late June to November, humpback whales migrate to the archipelago's waters and many animal enthusiasts gather around Vava'u to follow their movements.

Money and costs

Tonga's currency is the Pa'anga (TOP). There are some ATMs – for example from ANZ bank – usable, at least in Nuku'alofa. Several establishments accept credit card payments.

ACCOMMODATION

Tonga has all types of accommodation, from the spartan rooms of the renowned backpacker Toni's Guest House to the most elegant resorts on the islands and islanders of the archipelago, where a night in a luxury double room starts at €150 (price for two people). ). 

FOOD

The panorama is equivalent to that of the accommodation. There's a bit of everything but, due to the insularity, even the most humble meals have high prices. In Nuku'alofa a good reference are the prices of Friends Café, where a more elaborate dish with drink costs easily €15 to €20. If you eat at a resort, you can 

INTERNET

It's one of the slowest – and given the slowness – most expensive you'll find in the South Pacific. Some cafes – like Nuku'alofa's Friend's – offer access if you're drinking.

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