121 - Travel in Tonga

The Kingdom of Tonga is an idyllic collection of islands in the middle of the South Pacific Ocean. Getting there can be a challende, and you have to leave your schedule behind, but it's worth the effort. Relax on white-sand beaches, partake of island food and hospitality, and enjoy the history of the "Friendly Islands".

*Layout
Tonga is made up of about 170 islands in the South Pacific Ocean. There are four distinct groups spread out over a large distance. The Tongatapu group is the most southerly, and the Ha'apai group is 100km north. The Vava'u group is another 100km north and the Niuatoputapu group is 300km north of Vava'u. The capital Nuku'alofa is on Tongatapu Island in the southern-most group.

*Accommodation
Really budget options are limited, but do exist even if you can't find many listings on the hostel-booking websites. Tongaholiday.com lists many hotels, apartments and guest houses, or you can contact the tourism bureau for an exhaustive, if out-of-date, list. On Tongatapu, Toni's is a good budget option, especially since Toni runs a great tour of the island.

There are a wide range of resorts for the mid- and higher-rande, many of whom will give you a discount if you ask. Choose an off-shore island or a resort near the beach on the main island. There are no really superior hotels in Tonga.

Options are more limited on the outer islands, but you have a choice on all but the smallest islands...

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