House of travel New Caledonia, Niue, Norfolk Island & Tonga Brochu | Page 28

Experience
Tonga
© Tonga Tourism & James Blackwood
T he Pacific’s last kingdom is a paradise for seekers of pure peace. Its
Pacific Ocean
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Ha’atafu Beach
Alakipeau
Kolovai Beach Polo’a
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Flying Fox
NUKU’ALOFA
Sanctuary
Monotapu
Beach
Royal
Palace
Mapu’a Vaea
Blowholes
Ha’amonga
‘a Maui
Captain Cook’s Monument
Keleti Beach
Hufangalupe Beach
Bird Park
Ahononou Beach
Fua’amotu Beach
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Motutapu
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beautiful islands, divided into four groups, are scattered like pearls across
700,000 square kilometres of ocean. There is no shortage of deserted
beaches and pristine anchorages here, and the swimming, snorkelling and
diving are exceptional. The main island, Tongatapu, is home to the capital
Nuku’alofa, and to most of the kingdom’s resorts. Many of these are family-
owned and personal, because Tonga likes to welcome its visitors in low-key
style - this is a place for simpler living and genuine encounters with the local
people. With about a third of all Tonga’s population living here, Nuku’alofa
can be a surprisingly bustling place but its size also means there’s a great
array of restaurants, nightclubs and dynamic cultural shows.
There’s plenty to see too, such as the Talamahu Markets with its mounds
of fresh produce and selection of handcrafts, including wood carving and
jewellery. Although the Royal Palace is not open to visitors, you can admire
this white-timber 19th century building from the waterfront. Try to time
your visit to town to include a Sunday. Tongans are ardent churchgoers and
their singing is legendary. Everyone’s welcome but make sure to pack your
Sunday best.