the Travel Enthusiast
- 11 Apr
Amazing tourist attractions in Tonga
photo by Sarah/Rose
Tonga, the ‘Friendly Islands’, are one of those small Micronesian nations that few brochures mention, and most people know very little about them. That doesn’t mean that there is nothing interesting about Micronesian nations, it’s just that they tend to get ‘lost’ amidst the vastness of the Pacific.
Tonga is a fascinating place, although probably not that pleasant for its inhabitants – it is the last absolute monarchy in the world, and the king rules over the people like a feudal lord. This might put off some potential visitors from traveling to Tonga, but this island nation’s nickname is really well deserved, and tourists will be welcomed with open arms. To give you a taste of what this destination has to offer, here are some of the most amazing tourist attractions in Tonga.
Vava’u Islands Waterways
credit: realestate.goin2travel.com
Vava’u is a group of about 50 tiny islands, most of them coral atolls. Given the geological particularities of the islands, there are many deep passages through the rocks and hidden bays, which means that the best way to explore them is by water.
Rent a speedboat and explore Swallows Cave, snorkel at Coral Gardens or Mariners Cave or visit the miniature but lovely Nuku Island.
Uninhabited Islands
Around the main island of Tongatapu there are a couple of dozen of small uninhabited islands (three of them, Fafa, Pangaimotu and Atata do have hotels though) that will let you play Robinson Crusoe for a day.
You can arrange boat trips and tours to the islands from Fafa and let a guide take you to the most interesting spots. Bring your snorkeling gear, because there are some really good spots around the islands.
Nukualofa market
Nukualofa is the capital of Tonga, located on the main island, and by European or American standards, it would be just a small town (it has little over 20,000 inhabitants). However, Nukualofa is one of the liveliest cities you’ve ever seen, with enticing smells and sights at every corner. Visit Talamahu Market for exquisite handicrafts, fresh produce and delicious local fruit.
Tofua Volcano
credit: alluricious.com
There are several active volcanoes in Tonga, but Tofua is by far the most active and impressive one. Tofua is looks like a postcard picture: a steep cone spouting smoke, surrounded by virgin rain forest, and with a lake in its main crater.
It takes about 2 hours to get to the crater, and the hike is less difficult than it might seem. You can get to Tofua in 2 hours by boat from Lifuka island.
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travel search by Travelgrove (get this widget)Tongatapu blowholes
The main island has quite a few tricks up its sleeve, like the spectacular blowholes along the south western coastline. You’ll ind four miles of coast with hundreds of blowholes that can spout water 30 meters high. Take the bus from Nukualofa to the village of Houma (30 minutes) and make sure to be there at high tide for a truly spectacular view.
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erato wrote on May 15, 2012:There are ferry lines transferring people, animals and other cargo between the islands. As the ferries are not too fast and islands sometimes very far from each other, the trip can take long hours.
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Can you recommend the best way to reach Tofua as it is some distance from the main islands. Also if you know any tour guide who can arrange a trip to the top – Thanks. Great Article