Malo e Lelei! (“Hi” in Tongan Language). Tongatapu is the main island of the Kingdom of Tonga (a country in the Pacific Ocean) and the location of its capital Nuku’alofa. Approximately 70% of the national population live in this island. The best way to explore it, is renting a car, doing it yourself, with a map that you can adquire in the airport.
You can rent a car as soon as you arrive in the international airport located in the southeast of the island or you can also rent it in the capital Nuku’alofa. It will cost you about 45 TOP or 20 USD to rent a budget car per day. You will just need to show you national driving license and your international license.
Here are the top things to do in Tongatapu:
Explore the capital of Tonga: Nuku’alofa
Walking around the city of Nuku’alofa helps you to understand a bit of the historical background of the country. Over there you can see buildings such as the national government, the Royal Palace and many churches including the free church of Tonga (picture below). The culture does not allow people to work on Sundays, instead they follow a tradition of going to the church, having a feast and sleep (Lotu, Kai, Mohe). Snorkeling at the wharf in Nuku’alofa is also possible, but due to the strict cultural dressing code, you must wear clothes when swimming at public places. And do not forget to pass by the Talamahu fruit, vegetable and craft market open from Monday to Saturday.
Have a look at the blowholes in the south-western coast of Tongatapu
The Mapu a Vaea or “Whistle of the Noble” are natural blowholes in the coral reef on the South-western side of the Islands. When waves crash into the reef, natural channels in the volcanic rock allow water to forcefully blow through and create a plume-like effect. You can see them it in the entire south coast, and if you are up to swim you can go to Keleti Beach (picture below).
Swim in the Stalactite Cave Scenic Reserve
Located in the Anahulu beach in the east coast of Tongatapu, this Cave is a beautiful spot to visit. It is managed by locals that charge per head 15 TOP (7 USD). The Stalactites are impressive and in the end of the cave there is a natural pit or sinkhole where you can swim. The lights are provided by a generator and turned on only when tourists are there.
Jump on a ferry to the Islands nearby
Pangaimotu, Fafa or ‘Atata Islands
are accessible by daily ferries and you can also chose to stay overnight and relax. Starting at 45 TOP (20 USD) for a day trip with return ticket and food included you can visit Pangaimotu Island, do some snorkeling around ship wrecks, long walks in the beach, swim and chill out.
And do not forget to make sure you experience a cultural dinner show whilst in Tonga
Tongans know how to feast, and the most famous place to do that after watching a performance of dancers is in Hina Cave in the east coast of the island. Hina Cave show and and Oholei feast is great for learning about Tongan culture and trying different food and happens on wednesday and friday nights. The entry cost about 40 TOP, not including drinks and transport. If you want more information check the Oholei beach resort website here. Picture of the feast (credits: Oholei beach resort)
And if you do have plenty of time also check the Flying Fox Reserve (located in Kolovai in the western district) and drop in for lunch at one of the resorts on the Western side of the Island.
The Tonga Tourism Authority website has also plenty of information about the country.
Malo Aupito!