Oceania - Travel To Tonga

 

The kingdom of Tonga is perched just east of the international date line: when it’s a fun-packed Saturday at the beach in Samoa, it’s already time for Sunday prayers in Tonga. Thus it’s said, most often by the island’s tourism industry, that Tonga is 'the place where time begins’. Others, perhaps observing the pace of local life, call it the place where time stands still. Both statements are true in a way, as Tonga is an eclectic country where ancient traditions sit alongside the latest offerings of modern life. Tongans avidly devour DVDs and download the latest hip-hop or international news and opinion from the Internet, but they also still resolve difficult issues the traditional way, around a bowl of kava, and many still weave, and wear, traditional mats.

For the traveller, Tonga offers a different experience to Samoa. The snorkeling and diving are far superior for one thing. And some travellers plan their entire trip around Tonga’s marvellous whale-watching. There’s laid-back resort life if you want it, though without quite the same infrastructure that surrounds resorts in Samoa. There are many opportunities to get right off the beaten track in Tonga’s 170-odd islands, with tiny forested islets calling your name left and right. The Ha'apai Group offers deserted white beaches, vibrant reefs and only a smattering of other tourists. For all the fun in the water that you could reasonably be expected to handle, the Vava'u Group and Eua are the activity holiday destinations of Tonga, with sea kayaking, fishing surfing and diving available.

Best time to find the cheapest flights to Tonga

The most comfortable time to visit the region is during the dry season between May and October. Not surprisingly, this is when most of the major Samoan and Tongan festivals are held. This is basically considered to be the region's high season, though there isn't necessarily much difference between prices charged during this time and those charged over the rest of the year.

The region's wet season (ostensibly its low season) lasts from November to April. December and January are normally the wettest months across Samoa, while in Tonga, March tends to be the wettest month, especially in Vava'u. Remember, though, that most precipitation occurs at night and the main discomfort will be caused by a rise in the lethargy-inducing heat and humidity. The exception is the harbour area of Tutuila (American Samoa), where the famous Rainmaker Mountain ensures that the region receives over 5000mm of precipitation annually.

If you plan to come during the December-January holiday period, when huge numbers of Samoans and Tongans return for the holidays (mostly from New Zealand, Australia and the USA), it's wise to book flights well in advance.

Navigating Tonga

Taxis throughout Tonga can be recognised by a 'T' at the beginning of the vehicle's licence plate (if it has a licence plate). There are plenty of taxis on Tongatapu, Vava'u and Lifuka (Ha'apai), and one on 'Eua. Though the taxis are not metered, government maximum rates are vaguely followed. Always agree on the fare before you climb in. The Tonga Visitors Bureau representative at Fua'amotu International Airport can give you an indication of current taxi prices. Taxis in Ha'apai have a printed rate card priced by destination.

Culture vultures hear this: travelling on a local bus on Tongatapu is a must - at least once. As passengers squeeze into painted mini-buses and catch the breeze while dangling out of the open doorway, you'll marvel at how much volume the driver can get out of such tiny speakers. Tongatapu's fairly decent bus network covers the island. Elsewhere, transport is limited to Lifuka and Foa in Ha'apai, and Vava'u Island, with services running infrequently or only if enough passengers accumulate for a trip; some buses in outlying districts exist only to ferry students and villagers to and from town in the morning and afternoon. Don't rely on catching a bus after about 3pm.

Flying is the easiest and fastest way to get around Tonga, and the good news is that there are now two options: Airlines Tonga Air Fiji and Peau Vava'u. Unreliability is still a problem and flights are cancelled or rescheduled at short notice, making delays and missed connections common. Get used to it now and it won't ruin your holiday.

Flights can be delayed or cancelled in extreme weather; this is more common in the cyclone season. There are good lead warnings for cyclones and severe storm activity; your best bet is to be aware of the possibility and stay informed.

Reconfirm your flight 72 hours before departure (leaving a contact phone number) and then reconfirm again 24 hours before flying.

Tonga Airports

Fua'amotu International Airport

Visa/Passport requirements

Most country's citizens are granted a 31-day visitor's visa on arrival upon presentation of a passport with at least six months' validity and an onward ticket. Those intending to fly in and depart Tongan waters by yacht require a letter of authority from one of Tonga's diplomatic missions overseas or the Immigration Division.

You can extend your stay for up to six months at any immigration office; each island group has one, usually located next to the police station in the main town.

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