Pacific Island Paradises

2014

The most comprehensive digital travel guide on the Pacific region

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TONGA Other destinations in the vicinity are Eua Island, an ideal retreat for hikers, adventurers and naturalists, and Pangaimotu Island which is just a 10-minute boat trip from Nuku'alofa wharf. blue crowned lorikeet. Tonga was the first Pacific island country to create marine parks or sanctuaries. Four such parks now exist which are rich in fish, coral and marine life. the main forms of transport are bus, taxi, rental cars, passenger ferries and domestic aeroplanes. Taxi cabs do not have meters, so it is advisable to negotiate your fare in advance. The people Polynesians by race, the local population speaks Tongan and English. The majority of Tonga's more than 104, 000 people live on Tongatapu. The sights There are miles of white, sandy beaches fronting clear lagoons which hold some of the most beautiful and varied reefs in the world. The rocky, terraced coastline at Houma features the Blow Holes, one of the South Pacific's most impressive natural spectacles. Huge waves crash into the honeycomb of coral rock, sending water spouts 20 metres into the air. Food and entertainment A visit to the Tongan National Centre is recommended for their feasts and entertainment. Most of the major hotels and resorts also provide traditional feasts and dancing at least once a week. Nuku'alofa has several ethnic restaurants including French, German, Indian, Chinese, Korean and Italian. History Archaeologists claim that Tonga has been inhabited since the 5th century BC. It was first discovered by Dutch navigators in 1616. They were followed by Tasman, Wallis, Captain Cook, Bligh of the Bounty (whose sailors mutineered in Tongan waters) and the missionaries. Formerly a British protectorate, Tonga gained its independence in 1970 and is now part of the British Commonwealth. Nature Vegetation includes hibiscus, frangipani, coconut groves, pandanus palms and banana plantations. Not far from Nuku'alofa, thousands of flying foxes make their home at Kolovai. Frigate birds are common, as are the Pacific golden plover, the Pacific black duck, swiftlets (Pacific swallows) and the 230  www.paradisesonline.com At the lagoon edge are the villages of Mu'a and Lapaha with several fascinating historical sites such as the Langi tombs. Where to stay Accommodation varies from five star luxury to very basic. On Tongatapu, there are hotels, self contained apartments and guesthouses as well as off-shore resorts. Vava'u has resorts, motels and guesthouses in various categories, while Ha'apai has eight guesthouses, plus resorts on Foa Island, Uoleva Island and Uiha Island. 'Eua Island has five guesthouses. Getting around On Tongatapu, Vava'u, Ha'apai and Eua, Activities Tongans play a range of sports including rugby, soccer, netball, volleyball, basketball, golf, tennis as well as indigenous games. There are also many water-based activities such as diving, fishing, snorkelling, yachting, kayaking and whale watching. Shopping guide Tongan handicrafts are known as some of the best in the South Pacific. Recommended retail outlets include the Langa Fonua, the Friendly Islands Marketing Co-operative, the Fehoko Art and Creations, the Talamahu Market and the Tongan National Centre.

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