TONGA

Visas, Embassies & Border Crossings

The new telephone number for the French Honorary Consulate at Nuku'alofa is 23 889.

Travel Tips

At the southern end of Eua, Ha'aluma Beach is getting a bit overgrown for camping but there are still a few good spots. Also, you'll need a guide to find the Liangahu'o'a Maui which is now surrounded by pretty dense jungle but worth the effort.
Kevin Crampton - England (Nov 97)

If you're planning to dive or snorkel, take a guide to the coral reefs as there is nothing available locally to help identify the coral or fish.
Rosey Brenan (Aug 97)

I recently travelled to Tonga and stayed there for four weeks. It's an excellent place to visit if you're on a budget because the cost of living is so cheap. While I was in Tongatapu, I hired a bike. It's completely flat, but watch out for the millions of potholes in the roads - you may need extra padding on the seat! It's very cheap to hire a boat or trimaran to go snorkelling at Vava'U. To get to Vava'U from Tongatapu I would definitely fly because the ferries take nearly a day to get there - they are overcrowded and once the toilet is filled up it doesn't get emptied for the rest of the trip. Tonga is definitely a great place to visit if you want a very slow pace and don't mind not having prompt efficient service.
Janette - Australia (Feb 96)

Moving About

Polynesian Airlines has a 'Polypass' which costs $US1000 for adults, and $US500 for kids. It seems that you can have unlimited travel (though with some conditions) for 30 days between the countries of Australia (Sydney or Melbourne), Fiji, NZ, Tonga, the Cook Islands, American Samoa and Western Samoa. For Polynesian Airlines their numbers are: Phone: (Sydney, Australia) +61 2 299 1733; fax +61 2 299 1119, Phone: (Melbourne, Australia) +61 3 9600 4400, fax; +61 3 9600 4848.
David Kelly (Jul 96)

For detailed up-to-date travel information check out Lonely Planet's Destination Tonga.

Check out more Pacific Postcards.