DREAM LAND: Reasons To Turn Tonga To Your Forever Holiday Spot

Tonga is one of those picture-perfect countries, with pure white beaches and an undisturbed natural environment. Despite this, it stays off the radar of the majority of tourists.

Tonga is a small group of islands in the South Pacific, easily accessible from New Zealand and Fiji (and, via Fiji, from Los Angeles). It’s a distant location with a lengthy journey time for many people, but it’s definitely worth the trek. Here are some of the reasons why.

1. Tonga is almost never crowded

Even in high season, Tonga isn’t congested. Even if most of the country’s accommodations are booked, you can find a calm beach or bay, and some islands have private coves.

However, Tonga has tourism infrastructure, so you may stay and eat without interfering with people. Tonga’s pearls can be found “off the beaten track” because most trips are led by natives who love showing off their nation.

2. You can swim with humpback whales

Tonga’s claim to fame is its humpback whales. They visit the surrounding waters between June and October and are easily visible by boat and often from the shore. Tonga is also one of the few places in the world where you can not only see humpback whales, but also swim with them.

As with any wild animals, check to ensure your tour is ethical – whales may not always be visible or keen on swimming with tourists. Find a tour that keeps away from calves as the young whales and their mothers can find interaction stressful. To ensure an incredible experience, consider booking a couple of days for whale swimming, just in case there are no amenable whales nearby on one of the outings.

3. There are many stunning beaches to choose from

Tonga has a wealth of beautiful, unspoiled beaches where you can spend a few hours or a few days. The sand is white and usually clean, especially in the outer islands and the sea is wonderfully clear. Often you’ll find shallow lagoons which are perfect for children, and it’s also a great place for snorkelling or scuba diving.

Tonga is quite a religious country, so keep covered, including tops for men, unless you’re swimming near a resort. It’s also best to cover up when leaving the beach.

4. Accommodation is relatively affordable

Tonga isn’t for five-star luxury. Instead, you’ll find boutique resorts and guest houses with a few rooms in beautiful, remote locations. Tonga’s resorts are cheaper than Fiji’s, but they’re not as luxurious.

Tonga resorts often have modest bungalows (fales) near a beach. There’s generally a restaurant and water sports equipment. Many offer Sunday church services or village visits. They’re clean and comfy with great water access, but not luxury.

Guesthouses offer local experiences like bed-and-breakfasts. They help you get to know your hosts and Tongan culture.

Tonga is a great place to relax and unwind, no matter where you stay. Internet isn’t always great.

5. Tonga doesn’t get too hot

Tonga has year-round tropical temperatures. Despite this, the temperature is temperate and not as hot and sticky as on other South Pacific islands. Summer temperatures rarely exceed 35°C, and pleasant breezes are common. Summers are humid and rainy, but rarely all day.

Swimming and sunbathing are pleasant in June–October. It’s whale-watching season, so book ahead.

6. It’s easy to find the “real” Tonga

Tongan culture is unique. It’s the only Pacific kingdom that’s never been colonized, and with fewer outsiders, it might feel more authentic than many tropical tourist destinations. Tonga’s low tourism makes it simple to meet locals. Tours are usually led by locals. Talking to locals is the best way to experience real Tonga. Most will be happy to show you around or cook traditional food.

Tonga has foreign impacts despite its low tourist numbers. New Zealand and other Asian nations are close allies. Nuku’alofa, Tonga’s capital, shows its close links to Japan.

Tonga is religious, thus stores and sports are closed on Sundays outside of the resorts. Visitors are welcome at local church services, which have beautiful singing.

7. Tonga has many natural and historic attractions

History and nature abound in Tonga. Tongatapu, the largest island, has almost 5km of blowholes spraying water 30m high. Locals call natural archways “landbridges” on rockier islands, and many limestone sea caverns are swimmable.

Tonga’s history includes tribal sites such Ha’amonga ‘a Maui, a stone trilithon. The historical significance is unknown, but they are worth viewing. Tongatapu has tobs, fortifications, and Victorian-style palaces.