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The
Friendly Islands of the South Pacific
Tongatapu Perhaps the most famous attractions that the island of Tongatapu has to offer, are its amazing coral reefs, spectacular blow-holes and the prehistoric "Ha'amonga 'a Maui". The blowholes are located near the village of Houma. On average the blowholes shoot water of 40m into the air. The "Ha'amonga 'a Maui" is located to the eastern part of Tonga. It is a prehistoric monument standing 17 feet tall that resembles are huge gateway built from 3 huge stones weighing 40 tonnes each. To this day, no one knows when and why it was built. Legend has it that it was carried to Tonga by Maui (mythical God who was thought to have pulled from the sea most of the islands in the Pacific) from Uvea (Wallace Islands). Also located in the eastern part of Tonga are the pyramidal ancient stone tombs. There are about 20-25 stone tombs that are thought to be the burial site of great chiefs. The most impressive of these is the "paepae 'o tele'a", believed to contain the body of 'Ulukimata I, a famous and ruthless medieval chief of great importance.
To the south, about 24km from the capital is the spectacular "'anahulu" or "underground caves" in Lavengatonga. This cavern of stalactites and stalagmites is located near the beach of the same name. It processes some of the most remarkable limestone and deep freshwater pools The caves stretches for some distant before reaching the pools, so it pays to go with a guide and a reliable torch. To the west of Tongatapu, in Kolovai, is the flying fox sanctuary where hundreds of nocturnal fruit bats hang upside down from "toa" trees. Traditionally the bats used to be eaten by locals, but they have since been protected and has led to its increasing numbers over the years.
Much like Buckingham Palace in England, the Royal Palace is a popular touring destination although people are forbidden to go inside. However, even from behind the gates, the Victorian picturesque structure is a great architectural achievement both for its beauty and longevity. It was built in honour of King George I in 1860's and since that time, it has withstood numerous major cyclones, a rather impressive feat for a palace built about 50m from the sea-side. The Tongan National Centre is also an architectural wonder, built in a traditional Tongan style and holds some of Tonga's most precious handicrafts and artifacts. In the centre of town, the Basilica of St Anthony of Padua is a huge arched-roof two-storey church. Its unique beauty and architecture is second to none. Opposite the Basilica is the Royals tombs or "mala'ekula", which contains the graves of the Tongan Monarchy that stretches back to the late 1800's.
The Ha'apai group has the lowest
islands to sea-level in Tonga but can lay claim to some of the most picturesque
sandy
The tiny island of Tafahi is one of the remotest islands found in Tonga and is located north of Niuatoputapu (which is about 2 hours flying time from Tongatapu). In many ways this island is a prominent land mark. Its proximity and height above sea level, makes it the very first island in the world to see the dawn of each new year. The island is an extinct volcano with a coral reef, and the land is steep and rocky covered in dense forest and gardens. The people of Tonga
have a proud history and as such they have a quite dignity in the way they hold
themselves. [ Back to Top ] |
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Located to the east of Tonga is
the mountainous island of 'Eua. Amongst its impressive credentials, is the fact
that it holds Tonga's largest National Park, covering some 449.4 hectares.
Not bad for an island that is only occupied by some 5,000 people. It is
sometimes called "Tonga's nature wonderland" because it is famous for its
stunning rain-forest, deep sea drop-offs and sea mountains. It has some of
the freshest drinking water in the pacific, and is reportedly where His Majesty the King of
Tonga acquires his drinking water. It is also the
home of one of the rarest parrots in the world, the "red shining parrot"
or "koki", which is native to the island. Pictured
left, is one of the highest edges of 'Eua.
beaches and untouched islands in the South Pacific (pictured right).
The place is renown for its quiet and mallow lifestyle, claim and relaxation.
However, having said this, the island group does have a colourful past.
Unbeknown to many, one of the most famous events in the South Pacific occurred
just off its beaches some 230 years ago. It is where sailors led by
Fletcher Christian of HMS Bounty staged their famous mutiny against
Captain Bligh. Furthermore, the islands are surrounded by treacherous
coral reefs, making it a difficult navigation spot for sailors. Indeed,
over the years many ships and yachts have sunk off its coasts. Old folk
stories too tell that tale of lost treasure, making for interesting diving and
snorkeling, albeit without much luck. 
Located to the north of Ha'apai,
is Vava'u, a group of hilly islands that is a heaven for tourists. Amongst
other things, Vava'u is famous for its whale-watching, its sailing and
recreational fishing. Some of the biggest and rarest sail-fish are caught
just off its shores. Furthermore, its almost fortress type habour
However, having
said this, they are very friendly and helpful. Because of its size, most
people in Tonga seems to know one-another, and if you go back long enough,
you'll find that all Tongans are related. It is in this sense, that Tonga is a
nation dictated by collective and social values. In one foreigners words,
"no one in Tonga ever seems to go hungry because there is always someone who
will feed him". In essence, this is what the Tongan way of life
is about. Pictured right - Tongan youths
performing the traditional Tongan dance known as the "ma'ulu'ulu".