Tonga. A voyage to The kingdom of Tonga, Pacific - Mango, Nuku, Mala, Tau, Mu'a, Houma, Futu, Neiafu...

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text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrEHvI6FlCP6WD2rH6mcMj2jraA1m2TdqCXLiuoWSJWADS0Xcw2zoWZ_hJO8bHJyJsAwgmcYtAr7Bh4gjt_VGSTJrGnAPynJaKmQ4zZC0Eg5oSBW9TITcZ6_q1ESZc04uSrD5W5dF-JTub/s1600/Tonga+24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kV0MBWb3doQ/UDz71D2-EWI/AAAAAAAARWs/QPmuLQq2hIY/s1600/Tonga+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kV0MBWb3doQ/UDz71D2-EWI/AAAAAAAARWs/QPmuLQq2hIY/s200/Tonga+11.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MFBoL2YCx-4/UDz76vI5KBI/AAAAAAAARXM/BFmtmfX7Zl8/s1600/Tonga+15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MFBoL2YCx-4/UDz76vI5KBI/AAAAAAAARXM/BFmtmfX7Zl8/s200/Tonga+15.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cDO_EkqYaZM/UD0JEIueghI/AAAAAAAARaE/_CMUTMhABVc/s1600/Tonga+34.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cDO_EkqYaZM/UD0JEIueghI/AAAAAAAARaE/_CMUTMhABVc/s200/Tonga+34.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><a name="more"></a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sQC4dMKHduM/UD0JHutnkzI/AAAAAAAARaU/Bpicpt4nFy0/s1600/Tonga+36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sQC4dMKHduM/UD0JHutnkzI/AAAAAAAARaU/Bpicpt4nFy0/s200/Tonga+36.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWq2Q4hlOhMONV7QRn_koDQCUmGT02oL06xERaBV3TCzGraPHuHDsXjjblfVh07lkp6B9dvetdEcSs1pmLC08c2BYilKVNQHXX_iKFa2TXTj-1Q13AAkgJXkeB7cIln7Nqw_oZ-FLkDF_o/s1600/Tonga+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWq2Q4hlOhMONV7QRn_koDQCUmGT02oL06xERaBV3TCzGraPHuHDsXjjblfVh07lkp6B9dvetdEcSs1pmLC08c2BYilKVNQHXX_iKFa2TXTj-1Q13AAkgJXkeB7cIln7Nqw_oZ-FLkDF_o/s200/Tonga+4.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLnh9sfMsXHqA6VJpy0fO4_Cv1Paj3YyH5h4M0p6EQc7ar7EQqLUaKkAES6c411uTbhsbz0-fhcv3ZcbakApojtEo7eU6e6mmC7kYYfnwIc50Qke3OuSAShyphenhypheneFciwiI9HeHJs3PiIjAocm/s1600/Tonga+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLnh9sfMsXHqA6VJpy0fO4_Cv1Paj3YyH5h4M0p6EQc7ar7EQqLUaKkAES6c411uTbhsbz0-fhcv3ZcbakApojtEo7eU6e6mmC7kYYfnwIc50Qke3OuSAShyphenhypheneFciwiI9HeHJs3PiIjAocm/s200/Tonga+2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="relatedLinks clearfix"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_c48DWdV91c36GE3hbD0Xysb2OeBVbfJvi2Vco9NZo3UqudQwWCf82m1YXwtHFZXIWnHIrKnII6dBxvDTwST9dXBvGNt0d2TvXMlgUM4KFGfI2mAPZDwOU-nETBhZR_jqmFK0FMP7Hpfz/s1600/Tonga+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_c48DWdV91c36GE3hbD0Xysb2OeBVbfJvi2Vco9NZo3UqudQwWCf82m1YXwtHFZXIWnHIrKnII6dBxvDTwST9dXBvGNt0d2TvXMlgUM4KFGfI2mAPZDwOU-nETBhZR_jqmFK0FMP7Hpfz/s320/Tonga+6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The kingdom of Tonga is perched just east of the international date line: when it’s a fun-packed Saturday at the beach in <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinationRedirector?atlasId=362912">Samoa</a>, 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 <i>kava</i>, and many still weave, and wear, traditional mats. <br /><div class="mpuWrapper " id="mpuInContent"><div class="mpuInner"><div class="adContainer" id="adContainer_mpuInContent"></div></div></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ORmPSk0Mk08/UDz8NLMxmwI/AAAAAAAARYs/pcNkdefVUuU/s1600/Tonga+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ORmPSk0Mk08/UDz8NLMxmwI/AAAAAAAARYs/pcNkdefVUuU/s320/Tonga+7.jpg" width="320" /></a>For the traveller, Tonga offers a different experience to <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinationRedirector?atlasId=362912">Samoa</a>. The snorkelling 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 <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinationRedirector?atlasId=362912">Samoa</a>. 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 <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinationRedirector?atlasId=362961">Ha'apai Group</a> offers deserted white beaches, vibrant reefs and only a smattering of other tourists.<br /> For all the fun in the water that you could reasonably be expected to handle, the <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinationRedirector?atlasId=362969">Vava'u Group</a> and <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinationRedirector?atlasId=362968">Eua</a> are the activity holiday destinations of Tonga, with sea Kayaking, fishing surfing and diving available. <br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ma05S9aqZ6g/UD0JF5vBkrI/AAAAAAAARaM/bRWlWtUbMlk/s1600/Tonga+35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ma05S9aqZ6g/UD0JF5vBkrI/AAAAAAAARaM/bRWlWtUbMlk/s320/Tonga+35.jpg" width="320" /></a>For those seeking a genuine cultural experience, society in the Pacific’s only remaining kingdom has remained more impervious to outside influences than <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinationRedirector?atlasId=362912">Samoa</a> (and it’s certainly more traditional than <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinationRedirector?atlasId=362246">American Samoa</a>). You may find you have to work a little to get into the locals’ confidence - Tongans are not as extroverted as Samoans - but it’s worth the effort.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjazAQ3rWg1567MfHnmDRYUFMnQKFy-9MKEuxU8WxXsN3dIzEFzC__mw6GAnENht9FnpIibGr76wBqBScKUQN6mwpDdiA4okJK-MWK0sSskFBVDli6ed_cHfi_EhJoQD7wYK6zIW7BLpna_/s1600/Tonga+20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjazAQ3rWg1567MfHnmDRYUFMnQKFy-9MKEuxU8WxXsN3dIzEFzC__mw6GAnENht9FnpIibGr76wBqBScKUQN6mwpDdiA4okJK-MWK0sSskFBVDli6ed_cHfi_EhJoQD7wYK6zIW7BLpna_/s400/Tonga+20.jpg" width="271" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_cjndRIE_cQ/UDz8OcktEgI/AAAAAAAARY0/ZEaQHZ4cVgs/s1600/Tonga+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_cjndRIE_cQ/UDz8OcktEgI/AAAAAAAARY0/ZEaQHZ4cVgs/s200/Tonga+8.jpg" width="200" /></a><i><b>Travel Alert:</b> On the 29th of September, Tonga, <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinationRedirector?atlasId=362912">Samoa</a> and <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinationRedirector?atlasId=362246">American Samoa</a> were struck by a tsunami, following an earthquake measuring 8.3 on the Richter scale, centred south of <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinationRedirector?atlasId=362912">Samoa</a> and north of Tonga. The only island in Tonga affected was the tiny northern island of Niuatoputapu, where nine people were killed. The rest of Tonga was unaffected, and there is no reason to defer travel to Tonga. An <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/samoa/travel-tips-and-articles/42/11440">update</a> by our Pacific editor outlines what areas were affected and provides some good resources for those who want to know more.</i><a class="pin toggleMap closed" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/tonga#" id="pinToggleMap" style="display: block;"><span class="showMapText">Show in Lonely Planet</span></a><br /><div class="relatedLinks clearfix"><h3 class="themeHeading"> More about Tonga </h3><ul><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-THU2vg79Jpg/UDz79RyvlVI/AAAAAAAARXc/65aR1EgSHjA/s1600/Tonga+18.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-THU2vg79Jpg/UDz79RyvlVI/AAAAAAAARXc/65aR1EgSHjA/s400/Tonga+18.JPG" width="400" /></a><li> <a class="linkChevron" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/tonga/places">Places in Tonga <span class="bottom"></span> </a> </li><li> <a class="linkChevron" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/tonga/weather">When to go & weather <span class="bottom"></span> </a> </li><li> <a class="linkChevron" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/tonga/transport/getting-there-around">Getting there & around <span class="bottom"></span> </a> </li><li> <a class="linkChevron" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/tonga/practical-information/money-costs">Practical information <span class="bottom"></span> </a> </li><li> <a class="linkChevron" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/tonga/work-study-volunteering/work">Work & study <span class="bottom"></span> </a> </li><li> <a class="linkChevron" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/tonga/wildlife/animals">Wildlife <span class="bottom"></span> </a> </li><li> <a class="linkChevron" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/tonga/travel-tips-and-articles">Tips & articles <span class="bottom"></span> </a> </li><li><a class="linkChevron" href="http://hotels.lonelyplanet.com/tonga?lpaffil=dest-nav-hotels">Hotels</a></li><li><a class="linkChevron" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/tonga/forum">Forum</a></li></ul></div><div class="relatedLinks clearfix"><h3 class="themeHeading">Make it happen</h3><ul><li><a class="linkChevron" href="http://shop.lonelyplanet.com/shopSearch?q=tonga">Shop for travel guides</a></li><li><a class="linkChevron" href="http://hotels.lonelyplanet.com/tonga?lpaffil=dest-nav-hotels">Search hotels</a></li><li><a class="linkChevron" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/bookings/flights.do">Cheap flights</a></li><li><a class="linkChevron" href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/bookings/insurance.do">Travel insurance</a></li></ul><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2_dVkXQ18x_zxHhyphenhyphenRPb4wKO4eWYy6x6h2pniAidDtw-Cc4YjgjIx1rmg_fHWYJTQtqhA67_EnQ-qMHVBPDSe4jVvLY2-oG4TUqzaMtId-2QHXRjgOg59E0WosQF51m2TS9YLSyBdKwjOC/s1600/Tonga+16.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2_dVkXQ18x_zxHhyphenhyphenRPb4wKO4eWYy6x6h2pniAidDtw-Cc4YjgjIx1rmg_fHWYJTQtqhA67_EnQ-qMHVBPDSe4jVvLY2-oG4TUqzaMtId-2QHXRjgOg59E0WosQF51m2TS9YLSyBdKwjOC/s640/Tonga+16.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--KkKT11uKNE/UDz73kB9i8I/AAAAAAAARW8/bus6P80W6yA/s1600/Tonga+13.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--KkKT11uKNE/UDz73kB9i8I/AAAAAAAARW8/bus6P80W6yA/s640/Tonga+13.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi19UZupKXiIeneZztldfeOuc5poR5t8xw_vA8qXCxKpPUI63dGFgPD9L72XyR8tltO0j5SzFyTvN7BAdn2sK1CBH0C3dSXvsi6rvJGrTROyhnnSXFKBaynvaUwCcZ5D5eBCZ9sgn_bQc15/s1600/Tonga+21.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi19UZupKXiIeneZztldfeOuc5poR5t8xw_vA8qXCxKpPUI63dGFgPD9L72XyR8tltO0j5SzFyTvN7BAdn2sK1CBH0C3dSXvsi6rvJGrTROyhnnSXFKBaynvaUwCcZ5D5eBCZ9sgn_bQc15/s640/Tonga+21.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div></div>

Tonga. A voyage to The kingdom of Tonga, Pacific - Mango, Nuku, Mala, Tau, Mu'a, Houma, Futu, Neiafu...

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 alre...

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