Tonga - Tonga

The islands of Tonga (also: Friendship Islands) lie in Oceania.

Regions

The Kingdom of Tonga is divided into smaller archipelagos and individual larger islands:

• Tongatapu - main island
• 'Eua
• Ha'apai-Group
• Vava'u-Group
• Niuatoputapu and Niuafo'ou

Cities

• Nuku'alofa With approx. 30,000 inhabitants, it is the largest city in the country and at the same time the capital. It is the center of the kingdom's political, economic and cultural life. Since the destruction in November 2006, large parts of the city center appear very desolate. The royal palace and the royal tombs, the main churches of the city and the National Center on the lagoon are worth seeing. In Nuku'alofa there is also a large market, the port, the foreign embassies and consular offices.
• Neiafu: The main town of Vava'u-Island group with about 5000 inhabitants offers a lot of tourist amenities, such as hotels and restaurants. The place nestles picturesquely on the slopes of the Port of Refuge. An ascent to Mt. Talau is rewarded with a wonderful all-round view.
• Pangai: With only 2000 inhabitants, the friendly capital of the Ha'apai-Island group from its relaxed side. All important facilities are available, from the royal palace to schools to banks, only everything in miniature.
• Mu'a: The center of the eastern district of the main island and former capital of the Tu'i Tonga empire consists of the three parts Tatakamotonga, Lapaha and Talasiu with a total of about 5000 inhabitants. Lapaha is home to the Langi, the terraced royal tombs. Despite their not always problem-free accessibility, they still impressively show the heyday of the Tongan empire.

Other goals

• The Ha'amonga is an approximately 1000 year old stone gate in the northeast of Tongatapu near Afa. Its importance as part of the royal palace or as an astronomical observation station is uncertain.
• Pangaimotu, Fafā and Atatā are tiny islands off the main island with tourist resorts.
• 'Eua, the "forgotten island" is home to Tonga's largest national park and many surprises for nature lovers.
• The remote islands Niuatoputapu and Niuafo'ou with a total of barely 2000 inhabitants, due to their remoteness (closer to Samoa than at Tonga) even by most Tongans never visited.

background

The Kingdom of Tonga is a constitutional hereditary monarchy. It is the only country in the South Pacific that has never been occupied by colonial powers.

On September 10, 2006, King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV died after more than 40 years of reign. His son then took over the official business. The new King Siaosi Tupou V soon had problems to contend with. For some years now there have been calls for more democracy in the country that Tupou IV ignored. On November 16, 2006, after initially peaceful demonstrations, riots broke out in the capital, Nuku'alofa. Government buildings were pelted with stones and almost all shops were burned down. In addition to the small Tongan army, forces from Australia and New Zealand were called in to secure the city and the airport. The situation has now calmed down, but the political reform process has still not started. Therefore further protests are possible. The reconstruction of the inner city has already started. Hotels and tourist facilities were hardly affected. Outside the capital, the situation is relaxed.

getting there

EU citizens do not need a visa to enter the country. All that is required is a passport that is still valid for at least six months, as well as a return or onward flight ticket.

By plane

The easiest way to travel from Germany is with Air New Zealand via Auckland. There are other international flight connections to Apia / Samoa (Air New Zealand, Polynesian Airlines), Pago Pago / American Samoa (Polynesian Airlines), Suva / Fiji (Air Pacific), Nadi / Fiji (Air Pacific), Sydney / Australia (Virgin Blue) , Los Angeles / USA via Apia / Samoa (Air New Zealand).

By boat

The journey by (cargo) ship is z. B. from Samoa possible. Nuku'alofa is also a stop for some cruises.

mobility

Between the islands

By plane

There is a domestic company that flies to all outer archipelagos from Tongatapu: Airlines Tonga. Early booking is advisable. A reconfirmation (!) Of the flights is absolutely necessary. The machines are usually very small, but the prospects are all the greater.

With the ferry

The central port of Tonga, where cruise ships also dock, is Queen Salote Wharf in Nuku'alofa (Ma'ufanga). From there, the ferry to 'Ohonua (' Eua) usually runs daily except on Sundays. Two ferries serve the route via Ha'afeva and Pangai (Ha'apai, approx. 7 hours) to Neiafu (Vava'u, approx. 14 hours) every week. This variant is significantly cheaper and more authentic, but less comfortable than the plane. The Pulupaki is the faster of the two ferries, the other, Olovaha, also operates the route to Niuafo'ou and Niuatoputapu once a month.

On the islands

In the street

There is left-hand traffic. Signposts hardly exist. There are street signs in the larger towns, but street names have not yet established themselves in everyday use. Rough maps for orientation are available from the Visitor's Bureau or the Friendly Islands Bookshop.

Due to the small size of the islands, a rental car only makes sense on Tongatapu. Taxis are cheap and can be rented for full days. Even cheaper, and a very easy way to get around the islands, is to hitchhike ("suto"). Outside the capital, Tongans like to think of foreigners (out of pity or curiosity) and are happy to talk to them while driving.

By bus

From Vuna Road, the promenade in Nuku'alofa, buses run daily to all villages on Tongatapu Island, except on Sundays. The buses are labeled with the respective destination. The fare (between 0.50 and 2.00 Pa'anga) is paid to the bus driver when you get off. Bus stops do not exist. Buses stop at a sign.

Bus connections from Nuku'alofa:

Ha'amonga:	Bus to Afā or Niutoua, approx. 1 hour.
Langi in Lapaha:	Bus to Afā, Niutoua, Lapaha or Hahake. approx. 40 min.
Airport:	Bus to Ha'asini or Halaliku, approx. 45 min.
Blowholes:	Bus to Houma or Fahefa, approx. 35 min.
Good Samaritan:	Bus to Kolovai, Ha'atafu or Hihifo, approx. 35 min.
Queen Salote Wharf:	Bus to Ma'ufanga or Popua. approx. 10 min.
Hospital / National Center:	Bus to Vaiola. approx. 10 min.

Buses on Tongatapu can be very busy during rush hour. Nevertheless, this inexpensive mode of transport is worthwhile, especially because of its proximity to people and the very loud performance of Tongan and international music.

Few bus routes also operate on Vava'u, one each on 'Eua and Lifuka / Foa.

By bicycle

Bicycles can be rented in the main towns. This mode of transportation offers a comfortable pace for getting to know the islands. In addition to the midday heat, the steep climbs in Vava'u and 'Eua can also be uncomfortable. If possible, you should avoid main roads on Tongatapu due to the high volume of traffic.

On foot

Nuku'alofa can be explored very easily on foot. Footpaths, if they exist at all, are often in a miserable condition. The large number of dogs running freely are a major factor of uncertainty; if you are unsure, you should take a stick with you, especially within the villages.

language

The official languages ​​are Tongan and English.

English is understood by most Tongans and spoken fairly well. Visitors who are not afraid of the trouble should learn a few Tongan words and expressions. This is received very benevolently by the islanders. The grammar is comparatively simple, but the words are very similar due to the thinned out alphabet with only 16 letters. An English-Tongan dictionary and language course are available from the Friendly Islands Bookshop in Nuku'alofa.

Malo e lelei	- Good day hello
'Alu ā	- Bye (when the other one leaves)
Nofo ā	- Bye (if you go yourself)
Fakamolemole / Malō	- Please thank
'Io /' Ikai	- Yes No
Ko hoku hingoa ko [sione].	- My name is Johannes].
Fefe hook?	- How are you?
Sai pē / Sai 'aupito.	- Good Excellent.

to buy

The common currency is the Tongan Pa'anga (TOP). 1 EUR corresponds to approx. 2.68 TOP. There are notes for 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 Pa'anga and coins for 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 Seniti, but the smallest values ​​are rarely in circulation.

Traveller's Checks and US $ can be exchanged easily in the capital and at Nuku'alofa Airport. Most hotels, as well as airlines, but only a few shops and restaurants accept credit cards. A maximum of 1000 Pa'anga can be withdrawn at one time from ATMs.

kitchen

The Tongan cuisine itself is rather simple. The diversity is created more through the colorful mix of local and imported foods than through sophisticated recipes. Meat (pork, lamb, chicken) and "haka" (starchy roots such as manioke, 'Ufi (yam), taro, but also plantains and mei (breadfruit)), which you can buy at the many BBQ stalls in the country, are particularly popular gets an inexpensive meal. The fresh fish and seafood are also highly recommended. "'Ota Ika", a dish made from raw fish, is particularly worthwhile on hot days. Vegetables and fruit can be bought at the market, but also along the main streets.

The largest variety of restaurants can be found in the capital and Neiafu. There are also quite a few international ones. Friends Café and Escape in Nuku'alofa are popular meeting places for tourists from all over the world. The prices are roughly the same as in Germany.

When traveling to Tonga, one must not miss to attend a "kaipola" (feast) with which Tongans celebrate every major event. The more important the occasion, the greater the amount and selection that is piled up on the long tables. In addition, there is usually a colorful cultural program with speeches and dances. The most authentic way is to be invited by friendly locals; Otherwise, tour operators and departments also have banquets in their program.

Most people drink water (note that tap water is often not recommended), but tea and soft drinks are also popular. 'Otai, a mixture of grated fruits, water and coconut milk, is the favorite drink of the Tongans. Alcohol can be bought, but many people don't like it.

Kava is the traditionally important drink, to which the men like to sit together in the evenings and on Sundays after going to church, and over which important decisions are discussed and decided. The ceremony follows strict rules. Kava has a slightly intoxicating effect.

nightlife

In addition to restaurants and resorts, there are also a few night clubs.

accommodation

On many islands there are simple guest houses and resorts of different quality, on Tongatapu and Vava'u there are also hotels.

Learn

Virtually every village in Tonga has a primary school and there is a dense network of secondary schools across the country, many of which are run by churches. Tupou College, founded in the early 19th century, is one of the oldest educational institutions of its kind in the Pacific region in Toloa. There are hardly any university educational institutions, only 'Atenisi and offshoots of the University of the South Pacific (Fiji) and the University of the Nations (Hawaii).

Work

Due to the remoteness from world markets, there is no industry worth mentioning. Many families are self-sufficient and live on transfers from family members abroad. Youth unemployment is high. A visa is required to work as a foreigner in Tonga.

public holidays

security

As a foreigner, you usually live safely in the country. You should be careful with valuables and personal items due to the un-European understanding of property.

Except for a poisonous centipede, there are no dangerous animals on the islands.

health

There are hospitals in Vaiola (Tongatapu) on Vava'u and Lifuka (Ha'apai).

climate

Rainy season: October-March, dry season: April-September, temperatures average 25-30 ° C.

respect

It pays to be respectful of Tongans and their culture. Much is observed closely and received benevolently (or not). Particular respect is desired for older and higher-ranking people, especially members of the royal family.

Post and Telecommunications

Internet connections tend to be slow and often overloaded. There are internet cafes in Nuku'alofa and some restaurants also offer this service.

SIM cards for mobile phones are available from the two national providers tonfon and TCC. Prepaid cards are available in most stores.

literature

Web links

• www.tongaholiday.com