Tongatapu

Tongatapu is Tonga's largest island with over two-thirds of the nation's small population.

Tongatapu Halal Travel Guide

A coral island surrounded by coral reefs. The capital, Nuku'alofa, on the north coast, has a relaxed air, despite the troubles of a few years ago (see article on Tonga). There are some interesting places to visit and some nice beaches with good snorkelling and Tongatapu provides a good opportunity to view a unique culture. Most of the interesting places are outside Nuku’alofa but most of the places to stay are in the capital. There is a good bus network and vehicle rental is feasible.

Travel as a Muslim to Tongatapu

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Tongatapu

There are several Flights a week from Auckland, Sydney, Suva and Nadi. See Tonga for more details.

Book a Halal Cruise or Boat Tour in Tongatapu

How to get around in Tongatapu

-21.211|-175.153 Nuku'alofa is small enough to walk around and taxis are available. (You can take a bus from around the terminal, but the bus is unreliable, taxi is a better option.) You can go by boat to the small islands around Nuku'alofa from the pier.

Tongatapu can just about be seen in one day by vehicle or motorbike. You can rent cars and motor scooters. A Tongan driver's license for T$25 is available and can be obtained at the police department with your home license.There are few road signs on Tongatapu so you'll need a good map if you're touring in a car. The speed limit on most of the island is km/h 50 and this is stuck to by the local drivers. The Police have radar guns to check. The roads are good in and around Nuku'alofa but deteriorate the further from the town and the further south you travel.You can hire a vehicle from the Friend's Tourist Centre (near the main post office) for about T$50 and a tour of the island is about 120 km.

Many cars on the island are in a terrible state, maintained on a budget and held together by a combination of Western Union stickers and prayer. The low speed limit helps to keep accidents down. However and there have been a lot of imports of reconditioned Japanese cars and the general quality of vehicles is improving. Available cars for rent are good.

Teta Tours and Toni's guest house offer day tours of all the main tourist sights (T$40-80 depending on how many are on the tour).

Buses to various points on Tongatapu run from the bus concourse on the seafront in Nuku'alofa although there are no timetables posted and local sources say that they are not reliable after about 15:30 on most days. With few bus stops you just stand on the side of the road and flag the driver down (do not wave and they will wave back and keep driving). The most popular buses in Tonga are generally the loudest, so when you want to get off a reasonably loud "stop" will do it (again, just anywhere you want them to stop). If you don't like kids or crowds avoid the buses at the end-of-school time and they get packed out and the only limit on how many people in a bus is how many can fit in. The general cost of getting from Nuku`alofa to the surfing destination of Ha`atafu on the western peninsula is roughly T$2.20.

Local Language in Tongatapu

Tongan is the official language but English is very widely spoken

What to see in Tongatapu

Nuku’alofa. This is the capital of Tonga and the largest city of Tongatapu. The crumbling wooden Royal Palace was built in 1867 and is the official residence of the King. Until its death in 1966 the palace grounds housed a tortoise given to the then King by Captain Cook.

Talamahu Market | Salote Road, Nuku'alofa next to the Central Police Station ☎ +676 24146 Talamahu is the main market in Tongatapu where all the local farmers bring their fresh produce and sell. You can find all types of seasonal fruits, fresh vegetables and root vegetables such as yams, kumara, taro, manioke. Upstairs you will find local handicrafts, second hand clothing, shoes, carvings and jewelry of all types.

Ha’amonga ‘a Maui. Near the village of Niutōua, in the northeast corner of the island. This is a trilithon made out of coral, limestone rock. The name means ‘Maui’s burden’, referring to the Polynesian God Maui, who according to legend formed the Kingdom of Tonga by fishing the islands from the depths of the sea. The Ha’amonga ‘a Maui is thought to have been built around 1200 AD. There are several theories regarding its purpose. One is that the King, fearing his two sons would quarrel on his death, erected it as a symbol of brotherhood. Each son was represented by a stone pillar, and united by the lintel. A more likely explanation is that it was the gateway to the King’s palace at his new capital. This capital did not last long, hence the present-day isolation of the trilithon.

Langi-Namoala - A funeral on one of the best-preserved langis at Mu'a

Mu’a. This town, on the eastern edge of the lagoon, was the home of the Tu’i Tonga line of kings and was for centuries the capital of the island. It is notable for many tombs of the kings that can still be seen. When a Tuʻi Tonga king died he was buried in a langi, a big, artificial hill surrounded by huge slabs of coral rock, usually in three or more layers. This rock was quarried from along the coast of Tongatapu or from nearby islands. The accuracy by which the slabs were cut so that they fit each other with little space between is considered remarkable.
Blowholes. These are near the village of Houma to the southwest of the island. When waves crash into the reef, natural channels in the volcanic rock allow water to be pushed through and forced up into the air. Best at high tide.
Flying foxes. These are found in trees at Kolovai, to the west of the island. They are Pacific Flying Foxes, a species of fruit bat. Only the King is allowed to hunt them, hence these undisturbed colonies.

Paint ngatu - Tapa painting

The Tongan National Cultural Centre. On the edge of Fanga'uta Lagoon on Taufa'ahau Road, around 1.5 kilometers south of Nuku'alofa. This center is constructed with traditional buildings that house exhibitions of the kingdom's history. Artisans work on their crafts such as carving, tapa making and weaving and the items they make are sold to the visitors. Large buffet dinners are offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays with demonstrations of traditional dancing and other skills.

What to do in Tongatapu

Take a day trip to Pangaimotu or one of the outer islands. A trip to Pangaimotu Island costs about T$20 return. The small island and the closest one to Nuku`alofa has a half sunken ship wreck to snorkel around. However, beware of jumping off as the bottom is shallow on some sides and the rusted ship is sharp. The ship also attracts sea snakes. The island takes about an hour to meander around and has a restaurant which serves good food and hires snorkeling gear (costly). Good idea to go on Sunday when most other things are closed.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Tongatapu

The market in the center of the Nuku'alofa is an exciting place where you can bargain for jewelery and souvenirs.

Halal Restaurants in Tongatapu

For a small town, Nuku'alofa offers a decent range of Halal restaurants. Expect to pay T$15-40 for a main course in a restaurant and about T$5 for a takeaway at one of the roadside sellers. Seafood is very good.

The Oholei Beach Dinner and Show is set in Hina cave on the beach on the south-east side of Tongatapu, near the airport. It includes a Tongan dinner and a traditional show (inside a limestone cave). The cost is about T$30 each and can be booked from the Tonga Visitors Center. Transport is extra. Make sure you understant the travel arrangements when you make the booking, e.g. where and when to be picked up.

Friend's Cafe | Taufa'ahua Road, Nuku'alofa ☎ +676 22390 The main place for tourists on Tongatapu. Serves Coffee, tea, and excellent breakfast. Try the vanilla French toast. The milk shakes are also very good. There is an adjacent souvenir shop, information desk, and computers for internet access
Pot Luck Training Restaurant | corner of Salote and Vaiomok Roads, Nuku'alofa ☎ +676 25091 Every second and last Mondays of each month, you can enjoy a two- or three-course meal for around T$30. The students are really dedicated, and the food and the entertainment are well worth the money. A great opportunity to enjoy first class cuisine for a bargain while supporting local education.

Most restaurants and eateries are closed on Sunday but there are a couple of Chinese restaurants which are open Sunday.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Tongatapu

Tongatapu - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Tongatapu, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Tongatapu. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Tongatapu and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Tongatapu. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Tongatapu. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inTongatapu: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Tongatapu.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Tongatapu: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Tongatapu, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Tongatapu.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Tongatapu, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Tongatapu, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Tongatapu and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Tongatapu, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Tongatapu, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Tongatapu without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Tongatapu is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Tongatapu.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Tongatapu is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Tongatapu, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Tongatapu Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Tongatapu

eHalal Group Tongatapu is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Tongatapu. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Tongatapu.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Tongatapu ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Tongatapu. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Tongatapu, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Tongatapu are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at realestate@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Pangaimotu Island. The closest of several islands off the north coast of Tongatapu. Single T$60, double $90; Communal Fale: $35/person; Camping: Tent Site: $10; Tent Hire: $5. Rates go down if you stay more than one night.
Toni's Guest House. Basic, but highly rated, accommodation about 5 kilometers out of town. T$15-50 per person per day. Will arrange a kava night if you want to experience the local drink.

High Light Guest House | ☎ +676 50-143 - T$50 for a double Four rooms in a house in the center of the island.
Taina’s Place | ☎ +676 65002 - Camping T$20; dorm T$25; double T$55; family house T$100 On eight acres of land close to the rain forest.

Mid-range

Ha'atafu Beach resort - Just ten fales or cottages at this laid back resort on the west of the island, with good snorkelling and surfing. A$70-90 per person for shared cottages, including dinner.
Dateline Hotel | downtown Nuku'alofa on the seafront Tonga's main hotel is closed and is being renovated by the Fijian-owned Tanoa chain.

Friendly Islander Hotel. Three kilometers east of the center of Nuku'alofa, towards the wharf. 26 rooms, 12 of which are suites with two bedrooms. Usual amenities plus a squash court. Annoying web site with lots of pop-ups at
The Villa. Another sea front lodge, this one with just five rooms. NZ$147 for double occupancy.

Waterfront Lodge. - Eight rooms on the seafront in Nuku'alofa. Around T$200 for a double.
Oceanside Guest House. - In Afa village to the east of the island. Six rooms at T$75 per room.

Captain Cook Apartments. Just eight sizeable apartments here, on the sea front a few minutes from the centre of Nuku'alofa, west of the palace. T$200-250. ☎ +676 25600; Email:
Fafa Island resort. Thirteen fales, or bungalows, on this small coral island with plenty of beach just to the north of Nuku'alofa. Expensive at around T$250 for a double fale per day.
Royal Sunset Island Resort is on ‘Atata Island, a 100-acre island. It is a 30-minutes boat ride to the northwest of Nuku’alofa. The resort has around 20 fales and is on the southern tip of the island, which has a village and two churches. Single or double T$250-330 a night.
Little Italy Hotel. Hotel with 22 rooms on the seafront close to the Royal Palace in Nuku'alofa. T$200-260 for a double. Back rooms can be noisy. Popular restaurant with Pizzas and pastas.
Royal Tonga International Hotel. New 78-room hotel close to the airport although why anyone would want to stay close to the airport is not clear. T$180-250 for a double.

Stay Safe

Tongatapu is very safe but the usual travel precautions apply. Don't flash expensive cameras and jewelry and don't leave passports, money, clothes, etc. lying around in hotel rooms. If you're staying with local residents (there is a good chance you'll be invited to stay at someone's home on Tongatapu) take your valuables with you during the day and secure them at night

Tongan drivers are sometimes erratic so watch out. Asking for a helmet when you hire a bicycle is advisable. Dogs can be a nuisance especially in some areas outside of the capital and after dark.

Water that crashes over the reefs into the lagoons is sucked back out again through gaps in the reefs. Be careful when snorkelling that you don't get caught in one of these channels of water heading for open sea or you could be seriously damaged by the coral.

Telecommunications in Tongatapu

There are several internet cafes in town. The Friend's Cafe is most expensive at about T$8 an hour and some places charge as low as T$2 an hour. Avoid inserting camera cards into the slots due to the risk of viruses. Use Skype to call overseas because it's about T$1 per minutes if you buy a phone card.

Cope

Embassies and High Commissions

Australia | Salote Road Nuku’alofa ☎ +676 23244

China | chinaemb@ Vuna Road, Nuku'alofa ☎ +676 24554 +676 24595

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New Zealand | Corner Taufa’ahau and Salote Roads Nuku’alofa ☎ +676 23122

News & References Tongatapu

Explore more Halal friendly Destinations from Tongatapu

There are Flights and ferries to Vava'u, and Ha'apai. None of these services operates on Sunday.

'Eua Island is located only 17.5 kilometers east-southeast from Tongatapu. It is the highest island in Tonga and is not related geologically to the other islands, being much older. It has beaches on the western side but dramatic cliffs on the east coast, with Tonga’s largest tropical rain forest, which is a great place to go trekking.

‘Eua is an eight-minutes flight from Tongatapu. There is also a ferry that leaves from Nuku’alofa at 12:30 in the afternoon on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Cost is T$25. The ferry can get rather crowded, so be early. On average and the ferry will take about two and a half hours, but can take much longer (5-6 hours!) in poor weather. Flights and ferries can be delayed or even cancelled without notice in poor weather conditions.