After traveling through time, losing an entire day because of crossing the International Date Line, we arrive in the port city of Nuku Alofa, in Tongatapu, or Tonga in English. The highest elevation of Tongatapu, which is also the largest of the 169 Tonga islands, is only 213 feet. This geology sets it apart from most of the other South Pacific islands. The flat landscapes are composed of coral limestone and ash that landed after the eruption of nearby volcanoes. As Tonga’s cultural and political capital, the port city boasts many landmarks including the wooden Royal Palace, the Royal Tombs and the spot where Captain Cook first landed on these shores in 1777.
The welcoming delegation of Tonga which consisted of the Police Brass Band, 10 dancers and a hostess greeted our ship with music, singing and dancing. They continued until the last guests disembarked. They were back again 2-3 hours before we set sail for more entertainment. They were on the dock waving long after we pulled away. It was a classic evening.
We took a 4 hour bus tour with a 20 yr old as our guide. He worked part-time as a guide and part-time babysitting his 9 extended family siblings. This was his last day as he was headed to Manilla on a Mormon mission. All his previous siblings went to the US for their missions; he was so excited about following in their footsteps. Wasn’t meant to be; Manilla was his destination.
Our first stop was at the 3 headed coconut tree; the only one in the South Pacific. Next stop was to see the Blow Hole’s; yes, many of them. Tides determine how high the water spurts, we had an average day. Then off to watch the flying fruit bats. These guys are big and hungry. They actually eat all the best fruit, and what’s left is what the Tongan’s get. We were treated to an incredible lunch at an ocean front resort consisting of suckling pig, clams, battered fish, chicken, rice, and corned beef with greens, purple yams, bread, salad, fruits and the biggest tapioca ever. Then the traditional entertainment started. We were expecting a contrived and mediocre performance with some unlucky tourist being taught to hula dance. What we got exceptional and unexpected. The resort was family run and the owner came on stage and thanked Viking for selecting their resort to host the luncheon. He talked about how much it helps his family and the comments were so genuine that it touched all of us.
After tour, we tramped all over the town. Stopped and bought baby coconuts out of an ice chest. The vendor poked holes and put in a straw; yum. Bart finished his and went back to ask the guy to crack it open so we could eat the meat. We’ve never had meat so tender. Our experience with coconut is it’s hard and chewy. This was like jello. As we walked down one street; we were stopped by 2 ladies who took off their lei’s and put them on me and a friend that was walking with us. They make these to sell in the market. They wished us a good trip and gave us hugs. These were the most welcoming, kind people ever.
We walked by the Kings Palace and the Royal Families cemetery; both heavily gated. Locals who pass on are buried in the front yards of where they lived so people could pay their respects every time they passed by.
Tonga is a Kingdom with a ruling class and the commoners. In 2006, the commoners were angry with corruption and lack of projects for the people. One by one, the ruling parliament members were burned to the ground. Then things changed, and generally the people are content today.
Of all the Pacific islands visited, Tonga left us with the most positive and friendly memories. The entire police department brass band was really great, the dancers were awesome, and the master of ceremonies described each dance with a little of its history. This is a must return to island.
