Tonga travel guide

There’s evidence of human settlement in Tonga as far back as 1000 BCE and Tonga was once the most powerful country in the South Pacific region, lead by the legendary 12th century chief T’ui Tonga. Dutch sailors landed on these shores in the 17th century, followed by British explorer Captain Cook, who first visited the islands in 1773, calling them the ‘Friendly Islands’. In 1900 Tonga became a British protectorate, remaining part of the British Empire until 1970. Even during this colonial period, Tonga retained its indigenous governance, and the Tongan royal family is one of the longest running hereditary monarchies anywhere in the world.

Tongan culture is typically Polynesian and Tongans are welcoming, relaxed and known for their hospitality. As with most countries in the region, family is the central unit of Tongan life, with elders commanding the most respect. Traditional dress and dance still feature heavily in Tongan culture, and tapa cloth making and mat weaving is an everyday part of Tongan life, with women gathering in small groups to weave and chat – a bit like a Tongan version of a knitting circle. Thanks to the country’s colonial heritage around 98 percent of the population is Christian and the vast majority of Tongans go to church every Sunday – if you get the chance to join them, snap it up – it’s a cultural experience not to be missed.