The South Pacific's Last True Kingdom

Filed in archive A World Away on November 11, 2007

Tonga is one of the world's last remaining absolute monarchies. There have recently been pro-democracy demonstrations. However, the South Pacific archipelago is still a safe place to visit. The nations population barely reaches six figures, and most live on Tongatapu, the largest island.

As with any island, visitors to Tonga can participate in a full compliment of water-sports. The surfing, SCUBA diving and kayaking are all world class. Most hotels and dive shops can set you up with everything that you would need.

Tonga's inland offers some interesting activities. 'Eua National Park showcases both the interior forests and rugged coast of Tongatapu.

There are plenty of cultural activities to be found through tourist companies. Though many of these are akin to grass-skirted hula dancers of Hawaii (that is to say, they are performances that may or may not be quite authentic). There is, however, one aspect of Tongan culture which is authentic. The Tongan feast. Food (pork or fish) is usually followed by singing, dancing, and, in most cases, drinking either beer or kava (locally produced alcohol).

Tonga is unique in that it is one of the last functioning monarchies.