 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 | |||
Featured Book Moon Handbooks - South Pacific |
DanceTraditional dances in Tonga are similar to those in Samoa - they are stories, acted out by the dancers using the hands and feet, not the hips. The women dance with gentle grace, the men with energy and power. One of the gentlest, dignified dances is the tau’olunga where a young girl dances along, knees closely held together, at weddings or functions. There are standing dances (like the lakalaka), sitting dances (ma’ulu’ulu) and war dances (kailao). Naturally, this one is the most dramatic. You will find Tongan dance shows at resorts and twice a week (Tuesdays/Thursdays) at the Tonga National Centre. It is customary to stick small denomination money notes on the arms/shoulders of the well-oiled dancers - watch how the local spectators do this and follow suit. For those who want to indulge in dancing to disco, reggae or rock in Nuku’alofa, head to the Blue Pacific International Night Club at Maufanga (4km from town centre - take a taxi).>Top
DentistThere is a dental clinic at Vaiola Hospital (Ph 23 200) but expect a queue. A recommended dentist is Dr Sione Ui Kilisimasi (Ph 24 780), located near the pharmacy on Salote Road near the Australian High Commission.>Top
Departure TaxT$25 is payable on departure from Tonga for all travellers aged 2 years and over.>Top
DivingThe scuba diving in Tonga is simply outstanding and relatively inexpensive. Visibility can be up to 50 metres and there are reef, wreck, cave and drop-off dives on offer. You may even get to share the dive with dolphins and whales. Two tank dives cost between T$90 and T$115 and Open Water accreditation courses (5-day course with 5 compulsory dives) from T$400 to T$530. There are professional dive operators in Nuku’alofa, Lifuka and Neiafu. Rather than list the popular dive sites (the best dive site may well be one that nobody has ever dived before!), here are some of the major dive operators contact details:
>Top
DoctorsNaturally there are doctors at Vaiola Hospital (Ph 23 200) but you will probably be in for a long wait. Better to go to the German Clinic (Dr Heinz Betz) on Vaka’akolo Road opposite Vilai Barracks. Ring first to make an appointment on 22 736 9:30am to 12:30pm weekdays and Saturday 3:00pm to 5:00pm. After hours phone 24 625.>Top
DogsIt is highly likely you won’t have come across such scrawny, wretched-looking canines before. Don’t rush to call the RSPCA because there isn’t one. They can be a nuisance (chasing cyclists, barking or just being a tad threatening). If you find yourself in a stand-off situation with a dog, pretending to pick up a stone will usually see it run away.>Top
DressFor visitors, dress should be casual with the tropics in mind - perhaps a sweater for the cooler evenings. Swimwear is only permitted at resorts, beaches or swimming pools. It is illegal for anyone (including men) to appear in public without a shirt. The traditional Tongan ‘skirt’ is called the ta’ovala. Made of finely woven pandanas leaf mat it is worn around the waist. These mats are worn on formal occasions and traditional ceremonies. When in mourning, Tongans dress in black and wear large ta’ovalas.>Top
DrivingDriving is on the left, as in Australia and New Zealand. You will need to purchase a Tongan driver’s licence from the Traffic Department at the Central Police Station (T$15). This is simply a revenue-raising exercise and there is no test apart from one of patience. Allow about an hour because you need to queue to get the form, queue again to pay and then queue again to get the official stamp. You can hire cars from Avis, Budget or E.M. Jones Travel (see Car Rental). Once you hit the road, observe the speed rules - everything is a slower pace than most visitors are used to - speed limits is 40kph in town and 65kph on the open road. Police do have radar guns and are more than happy to hand out on-the-spot fines (T$50). Hitting a pig can be costly - your car insurance won’t cover the compensation you will have to pay to the owner of the pig.>Top
DrugsDon’t even think about it! Drug smuggling carries a maximum penalty of 30 years hard labour. Like most Pacific destinations, alcohol and kava provide sufficient enjoyment/relaxation/damage.>Top
Duty FreePassengers over 18 can take in 2.25 litres of spirits or 4.5 litres of wine plus 400 cigarettes/500g tobacco.>Top
|
Web Site By PDIS
Home : Top : About Us : Contact