If you're looking for a destination without the crowds, Tonga is the perfect place for you. This hidden gem is still relatively unknown to most travelers, with many only visiting during the peak whale season between July and October. Even during the busy season, Tonga still offers plenty of availability and "low season" deals during off-peak periods like the December holidays. During my own stay in December, I was the only guest at the resort and was treated like a VIP, enjoying the entire place to myself. With no big chain hotels or large-scale resorts, Tonga offers a more boutique experience.

Entering an ancient cave and discovering a concealed crystal clear, freshwater pool has an air of mystique. Anahulu, situated on a magnificent beach, is accessible through a small opening in the rocks that leads to a cavernous chamber with towering stalactites and stalagmites. After navigating the path and stairs, visitors will find themselves at the top of the pool, where they can descend via a staircase. The cave is dimly illuminated by a handful of lights powered by a generator. The pool's depth is a remarkable 8 meters, and it is not uncommon for locals to leap into the dark waters below! Vava'u, on the other hand, houses another astonishing cave pool that can only be accessed by boat.

Tonga presents an incredible selection of picturesque island resorts at a fraction of the cost compared to other destinations. The Royal Sunset Island Resort, a fantastic choice for families on a budget, is conveniently situated a short ferry ride from the mainland. Fafa Island, also just a short ferry ride away, boasts splendid beachfront villas, including a few two-bedroom options perfect for families. Kitesurf Tonga is located on Uoleva Island in Ha'apai. In the breathtaking Vava'u island group, visitors can find the Beach House & Coral Cottage, which was featured on Kevin Mcloud's TV series Escape to the Wild. Please note that Royal Sunset Island Resort and Fafa Island are presently closed as they rebuild from the 2020 Tsunami.

Located on the picturesque Lavengatonga Beach in Tongatapu, the Hina Cave, also known as the Cave of Love, is nestled among the cliffs and caves. Visitors will step into an ancient mythical cave where they will be treated to a cultural show featuring the enchanting voices of local singers, illuminating fire displays, and traditional dances from various South Pacific Islands. Additionally, Ancient Tonga provides an opportunity to learn about traditional medicines and mat weaving techniques while enjoying demonstrations. A visit to the local community halls offers the chance to spend time with the women, learn about their culture, and assist with the Hiapo bark beating. However, please note that the resort was affected by the 2020 Tsunami, and as a result, the dinner show has been relocated from the cave while they rebuild. 

When visiting Tonga, a must-see attraction is the Mapu 'A Vaea Blowholes, which boasts hundreds of blowholes stretching along a 5-kilometer wind-swept coastline. Another spectacular natural wonder is the Hufangalupe Natural Bridge, a limestone arch where visitors can marvel at Mother Nature's beauty for hours. 

For those seeking outdoor adventures, the remote Eua Island, just a 2-hour ferry ride from the mainland, is a haven of dense forests and offers fantastic hiking and cave exploring opportunities, as well as secluded beaches to discover. 

Tonga is a haven for those who love to explore mysterious ancient sites. One such site is the Ha'amonga a' Maui, built in the 13th century. Some believe that this trilithon was used as a seasonal calendar, similar to the Polynesian Stonehenge, to indicate the position of the sunrise during solstices and equinoxes. Another fascinating ancient construction from the same period is an enormous tomb, built in a similar fashion to the Egyptian Pyramids. What's truly remarkable is that there's little evidence of mechanical tools available at the time, yet the hard-coral slabs used to build the tomb were perfectly joined at the corners, like pieces of timber.

Tonga is a unique destination that offers an incredible opportunity to swim alongside majestic Humpback Whales, which is a rare experience found in only a handful of locations worldwide. These magnificent creatures make the journey from Antarctica to Tonga's warm, tropical waters every year between June and November for various purposes such as mating, giving birth, and socializing. To swim with the Humpback whales, you must book with a certified and registered Whale Swim operator from Tongatapu, Eua, Ha'apai, or Vava'u. The operators prioritize the well-being of the whales, allowing a maximum of four swimmers in the water at a time and ensuring they do not approach closer than five meters to the whales. Please note swimming with Whales is offered between July & October.