Where to Find Backpacker Accommodation in Nuku’alofa and Tongatapu
Looking for affordable dorms on Tonga’s main island? You’ve come to the right place with this list of the best backpacker hostels on Tongatapu! While you won’t find any backpacker accommodations with dorms outside of the capital, Nuku’alofa, what you will find is a variety of experiences. Stay in cheap and cheerful rooms in the heart of the city or stay in a homely guesthouse where it’s easy to socialise with like-minded travellers. While you’re in the area, you might also be interested in checking out The Guide to Tongatapu on a Budget!
Note that Tonga is an ever-evolving country and with that, accommodation services can also change with little notice. While we try to keep the services up-to-date on each listing, note that some services may have changed. Feel free to reach out if you have any updates.
1. Backpackers Townhouse (Kapeta Backpackers)
A homely guesthouse for backpackers and travellers on a budget, Backpackers Townhouse (signposted at “Kapeta Backpackers” on the corner of Mateialona and Vahaakolo Roads) offers a couple of two-bed dorm rooms and four private single, twin/double rooms with shared bathroom facilities between two rooms. The guesthouse is an interesting place to stay with papaya and banana trees that you can help yourself to, while it’s also the site of True Vava’u where you can learn more about how your host makes tuitui (candlenut) oil. What’s more, the guesthouse is conveniently a short walk from the city centre. Full kitchen facilities, hot showers, electric fans and laundry services are all available. See more stays like this in the 10 Best Guesthouses in Nuku’alofa & Tongatapu.
© TongaPocketGuide.com2. The Village Backpackers
You can hardly get more central than The Village Backpackers in Nuku’alofa, nestled in the Taufa’ahau Village laneway near a wide array of eateries, bars and shops (we recommend Ini’s Cakes)! The backpacker hostel offers a range of ultra-affordable rooms, including 4-6-bed mixed dorms, 4-bed female dorms and 4-bed male dorms upstairs with shared facilities, while downstairs is a selection of private double and triple ensuite rooms with entrances straight onto the street. Airport transfers are available for a fee, while your hosts can also help with ferry booking and transfers. Note that there isn’t a kitchen or fridge, so this accommodation is not suitable for self-catering. Check out more budget options in the heart of the city in the 10 Best Budget Accommodations in Nuku’alofa.
Check The Village Backpackers out:
© TongaPocketGuide.com3. Toni’s Guesthouses & Apartments
Toni has a few guesthouses across Nuku’alofa, which can be very confusing to find/make sure you’re going to correct one – so we’ll make this listing a long one to make it as clear as possible. What’s more, the guesthouses are not the most central (rent a car). Nevertheless, travellers looking for an ultra-affordable stay will certainly find a place to call home at one of Toni’s Guesthouses or Apartments, starting with welcome refreshments.
The “Green House” has 2-3-bed backpacker dorm rooms with shared bathrooms and the “Yellow House” has double and twin rooms with some ensuite options. What’s known as the “Family House” is actually two self-contained units within. All of the above are located on the same estate in Tofoa. Meanwhile, “Toni’s Apartments” on Hihifo Road, Puke are two more guesthouses with four guest rooms each.
Unless otherwise stated, all houses are on a shared basis and are well equipped with a kitchen, a cool lounge and a seating area under a verandah – all kept to a clean and presentable standard. Although a little out of town, Toni and Leni offer island day tours.
Check Toni’s Guesthouses out:
© TongaPocketGuide.com4. NOA Guesthouse
One of the largest guesthouses in Nuku’alofa, NOA Guesthouse has something for every type of traveller on a budget. Choose from single/double rooms with shared bathroom facilities and “Family Rooms” which have one double and a single bed with an ensuite. Guests have access to a large communal kitchen and dining room, which makes self-catering a breeze. Paid services include breakfast, laundry, WiFi and airport transfers. You can also rent vehicles with the guesthouse, which works with Me Rentals, as featured in The Best Car Rentals in Tongatapu.
Check NOA Guesthouse out:
© TongaPocketGuide.com5. Dayspring Lodge
With free breakfast, free WiFi and super affordable guest rooms, you can hardly do wrong with Dayspring Lodge if you’re on a budget. Dayspring is located in Tofoa village on the southern outskirts of Nuku’alofa, which makes for a good central base for exploring Tongatapu. The basic but comfortable guesthouse offers double and single rooms (six in total), sharing three bathrooms between guests. The lodge has a beautiful garden with fruit trees galore, many of which are used to produce your breakfast each morning. Check out more lodges in the 10 Best Lodges in Tonga.
Check Dayspring Lodge out:
© Dayspring Lodge[CLOSED] Hafu’s House Backpackers
For travellers looking for a more social experience, you can hardly do wrong at Hafu’s House Backpackers. The backpacker accommodation is a 15-minute walk from Nuku’alofa city centre. Enjoy a friendly and social atmosphere, where guests can get together in the communal kitchen featuring free tea and coffee and ingredients available to make simple breakfasts. There’s also a communal lounge and a garden with a fire pit. Other features include board games, cards, book exchange and airport transfers.
[CLOSED] Sela’s Guest House
Sela’s Guest House is an 18-room guest house approximately 1.5km (one mile) from Nuku’alofa city centre. Join other backpackers in the affordable dorm, single and double rooms available. Rooms are simple but comfortable, all opening up onto a central courtyard in a “stable” style. A communal kitchen is available or treat yourself to an amazing cooked breakfast.
More About Backpacker Hostels in Nuku’alofa and Tongatapu
That’s it for our list of the best backpacker hostels in Nuku’alofa and Tongatapu. For more advice to plan the perfect backpacking getaway, take a look at our other guides:
- The Travel Guide to Nuku’alofa on a Budget
- The Top Cheap Eats in Nuku’alofa & Tongatapu
- 10 Free & Cheap Things to Do on Tongatapu
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Budget & Backpacking Guide to Tonga.
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