How to Choose the Best Backpacker Accommodations in Tonga

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What Types of Backpacker Accommodations are in Tonga?

Before we start comparing the backpacker accommodations, it’s important to understand what accommodations are available in Tonga for backpackers.

In Nuku’alofa, there are some accommodations directed at backpackers, such as The Village Backpackers, Backpackers Townhouse and Toni’s Guesthouses & Apartments. These are made up of dorm rooms, as well as some private rooms with communal facilities. The Village Backpackers is the hostel with the most beds per dorm, while other backpackers only have two or three beds per dorm room. Learn more about all of the mentioned accommodations in the 10 Best Backpacker Hostels in Tonga.

Alternatively, guesthouses make up the rest of the “backpacker-style” accommodations, which consist of private rooms with shared kitchen, bathroom and lounge facilities. Rooms with ensuite bathrooms are also usually available. Learn more about what to expect from guesthouses in How to Choose the Best Guesthouse in Tonga for You.

As one final style of backpacker accommodation, there are some island resorts in Tonga with backpacker-friendly beach fales or a guesthouse. Learn more about those in the 5 Best Budget Resorts in Tonga.

Accommodation Standards in Tonga

It’s important to set a few expectations straight before checking into your backpacker accommodation in Tonga. Tonga is a developing country with a younger tourism industry and, in turn, less expertise than some of the more developed tourist hubs of the South Pacific. Some accommodations can be pretty basic, and not all of your usual facilities are provided, such as towels, toiletries, tea/coffee or even hot water. Tonga is more basic, so it is best to keep an open mind (and bring a travel towel).

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Location, How to Get There and What is Nearby?

A major consideration for backpackers to Tonga is where accommodations are located. Tonga’s cheapest accommodations can always be found in the main towns of the country, such as Nuku’alofa (Tongatapu), Pangai (Ha’apai), Neiafu (Vava’u) and in the tightly compact central villages of ‘Eua. These locations also help keep the costs low due to the proximity of shops and services, where you can pick up supplies to make meals with the accommodation’s self-catering facilities

If you’re not travelling to all of the major island groups, then check out the following guides to help you make a decision on the island groups you’d like to visit:

• The Guide to Tongatapu on a Budget
• The Guide to ‘Eua on a Budget
• The Guide to Ha’apai on a Budget
• The Guide to Vava’u on a Budget

Note that there’s also The Niuas island group. However, no commercial accommodations are operating at this time. Trips here usually require organising a homestay, which you can learn more about in How to Organise a Homestay in Tonga.

How to Get There

Once you’ve established the island group (or groups) you want to visit and you’re comparing backpacker accommodation, it’s a good idea to compare how to get to your chosen accommodation. Most accommodations in Tonga offer airport and wharf transfers. If not, taxis are available from the airport in Tongatapu and Vava’u. For more information about getting around, see the following articles for advice:

• 10 Ways to Get to (& Around) Tongatapu
• 5 Ways to Get to (& Around) ‘Eua
• 5 Ways to Get to (& Around) Ha’apai
• 10 Ways to Get to (& Around) Vava’u

What’s Nearby?

As established, all of the cheapest accommodations are in the main towns/villages of each island group. However, if you won’t have a car while in Tonga, then it’s a good idea to check out what is within walking distance of your chosen accommodation. Especially for Nuku’alofa, some backpacker accommodations are quite a long walk from the city centre.

Check out the links below on where are accommodations are located and what’s nearby, as well as a compilation of backpackers based on location:

• Where to Stay on Tongatapu and 5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Nuku’alofa & Tongatapu
• Where to Stay on ‘Eua
• Where to Stay in Ha’apai
• Where to Stay in Vava’u.

And if that’s too specific, start from scratch using Where to Stay in Tonga and the 10 Best Backpacker Hostels in Tonga.

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What’s Included in Your Stay?

Inclusions at your backpacker accommodation can turn a good stay into a great one, as the little extras might just make your stay much easier and therefore, enjoyable. When comparing backpacker accommodations in Tonga, make sure you check what facilities are available, as well as what extra services are included. Of course, price is important too, which we go through in How to Find Cheap Accommodation in Tonga.

Typical Facilities at Backpacker Accommodations

What facilities do backpacker-style accommodations in Tonga usually have? Here are some typical facilities:

• Car parking
• Fans
• Shared bathroom with a shower, sink and toilet
• Insect-screened windows or mosquito nets.

Facilities and Services that Only Some Backpackers Have

• Free daily breakfast
• Communal kitchen
• Cooked meals on request (extra fee)
• WiFi (extra fee)
• Car rental (extra fee)
• Airport transfers (extra fee)
• Washing machine
• Air conditioning
• Outside deck or verandah
• Garden
• Hot water
• Toiletries
• Towels
• Soap
• In-house tours or cultural activities for guests.