Description

Highlights

• What's Included

  • Traditional Lu Cooking: Prepare a traditional Tongan Lu, including coconut scraping, cream squeezing, and cooking over an open fire.
  • Kava Experience: Gather around the Kava bowl to try it, hear its legends, and engage in a cultural discussion.
  • Traditional Medicine: Learn about and interact with medicinal plants and botanical leaves used in Tongan healing and skincare.
  • Tongan Koloa: Participate in a weaving demonstration using pandanus leaves, exploring its cultural importance.
  • Ngatu Artistry: Discover Tongan motifs and the significance of Koloa in Tongan society.
  • Boutique Museum Tour: View and learn about unique artefacts with engaging explanations.
  • Refreshments: Enjoy a relaxing meal of tropical fruits, the Lu you helped prepare, and casual conversation.

• What to Expect

  During our highly immersive Ancient Tonga Full Culture Tour, you’ll start by learning to prepare a traditional Tongan Lu. From scraping fresh coconut and squeezing out its rich cream to adding taro and other local ingredients, you’ll experience each step of this authentic cooking process, including placing the Lu over an open fire.

  Next, we’ll gather around the Kava bowl, where you’ll have the chance to try this cultural drink while hearing about its significance in Tongan life. Feel free to ask questions about our customs, community, and day-to-day lifestyle as you enjoy this special moment.

  The journey continues with a hands-on introduction to traditional medicine, where we showcase botanical leaves and medicinal plants. You’ll get to smell, touch, and learn how we use these natural ingredients for healing and skincare.

  From there, we’ll dive into Tongan craftsmanship with a weaving demonstration using pandanus leaves, followed by an exploration of Ngatu motifs and the significance of Kaloa.

  Finally, we’ll tour our boutique museum, filled with unique artefacts that tell the story of Tonga’s rich heritage.

  The experience wraps up with light refreshments of tropical fruits, a tasting of the Lu we prepared together, and a relaxed chat, allowing you to truly soak in the Tongan spirit.

• What to Bring

  • Sunscreen and sunhat if it’s a sunny day
  • Water
  • Insect repellant
  • Cash if you would like to shop with us (we have a gift shop and bar to buy refreshments)
  • Comfortable footwear

• Departure & Return

  You’re welcome to join us at our location (address below). For guests needing a pick-up in Nuku’alofa town, we offer transport for a small fee: 15 Paʻanga within 10 km and 25 Paʻanga for distances beyond 10 km. Please select this option upon booking, if required.

• Tonga Pocket Guide Review

  “A truly interactive dive into Tongan culture, from coconut husking to kava tasting and traditional weaving! Much of what we’ve learned about the Tongan culture was on this tour. All in all, this tour beautifully captures the essence of Tonga in a very memorable fashion.”

• Additional Info

  Please inform us of any allergies, and let us know if you are vegetarian or vegan so we can cater to your needs with advance notice.

  Be prepared for the Tongan sun by bringing sun protection, as some areas of the tour are not shaded.

  For those wanting additional refreshments, we have an on-site bar offering a range of mainstream drinks to enjoy during your visit.

• Cancellation Policy

  Moderate Cancellation Policy

• FAQ

  How long is the tour?
  The Ancient Tonga Full Culture Tour lasts approximately two hours and ten minutes, giving you ample time to engage in each cultural activity and explore our boutique museum.

  Do I need to book the Full Culture Tour in advance?
  Yes, we recommend booking in advance, especially if you have dietary requirements such as vegetarian or vegan preferences, so we can prepare accordingly.

  What should I bring on the Full Culture Tour with Anicent Tonga?
  We recommend bringing sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses) as some parts of the tour are outdoors and not shaded. It’s also good to bring comfortable clothing, a water bottle, and your camera. We also have a souvenir shop, so bring some cash if you would like to shop with us.

  Is transportation included to Ancient Tonga?
  Pick-up from Nuku’alofa town is available for an additional fee (please let us know upon booking). Alternatively, you can join us directly at our site (see address below).

  Are refreshments provided on the Full Culture Tour?
  Yes, we offer light refreshments of tropical fruits and a tasting of the Lu we prepare together. Additionally, there is an on-site bar where you can purchase more mainstream refreshments.

  Can you accommodate food allergies?
  Yes, please let us know about any allergies upon booking, and we will do our best to accommodate you.

  Is the Ancient Tonga Full Culture Tour suitable for children?
  Absolutely! This interactive experience is ideal for curious travellers of all ages, including children, who can enjoy hands-on activities like traditional weaving and coconut scraping.

  Will we get to try the Kava at Ancient Tonga?
  Yes, part of the tour includes gathering around the Kava bowl, where you’ll learn about its significance and even have the chance to taste it.

  Are there any physical requirements?
  The tour involves some light walking and standing, along with hands-on activities. Please let us know if you have any mobility concerns, and we’ll do our best to accommodate.

  Can we take photos during the tour?
  Yes, photos are welcome! We encourage you to capture the moments and memories to take home. However, we limit the use of videos, so talk to us if you want to film our tour.

• Help

  Tamakautonga Road
  Fangaloto
  Nuku’alofa, Tonga

  Phone: +676 25510

  WhatsApp: +676 8820555

  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ancienttongaattraction/

  info@ancienttonga.com

• Accessibility

  3

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