A warts and all tour of the life of Tongans outside of what tourists imagine. Unusual places most tourists wouldn't visit and laid back commentary. The beauty is there but needs to be found in the people and the beaches.
Thank you Jason. There are "secret" places you can go to on Sundays. Yes you arrived not long after a category 5 cyclone hit the islands causing severe damage across the group. The resilience is in the people managing to recover after such devastations. It was again hit this year. Life goes on. Stay well.
Can't believe there is a civilisation that far out in the edge of the world. Was randomly looking at the most remote place on earth. This island came up as a dot on Google map.
Cabdiraxiim Maxa Tonga,is a beautiful place,I grew up there. If you want to travel there,you need a friend to go,with you. I believe it’s $1400/1500,for the ticket to go there. I would recommend you stay,in the hotels,in Nuku’alofa.Nuku’alofa is downtown Tonga. Do some research of what to do,there before you go my friend.Also make sure you are prepared before you go. Like if,you have any allergies,make sure you take,what you need. The hospital in Tonga isn’t good at all. Take care and have a good time,in Tonga.
Sxb passport Somali haddaa wadato in ay kugu adkeeyaan baa macquul ah. Anba niyahow inaa aadaa rabaa sannadkan inshalah waa jaziirad qurux badan ayada iyo Fiji, Samoa, Tuvalu iyo kuwa kale oo ay Palaue ka mid tahay. Waa u dhaarsanahay. Inaa Soomaali tahayna magacaaga baan ka gartay lol sidaas baan afsomaali kuugu soo qorayaa. Sannad baa commentigan laga jooga ee ma aaday meeshan mise wali ?
Interesting observations from your visit and good to see the War Memorial (Tongan & Expat ANZACs) was relocated. Sadly looks like its been damaged though at least one of the sides with names. "Lest We Forget". Also good observation for the departure of any British representation except for the newer statue of a set of Dolphins? And more recent Chinese statue. One of the Churches I think you observed may have been the Chinese representative building. There's definitely some interesting local geopolitics occurring as there is across the world with Chinese soft dollar diplomacy. Sad to see some of the Churches affected by the recent weather. It does make Tonga seem a little desolate with not many people around. The church with the most activity is the Kings Church. All share wonderful singing and am guessing they would have been firing on all cylinders if not for the destruction. Also they may have already had an earlier service and you may have missed the next one as you were off to one of the islands. A good option if you are looking for beach and a beer. Funny when you first left your hotel looking for more activity and shops you were walking away from the main high street / central business area. The owner of the hotel initially started with a much smaller place, a more traditional Tongan fale. After his success and needing to extend his lease I believe the new location further along the road was found where you stayed. Traditionally a quieter part of town. I think Bill Fish bar is still going and others on the other side nearer the ferry area you walked to. Sundays are definitely focused on Church service, singing, giving thanks and feasting. For the short period of time you had its a pity you weren't able to experience a Sunday roast earth oven style. the island get away's are good but more an escape from the Tongan experience. Its funny Im not sure if it still happens but night clubs would reopen at midnight on Sunday as it was no longer Sunday. Even the busses may have started running again. That bus stop you passed is very busy during the week and there's a lot more traffic. Americans used to joke that they had visited England once, but it was on a weekend and it was closed. As for things to do, it seems like you enjoy some exploring. Other parts of the island are worth seeing and have some great history. Cook landing, the Langi's of Mu'a, the Ha'amonga (shown on the beer you were drinking "Maka" meaning stone). Tongan is known for handicrafts and for its dancing traditions. The public market is a great place to explore for handicrafts and local Tonga Visitors Bureau can help I believe with seeing shows for dancing and kava drinking Im sure during non Church days. As for the Kingdom other islands offer different experiences. Outdoor activities, skuba, deep sea fishing, et al. And what Tonga has become quite famous for Whale watching and swimming with Humpbacks. Similar ties culturally to Fiji and some very close connections socially and geographically. Fiji actually has Tongan villages that follow Tongan traditions to this day. Hope you were able to see more of the cultural parts and less of the western adoptions. As for the comments above on the Peace Corps Murder I've learned of the event. Certain a very sad affair and from what I understand it was internal to the Peace Corps and sounded like a mental health issue. I believe they were formed by President Kennedy and post Vietnam so may not have wanted such an event to be broadcast to widely. The Peace Corps I believe however has definitely supported some good projects worldwide and at a minimum given lots of Americans the opportunity to learn about different cultures. And certainly not a reflection on Tongan which is certainly safer than most western cities today. Sounds like you hail from the UK. I've heard they have there own fair share of obesity. You didn't conclude that part. There is an issue but one that has been created more recently with cheap poor quality feed imports. Less exercise as less people maybe as engaged in the land. A product of modernity as it is unfortunately in lots of places. On the flip side Tonga produces some excellent athletes as they are know for their strength even helping out the England rugby team these days. The King a few years ago launched a national keep fit campaign. Diabetes is definitely a challenge and hope better access to fresher food as in the old days and exercise will prevail. Great to see Harry and Meghan choose to visit Fiji and Tonga. Just like his Grandmother and Grandfather did after the Coronation. From all accounts they all thoroughly enjoyed it. It does depend on what you are looking for. If you want bright lights then maybe Honolulu would be a better option or Auckland. If you want Pacific "Paradise" then you may want to go more upmarket to a luxury resort in Fiji ROYAL DAVUI or the Brando in Tahiti. And its definitely not a place for a western schedule. In order to understand Tongan Time you need to be on Tongan Time. "There is more to life than increasing its speed" Mahatma Gandhi Quotes Im currently reading a book about a British Government officer who spent 10 years in Tonga pre WW2 living in the British Consulate residence you filmed. "Ten Years in Tonga" by JS Neil CMG Former Her Britannic Majesties Agent and Consul in Tonga. But Tonga has never been a primary Pacific destination. It's one that people may explore after visiting those places for a more genuine modern day Pacific experience. Appreciate you sharing your trip and fly on the wall documentary style and hope I was able to add a bit of color between the lines as to the parts you discovered. Safe travels!
1:44 you were walking down the driveway of my grandparents houses.. the area is called 'sopu' , really hope you enjoyed your stay in tonga, thanks for this jason
I am writing from Zanzibar. I am so sorry about the tsunami. I hope you are all safe and sound. My taxi driver in Tonga was called Venoni. I hope he is OK too.
I am writing from Zanzibar. If I were you I would have included the market and the "world's best" ukulele shop (as they say themselves). Now that the tsunami has hit them I offer my commiserations and condonlences. My taxi driver there was called Venoni. I hope he is safe.
definitely adds to the experience giving it a rather unique and retro style :-) you've visited SO MANY places! I just stumbled across your channel today and experienced the scroll of death on your video uploads... very impressive! Would you consider doing a Q&A? Im curious to find out how you afford and have the time to visit so many places over such a short period of time? whats your favourite place you visited?
I’m lucky that I get plenty of holiday times from work - I’m a teacher. Plus, I’ve lived in Qatar (where there weee ample travel opportunities) and now live in Jakarta where, again, there are plenty of places to visit. The trick though is visiting multiple countries at the same time. So, for instance, when I was in Rwanda, I visited Tanzania and Kenya. My favourite place is easy: Turkmenistan. Totally different from anywhere else I’ve been.
Perhaps it is a blessing Tonga is a devoutly christian country, one of the few officially Protestant countries that haven’t gone off the deep end, and is also one of the few that outlaws the killing of unborn children
I saw you had shoot the timber poles on the shore in front of SeaView its not a huricane damage.. legal issue is the main reason why is was not complete.
You say Tonga is still a Kingdom, you sound somewhat surprised? So is the Uk, so are about 44 nations that still have monarchs, that means over 20% of the world is still governed or reigned by monarchs
I talked today to a lady who is from there, and her parents live there. INTERESTING: Nobody can come to visit, borders are closed. BUT they do not have covid 19 .... at all.
Wow! Such a sad video! The sky heavily overcast, no people around (except for that one church), delapidated buildings... Not a South Seas paradise I would envision, with Polynesian music and dancing and all... To add to that mood (sorry), years ago I read a book about a murder in Tonga by a Peace Corps volunteer of another volunteer, and how hushed the investigation was.
I'm sure there's zero murders where you're from smdh!!! he videoed on the worst days. If you know anything about Tonga which i assume you don't, on Saturdays most stores close by 5 and on Sunday's everything is close. It seems like he didn't stay long enough to even enjoy the country!!! BTW even with the murder your mentioning, I'm sure Tonga is still safer than most country in this dang world!!!! this is the worst video of Tonga!!!
Went to Tonga in October 2017 one of the safest place on Earth....Friendly People....Beautiful Land and no one can take their heritage away from them:-) Kia Kaha our Pacific Whanau. Arohanui from New Zealand.
Very expensive all accommodations and local restaurants and food at the local market double the prices compared to Fiji and Samoa .Tonga government keeping Sunday law . Christian legalism
The racial make-up of Tonga people is really weird to me. They look a bit asian but not fully. They also have a hint of white & black! Any idea anyone what is their racial make-up?
![[Part 1] ทารกน้อยถูกทิ้ง👶 หญิงชราเก็บขวดขายเลี้ยงดูเขาจนโต #โลกการละคร](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/nPTDvFCExks/mqdefault.jpg)
Such a distant place I'll probably never see in my life. Thanks for sharing.
On Sunday there's nothing open even taxi and buses, is a day of prayer to everyone in Tonga 🇹🇴🇹🇴 but thanks for visiting to our lil country 🌺🌺
I’m glad I visited Tonga. I have fond memories of my very short time there.
Thank you for visiting our humble island..
Yes the music is oddly haunting. Great touring with you, thanks.
I thought i was watching a paranormal investigation with that music.
I agree. Sometimes my choice of music is sadly lacking.
@@JasonSmartTravel I really enjoy travel videos whole lot more when there is no music at all. Just ambient back ground sound is better in my opinion.
Thanks for sharing this place...seldom visitef by tourist.....
Greetings from Philippines
I love Tonga from the Philippines
stfu
@@ronniepower1239 GFY go fuck yourself from the philippines
Ofa atu Rogen Paramio
A warts and all tour of the life of Tongans outside of what tourists imagine. Unusual places most tourists wouldn't visit and laid back commentary. The beauty is there but needs to be found in the people and the beaches.
There's so much to do, you just have to know/research before you visit. And most important, who you know. Nice video.
Thank you Jason. There are "secret" places you can go to on Sundays. Yes you arrived not long after a category 5 cyclone hit the islands causing severe damage across the group. The resilience is in the people managing to recover after such devastations. It was again hit this year. Life goes on. Stay well.
I really enjoyed my short time in Tonga.
I am so sorry about the volcano and tsunami. I hope you are safe.
I have loved Tonga since I was 2 and from England here I have been dreaming to go!
Can't believe there is a civilisation that far out in the edge of the world. Was randomly looking at the most remote place on earth. This island came up as a dot on Google map.
Ignorant
Nice video perfect explanation and fantastic view. Thank you so much for sharing your time and your trip with us ❤️❤️❤️👍👍👍👍
One of my favourite place . Very beautiful country . Maloo
The choir sounded quite good. I would have stayed awhile there
thought i was watching a paranormal investigation with that music
That made me laugh. I think you’re right, though.
I see a lot of cars when I watch videos of pacific islands. Wouldn't gasoline be crazy expensive in these places?
God bless Tonga.
From Kefamenanu,Timor Island 🙏
How did the stars look at night?
Thanks for sharing your travels in Tonga!
Yes
@@jordanianinturkey8961
حبيبي كيف ندخل على تونغا من المغرب أنا
Thanks for a informative view of Tonga . I was planning a trip.
Very good nic place
Can I just point out that Tonga is pronounced TONG-A and not TONG-GA.
Now this is a certified hood classic.
thanks for the uploading👍👌🇹🇴🇹🇴🇹🇴
Very good. Thank You.
Enjoy each one of your videos. Local beer and local currency as well!
It's beautiful places can anybody help me beacuse I want to visit this place
Cabdiraxiim Maxa
Tonga,is a beautiful place,I grew up there. If you want to travel there,you need a friend to go,with you.
I believe it’s $1400/1500,for the ticket to go there. I would recommend you stay,in the hotels,in Nuku’alofa.Nuku’alofa is downtown Tonga. Do some research of what to do,there before you go my friend.Also make sure you are prepared before you go. Like if,you have any allergies,make sure you take,what you need. The hospital in Tonga isn’t good at all. Take care and have a good time,in Tonga.
Sxb passport Somali haddaa wadato in ay kugu adkeeyaan baa macquul ah. Anba niyahow inaa aadaa rabaa sannadkan inshalah waa jaziirad qurux badan ayada iyo Fiji, Samoa, Tuvalu iyo kuwa kale oo ay Palaue ka mid tahay. Waa u dhaarsanahay. Inaa Soomaali tahayna magacaaga baan ka gartay lol sidaas baan afsomaali kuugu soo qorayaa. Sannad baa commentigan laga jooga ee ma aaday meeshan mise wali ?
Looks so clean
Some sunny weather!
beautiful
Hope You enjoyed Your stay God Bless You
Are You from Tonga?? wow, I am Brazilian and my dream is visit Tonga...
Will come over after the pendamic .. from Malaysia..
On this episode of Beyond Belief with your host, Jonathan Frakes!
I love this country also there tradition,GOD bless all
It’s a great country!
Interesting observations from your visit and good to see the War Memorial (Tongan & Expat ANZACs) was relocated. Sadly looks like its been damaged though at least one of the sides with names. "Lest We Forget". Also good observation for the departure of any British representation except for the newer statue of a set of Dolphins? And more recent Chinese statue. One of the Churches I think you observed may have been the Chinese representative building. There's definitely some interesting local geopolitics occurring as there is across the world with Chinese soft dollar diplomacy.
Sad to see some of the Churches affected by the recent weather. It does make Tonga seem a little desolate with not many people around. The church with the most activity is the Kings Church. All share wonderful singing and am guessing they would have been firing on all cylinders if not for the destruction. Also they may have already had an earlier service and you may have missed the next one as you were off to one of the islands. A good option if you are looking for beach and a beer.
Funny when you first left your hotel looking for more activity and shops you were walking away from the main high street / central business area.
The owner of the hotel initially started with a much smaller place, a more traditional Tongan fale. After his success and needing to extend his lease I believe the new location further along the road was found where you stayed. Traditionally a quieter part of town.
I think Bill Fish bar is still going and others on the other side nearer the ferry area you walked to.
Sundays are definitely focused on Church service, singing, giving thanks and feasting. For the short period of time you had its a pity you weren't able to experience a Sunday roast earth oven style. the island get away's are good but more an escape from the Tongan experience. Its funny Im not sure if it still happens but night clubs would reopen at midnight on Sunday as it was no longer Sunday. Even the busses may have started running again. That bus stop you passed is very busy during the week and there's a lot more traffic. Americans used to joke that they had visited England once, but it was on a weekend and it was closed.
As for things to do, it seems like you enjoy some exploring. Other parts of the island are worth seeing and have some great history. Cook landing, the Langi's of Mu'a, the Ha'amonga (shown on the beer you were drinking "Maka" meaning stone).
Tongan is known for handicrafts and for its dancing traditions. The public market is a great place to explore for handicrafts and local Tonga Visitors Bureau can help I believe with seeing shows for dancing and kava drinking Im sure during non Church days.
As for the Kingdom other islands offer different experiences. Outdoor activities, skuba, deep sea fishing, et al. And what Tonga has become quite famous for Whale watching and swimming with Humpbacks.
Similar ties culturally to Fiji and some very close connections socially and geographically. Fiji actually has Tongan villages that follow Tongan traditions to this day. Hope you were able to see more of the cultural parts and less of the western adoptions.
As for the comments above on the Peace Corps Murder I've learned of the event. Certain a very sad affair and from what I understand it was internal to the Peace Corps and sounded like a mental health issue. I believe they were formed by President Kennedy and post Vietnam so may not have wanted such an event to be broadcast to widely. The Peace Corps I believe however has definitely supported some good projects worldwide and at a minimum given lots of Americans the opportunity to learn about different cultures. And certainly not a reflection on Tongan which is certainly safer than most western cities today.
Sounds like you hail from the UK. I've heard they have there own fair share of obesity. You didn't conclude that part. There is an issue but one that has been created more recently with cheap poor quality feed imports. Less exercise as less people maybe as engaged in the land. A product of modernity as it is unfortunately in lots of places. On the flip side Tonga produces some excellent athletes as they are know for their strength even helping out the England rugby team these days. The King a few years ago launched a national keep fit campaign. Diabetes is definitely a challenge and hope better access to fresher food as in the old days and exercise will prevail.
Great to see Harry and Meghan choose to visit Fiji and Tonga. Just like his Grandmother and Grandfather did after the Coronation. From all accounts they all thoroughly enjoyed it.
It does depend on what you are looking for. If you want bright lights then maybe Honolulu would be a better option or Auckland. If you want Pacific "Paradise" then you may want to go more upmarket to a luxury resort in Fiji ROYAL DAVUI or the Brando in Tahiti. And its definitely not a place for a western schedule. In order to understand Tongan Time you need to be on Tongan Time.
"There is more to life than increasing its speed"
Mahatma Gandhi Quotes
Im currently reading a book about a British Government officer who spent 10 years in Tonga pre WW2 living in the British Consulate residence you filmed. "Ten Years in Tonga" by JS Neil CMG Former Her Britannic Majesties Agent and Consul in Tonga.
But Tonga has never been a primary Pacific destination. It's one that people may explore after visiting those places for a more genuine modern day Pacific experience.
Appreciate you sharing your trip and fly on the wall documentary style and hope I was able to add a bit of color between the lines as to the parts you discovered.
Safe travels!
Thanks for leaving such a detailed comment about my video. You have given lots of useful background and information. Again, many thanks.
thank you John
John you should check out the book Tales of Tonga, fascinating!
Which kind of small or medium business is suitable in Tonga?
After under water volcano eruption i prefer to see this video
amazing video
Thanks for watching!
Very good, thank you.
1:44 you were walking down the driveway of my grandparents houses.. the area is called 'sopu' , really hope you enjoyed your stay in tonga, thanks for this jason
Wow! That’s amazing to know.
I am writing from Zanzibar. I am so sorry about the tsunami. I hope you are all safe and sound. My taxi driver in Tonga was called Venoni. I hope he is OK too.
Canal top Mano, stay with God dear🙏❤😀
I am writing from Zanzibar. If I were you I would have included the market and the "world's best" ukulele shop (as they say themselves). Now that the tsunami has hit them I offer my commiserations and condonlences. My taxi driver there was called Venoni. I hope he is safe.
Peaceful and very nice country see you one day Tonga
Hi, im making a video for a charity running a disaster management program in Tonga. May I use this video footage ?
Guy Threlfo absolutely. Go ahead.
this made me so sad to be away from my country
really enjoyed this series! whats with the choice of music? very 1990s haha :-)
My music tastes are not my greatest attributes. Mind you, I have to find obscure music to not fall foul of TH-cam's rules. Glad you stopped by.
definitely adds to the experience giving it a rather unique and retro style :-)
you've visited SO MANY places! I just stumbled across your channel today and experienced the scroll of death on your video uploads... very impressive!
Would you consider doing a Q&A? Im curious to find out how you afford and have the time to visit so many places over such a short period of time? whats your favourite place you visited?
I’m lucky that I get plenty of holiday times from work - I’m a teacher. Plus, I’ve lived in Qatar (where there weee ample travel opportunities) and now live in Jakarta where, again, there are plenty of places to visit. The trick though is visiting multiple countries at the same time. So, for instance, when I was in Rwanda, I visited Tanzania and Kenya.
My favourite place is easy: Turkmenistan. Totally different from anywhere else I’ve been.
Amazing. Will look into Turkmenistan. I look forward to future uploads, all the best!
Great video mate. Was that your only time in Tonga?
Yes, that’s the only time I’ve been there. I have fond memories of it though.
QUE linda!!🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷
Which kind of small or medium business is suitable in Tonga?
Beautiful Tonga
At least Tonga is Covid free. Good on our little kingdom ❤️
Perhaps it is a blessing
Tonga is a devoutly christian country, one of the few officially Protestant countries that haven’t gone off the deep end, and is also one of the few that outlaws the killing of unborn children
great job jason.hope u r doing well
I saw you had shoot the timber poles on the shore in front of SeaView its not a huricane damage.. legal issue is the main reason why is was not complete.
Looks like a hurricane devastated the country
Looklike Philippines too.....tropical
Is it not totally develop yet as a tourist destinstion?
No it has not, still a developing country, however such a beautiful place
Where do you have the money for these trips?!?
Mainly from my books. www.amazon.co.uk/Jason-Smart/e/B00B75IKJA/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1
Is there something happening there...parties and fun?
There is
This island is a place where the day Dawn's in front of many countries
sopu is where your at
Good morning
Never heard this country before
Pamiątka z podróży
You say Tonga is still a Kingdom, you sound somewhat surprised? So is the Uk, so are about 44 nations that still have monarchs, that means over 20% of the world is still governed or reigned by monarchs
Only different we're still an absolute monarchy, not just a figurehead...
It's the only monarchy in the South Pacific, so relatively speaking, it's unique.
@@edmoala there are one or two others, maybe three or four depending on what you count as a monarchy and what counts as the pacific
nice!
Omg there are no videos on tonga
What's up with the creepy music
i remember when my mom would pinch me and twist on the leg if i dont sing in the church
On Sundays everything shuts down except church. You aren't supposed to any kind of work on Sunday either, it's the law.
❤❤🙏
Music by Twin Peaks.
tonga is safe country for business .let me know
My fathers house at 3.00 #Matahiva
100k population with their own currency and a bear is progressive
I talked today to a lady who is from there, and her parents live there. INTERESTING: Nobody can come to visit, borders are closed. BUT they do not have covid 19 .... at all.
There are misdionaries from Tonga Mormons came to our country Philippines....God Blesd
Wow! Such a sad video! The sky heavily overcast, no people around (except for that one church), delapidated buildings... Not a South Seas paradise I would envision, with Polynesian music and dancing and all... To add to that mood (sorry), years ago I read a book about a murder in Tonga by a Peace Corps volunteer of another volunteer, and how hushed the investigation was.
Yes I well remember it, e. Gardner was her name, Weiss the author. That story haunts me.
I'm sure there's zero murders where you're from smdh!!! he videoed on the worst days. If you know anything about Tonga which i assume you don't, on Saturdays most stores close by 5 and on Sunday's everything is close. It seems like he didn't stay long enough to even enjoy the country!!! BTW even with the murder your mentioning, I'm sure Tonga is still safer than most country in this dang world!!!! this is the worst video of Tonga!!!
Went to Tonga in October 2017 one of the safest place on Earth....Friendly People....Beautiful Land and no one can take their heritage away from them:-) Kia Kaha our Pacific Whanau. Arohanui from New Zealand.
Pauline Potter thank you Sister ✨
Oh you were expecting over commercialism that lacks real authenticity? Lel.
Sounds like Hawaii and the other islands are more of your cup of tea.
Lol
Seriously somebody tell the prime minister to clean up the city and put the animals pigs in a fence and dogs on lease lol
Ok
Very expensive all accommodations and local restaurants and food at the local market double the prices compared to Fiji and Samoa .Tonga government keeping Sunday law . Christian legalism
IS THE VIRUS THERE?
Obese?
The racial make-up of Tonga people is really weird to me. They look a bit asian but not fully. They also have a hint of white & black! Any idea anyone what is their racial make-up?
Yea its Tongan
@@mactoki7074 🤣🤣
😂
They're polynesians
@@drummer8491 No, Melanese, Not poly- or micro-nese
Depressing place
Booorroiinng.
Say it straight to a Tongans face bud. You’ll see your ass on your face
@Southy , Tonga is our mother land !! Saying that , feels like ur saying it to our mother lol ..
@Southy , apology accepted !!lol ..
Sweet of you to apologise even though most people won't !! Have a great weekend..
Ok
Ok