Budget Stays in Tonga
The South Pacific has a bit of a reputation for being expensive but it certainly doesn’t have to be that way in Tonga. The islands have their fair share of budget guest houses, lodges, resorts and backpackers to keep the costs low during your island getaway. That way, you can save for the experiences, whether it’s scuba diving among the vibrant coral reefs or swimming with humpback whales. So check out some of the budget stays available in this list of some of our favourite budget accommodation in Tonga.
Note that Tonga is an ever-evolving country, which often means that accommodations don’t stay the same. While we try to keep our listings as up-to-date as possible, just be aware that accommodations are known to change their facilities with little notice. If you have any updates, feel free to reach out so we can update our listings.
1. Heilala Holiday Lodge
Budget travellers have a couple of excellent room options at the Heilala Holiday Lodge in the beach gardens of Ha’atafu Beach. Stay in one of the standard rooms with shared bathroom facilities in the main lodge for an ultra-cheap stay or upgrade to one of the stand-along fales with an ensuite. There are also options for families and groups, making this beachfront accommodation in Tongatapu well worth considering if you’re on a budget. What’s more, the lodge offers a whole list of free inclusions, such as airport transfers, an introductory tour of Nuku’alofa, daily breakfast, snorkelling gear and bike hire. Check out more options nearby in the 10 Best Budget Accommodation on Tongatapu.
Check Heilala Holiday Lodge out:
2. The Village Backpackers
If looking for backpacker-style accommodation in Tonga, then check out The Village Backpackers in Nuku’alofa. The centrally-located backpackers offers mixed dorms, female dorms, male dorms, double rooms with either a shared bathroom or ensuite or a triple room with ensuite. While the hostel doesn’t have kitchen facilities, guests can get some food at the on-site canteen, which serves breakfast and Tongan-style dinner. Alternatively, take a look at the Top Cheap Eats in Tonga. See more accommodation like this in the 10 Best Budget Accommodation in Nuku’alofa.
Check The Village Backpackers out:
3. Taina’s Place
More cheap-as-chips accommodation can be found in the backpacker’s paradise of ‘Eua, with the cheapest option being Taina’s Place. Tent sites, dorm beds, private rooms for one, two and three, and a four-bedroom cottage are available at this accommodation in the centre of the island nearby natural attractions like the ‘Ovava Tree and Ha’aluma Beach. The accommodation can organise a wide range of activities during your stay, from guided hikes to whale watching. Check out more options like this in the 6 Best Budget Accommodation in ‘Eua.
4. Taiana’s Resort
Stay in traditional-style Tongan fales on the beach of an uninhabited island at Taiana’s Resort. If you’re looking for a real adventure, then Taiana’s Resort, also known as Taiana’s Place, is an awesome option if you’re not too afraid of living off-the-grid. Your local hosts offer real Tongan meals for guests, as well as activities such as kayaking and snorkelling from the idyllic white-sand beach. There are five traditional fales with a mattress on the floor, mosquito nets and a kerosene lantern – the only ones of its kind in the Ha’apai Group. See more options in the 7 Best Budget Accommodation in Ha’apai.
5. Flying Annie Moa Bed & Breakfast
A well-presented bed & breakfast guesthouse in Neaifu, Flying Annie Moa Bed & Breakfast is a good choice for those looking to stay in Vava’u. Stay in Neiafu close to whale swimming, diving and fishing operators on the wharf, while also getting to enjoy the views across the Port of Refuge from the communal verandahs and balcony. The large guesthouse has a range of affordable rooms on offer, from standard single rooms with shared bathroom facilities to double ensuite rooms. You can also relax in the lounge and make use of the kitchen facilities. As the name suggests, breakfast is included. WiFi and airport transfers are also included in your stay.
Check Flying Annie Moa out:
6. Port of Refuge Villas
Stay on among gardens on a 2-acre (0.8ha) hillside with amazing views of the Port of Refuge and Neiafu in one of the shared rooms, single rooms and double rooms for the budgeting backpacker. Alternatively, you could even splurge a little for a private two-bedroom villa at the Port of Refuge Villas. Not only does the accommodation provide airport transfers, WiFi, laundry and meals on request, but they also offer affordable in-house tours, from land tour to island-hopping tours.
Check Port of Refuge Villas out:
- Port of Refuge Villas on Airbnb – don’t forget to get your FREE $50 Airbnb credit on us!
7. The Friendly Islander (Papiloa’s Place)
Stay in one of the fales (bungalows) or budget rooms of the tropical plant-filled haven of The Friendly Islander in Nuku’alofa, also known as Papiloa’s Place. Featuring an outdoor swimming pool, lush gardens and a quiet location near the waterfront on the eastern side of the capital, The Friendly Islander is a good place to spend some downtime in between sightseeing and whale swimming. There are affordable self-contained fales for groups and families, while couples and solo travellers will often find more value in the motel-style units.
Check The Friendly Islander out:
- The Friendly Islander on Booking.com
- The Friendly Islander on Trip.com
- The Friendly Islander on Expedia
8. Ovava Tree Lodge
For a unique stay elevated in the trees of ‘Eua, stay at the Ovava Tree Lodge near Ohonua. The boutique lodge has affordable rooms for couples and solo travellers in their timber-lined rooms connected by a boardwalk through the forest. Listen to the waves lapping onto shore nearby and take part in in-house activities, such as scuba diving, whale swimming, 4WD tours and more. Your stay also includes airport/wharf transfers, free breakfast and a small convenience store.
9. Lindsay Guesthouse
Guesthouses are a good go-to for budget accommodation in Tonga, which is certainly the case for the Lindsay Guesthouse in Ha’apai. It is the largest guesthouse in the Ha’apai group, which can be found just a 10-minute walk from the main town centre. Stay in one of the 12 rooms, including single, double and triple rooms most with cold-water shared bathroom facilities. There are also double and triple ensuite rooms available. Guests can relax in the communal lounge or out on the expansive verandah or lawns. Breakfast is included in the rate, while lunch is also available on request.
10. Lucky’s Beach Houses
Find yourself your own quiet corner of Vava’u at Lucky’s Beach Houses. The boutique accommodation’s most affordable rooms are their duplex units with a double bed or twin bed, screened window and a ceiling fan. You can save further by making use of the shared kitchen facilities, including a barbecue. There is also a shared bathroom block. During your stay, make use of the complimentary kayaks, snorkelling spots (bring your own gear) and hit your hosts up for one of their famous Giant Trevally fishing charters.
Check Lucky’s Beach Houses out:
- Lucky’s Beach Houses on Airbnb – don’t forget to get your FREE $50 Airbnb credit on us!
More About Budget Accommodation in Tonga
- 10 Tips for Travelling Tonga on a Budget
- Tonga Budget Itinerary: 7 Days
- How to Pick the Best Backpacker Accommodation in Tonga for You
That’s it for the best budget accommodation in Tonga. See more amazing stays in The Top 30 Resorts in Tonga. Plus, get even more trip-planning tips in The Travel Guide to Tonga on a Budget.
Author
Laura S.
This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of Tonga Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in the South Pacific over 10 years ago with nothing but a backpack and a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to explore a paradise such as Tonga. She knows the islands inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience Tonga’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides.