10 Best Budget Accommodation on Tongatapu

Cheap Accommodation on Tongatapu

Save money on accommodation in Tonga, so you can afford the more important stuff, like swimming with whales, scuba diving in caves or hopping on exciting fishing charters! Tonga’s main island, Tongatapu, provides an array of budget accommodation, from guest houses in the city of Nuku’alofa to tranquil retreats on the beach on the eastern and western sides of the island. Check out some of our top recommendations in this list of the best budget accommodation on Tongatapu!

Note that Tonga is an ever-evolving country. With that, accommodation offerings also change with little notice. While we try to keep the services up-to-date on each listing, note that some service may have been added, as well as discontinued. Feel free to reach out if you have any updates.

1. NOA Guesthouse

Located in Nuku’alofa, NOA Guesthouse offers a dorm, private rooms and a holiday house for budget travellers. The 10-bed dorm, single rooms, double rooms have shared bathroom facilities, while twin/king rooms are available with ensuites. Guests can make use of the two communal kitchen and dining rooms for self-catering. Other facilities include breakfast, laundry, airport transfers and car, van, scooter and bicycle hire. See more accommodation like this in 10 Best Budget Accommodation in Nuku’alofa.

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10 Best Budget Accommodation on Tongatapu

2. Heilala Holiday Lodge

Stay in one of the Tongan-inspired beach houses at the Heilala Holiday Lodge! Located on the sandy shores of Ha’atafu and Kanokupolu on the western side of Tongatapu, Heilala Lodge offers standard rooms with shared bathroom facilities for travellers on a budget. On top of that, guests can easily keep the holiday costs down thanks to free services including, airport pick-up, a city induction tour, breakfast, snorkel gear and bicycle hire. The accommodation also features a communal kitchen, as well as car rentals, kayaks and an on-site restaurant.

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3. Malau Lodge

A boutique guest house-style accommodation in Nuku’alofa, Malau Lodge provides an affordable place to stay on Tongatapu. The lodge is close to waterfront restaurants, Faua Wharf and less than a 10-minute walk from Nuku’alofa city centre. The budget lodge has only three guest rooms, either as a double or triple set-up with shared bathrooms. Downstairs is a communal kitchen, which is free for guests to use and where breakfast is served each day. Free WiFi, hot and cold water and laundry facilities are also included. See more accommodation like this in the 5 Best Homestays in Nuku’alofa.

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4. Pangaimotu Island Resort

Yes, even budget travellers can get that island resort experience on Tongatapu! Pangaimotu Island Resort is a 10-minute boat trip from Nuku’alofa’s Faua Wharf. On arrival, you’ll undoubtedly see the shipwreck sticking out of the water at the island’s entrance. On the island, stay in affordable beachside “fales” (bungalows) which are basic but offer the true island experience with intricately woven panels and thatched roofs. There is also an on-site restaurant. Note that you’ll also be sharing the island with day-trippers.

5. Dayspring Lodge

Dayspring Lodge is an affordable accommodation in a suburb of Nuku’alofa by the Vailoa Hospital and the Tongan National Culture Centre. Stay in one of the well-appointed and colourfully decorated guest rooms, with six single and double rooms available with shared bathrooms. Inclusions during your stay are free continental breakfast, free WiFi and a spacious kitchen for cooking your own meals. Car and bicycle rentals are also available.

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6. Petani Lodge

Far enough out of town to provide a relaxing stay yet close enough for convenience, Petani Lodge offers a budget stay in the village of Havelu just west of Nuku’alofa. The lodge has seven rooms and two family units at affordable rates. Facilities include electric fans, shared bathrooms, a communal kitchen and large dining and living area for guests to relax in. Services include a laundry service and tour bookings. The lodge makes a good base to explore the island using public transport with a bus stop just outside. See more accommodation like this in the 10 Best Family Accommodation on Tongatapu.

7. Oceanside Lodge

Get off the beaten track and stay on the eastern side of Tongatapu at the Oceanside Lodge just north of Niutoua village where the Ha’amonga ‘a Maui Trilithon is. The boutique lodge offers four guest rooms in a double and twin layout. Rooms are well-presented and have shared bathroom facilities, aside from the “Master Room” with an ensuite. Guests can also relax in the two lounges, one of which overlooks the ocean reef, as well as use the kitchen for a small fee. Airport transfers and WiFi are also offered.

8. The Village Backpackers

For a central stay in Nuku’alofa at an ultra-budget price, consider The Village Backpackers in Nuku’alofa. Rooms include mixed dorms, female dorms, male dorms, private double rooms with either a shared bathroom or ensuite or a private triple room with ensuite. Get food at the canteen serving breakfast and Tongan-style dinner. Otherwise, you’re super close to Nuku’alofa’s affordable restaurants.

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9. Toni’s Guesthouses

Budget travellers have a few options when it comes to Toni’s Guesthouses on Tongatapu. Stay in the city of Nuku’alofa at Toni’s Guesthouse featuring the “Green House” with dorms, the “Yellow House” with private rooms with either shared facilities or ensuites and the “Blue House” for families and students in dorms. Alternatively, there’s Toni’s Beach House between ‘Utulau and Keleti Beach on the south coast of Tongatapu. Here, you’ll find affordable twin and double rooms with shared facilities. See more guesthouses in town in 10 Best Guesthouses in Nuku’alofa.

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Toni’s Guesthouses on HostelWorld

10. The Friendly Islander (Papiloa’s Place)

Finally, a number of budget fales and units are on offer at The Friendly Islander, also known as Papiloa’s Place, in Nuku’alofa. Fales are self-contained and are ideal for groups and families, while couples and solo travellers will find more value in the motel-style units. The accommodation grounds has an outdoor swimming pool and verdant gardens.

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More About Budget Accommodation on Tongatapu

That’s it for the best budget accommodations on Tongatapu. Get more budgeting advice from The Travel Guide to Tonga on a Budget and Tonga Travel Budget: How Much Does a Trip to Tonga Cost?

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.

Contact Laura via our contact page