The next island group on our course is Tonga. Unfortunately, we cannot tender on Rarotonga because the wind is too strong and the waves are too high. Instead, the captain takes an extra round around the island.Three days later, we arrive in Nuku' Alofa in Tonga. We are greeted enthusiastically by the police band. A private concert for us creates a goosebump moment. Not least because traditional dances are performed as well.
Today we explore the island by rental car. Our first stop is in the inland, at the 'Three Head Coconut Tree' where a single coconut palm with three heads stands on a wide meadow. It seems to be something very special, as tourists gather behind us. Apart from that, there is not much else to see here. We continue to the west of the island. Here, along the coast, we see the Mapu 'A Vaea Blowholes. These are terraced rock formations in the sea where the waves break. The water is forced through holes, shooting high fountains into the sky. We could watch this natural spectacle for hours.Heading north, we encounter a traffic jam of minibusses on the road ahead. We decide to find out why... It turns out that these minibusses are gathering under a large tree where flying foxes are roosting. They make constant squeaking noises and fly over our heads. We have only seen them this close in the zoo before.The next destination is also located on the coast, the 'Tsunami Rock'. During an underwater earthquake, a rock detached from the coast and was carried onto the land by the tsunami. Considering its size, that is an unimaginable feat. Today, plants and trees are growing on the rock.At the next junction, we arrive at Ha'atafu Beach. A long white sandy beach with countless shells and corals. And I don't mean the small fine ones that you just take home, everything here is bigger. The shells are as big and heavy as a melon. The sun is scorching our skin from above, and without shade in sight, we won't last long here. We go swimming and try to snorkel in the waves. Besides a few white and striped fish, we don't see much.After the first part of the day, we drive back and head to the east of the island.
We are looking for a viewpoint overlooking the cliffs. A narrow path makes it impossible to continue by car, so we park it and continue on foot. We are accompanied by loud cow noises. With the tall grass on both sides of the path, we can't see much.
But then the path ends, and we look out over the sea with a view of a lonely bay. Here, we can pause for a moment and enjoy the scenery.
From there, the path leads us to a land bridge through which the waves of the sea flow. It is beautiful to watch, with butterflies flying around us and birds clinging to the walls of the cave.The highlight of the day awaits at the easternmost point of the island, the Anahulu Cave. A limestone cave with stalagmites and stalactites. At the end of the cave, a staircase leads us down to the water, where we can actually swim and swim through the cave. An incredible moment that will be remembered forever. We experienced a long day with many highlights today. BEAUTIFUL!
The second day in Tonga begins with rain. A reason for us to explore the city center and learn more about the culture.
In January of this year, there was an underwater earthquake 20 km off the coast. It was the strongest eruption worldwide in the past 30 years. Today, reminders of the tsunami can still be seen, with piles of cars and tents in front yards.
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