An excellent afternoon tour which was very informative and most enjoyable. The food that was made during the tour was eaten at the end of the tour and was excellent. The whole experience gave us a better understanding of the Tongan Culture and heritage.

Attended with one other family member and six others which was a lovely group size. Learned the multiple uses of coconut, the umu, the medicinal and health benefits of many plants, tried kava, learned about the making of traditional mats and tapas and explored the small but interesting museum. The real treasure of this place were the team who enthusiastically took you through each station and went out of their way to make you feel like family. The provided lunch was plentiful, traditional, delicious and catered well for vegetarians also. A very real highlight of our week in Tonga.

Driving around Tonga goes past the royal palace and the downtown area. It goes past farmlands and city markets. But the highlight of the tour was a visit to the "Ancient Tonga" cultural village. We were met at the entrance with local music, flowers for each visitor and a welcome smile from all who worked there. At first we wandered past some tables with locally-made jewelry and items, but we were invited to take seats in a courtyard. There we saw an hour-long display of the Tongan culture. We learned of the history of the island. We learned how plant materials are used to create fabric. We learned how fruits were turned into foods and into medical treatment supplies. We were treated to see how the traditional dances and songs are done. Both men and women demonstrated how their dances told stories of island lore. We were shown how palm tree materials were split and pounded into cloth that is made for a bride's wedding dress by her family. When the dances were going on, I noted a small boy, perhaps 7 years old, standing in the shadows quietly singing along with the performers and moving his arms to mimic the men who were dancing. When a taste of the local food was offered, he worked to serve as many guests as he could. I learned that his grandmother started the cultural center and that his mother was the host who entertained and taught us. It was wonderful to see the new generation learn and master the skills and tales handed down from generations passed. This will keep Tonga aware of its heritage and its talents. Ancient Tonga is a place that turns tourists to travelers. Don't miss it.