Added: 06/16/2006 |
Neiafu - "capital" of free yacht races in TongaNeiafu is the main town of Vava'u group of islands in Tonga, famed for weekly yacht races permitting everyone to participate and win prizes. Small and compact, Neiafu is the town where everyone knows everyone else and both: locals and visitors do not lock their dinghies or cars in fear that something could be stolen. Would you like to live in the community like this?
However, it seems that Vava'u group of islands offers even more interesting activities and its major town Neiafu is very vibrant and colorful. The town of Neiafu sits on the cliff above the harbor and is the starting point and the port of entry to explore Vava'u islands.
The town is very compact and all sightseeing may be done on foot. The major attraction of the town is Neiafu's Catholic Church, definitely the most outstanding building in the town. The visitors are most impressed by singing at the church, which starts by a few people but grows into participation of all attendants, men and women singing different parts without any written prompts.
The waterfront houses several business, bars and restaurants. The Dolphin Pacific Diving club offers some excellent dives for its members and tourists. Two bars/restaurants, the Mermaid and Ana's Cafe are especially popular for karaoke, Tongan dancing, live bands, parties and festivities dedicated to weekly yacht club races.
In town, drop in the Austrian Bakery and Lighthouse Cafe to taste the best and freshest in the world pastries and cakes. There is also a wonderful public market selling fresh, locally grown bananas, papaya, eggs, green pepper, onions, and potatoes.
Friday and Saturday nights are special for Neiafu residents and visitors. Every week a yacht race is held in Neiafu harbor, which is free to join and offers prizes for every team, no matter what place you make. After the race, the residents and visitors celebrate their participation and victories: there are amazing dance shows at the bars of local dancers and fire-dances done by local teenagers.
Other popular activities in Neiafu are caving, kayaking, surfing and whale-watching. Vava'u has several limestone caves to explore and clear, calm and sheltered waters for challenging sea kayaking. Whale-watching season lasts from July to November and presents visitors with spectacular sights as well as sounds of whales, which they may hear via special underwater microphones.
Neiafu has six companies specializing in whale-watching trips and often swimming with whales (Tonga is one of the few countries where this activity is permitted). The companies also promote protection of whales in the Tonga region.
The Tonga Islands are often called "Friendly Islands" and the locals are actually the nicest and kindest people you might have ever met. They are eager and happy to talk with strangers as well as help you with arrangements and other stuff you may need. In addition, strong influence of the church has resulted in definite subdivision into right and wrong. Tongans as well as visitors never lock their dinghies or cars in fear that something could be stolen. Nothing of the kind happens in Neiafu, where people are openhearted, honest and generous.
Article comments:
No comments for this article yet. Post your comment now!
