The Village Backpacker
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The Village Backpacker
Taufa'ahau Road, Nuku'alofa, Tongatapu Island Tonga
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About
#4 of 4 hostels in Nuku'alofa
Location
Rooms
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
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Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Budget
Property amenities
Free parking
Restaurant
Bicycle rental
Game room
Airport transportation
Salon
Baggage storage
Convenience store
Evening entertainment
Board games / puzzles
Currency exchange
Gift shop
Mosquito net
Outdoor furniture
Shops
ATM on site
24-hour front desk
Laundry service
Room features
Safe
Clothes rack
Location
Taufa'ahau Road, Nuku'alofa, Tongatapu Island Tonga
Getting there
Somewhat walkable
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 71 out of 100
71
11 Restaurants
within 0.5 kilometers
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We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
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Detailed Reviews
Very clean and at the centre of downtown : that for me is all I need. Furthermore, I believe they have the most competitive prices in the capital. Mia, their manager is super nice and kind and will arrange pick-ups and guides. Their security guard during the weekends is an amazing guy and very knowledgable about Tongan’s history. They are best contacted by Facebook’s Messenger.
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Date of stay: November 2022Trip type: Travelled solo
Room Tip: Best contacted through Facebook’s Messenger
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Firstly The Village Backpackers in Tongatapu is an excellent location right on the main strip with loads of restaurants from cheap to expensive right at your doorstep ( the cheapest of food as actually at the Backpackers itself which offer dinners for around $10TPO and breakfast for $7TPO ) and about a 20minute walk from the main warf. Rooms are comfortable hot showers and overall clean and welcoming Backpackers - Recommend
The Village Backpackers Vavau is much more of a hidden gem only a 6-7 minute walk to the main strip it has a much more homely feel a shared kitchen and 5 bed form with shared toilet which is very standard but perfect if your on a budget and are just after a bed and some cold water to rinse off!!
The best thing and what I think makes The Village Backpackers incredible is the people - Manu, Mia, Malu, Nani and the whole Village team are absolutely incredible you are greeted like a friend and treated like a friend. Little things like a smile and asking how you are everytime you walk past really makes your day and shows they care!
This is a little example how friendly this team really is. I accidently left my jumper at the Vavau Backpackers and had coceded it was lost but sent a message to try my luck, Manu found the jumper contacted all her friends to find out who was flying to Tongaptau the next day drove the jumper to them and then Mia and Nani organised to pick it up from there house and bring it to the Backpackers. Now if that isn’t A grade service I personally do not know what is!
I could not be anymore thank ful it topped off an amazing trip to Tonga! I’ll be sending everyone your way and I’ll be back!
Billy x x
The Village Backpackers Vavau is much more of a hidden gem only a 6-7 minute walk to the main strip it has a much more homely feel a shared kitchen and 5 bed form with shared toilet which is very standard but perfect if your on a budget and are just after a bed and some cold water to rinse off!!
The best thing and what I think makes The Village Backpackers incredible is the people - Manu, Mia, Malu, Nani and the whole Village team are absolutely incredible you are greeted like a friend and treated like a friend. Little things like a smile and asking how you are everytime you walk past really makes your day and shows they care!
This is a little example how friendly this team really is. I accidently left my jumper at the Vavau Backpackers and had coceded it was lost but sent a message to try my luck, Manu found the jumper contacted all her friends to find out who was flying to Tongaptau the next day drove the jumper to them and then Mia and Nani organised to pick it up from there house and bring it to the Backpackers. Now if that isn’t A grade service I personally do not know what is!
I could not be anymore thank ful it topped off an amazing trip to Tonga! I’ll be sending everyone your way and I’ll be back!
Billy x x
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Date of stay: September 2018Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Let me first say I've been going back and forth from Vava'u to Tongatapu regularly for the past two years. My bosses usually put us up at a guest house that is a bit rough, until we had a meeting in recently... when they put us up here. Holy [expletive deleted]! This place is amazing. The beds are super nice and clean. The communal showers were exceptional, it felt super sanitary, and after leaving I didn't feel the need to take a shower from that shower. And it had hot showers #blessed. The food downstairs was a godsend on Sunday morning, when there is very little open. Bonus: It's right in the middle of town, so no 20 minute walks to get out of the spread zone, you are in Nuku'alofa proper within walking distance of anywhere you'd want to go.
Don't even get me started on Mia. That woman is an absolute gem, my (rather large) group needed an iron so we could look presentable at our meetings, she brought one from her home Saturday morning and let us use it. She was always very friendly and hospitable.
The only thing that I could see as a change was there was only one key for our room, which was fine because I was traveling with friends/coworkers, but if I was in a dorm room with people I didn't know that would worry me... but they may have just given us one key *because* we were there as a group (I'm sure they'll correct me at the bottom, so read to the end).
All in all, a great place 11/10 would recommend .
Don't even get me started on Mia. That woman is an absolute gem, my (rather large) group needed an iron so we could look presentable at our meetings, she brought one from her home Saturday morning and let us use it. She was always very friendly and hospitable.
The only thing that I could see as a change was there was only one key for our room, which was fine because I was traveling with friends/coworkers, but if I was in a dorm room with people I didn't know that would worry me... but they may have just given us one key *because* we were there as a group (I'm sure they'll correct me at the bottom, so read to the end).
All in all, a great place 11/10 would recommend .
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Date of stay: October 2017Trip type: Travelled on business
Value
Rooms
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The worst place I’ve ever stayed in my life.
We found many ticks in our bed. My partner woke up with his neck and forehead with rashes. There were cockroaches as well.
The place is super noisy, you have pubs nearby and during the nights is like you have the dance floor next to your bed, in the morning shops next door with people shouting and laughing loud.
Shower moldy, cold water.
No less, they said shuttle would be 50 tongas and when there, driver charged us 50 each, there were three of us.
Nothing good about this place. Be careful❗️
We found many ticks in our bed. My partner woke up with his neck and forehead with rashes. There were cockroaches as well.
The place is super noisy, you have pubs nearby and during the nights is like you have the dance floor next to your bed, in the morning shops next door with people shouting and laughing loud.
Shower moldy, cold water.
No less, they said shuttle would be 50 tongas and when there, driver charged us 50 each, there were three of us.
Nothing good about this place. Be careful❗️
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Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I took our Study Abroad students to Tonga and stayed at The Village Backpacker on the recommendation from a friend. This place is a new place so it's up to date and clean. Mia, the owner, is an exceptional host. She offers airport pick up and is able to connect her customers to places all over the island. Her staff is very friendly and helpful. Since this place is downtown, it's easy to walk to all the shopping and food places in town. We stayed for a week and have no complaints.
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Date of stay: May 2017Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We didn't stay at the backpackers but we ate everyday at the cafe attached to it. Serving food out of a converted container the menu is small but perfect. We ate Vegetable curry, stir fry, rice chips and samosas everday for a week. For only $8 tops we were served a curry, rice and roti. For $2 we addeed vegetable samosas. A hidden gem we were fed for a week. Thank you so much. Darren and Paula
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Date of stay: October 2019
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I stayed 2 nights in the 6-bed dorm room. Airport pick-up was smooth for TOP40. There's only a fan in the room but no air conditioning. The showers and toilets room was clean, as was the wash basin room. It was a bit noisy at night from the traffic on the main road and also people partying/shouting outside until way past midnight. On the up side, the hostel is in a central location close to the local market and also cafes frequented by expats. The owner was also friendly and helpful.
I think minor additions such as a communal area and a pantry/kitchen would make this hostel so much better.
I think minor additions such as a communal area and a pantry/kitchen would make this hostel so much better.
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Date of stay: September 2019
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We stayed here a couple of years ago and are going back in a month. The owner Mia is awesome and makes you feel instantly at home and part of the whanau. As others have mentioned it's good value for money and the shower are fantastic.
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Date of stay: September 2018
Value
Rooms
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Love this place! Such a simple yet generously warm with a welcoming vibe. Can’t rave enough of this place - for someone not a “hostel type”, this was just so lovely - clean, quiet and THE MOST AMAZING STAFF!!! Love them all! Definitely worth a stay.
I will be returning!
I will be returning!
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Date of stay: April 2019Trip type: Travelled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nice hostel in the city centre where you can access restaurants, cafes or shops. Clean and with magnífic staff. The showers and toilets are decent and the bouble bedroom has a fan. They also have a restaurant where you can eat for about 7/8T$ breakfast each, and around 9$ for lunch and dinner. Food wasn't amazing but was OK. Double room for 60$,single bed in shared room for 40$ and transfer to the airport for 30$. Staff is really attentive and helpful, thanks a lot!
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Date of stay: February 2019Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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PRICE RANGE
$35 - $35 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
TongaTongatapu IslandNuku'alofa
Prices are provided by our partners for one room, with variable occupancy rules as provided by the property, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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Frequently Asked Questions about The Village Backpacker
Which popular attractions are close to The Village Backpacker?
Nearby attractions include Free Church of Tonga (0.2 km), Royal Tombs (0.2 km), and Reload Bar (0.2 km).
What are some of the property amenities at The Village Backpacker?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include an on-site restaurant, free parking, and airport transportation.
What food & drink options are available at The Village Backpacker?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant during their stay.
Is parking available at The Village Backpacker?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to The Village Backpacker?
Conveniently located restaurants include Friends Cafe, Cafe Escape, and the TOP Restaurant & Lounge.
Does The Village Backpacker have airport transportation?
Yes, The Village Backpacker offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Are there any historical sites close to The Village Backpacker?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Makatolo a Maui (12.6 km) and Captain Cook's Landing Place (9.3 km).