When you arrive in the Kingdom of Tonga, prepare to be greeted with the same outgoing friendliness that made Captain Cook dub Tonga "The Friendly Isles." With newfound friends, embrace an invitation to visit Church on Sunday, participate in a kavatonga (kava drinking ceremony), or an 'umu on the weekend. Eating is a national pastime, and you'll find sumptuous lobster or roast suckling pig at feasts, and restaurants too at friendly prices.

There is so much to discover in these unexploited lands. On Tongatapu, the main island, you can explore blowholes, caves, a trilithon, and natural and ancient wonders without masses of tourists - it feels as if you were the first person to make the find. The Royal Palace in the capital Nuku'alofa, was constructed in 1867, and is one of the most well known images of Tonga, but don't just take photos. The Palace guards are outgoing and friendly, and make great conversation: need I say the word "Rugby"?

The Ha'amonga 'a Maui Trilithon was built by the 11th Tu'i Tonga around 1200 A.D. and was once thought to be the gateway to the King's residence. In more recent times, the structure has been interpreted as a solar observatory for determining the equinoxes. Behind the trilithon you'll find the 'Esi Makafakinanga - the largest backrest you'll ever see. There are other ancient monuments too: many of the Lapaha pyramid-like tombs are overgrown, and would make great settings for an Indiana Jones film.

After visiting these features, why not have a secluded, idyllic swimming beach all to yourself? Scattered around Tongatapu's coastline are small sandy beaches that are infrequently visited. It's so easy to forget that you're in the year 2006 when you wander onto one of these beaches that can easily feel like the mythical time when the great Polynesian god Maui fished up the islands of the South Pacific.

Today, Tonga is deeply committed to Christianity, which plays a pivotal role in daily life. It is perhaps the only Christian Kingdom in the South Pacific, and this is reflected in the safeness of the country, and beauty and friendliness of its people. It also means that on Sunday, the whole country virtually closes down - only bakeries can open in the afternoon. In the morning, the stirring sound of heartfelt choirs and church bells ring across the land under the first sunrise in the world. And when you experience this in such a beautiful setting, Creation doesn't seem like such a bad idea after all.

Whatever your interests are in nature or outdoor activities, the Kingdom of Tonga has something wondrous for you to discover. There are palm-fringed beaches to rainforests, volcanoes, to diving and lagoons, and warm blue water with plenty of marine life. You can swim with carefree humpback whales that visit from July to October. Or kayak and swim around tranquil, heavenly islands. Cave deep into the unknown on 'Eua, where caves above and below water are yet to be explored!

Ha'apai, in the middle of the Kingdom, is so quiet and isolated that you may wonder if Europeans had visited at all. The long sandy beached, low coral islands, with a towering volcano in the background, are so reminiscent of the musical film South Pacific (1958) as to be bewildering. There is little Western influence here, and the locals are extremely friendly, if not a little shy, from the lack of visitors!

Watching a sunrise here is one of the most magical experiences one can hope to enjoy. There are ancient ruins to be found here too, but the most beauty is in the local Church services, the children, the long beaches that go forever, and coral reefs in pristine waters, bustling with colourful marine life. It's no wonder it was nominated as a World Heritage site. Preserving this area is preserving time and beauty itself.