Independent review for Mala Island Resort in Vava'u Lagoon, Tonga Islands

accommodation hotel location picture

Mala Island Resort is a small island retreat with budget style rooms in wooden bungalows just three minutes by boat from the main island of Vava'u and with easy road access into Neiafu Town. Mala island is a good choice for couples seeking an affordable beach holiday in Tonga or single travellers looking for a secluded small island atmosphere with decent beach, good swimming lagoon and direct beach access to one of the best snorkelling reefs in Vava'u (Japanese Gardens).

Mala Island Information & Facts

  • Hotel Location:    On small island, overlooking passage in Vava'u Lagoon
  • Getting There:    55 minutes flight to Vava'u Airport+45 mins by road / boat
  • Unique Qualities:    Peaceful setting, good snorkelling
  • Ideal for:    Couples
  • Hotel Features:    10 Rooms in main house and duplex bungalows
  • Dining:    Restaurant & bar at hotel - no independent restaurants close by
  • Children Policy:    Not recommended
  • Local Attractions / Tours:    Humpback whales, boat tours, Coral Gardens
  • The Beach:    Average, medium coarse sand limited in size
  • The Ocean:    Good for swimming, part sandy bottom, protected, no waves
  • Snorkelling:    Good, off from beach - coral gardens and reef fish
  • Other Activities:    Game fishing

Hotel Amenities

Accommodation is in four wooden hillside bungalows raised on stilts, each bungalow with two guest rooms. Bungalows are showing signs of age but the rustic interiors remain clean and comfortable featuring polished wooden floor boards, tapa cloth design walls hangings, two double beds and a tiny en-suite bathroom with hot water shower. Each bungalow has a small wooden balcony with lovely views through coconut trees over the ocean and towards the nearby islands.

Mala Island has a very affordable American style menu served from its restaurant perched on the hill overlooking the beach and channel and where guests can have wireless internet access and watch DVD movies at night. There's a forest ridge trail circling the island which takes fifteen minutes to complete with access to a second secluded beach on the north side of the island. The beach, accessed by stairs from the restaurant, has medium coarse sand and a deep water lagoon for swimming. Kayaks and snorkel gear are complimentary and there's a small pontoon for access to the Japanese Gardens coral reefs and for easy boat mooring.