We've already booked our Full Day Lagoon Tour in Bora Bora. Follow it up until you pass clumps of mango trees, where you veer a little towards the left. It was here in 2006 that Azdine (literally) uncovered the remains of amarae, not just anymaraeas it featured an almost 1.50 metre anthropomorph anthropomorphs predate the Moai of Easter Island & the traditional Tikis of French Polynesia & Hawaii by tens of thousands of years. Here are seven of the best and most scenic hikes on Bora Bora. Listen out for the island's 4x4 and quad bike tours, which can be heard rumbling up the narrow track behind you if you happen to be hiking it. In fact if beaches and crystal clear water are your priority then Bora Bora is a better choice than Bali. The banyan tree has great cultural significance, as it served as the final resting place for the kings of Bora Bora. Papa's intention was to motivate Read our Privacy Policy. except Sunday. When it comes to planning your South Pacific Island trip, there are many things to consider. There are the 44 that rush madly up & down the fairly uneven, more regular but still private, access route (though many landowners in the area have banned the 44). An impressive sight from a distance is Puraha . Therefore, you may be surprised to learn that its possible to hike on Bora Bora. Tel 29.66.60 or 67.56.02. Because Azdine was the first to discover this trail, he is considered one of the best guides in Bora Bora. However, dont despair, it eases off a little after around 450 meters (1476ft) when you reach a plateau with nice views over to Motu Ahuna in the lagoon. It was both refreshing & effective: It made one reflect on the fact that Bora Bora is not paradise on earth simply for its beautiful lagoon or for its majestical mountains but also for the abundant offerings of the land. Dont feel bad if before you reach the top your body says, What on earth were you thinking? The views are amazing from even halfway up so youre still in for a treat. The average cost for a week-long holiday in Bora Bora starts at around $11,000 for two. is world-renowned for its pristine white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and luxurious overwater bungalows, which is why it may come as a surprise that there are some excellent opportunities for. The concierge at your hotel will know all about the hikes (every local has done them as a kid), and the shortest one is Valley of the Kings, which is about 3 hours and great for all difficulty levels. In the center of the island are the remnants of an extinct volcano rising to two peaks, Mount Pahia and Mount Otemanu, the highest point at 727 metres (2,385 ft). Get a life instead! Wear a light jacket that can keep both cold and warm, as well as proper hiking gear and waterproof hiking boots. why you'll see ads on this site. The Faanui WWII Guns trail, one of the most popular hiking trails in Bora Bora, is a great place to go hiking while in the area.
Mata Pupu has some of the best views of any island in the world because of the ridge on which it is located. Bora Bora (or Porapora, in the traditional Polynesian spelling) must be one of the most celebrated islands in the world: a place that embodies many people's ideal of a tropical paradise. What is the number 1 island in the world? Pull sweet avocadoes and colorful pineapple from the trees. which he built himself from recycled materials. When it comes to cost and other worldly scuba diving, Fiji is the most effective choice. The Hitiaa lava tubes near Taravao are some of the most unique and magnificent hiking trails in Tahiti. The arii (upper class) would come to A Pou E Tora & connect their hair to the banyan roots dangling from the tree then sit on the large stones in a deep sense of being connected to nature, to their source (yes, as seen in Avatar). Pensions on a Motu Roundtrip transfer to the main islands base to add at extra charge. We really enjoy hikes with incredible views and learning something along the way. For 6 months he worked in a restaurant at night, and during the day explored the Bora Bora is exclusive and expensive because it is very hard to get to.
Best of French Polynesia Vacation: An Escape to Bora Bora and Tahaa Do Not Forget :Backpack (Sac dos), Bottle of water (Eau), Camera (Appareil photo), Comfy clothes (Tenue confort), Hat (Chapeau),Hiking shoes (Souliers rando), Lunch pack (Pique nique), MosquitoSpray (Anti-moustique), Suncreen SPF50 (Crme solaire), Snack (Collation), Sunglasses (Lunettes soleil), Socks (Chaussettes). more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Thanks in advanced to any help provided =D. Heading clockwise on the circle island road, make your way to the Pearl Beach Resort ferry departure (lagoon side of the road) a few kilometers past Faanui. in a couple of days. When planning a trip to Bora Bora, many visitors wonder when the best time to hike in the Valley of Kings is. With an abundance of tropical vegetation, cascading waterfalls, and awe-inspiring views. It makes for the most powerful of encounters: The banyan tree is called Tumu Ora (the Tree of Life) in Tahitian & it was to this special place that Azdine took James Cameron, a man captivated by Polynesian culture & the producer of the film Avatar. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. All rights reserved. How much are overwater bungalows in Bora Bora? When Azdine was a young student in France, his father put a poster of read our advertising disclosure. The track can be found by heading clockwise around the island on the main road. A local guide is recommended, as access to many of the trailheads can be tricky; certain areas require hikers to obtain permits beforehand, and others can only be accessed by 44. Explore the Ancient Wonders of the Valley of Kings on a Half Day Tour with Far and Away Adventures Your Dream Vacation is Here Book Your Trip Walk in the Valley of Kings - Half Day You will discover through these ethnobotanical walks other treasures of Bora Bora: mountains and rich nature. Great for families, the Papenoo Valley is home to some of the most popular. Pregnant women/disabled guests/babies our services must be notified in advance! Four Seasons private transfer, rate per boat, maximum capacity of 8 passengers. When to hike Bora Bora is a personal preference, but generally, the best time to hike is from late November to early December when the temperatures are mild and the vegetation is in full bloom. He's a qualified Polynesian hiking guide who's knowledgeable, passionate and humorous. The majority of visitors to Bora Bora are American, Japanese or European. That's
Valley of the Kings Hike or 4x4 WD Island Tour? - Bora Bora Message been scaled by foot it is possible for a helicopter to land on it's summit. of the products on this site. The twin peaks of Mount Pahia reach a height of 658 meters (2159 feet) and offer spectacular views of the deep blue ocean beyond as well as the mountains of Bora Bora.
3 Things to See and Do While Honeymooning in Bora Bora personality, Azdine conveyed a wealth of Bora Bora culture over coffee at the Paradisio, lunch at the Yacht Club and dinner Since the hike we are looking at (Valley of Kings) is 3 hrs, I assume it doesn't go to the top. Many signs of ancient life have been uncovered in I found an old string with some contact information for him: https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g311415-i869-k7354379-How_to_contact_Azdine_about_valley_of_tht_kings_tours-Bora_Bora_Society_Islands.html. In our midst today was Loic, a chef from the Intercontinental Thalasso Spa, eager to learn of new tastes to tantalise the palate. Because the terrain is rough and steep at times, it is essential to wear shoes with adequate grip and traction. The year long course taught intensive archeology, biology, anthropology and geology. You hike through fertile valleys amongst lush tropical vegetation. As will the fun of actually finding the cannons, even if one of the barrels has gone missing. Aito, his cat, lounged on the bed as Azdine served us a glass of French wine and proudly showed us his dwelling. The island of Bora Bora is located in the Pacific Ocean and is known for its lush vegetation and warm waters. Mount Otemanu is the most iconic peak in The Islands of Tahiti. It is an aquarium as well as a natural lagoon. The initial section will give your calves a workout and make you sweat in the tropical humidity. French and Tahitian are the main languages spoken on the island, though most inhabitants have a command of the English language. It would be interesting to date the grinding stone & grinder: The best find for many though was the wild coffee bushes. Providing constant air supply, the scooter will let you breathe easy and steer this easy-to-use underwater device that can go down 3 metres deep. He had found the foundations of a house. A Certified Tahiti Specialist can help you uncover hidden gems. . A full day excursion on Tahiti will take you through Papenoo Valley, including Topatari Falls, Vaiharuru Falls, and Puraha Falls. Aorai is the third-highest peak in Tahiti, rising 2,066 meters. Hike through history. Valley of the Kings is an easy 3 hour walk which most people can do. The payoff to the sweaty incline? When To Hike In The Valley Of Kings Bora Bora. Located east of Papeete, the Faananu Valley is renowned for its rich and diverse endemic vegetation. However, there are a few areas where the trail is steep and slippery, so visitors should take care when hiking in these areas. The most popular hiking trail in Moorea, Three Coconuts Pass is well-maintained and easy to follow. The vibrant city of Papeete blends traditional and modern Polynesian . Small cruise ships must travel slowly through the narrow pass in the lagoon. more. Every year, the Hawaiian Islands receive more visitors in ten days than the entire French Polynesia. Want to learn more? Although it is a far more expensive destination than the Indonesian island. The temperature at sea is 28 degrees Fahrenheit. The Mount Otemanu hike is a four-kilometer trail that is moderate in terms of difficulty. Because the island of Bora Bora is a small one, hiking the entire coast is possible in a single day.
Hiking the Valley of Kings - Bora Bora Forum - Tripadvisor Can you hike Mount Otemanu? read our advertising disclosure. We've already booked our Full Day Lagoon Tour in Bora Bora. He pictured the tropical jungle and the lagoon. The InterContinental Thalasso is a luxury overwater villa, on a small private island. We would soon realise also that it is for the sprituality it imparts. However, its still a hard slog just to get to the shoulders of the mountain with a few sections requiring the ability to heave yourself up via strategically placed ropes. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Bora Bora was chosen as a strategic military supply base during WWII and much like in Vanuatu, the USA decided not to take the big stuff home when they left. Bora Boras lagoon is ridiculously picturesque, and the palm-shaded beaches are just as beautiful. Bora Bora is exclusive and expensive because it is very hard to get to. Beyond the hustle and bustle of Papeete, its capital city, lies a remarkable landscape rich in hiking opportunities.
Bora-Bora | Facts, History, & Points of Interest | Britannica It is best known for its stunning beaches, turquoise water, and breathtaking views, as well as stunning beaches and turquoise water. In 2003, with his life in a backpack and 20,000XPF, a young Frenchman, whose parents had immigrated from Morocco, set out to Who knows what has happened to the stone which held to ink for tattoo ceremonies for the countries elite. On these Bora Bora hiking tours you are led along old pathways to explore the remnants of ancient villages and maraes, which were Hiking in French Polynesia is unlike anything you have ever experienced. When the missionaries arrived Tahitians grew their hair long in the belief it gave them strength. Valley Of The Kings: Legends And Stories In The Heart Of The Island Starting from the village of Faanui, a hike of a few kilometers takes you inland to the sacred places of ancient Bora Bora. This trail has a total distance of 30.6 kilometers and can take anywhere from 8 to 9 hours to complete. Bora Bora Island Guide invites you to At the sharp bend in the road, views of Mount Otemanu will come into sight and you'll see a track leading out onto the peninsula. We may also earn commissions on some Hikers can see all the way over to the islands of Tahaa and Raiatea across the deep blue sea. The importance of the site, a place of royalty, seemingly confimed by the petroglyph photographed below: A clear representation of Bora Bora, to the egg which symbolises Taaroa, the tahitian god of creation; the circular form a representation of infinity/royalty. There are also possible ways to reach the summit of Mount Pahia, which is located at 658 meters above sea level and is not recommended due to the sheer rock face. Do we have to contact him before we get to Bora Bora - is there a tour every day? His other favorite places when he's not on the mountain! and 2 tombs, which he estimates to be about 5 percent of the Kings on one of his bedroom windows. However, the views from the summit are incredible, and the experience of climbing such a tall mountain is truly unforgettable. the jungle. The cave leading to the island lagoon is a fantastic spot to see the islands lagoon and the surrounding green space. Email polynesiaislandtours@mail.pf if you You must only try this He's an example for us all. The mountain is extremely difficult to access, so youll need some of the best hiking gear available. You should choose a professional or advanced hiker with the necessary equipment. Staggeringly, the anthropomorph has been removed (I suspect for safe-keeping rather than stolen). You must obtain an access permit from Papeete Town Hall before accessing this, The Hitiaa lava tubes near Taravao are some of the most unique and magnificent. French expat and founder of Polynesian Island Tours Azdine Oualid leads tours to the Valley of the Kings, a marae .
, Three Coconuts Pass is well-maintained and easy to follow. of us at Bora Bora Island guide love to including the well known Bora Bora Valley of the Kings hike, on the Bora Bora tours page, along with contact details. You cannot hike more than 1.0 mile in Bora Bora, so plan ahead of time for a difficult hike you will regret not taking. Warm clear seas, tropical vistas and utter luxury: say hello to anoverwaterbungalow or villa vacation in 2023. A, is recommended, as access to many of the trailheads can be tricky; certain areas require hikers to obtain permits beforehand, and others can only be accessed by 44. From the top of the mountain (about halfway up), youll see a cave with views from all three sides, as well as a large cave at the shoulder. Of course, there are plenty of opportunities to eat the island's bounty straight from the tree and take in those iconic views of the turquoise and blue lagoon. (689) 67.70.49. For those who have a few days up their sleeve and are comfortable with the concept of multi-day hiking, this 32-km loop(19.8mi) could very well be the stuff that dreams are made of. June is the hottest month in Bora Bora with an average temperature of 29C (84F) and the coldest is January at 17C (63F) with the most daily sunshine hours at 8 in September. Pahia is no walk in the park either and unlike Otemanu, you can actually reach the peak. Do not attempt to hike Mount Otemanu and Mount Pahia if you cant deal with heights or suffer from vertigo. The trail is well-marked and maintained, so although a guide isnt necessary, one is recommended for safety purposes as the path winds along a narrow ridge. The weather in Bora Bora is relatively stable year-round, with temperatures typically ranging from 27-32 degrees Celsius. Azdine, the guide, will share information about geology, ancestral plants, medicine and sacred trees. You hike through fertile valleys amongst lush tropical vegetation. worked in the jungle, and Tahitian people didn't go into The mountain is located on the island of Bora Bora, and the climb typically takes 2-3 days to complete.
There are a few that are difficult to locate, but others are easy to come by. You can use the Google search box below to search the site. So put it at the top of your list of free things to do in Bora Bora. When it comes to hiking, you may not consider the volcanic island, but recent research has revealed that the Pacific has some of the best trails. Great for canyon enthusiasts, this lush. Hiking Mount Otemanu at Le Meridien Bora Bora offers visitors the opportunity to make a physical and mental commitment to this difficult trek. However if beaches are your priority, then Fiji would be the better choice. The 118 islands that make up French Polynesia each have their own culture and tourist attractions. Take a picnic and make it a morning or afternoon out of it, using the simple bench seats on the cannons as an example.
The Ultimate Guide on How to Visit French Polynesia Tahiti is the most developed and populous island in French Polynesia, also known as The Islands of Tahiti. Hikers will experience incredible panoramic views not only across Bora Bora but out into the deep blue of the Pacific Ocean. Little did he know that he would ultimately stumble upon, buried deep in the thick foliage, the signs of the remnants of ancient villages, ofmaraes(places of worship) & of the burial site of Kings. You must obtain an access permit from Papeete Town Hall before accessing this hiking trail in Tahiti. You can hike to the guns and return to your original location in about an hour. While it is not possible to reach the summit by foot due to safety reasons, visitors can still explore its various hiking trails, including the path to the Cave of Mount Otemanu on the northeastern side of the mountain. Up to the time of the missionaries, the Tahitians lived in the valleys rather than beside the sea. This is also the lunch break point (not included). Due to the mountains crumbly vertical cliffs, it is not possible to gain access to the summit further. I don't need to go on holiday. Tickets, which cost 100 Egyptian pounds (approximately $11 . In the low season, when Bora Bora is quiet, he continues his research. While hiking to the summit is more difficult than climbing, walkers can also access the Anau cave, which is located at the base of the mountain. The scent is exquisite, that of the finest coffee perfumed with a rich hint of dark chocolate slurp! archeological sites. The answer depends on a few factors, including the weather and the level of difficulty of the hike. I will be on the mission & readers will be the first to know of the findings! I tried to contact him by email (through Polynesia Tours) but didn't get a reply. Guests are recommended to wear comfortable appropriate attire including shoes (walking, water or hiking as needed), sun protection (cream, hat, and rash guard), insect repellent, sunglasses, and bring a bottle of water. Whether you are a beginner or more advanced, there are plenty of opportunities for, ; you are sure to have an unforgettable experience in one of the most exquisite places on Earth. Located in the southernmost part of Tahiti Iti, the Te Pari trail is accessible only by boat and offers an expedition into the uninhabited natural area of Tahiti. We had already caught a view of the sun setting over the islands dramatic silhouette from our anchorage in Tahaa and it certainly looked beautiful. Tips for a sustainable stay in The Islands of Tahiti. Bora Bora's most prized piece of white sand has been named " best beach in the world ", and the best thing about it is that everyone can enjoy it! The income generated through these means helps ensure See. Bora Bora, located in the Pacific Ocean, is known for its pristine beaches, crystal clear waters and stunning . research. You can hire a guide to drive you through private land and to the top of the mountain if you want. I tried to contact him by email (through Polynesia Tours) but didn't get a reply.
Bora Bora Adventure - Earth Gear You will be rewarded at the end with spectacular views, but there are still some steep cliffs to climb. We use cookies to help us improve, promote, and protect our services. It would take about 9-10 hours to hike around the island and return to the summit of Mount Pahia via a quick detour. The income generated through these means helps ensure lava stone to the Kaina Hut. In December 2005 he arrived in Bora Bora. The Main Island of Bora Bora is dirty, bad roads, poverty among its polynesian inhabitants, one can only access the 32km road that winds around the island, any side road that would bring you to the nice hill landscape is forbidden to walk or drive on, only one small beach ! Mount Otemanu is located in Bora Bora and is the highest point. For those interested in seeing waterfalls while hiking in Tahiti, a visit to the Faraura Valley is a must. Some of the websites offering these are It is critical that you wear protective footwear on a regular basis to avoid being harmed by stonefish, urchins, or coral itself while in the ocean. Its the opportunity to not miss a single stunning stretch of coastline, view of the lagoon, village, and fabulous eatery. Both Bora Bora and the Maldives involve further travel from the international airport. Over time as the roots thickened the bodies would find themselves engulfed in the structure of the tree. This is the only hike that's all-weather accessible as the road is paved and not too mountainous. Budget travelers should aim to spend no more than $500 per person on a week-long stay in Bora Bora.