Bora Bora is a hike. As the highest feature on Bora Bora, Mount Otemanu dominates the landscape and given prominence on both travel brochures and the feed of nearly every social media influencer that visits, its possibly one of the most recognized geological features in French Polynesia. with all the free and fabulous information & resources you'll However if beaches are your priority, then Fiji would be the better choice. In December 2005 he arrived in Bora Bora. Read on for the full list of the best islands in the world, according to T+L readers, who again voted Palawan into the No. The answer depends on a few factors, including the weather and the level of difficulty of the hike. What is the cheapest time to go to Bora Bora? Hiking in Polynesia, such as Tahiti, Moorea, or Bora Bora, is atransformational and unforgettable experience because of the diversity of tropical vegetation, waterfalls, and breathtaking views. It is only possible to do these tours during dry weather. See the Bora Bora weather page to find out more about the seasons in Bora Bora. However, its best to ask around when you get there as nothing is signposted. Because the trail passes through private property, it is not possible to go without a guide. All Rights Reserved, The view which outlines the ancient Bora Bora Valley of the Kings, The income generated through these means helps ensure, purchase our book full of over 100 pages of money saving tips, find out the best activities, resorts, dining and beaches in our Best of Bora Bora book. The mountain is only accessible by hiking with a certified guide. In September of this year a team of experts is coming to Bora Bora equipped with the latest laser & sonar technology & will examine the tree in an endeavour to determine how many bodies remain buried in the tree. He's an example for us all. I noticed that locals passing by respectfully The trailhead can be found on the south-western end of the island, and it takes approximately two hours to reach the summit. The Papenoo Valley offers a well-rounded glimpse of Tahitis landscape: magnificent waterfalls, ancient archaeological sites, lush, tropical vegetation, and picturesque canyons. Bora Bora is home to some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the world. On these Bora Bora hiking tours you are led along old pathways to explore the remnants of ancient villages and maraes, which were All His other favorite places when he's not on the mountain! Having Azdine as a host had me checking my values and examining them Seen as a form of paganism by the missionaries the cutting of hair was soon encouraged! The Bora Bora Valley of the Kings hike is the most popular. After his discoveries were televised, visitors coming to Bora Bora wanted to take the historic tour. It is known for its clear turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and lush green vegetation. 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. Coral reefs surround it and form part of the landscape. Royalty is said to have been buried in the Cave of Mount Otemanu for many years. I don't believe he does a tour everyday, but I had the concierge at our hotel set it up for me. We use cookies to help us improve, promote, and protect our services. He noticed a platform and cleared it. A local guide is recommended due to the dangerous hiking conditions, which involve climbing, ropes and forging through an unmaintained track. Trailheads are notoriously hard to find in Bora Bora due to a lack of signage but this one is not too bad as the cannon can be found on Google Maps near Tereia Point in the northwest of the main island. 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. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Moorea is a quick ferry ride away from Tahiti. The tasting over we would wash our hands & faces in the shampoo flower as it is known to Tahitians, the shampoo squeased gently from the flower of the ginger plant. Located near Papeete, the Fautaua Valley trail offers a relatively easy hike through a forest of lush, tropical vegetation. this same view across to the Bora Bora Valley of the A peaceful and slow-paced island, Moorea is a hidden gem with stunning natural wonders. Each guest should carefully review the tour description to evaluate its own physical limits. Tours only operate during the dryer months. 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). In the low season, when Bora Bora is quiet, he continues his research. Answer 1 of 2: My husband and I leave to Taha'a and Bora Bora next week. Fall in love with lush, tropical shores and experience Mana. The mountaintop is the most difficult part of the hike because it is the highest point. read our advertising disclosure. The best time to hike in the Valley of Kings is from May to October, when the weather is drier and the trails are less slippery. his son to study hard so that one day he would be able to travel to The initial section will give your calves a workout and make you sweat in the tropical humidity. Add these best free (and nearly free!) This trail features ancient temples and colorful native flora, culminating at an exquisite outlook with panoramic views of the famous Bora Bora lagoon and neighboring islands. The island is covered in dense jungle, and the trails wind through the trees and offer stunning views of the ocean. Take a picnic and make a morning or afternoon out of it, making use of the simple bench seats at the cannons. His walk reveals fascinating facts about If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Yet, to experience The Islands of Tahiti in all their majesty, it is important to consider the adventures that lie inland; home to spectacular waterfalls, striking mountain peaks, lush valleys, and ancient ruins, there is much to be explored and appreciated. Many signs of ancient life have been uncovered in It would take about 9-10 hours to hike around the island and return to the summit of Mount Pahia via a quick detour. When we met Azdine he had been in Bora Bora for 6 years. Direct payment at the pension. We would soon realise also that it is for the sprituality it imparts. Gregoire Le Bacon Tahiti Nui Helicopters. 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. 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). 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. There are several different trails to choose from, and they range in difficulty from easy to moderate. Because the terrain is rough and steep at times, it is essential to wear shoes with adequate grip and traction. I will be on the mission & readers will be the first to know of the findings! Bora Bora, located in the Pacific Ocean, is known for its pristine beaches, crystal clear waters and stunning . Its a tradition practiced to this day to ensure the maintenance of a persons affinity with their land Bora Bora has no hospital & those expecting a baby travel to Tahiti or more usually Raiatea to give birth; most return with the umbilical cord of the new-born to bury it in the land of Bora Bora. 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. Budget travelers should aim to spend no more than $500 per person on a week-long stay in Bora Bora. I tried to contact him by email (through Polynesia Tours) but didn't get a reply. The InterContinental Thalasso is a luxury overwater villa, on a small private island. There are a number of ways to see this area situated in the mountainside up behind the destinctive church at the foot of Faanui Bay. Orohena volcanic crater. Wear a light jacket that can keep both cold and warm, as well as proper hiking gear and waterproof hiking boots. Hotels Le Mridien & Four Seasons with supplement. features striking landscapes, waterfalls, and native flora. Because the island is small, there are a few good walking trails to explore, and they can be completed in a few days. The cave leading to the island lagoon is a fantastic spot to see the islands lagoon and the surrounding green space. I have read on non-tour guide websites that the hike to the top of Mt Pahia takes 5-6 hrs, and includes a "rope climb' at the end where you basically pull yourself up a cliff. of us at Bora Bora Island guide love to If it's there it's because someone planted it. been scaled by foot it is possible for a helicopter to land on it's summit. In Bora Bora, natural disasters are of moderate concern, particularly tsunamis. What he had seen on TV wasn't real. Oualid. The views from the top are breathtaking and well worth the effort. The mountain is located on the island of Bora Bora, and the climb typically takes 2-3 days to complete. Hikers can see all the way over to the islands of Tahaa and Raiatea across the deep blue sea. It would be interesting to date the grinding stone & grinder: The best find for many though was the wild coffee bushes. I am on holiday". French and Tahitian are the main languages spoken on the island, though most inhabitants have a command of the English language. 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. The Bora Bora Loop, as you approach the entire main island, follows a coastal road. The crumbly vertical cliffs of the towering peak prevent further ascent as they do not hold clamps. You can use the Google search box below to search the site. why you'll see ads on this site. 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 ! The island of Tahiti is arguably the most popular of the 118 islands in French Polynesia. Mount Pahia has breathtaking views, and hiking to the top is extremely worthwhile. The Cave of Mount Otemanu on the northeastern side of the mountain is not to be missed. The contractors moved on the sacred site of one the oldest & certainly most importantmarae on Bora Bora, sites which to this day remain unprotected by any form of government legislation. Great for families, the Papenoo Valley is home to some of the most popular hiking trails in Tahiti. Such a situation is inexplicable & the authorities must move without delay to localise this priceless piece of Polynesian history & culture, probably the most important relic of its type in French Polynesia, certainly in Bora Bora & to classify the islands historical sites. French expat and founder of Polynesian Island Tours Azdine Oualid leads tours to the Valley of the Kings, a marae . Being surprised at just how many different shades of blue can be seen in one of the most beautiful lagoons in the world from your new viewpoint. Apparently this segment of the destruction of this countrys cultural heritage commenced with earth moving contractors seeking to provide stone (rocks) for the fortification of one of the major resorts on the motu. You must obtain an access permit from Papeete Town Hall before accessing this hiking trail in Tahiti. . have fun, but we also have to keep the site up and running! Why struggle to pay a mortgage on a During the high season he offers four different Bora Bora walking tours through the lush, rugged interior island. On the western side of the island, at Point Pahua, a Farepiti Cannon can be found on a mountainside. The hikes to Mount Otemanu and Mount Pahia are not for the faint-hearted. Here are some of the best places to go, is the most developed and populous island in French Polynesia, also known as. When To Hike In The Valley Of Kings Bora Bora. Alternatively, you may use, InterContinental Bora Bora Resort Thalasso Spa, an IHG Hotel, InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort, an IHG Hotel. He was given the privilege of choosing Bora Bora is a major international tourist destination, famous for its aqua-centric luxury resorts. Due to dangerous trail conditions, a local guide is essential for this hike; climbing experience is also necessary. With an abundance of tropical vegetation, cascading waterfalls, and awe-inspiring views, hiking in Tahiti, Moorea, or Bora Bora is sure to be a transformative and unforgettable experience. You will learn the virtues of medicinal plants as well as tales & legends of Bora Bora with your ethnobotanist guide. When he arrived in Papeete he cried. You're free to pick your paradise. PIck-Up / Drop-Off At bases or receptions of all hotels or pensions . 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. We only have time for one more excursion. Most excursions require healthy conditions. A television crew came from Papeete to make a documentary. Mango is not natural in the jungle. Tour guide for Valley of the Kings, Bora Bora, Re: Tour guide for Valley of the Kings, Bora Bora, Get answers to your questions about Bora Bora. In 2003, with his life in a backpack and 20,000XPF, a young Frenchman, whose parents had immigrated from Morocco, set out to The trail begins at the Belvedere parking lot and offers impressive views of Mount Tohivea, the Opunohu Valley, Opunohu Bay, Cooks Bay, and more. Kings. Are you still looking for additional information? Formed hundreds of thousands of years ago when hot lava cooled and rapidly hardened, these lava tubes provide an extraordinary spelunking experience; visitors will have to hike in the darkness and swim during this adventure through the cave system. Orohena volcanic crater. There are a few that are difficult to locate, but others are easy to come by. Bora Boras iconic peaks are steeped in history and legend, providing a transformative experience to those fortunate enough to traverse them. The summit is 3,757 meters (12,335 feet) high, making it one of the tallest peaks in the French Polynesian Islands. Conrad (ex Hilton) Hotel Shuttle Boat to add at extra charge, about 6/pers, direct payment at the hotel. He stopped working at Read our Privacy Policy. Despite the fact that shark attacks are rare in Bora Bora, there are a large number of them. Sip freshly opened coconuts and watch the beautiful sunset from Matira Beach. Are there 2 bedroom overwater or beach bungalows? Once you spot the sign to the ferry, the track to the cannon site is only around 30 meters (98ft) further up the road on the right. When the program Research into the Puta Tepuna the Book of the Ancestors (currently housed in the Bishop Museum in the USA) shows that in ancient times the arii (the most powerful branch of Tahitian society) would not be buried in the ground seen as sullying the person concerned & thereby detracting from such persons purity & sanctity, nor be cremated as fire was perceived as evil, as a tool of the devil. All tours have been regularly tried out in order to give the most accurate information and advice. Hiking in French Polynesia is an experience unlike any other. You may also like:The best ways to get around Bora Bora: taxis, boats and bare feetThe best time to visit Bora Bora: budget or blowout, here's our guideA date with the ocean in Mo'orea, French Polynesia, A visit to French Polynesia will get a bit easier as the island nation relaxes some of its COVID-19 entry requirements. The Islands of Tahiti are famed for their crystal-clear turquoise lagoons and picturesque overwater bungalows. Itinerary and order of the visited sites may change without prior notice according to weather conditions or other circumstances. If youre planning another trip to Bora Bora Island, you should definitely check out this trail. Great for canyon enthusiasts, this lush. You hike through fertile valleys amongst lush tropical vegetation. This is a place where you can learn about the wildflowers, take in the breathtaking views, and take in some amazing photos. Because it is considered difficult in terms of difficulty, it must be well prepared. 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. Its known as Hiros Finger (or another part of his anatomy depending on who you ask). Travelers can enter Bora Bora for 90 days every six months without a visa. Some were well known mango, bananas, avocados, pamplamouse, paw-paw, passion-fruit & so on & others not so well known: The local tahitian hibiscus the base of the flower has a certain sweetness & goes well in salads: There are many mape the local tahitian walnutwith a wonderful trunk almost always found in sacred places to be found throughout the climb but few would recognise the autera, the local tahitian almond photographed here. You will learn the virtues of medicinal plants as well as tales & legends of Bora Bora with your ethnobotanist guide. See. For 6 Although it has never imaginations and touches hearts. Stones must be porous to absorb the heat or they will explode. Moorea, or Bora Bora is sure to be a transformative and unforgettable experience. Here are 5 must-visit spots for unique and memorable experiences during your visit to the islands in French Polynesia. Thanks in advanced to any help provided =D. The Bora Bora Loop follows the coastal road all the way around the entirety of the main island. (689) 67.70.49. Unchallenged & unchecked by the population or its elected representatives, the destruction would continue. Who knows what has happened to the stone which held to ink for tattoo ceremonies for the countries elite. The payoff to the sweaty incline? Follow it up until you pass clumps of mango trees, where you veer a little towards the left. Tahiti is the most developed and populous island in French Polynesia, also known as The Islands of Tahiti. If you would like to support us, you can purchase our book full of over 100 pages of money saving tips or find out the best activities, resorts, dining and beaches in our Best of Bora Bora book or buy our 2018 Bora Bora calendar. Because Azdine was the first to discover this trail, he is considered one of the best guides in Bora Bora. He knew that when you see mango and bamboo, you have found a village. The scenic trail is lush and features fascinating local flora. Now Lagoon at the St Regis and a restaurant in the Four Seasons also offer this island dish. expensive. Swim, sun bake and snorkel in this warm turquoise water. Beyond the hustle and bustle of Papeete, its capital city, lies a remarkable landscape rich in hiking opportunities. I know there are guided walks but I have read that if they don't get a certain amount of people on the day they cancel the walk (which apparently is quite a common. with all the free and fabulous information & resources you'll This is also the lunch break point (not included). ). Aito, his cat, lounged on the bed as Azdine served us a glass of French wine and proudly showed us his dwelling. 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. Best use of a few hours in Bora Bora before flight, Cash: Best way to exchange for USD for XPF, How to go from Intercontinental Thalasso Spa to St. Regis, When is low season for traveling to Bora Bora, Couples Retreat the movie with Vince Vaughn, InterContinental Bora Bora Resort Thalasso Spa, an IHG Hotel, InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort, an IHG Hotel. The hike takes about a kilometer and is only slightly elevated. With two-thirds of the nation projected to being submerged by the end of the century, nows the time to splurge on a romantic romp. To date (January 2012) he has found 6 temples, 21 villages, 8 farms, The Valley of The Kings hike is best taken with a guide, not just because hikes on Bora Bora are rarely signed and in the words of Randy Newman, "It's a jungle out there", but because this particular trail traverses over relics of the island's early history. Enjoy our round-up of the top things to do in Bora Bora. Here are some of the best places to go hiking in Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora. You can hike to the guns and return to your original location in about an hour. Bora Bora is exclusive and expensive because it is very hard to get to. The Mount Otemanu hike is a four-kilometer trail that is moderate in terms of difficulty. Do we have to contact him before we get to Bora Bora - is there a tour every day? People can and do, get lost and injured due to the difficult terrain and lack of signage. Oh the romance! The highest point in Bora Bora is certainly not a walk in the park. There are many things to do in Bora Bora, such as snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and hiking. A full day excursion on Tahiti will take you through Papenoo Valley, including Topatari Falls, Vaiharuru Falls, and Puraha Falls. Azdine had brought some roasted beans with him taken from the bushes on a previous hike. When it comes to planning your South Pacific Island trip, there are many things to consider. It was a big city! Hiking in Bora Bora: you've never seen the lagoon from this angle before Dec 2, 2021 8 min read Most visitors head to Bora Bora for a blissful, tropical island vacation that centers around relaxing in an overwater bungalow on the sparkling lagoon. You must only try this Sacred Cave of Anau is a 6 hour trek (with climbing) for those used to strenuous activity. The Hitiaa lava tubes near Taravao are some of the most unique and magnificent hiking trails in Tahiti. The best hikes lead to stunning vistas, hidden coves, and unforgettable histories; your customizable Bora Bora vacation immerses you in the adventures of island life guiding you to unconquered summits, tropical rainforest, fertile valleys, and unparalleled coastlines. High season runs from May to October when rain showers are isolated and the number of tourists swells. Here you can find the only hike in Tahiti that allows access to the Mt. With Papeete as its capital and an international airport, Tahiti is the biggest and most developed island. Tour guide for Valley of the Kings, Bora Bora 3 years ago Save Hi everybody, Just have been looking in the forum and found a phone number for Azdine for a hike to the valley of the kings and famous Banyan tree.