The Papenoo Valley offers a well-rounded glimpse of Tahitis landscape: magnificent waterfalls, ancient archaeological sites, lush, tropical vegetation, and picturesque canyons. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. The trail is well-marked and relatively easy to follow. referred to him as 'the guide'. The Mount Otemanu hike is a four-kilometer trail that is moderate in terms of difficulty. The scent is exquisite, that of the finest coffee perfumed with a rich hint of dark chocolate slurp! Stones must be porous to absorb the heat or they will explode. Mount Pahia Ascent is one of the countrys best hiking trails. Every year, the Hawaiian Islands receive more visitors in ten days than the entire French Polynesia. In fact if beaches and crystal clear water are your priority then Bora Bora is a better choice than Bali. except Sunday. Some say that the panoramic views from the summit are some of the best in the world. Hiking in Bora Bora: Green mountains & WW2 American guns archeological sites. 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 ! An impressive sight from a distance is Puraha . The easiest way is to head towards Point Fitiuu on the main circle island road where you'll soon find yourself heading up a small hill as you near it on Google maps. Many signs of ancient life have been uncovered in We are in our early 50's, in good shape and are moderate hikers (most challenging hike we've done recently is Kauai's Kalaulau Trail to the first beach). Climbing Mt. The cheapest time to go to Bora Bora: The best deals can be found in Bora Boras off season between October and May. It is an aquarium as well as a natural lagoon. Moorea is a quick ferry ride away from Tahiti. 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. 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 average price of a vacation home in Bora Bora this evening is $322 (based on Booking.com prices). All rights reserved. One cannon looks out towards the main town of Vaitape and Teavanui Pass and the other looks out over the expanse of the lagoon towards Pearl Beach Resort. After his discoveries were televised, visitors coming to Bora Bora wanted to take the historic tour. The 7 best hikes in Bora Bora - Lonely Planet Travel News . You can use the Google search box below to search the site. Hiking in Tahiti - Tahiti Tourisme Mount Otemanu is located in Bora Bora and is the highest point. Located near Papeete, the Fautaua Valley trail offers a relatively easy hike through a forest of lush, tropical vegetation. Smell. The track can be found by heading clockwise around the island on the main road. The vibrant city of Papeete blends traditional and modern Polynesian . 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. A map and GPS navigator can also aid in determining your course of travel. You can find a description of Azdine's tours, Bora Bora hiking in the Valley of the Kings On these Bora Bora hiking tours you are led along old pathways to explore the remnants of ancient villages and maraes, which were ceremonial religious sites. 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, Its a jungle out there, but because this particular trail traverses over relics of the islands early history. 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. There are a few good walking trails, and as the island is small, they can be accomplished There are limited flights to Bora Bora (only four per day), and they all originate in Tahiti. These short shoulder seasons offer fine weather with temperatures in the mid-70s to mid-80s. Mount Otemanu (727m), the highest and most recognizable feature on Bora Bora Island, has only one option to climb up: to its 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. He suggested cooking mahi mahi on There are many things to do in Bora Bora, such as snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and hiking. We didn't know it at the time, but Mum and I had sat at the Pearl Beach Resort mesmerized by the view which outlines the 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. was shown on television he missed it, as he was working Both Bora Bora and the Maldives involve further travel from the international airport. Circle the cliffs keeping to the top of the left side. Mt Pahia Climb of 6 hours is for the very fit who don't suffer from vertigo. In the low season, when Bora Bora is quiet, he continues his research. We are in our early 50's, in good shape and are moderate hikers (most. 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. 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. There are several different routes to the top, and the most popular is the South Ridge route. The Cave of Mount Otemanu on the northeastern side of the mountain is not to be missed. All tours have been regularly tried out in order to give the most accurate information and advice. Given its small size and jungle-like mountainous interior, you really dont have to hike too far to feel like youre miles away from civilization. Never hike the off-road tracks during or after rain. The island of Tahiti is arguably the most popular of the 118 islands in French Polynesia. Explore four spectacular waterfalls and their glistening basins, the Mahateaho River, and lush Tahitian flora while immersing yourself in the legends associated with the valleys landmarks. His outdoor shower hangs from a tree in his pretty garden. Do not attempt to hike Mount Otemanu and Mount Pahia if you cant deal with heights or suffer from vertigo. Unchallenged & unchecked by the population or its elected representatives, the destruction would continue. Therefore, you may be surprised to learn that its possible to hike on Bora Bora. Want to learn more? 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. read Azdine's story of finding Paradise. Best of French Polynesia Vacation: An Escape to Bora Bora and Tahaa The Best Time To Hike In The Valley Of Kings | Private Islands Blog When he arrived in Papeete he cried. Question: What Country Does Bora Bora Belong To, Do They Have Bicycles At Four Seasons In Bora Bora, Question: Where Is The Valley Of The Kings On A Map, Quick Answer: Where Can You Hike The Kings Trail, Question: How Steep Is The Waipio Valley Hike, Question: Where To Hike In The Foothills Of Kings Canyon, Quick Answer: Where To Hike Hudson Valley, Quick Answer: How Hard Is The Pololu Valley Lookout Hike. 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. We are in our early 50's, in good shape and are moderate hikers (most. Some are difficult to find but others are waiting to be discovered if you are willing to explore. build a house of coconut palm on the beach, fish, and pick fruit. Pregnant women/disabled guests/babies our services must be notified in advance! Up to the time of the missionaries, the Tahitians lived in the valleys rather than beside the sea. Winding through the Valley of the Kings, the Ancestors Path in Bora Bora is famous for the giant banyan tree that sits atop the valley (fun fact: this very tree was the inspiration behind the Tree of Souls in the Avatar film!). have fun, but we also have to keep the site up and running! At the beginning of this very year (2014) certain locals, presumably with a commercial interest in mind, took it upon themselves to start further clearing the area with earth moving equipment & (although having sought the advice of a known expert in Tahiti) to start rebuilding the marae & decorating its surrounds to radically alter that which had been found. It would be interesting to date the grinding stone & grinder: The best find for many though was the wild coffee bushes. For his 6 hour 2,168ft (661m) tour you must be very Bora Bora may be the perfect place for a beach vacation, but there's plenty to see and do away from the beach. If you're wondering why a Frenchman of a Moroccan background is taking Polynesian cultural tours . 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. Its the question on every hiker's lips when they first see it. Because the trail passes through private property, it is not possible to go without a guide. Because the terrain is rough and steep at times, it is essential to wear shoes with adequate grip and traction. strenuous activity in dry weather or the unmaintained trail will be muddy and slippery. It makes ones stomach churn to be told that the contractors knew what they were doing & even took some of the more important stones, like the stone for the mango drip, to decorate their homes. The differences between the InterContinental Hotels in Bora Bora are best be summed up this way: The InterContinental Le Moana feels like a more authentic experience, on the main island in bungalow-like rooms. Seeing the lava stone in the inner island prompted him to think of using it for cooking. Valley of the Kings trailhead - Bora Bora Forum - Tripadvisor South Pacific French Polynesia Society Islands Bora Bora Bora Bora Travel Forum Valley of the Kings trailhead Watch this Topic Browse forums All Society Islands forums Bora Bora forum IOGWFH Sydney, Australia Level Contributor 127 posts 570 reviews 296 helpful votes He had found the foundations of a house. want a phenomenal day out exploring the inner island on foot. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Great for families, the Papenoo Valley is home to some of the most popular hiking trails in Tahiti. There are limited flights to Bora Bora (only four per day), and they all originate in Tahiti. I love my job. The lagoon in Bora Bora has one ocean pass that opens to the sea. He's a qualified Polynesian hiking guide who's knowledgeable, passionate and humorous. 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. 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. This hiking trail is rated as moderately difficult for a reason: it has a steep terrain. 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 ! Is Bora Bora the most beautiful place on earth? 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. Great for canyon enthusiasts, this lush hiking trail in Tahiti features striking landscapes, waterfalls, and native flora. the jungle. All Azdine, the guide, will share information about geology, ancestral plants, medicine and sacred trees. The mountain is extremely difficult to access, so youll need some of the best hiking gear available. When the program which he built himself from recycled materials. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. How much are overwater bungalows in Bora Bora? If youre planning another trip to Bora Bora Island, you should definitely check out this trail. This trail, which measures approximately 3.4 kilometers in length, is labeled as difficult in terms of difficulty. 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. ancient Bora Bora Valley of the Kings on the main island. 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. Here you can find the only hike in Tahiti that allows access to the Mt. 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. Breathtaking view point: Climb up to the edge to enjoy a panoramic view over the lagoon of Bora and the neighbour islands of Raiatea, Tahaa, Huahine and Maupiti. Explore the Ancient Wonders of the Valley of Kings on a Half Day Tour He stopped working at The hike is actually pretty easy but difficult to find if you don't know. The 118 islands that make up French Polynesia each have their own culture and tourist attractions. It is known for its clear turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and lush green vegetation. Hikers seeking the well preserved Point Fitiuu Cannons in Anau on the eastern side of the main island will be treated to stunning views of both Mt Otemanu and Bora Boras magnificent lagoon. 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. Travelers can enter Bora Bora for 90 days every six months without a visa. 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. 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. Tel. walk as there was 4 days of rain in a row. Beyond the hustle and bustle of Papeete, its capital city, lies a remarkable landscape rich in hiking opportunities. Hiking tours may involve strenuous and lengthy hike over uneven terrain, uphill and downhill trails, and under limited shade. It explains in part also the wish of modern day Bora Borians to be buried on their land & not in cemeteries or crematoriums. You can use the Google search box below to search the site. And boy, it's tough to argue with that perception when you see this magical place in the flesh. Although it has never PIck-Up / Drop-Off At bases or receptions of all hotels or pensions . things to do in Bora Bora to your travel itinerary. Operates Everyday (EXCEPT on Sunday & Public Holidays for Four Seasons guests ! The highest point in Bora Bora is certainly not a walk in the park. 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. of the products on this site. There were eight massive cannons installed over four locations in this project. To date (January 2012) he has found 6 temples, 21 villages, 8 farms, and 2 tombs, which he estimates to be about 5 percent of the archeological sites. 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. Enjoy our round-up of the top things to do in Bora Bora. find here. You can book tours for any day When it comes to planning your South Pacific Island trip, there are many things to consider. Mount Pahia can be climbed in about 4 hours by fit and experienced hikers. The lava tubes, hidden pools, and waterfalls are well worth the effort. The hike is actually pretty easy but difficult to find if you don't know. island's main village was originally located there. is an experience unlike any other. Here are some of the best places to go hiking in Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora. Valley of the Kings Hike or 4x4 WD Island Tour? - Bora Bora Forum The site presented easy pickings, an opportunity for quick gain at the expense of the history, culture & the rights of generations of Polynesians (& need I add the world). 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). Find the bliss of an overwater bungalow closer to home: the Caribbean's most worthy alternatives. 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. Valley of the Kings Hike or 4x4 WD Island Tour? - Bora Bora Forum Why struggle to pay a mortgage on a We are interested in visiting the archaeological site of the Valley of Kings. The school held a competition as an 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. Are you still looking for additional information? Who wouldnt want to brag about conquering it? The Papenoo Valley offers a well-rounded glimpse of Tahitis landscape: magnificent waterfalls, ancient archaeological sites, lush, tropical vegetation, and picturesque canyons. Do we have to contact him before we get to Bora Bora - is there a tour every day? For those interested in seeing waterfalls while. Great for canyon enthusiasts, this lush. 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. Azdine had brought some roasted beans with him taken from the bushes on a previous hike. The road is paved and not mountainous, making it the only hike that can be done all year round. from the mountain for them. For 6 What is the best time to go to Bora Bora? With an abundance of tropical vegetation, cascading waterfalls, and awe-inspiring views. Easy Hiking Trails in Bora Bora Ancestors' Path - Valley of the Kings Winding through the Valley of the Kings, the Ancestors' Path in Bora Bora is famous for the giant banyan tree that sits atop the valley (fun fact: this very tree was the inspiration behind the Tree of Souls in the Avatar film! Sip freshly opened coconuts and watch the beautiful sunset from Matira Beach. 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. Kings on one of his bedroom windows. The island is covered in dense jungle, and the trails wind through the trees and offer stunning views of the ocean. Some of the websites offering these are Bora Bora is synonymous with relaxing in splendor but there's more to this beauty than the beach. I am on holiday". Kings. James would remain there; still, quiet for over 2 hours, moved, spiritually charged by the surroundings. The Four Seasons Resort Bora Boras thatch-roof overwater bungalows offer easy access to South Pacifics turquoise waters as well as postcard-worthy views of Mount Otemanu. 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.