Trekking in Bora Bora means getting up-close views of not only the lush rainforest -filled with hibiscus blossoms, paw-paw trees, and wild vanilla-but also remnants of the island's ancient civilization. These ten hotel rooms have some of the best views on the planet, from the Andes to Bora Bora. To properly experience Bora Bora, three days (four nights if arriving late) should be enough. Moorea is a quick ferry ride away from Tahiti. We would arrive at a stunning plateau at the foot of Mts Otemanu & Pahia, a place of rare beauty surrounded by these majestic mountains & other prominent peaks. read our advertising disclosure. Partway along this walk is an interestingly shaped geological feature jutting dramatically out of the ground. imaginations and touches hearts. The Mount Otemanu hike is a four-kilometer trail that is moderate in terms of difficulty. You're free to pick your paradise. While Im not sure if this is fact or fiction, there's no doubt the tree has great cultural significance, given that it reportedly served as the final resting place for the ancient kings of Bora Bora. When Azdine was a young student in France, his father put a poster of There are limited flights to Bora Bora (only four per day), and they all originate in Tahiti. Read our Privacy Policy. The Islands of Tahiti are famed for their crystal-clear turquoise lagoons and picturesque overwater bungalows. However, its best to ask around when you get there as nothing is signposted. and 2 tombs, which he estimates to be about 5 percent of the The islands location in the middle of the Pacific Ocean leaves it vulnerable to tidal waves whenever theres an earthquake in places as far away as Samoa or even Chile. The only guide we know offering a Mount The probelm is that I cannot find information online from any of the tour operators that state whether or. To date (January 2012) he has found 6 temples, 21 villages, 8 farms, In Bora Bora, natural disasters are of moderate concern, particularly tsunamis. 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. in a couple of days. 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. How much are overwater bungalows in Bora Bora? 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. Bora Bora is synonymous with relaxing in splendor but there's more to this beauty than the beach. Mount Pahia has breathtaking views, and hiking to the top is extremely worthwhile. This trail, which measures approximately 3.4 kilometers in length, is labeled as difficult in terms of difficulty. The income generated through these means helps ensure There is something to note about why my overwater bungalow at the Sofitel Marara Beach Resort was significantly cheaper than Four Seasons or St Regis. This trail has a total distance of 30.6 kilometers and can take anywhere from 8 to 9 hours to complete. How Many Days Do You Need In Bora Bora? 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!). The crumbly vertical cliffs of the towering peak prevent further ascent as they do not hold clamps. 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. Hikers who find these cannons will be rewarded with spectacular views of Bora Boras iconic lagoon. May 9, 2018 - Meet the guide who leads hiking tours through the ancient Bora Bora Valley of the Kings to discover cultural sites revealing information about the island's early history. You can book tours for any day 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. of the products on this site. wild, inner island. Polynesian Island Tours offers a choice of fascinating cultural walks: Bora Bora Island Guide invites you to from the mountain for them. We are interested in hike like Valley of the Kings (maybe all the way to Ancestor's Peak). Now Lagoon at the St Regis and a restaurant in the Four Seasons also offer this island dish. By continuing to use the site, you agree to our cookie policy. An impressive sight from a distance is Puraha . This is also the lunch break point (not included). Its the opportunity to not miss a single stunning stretch of coastline, view of the lagoon, village, and fabulous eatery. Faanui (Valley of Nui), a place of refuge, a place where one can gather the breath of life as the ancient Tahitian expression,E Mapuhiraa aho no Faanuisays, derives its name from Nui, the son of Porapora-i-te-fenau-tahi (the First-Born in the Time of Man), whos umbilical cord was buried here in the valley. Here are seven of the best and most scenic hikes on Bora Bora. Great for canyon enthusiasts, this lush. . The cheapest time to go to Bora Bora: The best deals can be found in Bora Boras off season between October and May. Direct payment at the pension. Rich, colorful vegetation abounds, and visitors can delight in taking a refreshing dip in the glistening pools beneath the picturesque falls. 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. There are a few good walking trails, and as the island is small, they can be accomplished 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. Pahia is no walk in the park either and unlike Otemanu, you can actually reach the peak. Over time as the roots thickened the bodies would find themselves engulfed in the structure of the tree. He was given the privilege of choosing Pahia climb is Azdine, who also takes tours through the Valley of the Nonetheless, its best to avoid stingrays and barracudas from Bora Bora. in the restaurant and no one told him it was on. The Bora Bora Island guide who leads these unique tours is Azdine 67 McCaul St, Toronto Ontario, M5T 2W7, Canada, Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, Bora-Care With CPES Wood: The Key To A Longer Lasting Wood, Soufrire: The First Capital City Of St Lucia, The Pros And Cons Of Replacing Bora-Care With Timbor. at the Kaina Hut. Hikers can explore remnants of ancient villages and Marae (Polynesian temples) and it would be a shame to unknowingly pass these relics. Seen as a form of paganism by the missionaries the cutting of hair was soon encouraged! find Paradise. We are in our early 50's, in good shape and are moderate hikers (most. See. It was a big city! Mount Pahia is Mount Otemanus twin-peaked and shorter sibling, topping out at 658 m (2159ft). Operates Everyday (EXCEPT on Sunday & Public Holidays for Four Seasons guests ! The elevation is determined by the terrain. Valley of the Kings is an easy 3 hour walk which most people can do. As Azdine said to us: The difference between a foreigner & a local tahitian is that the foreigner has a watch, but the tahitian has the time! You get to choose where you stay each night and how far you walk each day. Create Your Dream Vacation With Expert Help, in all their majesty, it is important to consider the adventures that lie inland; home to. centers around relaxing in an overwater bungalow on the sparkling lagoon, eight giant cannons were installed high on the hills in Bora Bora, The best ways to get around Bora Bora: taxis, boats and bare feet, The best time to visit Bora Bora: budget or blowout, here's our guide, A date with the ocean in Mo'orea, French Polynesia, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. more. Answer 1 of 2: My husband and I leave to Taha'a and Bora Bora next week. Mount Otemanu is the most difficult and highest peak on the island, rising 727 meters above sea level. Copyright 2011 - 2023 BoraBoraIslandGuide.com. All Rights Reserved, 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. His outdoor shower hangs from a tree in his pretty garden. 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. Orohena volcanic crater. In the low season, when Bora Bora is quiet, he continues his research. Served this way the fish arrives sizzling at the table and delights the senses. Why struggle to pay a mortgage on a It is only possible to do these tours during dry weather. It was a climb of several days through thick jungle through which he cut a path. the jungle. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. 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. The trailhead is near a tower just north of Povaie Bay, which is also home to an art gallery. Hotels are few and fancy, ranging from $400$2,000 per night for the lowest standard rates. Bora Bora Hiking is a rewarding experience because the lush tropical vegetation is so beautiful and there are amazing 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. 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. This is due to the lack of signage, overgrown tracks, and the mountainous nature of the trails. The vibrant city of Papeete blends traditional and modern Polynesian . 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. Every year, the Hawaiian Islands receive more visitors in ten days than the entire French Polynesia. of the products on this site. We may also earn commissions on some read Azdine's story of finding Paradise. 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. You will learn the virtues of medicinal plants as well as tales & legends of Bora Bora with your ethnobotanist guide. why you'll see ads on this site. For those who visit Point Fitiuu Cannons on the eastern side of the main island, views of Mt Otemanu and the magnificent Bora Bora lagoon will be breathtaking. Hikers cant physically get to the very top of the mountain's 727 meters (2385ft) as the towering peaks are both crumbly and vertical. Both Bora Bora and the Maldives involve further travel from the international airport. Boasting incredible panoramic views, Mount Pahia is the second-highest summit in Bora Bora. There are several different routes to the top, and the most popular is the South Ridge route. All tours have been regularly tried out in order to give the most accurate information and advice. Mata Pupu has some of the best views of any island in the world because of the ridge on which it is located. A full day excursion on Tahiti will take you through Papenoo Valley, including Topatari Falls, Vaiharuru Falls, and Puraha Falls. A television crew came from Papeete to make a documentary. There were eight massive cannons installed over four locations in this project. Important LUNCH NOT INCLUDED, ask for a lunch box to your hotel !! 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. Never hike the off-road tracks during or after rain. He noticed a platform and cleared it. He lives in a modest, immaculate home, near the Kaina Hut, . Mt Otemanu is the ultimate aim of every hiker in Bora Bora but it's not for the faint of heart TriggerPhoto / Getty Images, Hiking in Bora Bora: youve never seen the lagoon from this angle before. Located east of Papeete, the Faananu Valley is renowned for its rich and diverse endemic vegetation. want a phenomenal day out exploring the inner island on foot. The mountain is extremely difficult to access, so youll need some of the best hiking gear available. Coral reefs surround it and form part of the landscape. Hiking in French Polynesia is an experience unlike any other. It would present him with an opportunity to look into the botany, archaeology, ethnology & geology of this fascinating area of Bora Bora. 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. Which InterContinental in Bora Bora is better? The answer depends on a few factors, including the weather and the level of difficulty of the hike. Most excursions require healthy conditions. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. That's It is known for its clear turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and lush green vegetation. What is the cheapest time to go to Bora Bora? The most popular hiking trail in Moorea, Three Coconuts Pass is well-maintained and easy to follow. mini / 8 pers. of us at Bora Bora Island guide love to James would remain there; still, quiet for over 2 hours, moved, spiritually charged by the surroundings. Once you leave the sealed circle island road, it will take around 10 minutes of uphill walking but the views of the motus (little islands) in the lagoon will distract you from your burning calves. Who knows what has happened to the stone which held to ink for tattoo ceremonies for the countries elite. Orohena volcanic crater. the Bora Bora Valley of the Kings area because the "When I stand in my shower I see my mountain" he tells us things to do in Bora Bora to your travel itinerary. It is believed up to 7 Kings were buried that way over time. The trail is well marked and easy to follow. We would soon realise also that it is for the sprituality it imparts. 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. island's main village was originally located there. What is the number 1 island in the world? find here. Smell. Hiking and climbing in Bora Bora must be done during the dry season (Winter). his son to study hard so that one day he would be able to travel to Named for the three distinct pine trees found along the trail, Three Pines Pass offers impressive views of Mount Rotui, Opunohu Bay, and Cooks Bay, as well as the famous pineapple fields of Moorea. It would be interesting to date the grinding stone & grinder: The best find for many though was the wild coffee bushes. Despite the fact that shark attacks are rare in Bora Bora, there are a large number of them. 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). Used in ancient times its remarkably cleansing leaving great softness to your hands & hair: When we completed the ascent wewiped the sweat from our brows with the inner layer of the skin of a pamplamouse. The turquoise lagoons of Bora Bora are also perfect for kayaking; you can even take time to observe the colorful marine life below. The school held a competition as an Mango is not natural in the jungle. Papa's intention was to motivate The trail begins at the Belvedere parking lot and offers impressive views of Mount Tohivea, the Opunohu Valley, Opunohu Bay, Cooks Bay, and more. 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. The scent is exquisite, that of the finest coffee perfumed with a rich hint of dark chocolate slurp! which he built himself from recycled materials. 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. expensive. Want to learn more? Fall in love with lush, tropical shores and experience Mana. Hotels Le Mridien & Four Seasons with supplement. 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 temperature at sea is 28 degrees Fahrenheit. Bora Bora Island Guide can devote the time to providing you Hiking tours may involve strenuous and lengthy hike over uneven terrain, uphill and downhill trails, and under limited shade. Want to do some adventurous Bora Bora hiking through the lush island interior? All 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). . ). No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. A guide is recommended for hiking Bora Boras interior tracks. The highlight of this hike is, well everything. 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. This is the only hike that's all-weather accessible as the road is paved and not too mountainous. Pull sweet avocadoes and colorful pineapple from the trees. Because the trail passes through private property, it is not possible to go without a guide. this same view across to the Bora Bora Valley of the This mountain on the romantic island has a natural history that is as much about the island as it is about the lagoon.
