The island of Bora Bora is located in the Pacific Ocean and is known for its lush vegetation and warm waters. The Papenoo Valley offers a well-rounded glimpse of Tahitis landscape: magnificent waterfalls, ancient archaeological sites, lush, tropical vegetation, and picturesque canyons. I tried to contact him by email (through Polynesia Tours) but didn't get a reply. Bora Bora is exclusive and expensive because it is very hard to get to. The trail is well-marked and relatively easy to follow. Bora Bora 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 hiking in Bora Bora. You're free to pick your paradise. Both Bora Bora and the Maldives involve further travel from the international airport. We've already booked our Full Day Lagoon Tour in Bora Bora. Most visitors head to Bora Bora for a blissful, tropical island vacation that centers around relaxing in an overwater bungalow on the sparkling lagoon. 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. This kind of activity is recommended for guests in very good physical condition. In fact if beaches and crystal clear water are your priority then Bora Bora is a better choice than Bali. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Is Bora Bora the most beautiful place on earth? French and Tahitian are the main languages spoken on the island, though most inhabitants have a command of the English language. Tours only operate during the dryer months. Located near Papeete, the Fautaua Valley trail offers a relatively easy hike through a forest of lush, tropical vegetation. In the dry season all-day hiking Mount Pahia, Bora Bora tours can be arranged through Otemano Tours. Due to the mountains crumbly vertical cliffs, it is not possible to gain access to the summit further. Over breakfast, you will find the enticing aromas of passion fruit and lychee accompanying the refreshing scent of coffee. , Three Coconuts Pass is well-maintained and easy to follow. Mt. 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. of us at Bora Bora Island guide love to I noticed that locals passing by respectfully Because the island is small, there are a few good walking trails to explore, and they can be completed in a few days. It takes about 10 hours to hike Mount Otemanu. The breathtaking views from multiple vantage points, as well as the lush tropical vegetation, are just a few of the highlights of Bora Bora Hiking. with all the free and fabulous information & resources you'll lava stone to the Kaina Hut. The majority of visitors to Bora Bora are American, Japanese or European. Bora Bora is synonymous with relaxing in splendor but there's more to this beauty than the beach. The banyan tree has great cultural significance, as it served as the final resting place for the kings of Bora Bora. You should choose a professional or advanced hiker with the necessary equipment. He knew that when you see mango and bamboo, you have found a village. of the products on this site. 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. He planned to All rights reserved. Kings on one of his bedroom windows. The weather in Bora Bora is relatively stable year-round, with temperatures typically ranging from 27-32 degrees Celsius. There is a lot of uphill hiking, so be prepared for a workout. his son to study hard so that one day he would be able to travel to 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. For those interested in seeing waterfalls while hiking in Tahiti, a visit to the Faraura Valley is a must. So put it at the top of your list of free things to do in Bora Bora. However, there are a few areas where the trail is steep and slippery, so visitors should take care when hiking in these areas. It would be interesting to date the grinding stone & grinder: The best find for many though was the wild coffee bushes. The Cave of Mount Otemanu on the northeastern side of the mountain is not to be missed. Hikers can see all the way over to the islands of Tahaa and Raiatea across the deep blue sea. Backpack (Sac dos), Bottle of water (Eau), Camera (Appareil photo), Comfy clothes (Tenue confort), Hat (Chapeau). Bora Bora is home to some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the world. Mata Pupu has some of the best views of any island in the world because of the ridge on which it is located. personality, Azdine conveyed a wealth of Bora Bora culture over coffee at the Paradisio, lunch at the Yacht Club and dinner What he had seen on TV wasn't real. Some of the websites offering these are We really enjoy hikes with incredible views and learning something along the way. 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. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. This is due to the lack of signage, overgrown tracks, and the mountainous nature of the trails. Bora Bora Island Guide invites you to The lagoon in Bora Bora has one ocean pass that opens to the sea. Located east of Papeete, the Faananu Valley is renowned for its rich and diverse endemic vegetation. This hiking trail is rated as moderately difficult for a reason: it has a steep terrain. The Faanui guns WWII hike is one of the shortest and easiest hikes on the island. 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. 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. He's an example for us all. Our last stop in French Polynesia was the island of Bora Bora, often named as the most beautiful place on earth. I am on holiday". Orohena volcanic crater. However, the views from the summit are incredible, and the experience of climbing such a tall mountain is truly unforgettable. His story ignites There are several different routes to the top, and the most popular is the South Ridge route. We are in our early 50's, in good shape and are moderate hikers (most. contentedly. The road is paved and not mountainous, making it the only hike that can be done all year round. Although it has never The trailhead can be a little tricky to find. Ancesters Road or the Track of the Past is an easy full day tour for the fit. Bora Boras iconic peaks are steeped in history and legend, providing a transformative experience to those fortunate enough to traverse them. Starting point is in Faanui, ask the locals in the area and I am sure they will gladly point you in the right direction. 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. Take a picnic and make a morning or afternoon out of it, making use of the simple bench seats at the cannons. Here are some of the best places to go hiking in Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora. It is only possible to do these tours during dry weather. 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! 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. Answer 1 of 2: My husband and I leave to Taha'a and Bora Bora next week. ceremonial religious sites. If youre planning another trip to Bora Bora Island, you should definitely check out this trail. . You can use the Google search box below to search the site. Some of its most breathtaking views can be seen from some of its most prominent points. worked in the jungle, and Tahitian people didn't go into 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. The probelm is that I cannot find information online from any of the tour operators that state whether or. The island is covered in dense jungle, and the trails wind through the trees and offer stunning views of the ocean. archeological sites. When it comes to planning your South Pacific Island trip, there are many things to consider. Tickets, which cost 100 Egyptian pounds (approximately $11 . views from various vantage points. Every day he Bora Bora is a hike. Sacred Cave of Anau is a 6 hour trek (with climbing) for those used to strenuous activity. 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. The Bora Bora Valley of the Kings hike is the most popular. I don't believe he does a tour everyday, but I had the concierge at our hotel set it up for me. If it's there it's because someone planted it. A peaceful and slow-paced island, Moorea is a hidden gem with stunning natural wonders. The Maldives vs Bora Bora: Accessibility The Maldives is more readily accessible from Europe and Africa than Bora Bora is, but if you are based in the United States then Bora Bora is the better option. For his 6 hour 2,168ft (661m) tour you must be very PIck-Up / Drop-Off At bases or receptions of all hotels or pensions . 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. Some are difficult to find but others are waiting to be discovered if you are willing to explore. Every year, the Hawaiian Islands receive more visitors in ten days than the entire French Polynesia. They could be embalmed & then stood upright in-between the roots of the tree. Azdine, the guide, will share information about geology, ancestral plants, medicine and sacred trees. Boasting incredible panoramic views, Mount Pahia is the second-highest summit in Bora Bora. Hiking and climbing in Bora Bora must be done during the dry season (Winter). On the western side of the island, at Point Pahua, a Farepiti Cannon can be found on a mountainside. We may also earn commissions on some intriguing Polynesian legends and taste wild island fruits and coconuts, plucked straight from the trees. When Azdine was a young student in France, his father put a poster of A guide is recommended for hiking Bora Boras interior tracks. Bora Bora, French. You must only try this When the program walk as there was 4 days of rain in a row. The payoff to the sweaty incline? Are you still looking for additional information? Now Lagoon at the St Regis and a restaurant in the Four Seasons also offer this island dish. The crumbly vertical cliffs of the towering peak prevent further ascent as they do not hold clamps. The turquoise lagoons of Bora Bora are also perfect for kayaking; you can even take time to observe the colorful marine life below. For 15 years Azdine dreamed of coming to French Polynesia. However if beaches are your priority, then Fiji would be the better choice. Answer 1 of 2: My husband and I leave to Taha'a and Bora Bora next week. strenuous activity in dry weather or the unmaintained trail will be muddy and slippery. That's Tips for a sustainable stay in The Islands of Tahiti. is a quick ferry ride away from Tahiti. 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. 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. 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! Seen as a form of paganism by the missionaries the cutting of hair was soon encouraged! The photo below shows how to survive in the unlikelihood of your being lost in the mountains Bora Bora without water the snake vine is your answer; the taste is more than acceptable: When Azdine started undertaking this hike in only 2006 he was drawn to the cliff-face that flanks Mts Otemanu & Pahia, certain that there would be caves; caves used for centuries to bury the dead. We had contacted Azdine because we were keen to explore the famous Bora Bora Valley of the Kings. with artifacts 2000 years old, which he had unearthed. the island he wanted to live on. why you'll see ads on this site. 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. find here. Hiking in French Polynesia is an experience unlike any other. 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!). 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 Starting point is in Faanui, ask the locals in the area and I am sure they will gladly point you in the right direction. Stones must be porous to absorb the heat or they will explode. Because Azdine was the first to discover this trail, he is considered one of the best guides in Bora Bora. 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. When he arrived in Papeete he cried. 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. The island of Tahiti is arguably the most popular of the 118 islands in French Polynesia. The Papenoo Valley offers a well-rounded glimpse of Tahitis landscape: magnificent waterfalls, ancient archaeological sites, lush, tropical vegetation, and picturesque canyons. For those interested in seeing waterfalls while. The lava tubes, hidden pools, and waterfalls are well worth the effort. The Bora Bora Valley of the Kings hike is the most popular. In our midst today was Loic, a chef from the Intercontinental Thalasso Spa, eager to learn of new tastes to tantalise the palate. Operates Everyday (EXCEPT on Sunday & Public Holidays for Four Seasons guests ! Add these best free (and nearly free!) Great for canyon enthusiasts, this lush hiking trail in Tahiti features striking landscapes, waterfalls, and native flora. Papa's intention was to motivate We are interested in visiting the archaeological site of the Valley of Kings. Create Your Dream Vacation With Expert Help, in all their majesty, it is important to consider the adventures that lie inland; home to. It wasn't on our map until Azdine marked it there. Answer 1 of 6: Hi, My husband and I are relatively fit in our mid-twenties and are thinking of doing a guided hike that goes through The Valley of Kings. more. I tried to contact him by email (through Polynesia Tours) but didn't get a reply. Adventure or leisure? Pull sweet avocadoes and colorful pineapple from the trees. However, the rainy season typically runs from November to April, so visitors should avoid hiking in the Valley of Kings during this time. A short walk through lush vegetation, across a small creek & a climb up large stones you will bring you to Apoo Ote Ora (the Circle of Life). Moorea is a quick ferry ride away from Tahiti. In Vaitape take the road to the 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. Who wouldnt want to brag about conquering it? In December 2005 he arrived in Bora Bora. He pictured the tropical jungle and the lagoon. Hike through history. Due to dangerous trail conditions, a local guide is essential for this hike; climbing experience is also necessary. Over time as the roots thickened the bodies would find themselves engulfed in the structure of the tree. Copyright 2011 - 2023 BoraBoraIslandGuide.com. Want to visit Bora Bora without breaking the bank? 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. The breath of life remains with you as you move through this beautiful land discovering the culture & history of another time whilst gaining an insight into the lives of those who once inhabited such places. To date (January 2012) he has found 6 temples, 21 villages, 8 farms, By continuing to use the site, you agree to our cookie policy. Bora Bora is a beautiful island in French Polynesia. 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. I love my job. What is the cheapest time to go to Bora Bora? After his discoveries were televised, visitors coming to Bora Bora wanted to take the historic tour. This trail has a total distance of 30.6 kilometers and can take anywhere from 8 to 9 hours to complete. acquainted with the locals. The lava tubes, hidden pools, and waterfalls are well worth the effort. Gregoire Le Bacon Tahiti Nui Helicopters. The mountain is only accessible by hiking with a certified guide. The track can be found near Hine Pearls, just south of the pretty Protestant Church with the red spire in the town of Vaitape. Therefore, you may be surprised to learn that its possible to hike on Bora Bora. 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. 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. Why struggle to pay a mortgage on a Oh the romance! James would remain there; still, quiet for over 2 hours, moved, spiritually charged by the surroundings. 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. When it comes to cost and other worldly scuba diving, Fiji is the most effective choice. It would present him with an opportunity to look into the botany, archaeology, ethnology & geology of this fascinating area of Bora Bora. All tours have been regularly tried out in order to give the most accurate information and advice. Hiking in French Polynesia is unlike anything you have ever experienced. How much would a vacation home in Bora Bora cost tonight? The track will be too slippery and downright dangerous. The hike is actually pretty easy but difficult to find if you don't know. Royalty is said to have been buried in the Cave of Mount Otemanu for many years. Mango is not natural in the jungle. Rich, colorful vegetation abounds, and visitors can delight in taking a refreshing dip in the glistening pools beneath the picturesque falls. Pathways go through ancient villages, ceremonial sites, sacred spots, and through trees bearing coconuts and wild fruits. Around 350 meters (1148ft) past the cargo vessel quay in Farepiti, you will see a dirt road to the cannons snaking up the hill to your right. 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). See the Bora Bora weather page to find out more about the seasons in Bora Bora. This is how it looked in 2008/2009 : Here is how it looked when we arrived yesterday 23rd April, 2014: It is a story of reckless ignorance, of destruction & of greed. Itinerary and order of the visited sites may change without prior notice according to weather conditions or other circumstances. What is the best time to go to Bora Bora? Conrad (ex Hilton) Hotel Shuttle Boat to add at extra charge, about 6/pers, direct payment at the hotel. The initial section will give your calves a workout and make you sweat in the tropical humidity. Hear. The cave leading to the island lagoon is a fantastic spot to see the islands lagoon and the surrounding green space. The mountain is extremely difficult to access, so youll need some of the best hiking gear available. You will be rewarded at the end with spectacular views, but there are still some steep cliffs to climb. 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. including the well known Bora Bora Valley of the Kings hike, on the Bora Bora tours page, along with contact details. Using a machete, he removed thick vegetation to uncover the ruins of an ancient marae Bora Bora temple. Tahiti is a far more expensive destination than Fiji too. Re: Valley of the Kings trailhead. Therefore if youre traveling on a budget, you will find many more affordable accommodation options in Fiji, while food also tends to be cheaper in Fiji as well. You get to choose where you stay each night and how far you walk each day. 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. There are many things to do in Bora Bora, such as snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and hiking. 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 in the banyan tree that Kings would find their final resting place. of the products on this site. We are interested in hike like Valley of the Kings (maybe all the way to Ancestor's Peak). Three Coconuts Pass (Col des Trois Cocotiers). read our advertising disclosure. We were unable to do the Polynesian Island Tours offers a choice of fascinating cultural walks: . 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. Pahia climb is Azdine, who also takes tours through the Valley of the No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. 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. In the low season, when Bora Bora is quiet, he continues his research. find here. . Here you can find the only hike in Tahiti that allows access to the Mt. Can you hike Mount Otemanu? Do not attempt to hike Mount Otemanu and Mount Pahia if you cant deal with heights or suffer from vertigo. These ten hotel rooms have some of the best views on the planet, from the Andes to Bora Bora. 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. 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 is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. if this is "all" then the form show a list of all hotels, otherwise if it's empty it will not have a hotel selection field, Please enter a number greater than or equal to. 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. imaginations and touches hearts. The variety of local botany: many local plants have medicinal properties and are still used today for some of them. Passports must be valid for at least three months and proof of onward travel may be required. 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). 1 spot. The trail is well-marked and relatively easy to follow. I wonder if information such as the above will spur change.. Not far from the marae can be found perhaps the greatest discovery. The Mount Otemanu hike is a four-kilometer trail that is moderate in terms of difficulty. Located in the Afareaitu Valley, the trail to the Afareaitu Waterfall is relatively short and has many points of interest along the way. 2. 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. big house? Bora Bora may be the perfect place for a beach vacation, but there's plenty to see and do away from the beach. This is also the lunch break point (not included). When To Hike In The Valley Of Kings Bora Bora. During WWII, a strategic military supply base was established at Bora Bora. A Certified Tahiti Specialist can help you uncover hidden gems. 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. We are interested in visiting the archaeological site of the Valley of Kings. 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.

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