Archaeology: visit ancient temples (the marae) that is still sacred places and walk to the tomb of ancient kings. Bora Bora is a major international tourist destination, famous for its aqua-centric luxury resorts. 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. Find the bliss of an overwater bungalow closer to home: the Caribbean's most worthy alternatives. 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. In fact if beaches and crystal clear water are your priority then Bora Bora is a better choice than Bali. (689) 67.70.49. ), 2 pers. However if beaches are your priority, then Fiji would be the better choice. Which is unusual even for the wet season in Bora Bora! more. 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. All rights reserved. The history of the island of Bora Bora: learn how the island of Bora Bora was born, the characteristics of the population and the legends that feed its history. We may also earn commissions on some 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. outdated. NOTE: the cost of the lowest cost overwater bungalow starts from about USD 430 per night, and the most expensive being around USD 2,000 per night. Smell. In our midst today was Loic, a chef from the Intercontinental Thalasso Spa, eager to learn of new tastes to tantalise the palate. Want to learn 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. Inclusions Round trip transfers to/from tour starting point; Guided tour, Schedules (transfer time from hotels not taken into account) 08h00 14h00. Tips for a sustainable stay in The Islands of Tahiti. read Azdine's story of finding Paradise. Many signs of ancient life have been uncovered in 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 Cave of Mount Otemanu on the northeastern side of the mountain is not to be missed. Vanilla grew wild in the trees, we were surrounded by wild ginger & our thirsts were quenched by the water of fresh coconuts. What is the number 1 island in the world? Located near Papeete, the Fautaua Valley trail offers a relatively easy hike through a forest of lush, tropical vegetation. Beyond the turquoise lagoon and glistening bays lie emerald peaks, fragrant pineapple fields, and lush valleys just waiting to be explored. Now Lagoon at the St Regis and a restaurant in the Four Seasons also offer this island dish. Is It Worth Flying To Bora Bora From Chicago. French and Tahitian are the main languages spoken on the island, though most inhabitants have a command of the English language. When it comes to planning your South Pacific Island trip, there are many things to consider. 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. Azdine, the guide, will share information about geology, ancestral plants, medicine and sacred trees. Beyond the hustle and bustle of Papeete, its capital city, lies a remarkable landscape rich in hiking opportunities. The hike takes about a kilometer and is only slightly elevated. Pahia is no walk in the park either and unlike Otemanu, you can actually reach the peak. Guide to Bora Bora Activites & Attractions. Spread over four locations, eight giant cannons were installed high on the hills in Bora Bora and they're still there today. 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). 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. It explains in part also the wish of modern day Bora Borians to be buried on their land & not in cemeteries or crematoriums. However, there are a few areas where the trail is steep and slippery, so visitors should take care when hiking in these areas. Bora Bora is a hike. of us at Bora Bora Island guide love to 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. You can book tours for any day The Valley of Kings is located in the center of the island, and is a popular spot for hiking and picnicking. Bora Bora is a beautiful island in French Polynesia. The mountaintop is the most difficult part of the hike because it is the highest point. A hiking of about 6 hours through the Valley of kings to the Ancestors Peak. There are a few that are difficult to locate, but others are easy to come by. 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. Great for canyon enthusiasts, this lush hiking trail in Tahiti features striking landscapes, waterfalls, and native flora. 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. 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. The turquoise lagoons of Bora Bora are also perfect for kayaking; you can even take time to observe the colorful marine life below. Because it is considered difficult in terms of difficulty, it must be well prepared. During WWII, a strategic military supply base was established at Bora Bora. The trailhead is near a tower just north of Povaie Bay, which is also home to an art gallery. Hiking shoes (Souliers rando), Lunch pack (Pique nique), MosquitoSpray (Anti-moustique), Suncreen SPF50 (Crme solaire), Snack (Collation), Sunglasses (Lunettes soleil), Socks (Chaussettes), Scientific Expedition to the Gulf of California, Rangiroa Snorkelling to Rangiroa Fakarava, Kadavu Island Fiji Eco-Adventure Resort, Northan Islands Rakiraki - Viti Levu North, The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium, DoubleTree Resort By Hilton Fiji Sonaisali Island, Nukubati Private Island, Great Sea Reef, Fiji, Diveasy Initiation Dive Honeymoon Package, Experience Dinner 4-course wz Wine pairing, Whale Watching, Tahiti Iti by Tahiti Iti Diving, Moorea Captain Taina Glass Bottom Boat Tour, ARIIMOANA WALKABOUTSINLAND DISCOVERIES WALK, KITESUP COOK ISLANDS Fire on Water Night Paddle Tour, TUMUTOA TOURS UMU & WALKING DISCOVERY TOUR, Signature Experience Cooking with Culture, Joyce Aviation Fiji Ltd/Heli Tours (Fiji) Ltd, Westside Motorbike Rental Ltd (Go Dirty Tours Fiji), Shanghai to Beijing Explorer by High-Speed Train. have fun, but we also have to keep the site up and running! Nonetheless, its best to avoid stingrays and barracudas from Bora Bora. Mt. We may also earn commissions on some Every day he except Sunday. Are you still looking for additional information? ). 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 ! There are a few good walking trails, and as the island is small, they can be accomplished 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. big house? 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. High season runs from May to October when rain showers are isolated and the number of tourists swells. We've already booked our Full Day Lagoon Tour in Bora Bora. 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. Great for families, the Papenoo Valley is home to some of the most popular hiking trails in Tahiti. Seeing the lava stone in the inner island prompted him to think of using it for cooking. Pregnant women/disabled guests/babies our services must be notified in advance! During the high season he offers four different Bora Bora walking tours through the lush, rugged interior island. There were eight massive cannons installed over four locations in this project. We are interested in visiting the archaeological site of the Valley of Kings. Pahia). That's For those interested in seeing waterfalls while. Located in the Afareaitu Valley, the trail to the Afareaitu Waterfall is relatively short and has many points of interest along the way. 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. See. Answer 1 of 2: My husband and I leave to Taha'a and Bora Bora next week. Both Bora Bora and the Maldives involve further travel from the international airport. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Mount Pahia Ascent is one of the countrys best hiking trails. Each guest should carefully review the tour description to evaluate its own physical limits. Bora Bora is synonymous with relaxing in splendor but there's more to this beauty than the beach. Bora Bora, located in the Pacific Ocean, is known for its pristine beaches, crystal clear waters and stunning . There are many things to do in Bora Bora, such as snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and hiking. Copyright 2011 - 2023 BoraBoraIslandGuide.com. There are limited flights to Bora Bora (only four per day), and they all originate in Tahiti. The most popular hiking trail in Moorea, Three Coconuts Pass is well-maintained and easy to follow. People can and do, get lost and injured due to the difficult terrain and lack of signage. James would remain there; still, quiet for over 2 hours, moved, spiritually charged by the surroundings. A full day excursion on Tahiti will take you through Papenoo Valley, including Topatari Falls, Vaiharuru Falls, and Puraha Falls. Hear. We are in our early 50's, in good shape and are moderate hikers (most. of the products on this site. Fall in love with lush, tropical shores and experience Mana. 1. A television crew came from Papeete to make a documentary. With an abundance of tropical vegetation, cascading waterfalls, and awe-inspiring views. south of the Protestant church. Alternatively, you may use, InterContinental Bora Bora Resort Thalasso Spa, an IHG Hotel, InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort, an IHG Hotel. In the dry season all-day hiking Mount Pahia, Bora Bora tours can be arranged through Otemano Tours. Because the trail passes through private property, it is not possible to go without a guide. Bora Bora - Discover Polynesian History on a Valley of the Kings Hike The sunrise will shine over the lagoon and bring the clear turquoise hue to the water. 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. On the western side of the island, at Point Pahua, a Farepiti Cannon can be found on a mountainside. in a couple of days. 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. views from various vantage points. 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. The upside to being on the tour route is that this track is really obvious and its hard to get lost. Answer 1 of 2: My husband and I leave to Taha'a and Bora Bora next week. Here are 5 must-visit spots for unique and memorable experiences during your visit to the islands in French Polynesia. Some say that the panoramic views from the summit are some of the best in the world. Hikers who find these cannons will be rewarded with spectacular views of Bora Boras iconic lagoon. 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). 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. Adventure or leisure? By continuing to use the site, you agree to our cookie policy. research. 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.