Partway along this walk is an interestingly shaped geological feature jutting dramatically out of the ground. Hikers cant physically get to the very top of the mountain's 727 meters (2385ft) as the towering peaks are both crumbly and vertical. People can and do, get lost and injured due to the difficult terrain and lack of signage. When you stay at an overwater villa In Bora Bora or Moorea, you can snorkel or swim right off your private deck. And everything was You will be rewarded at the end with spectacular views, but there are still some steep cliffs to climb. The InterContinental Thalasso is a luxury overwater villa, on a small private island. Those who find these cannons will have spectacular views of the lagoon as well as a unique perspective on the city. Tickets, which cost 100 Egyptian pounds (approximately $11 . You can hire a guide to drive you through private land and to the top of the mountain if you want. Located east of Papeete, the Faananu Valley is renowned for its rich and diverse endemic vegetation. Which is unusual even for the wet season in Bora Bora! Is Bora Bora the most beautiful place on earth? It explains in part also the wish of modern day Bora Borians to be buried on their land & not in cemeteries or crematoriums. 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. 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. Smell. To date (January 2012) he has found 6 temples, 21 villages, 8 farms, Want to learn more? He lives in a modest, immaculate home, near the Kaina Hut, Copyright 2011 - 2023 BoraBoraIslandGuide.com. Bora Bora is home to some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the world. the island he wanted to live on. The mountain is only accessible by hiking with a certified guide. . Whether you are a beginner or more advanced, there are plenty of opportunities for, ; you are sure to have an unforgettable experience in one of the most exquisite places on Earth. Bora-Bora, volcanic island, les Sous le Vent (Leeward Islands), in the Society Islands of French Polynesia.It lies in the central South Pacific Ocean, about 165 miles (265 km) northwest of Tahiti.The mountainous island, some 6 miles (10 km) long and 2.5 miles (4 km) wide, has Mount Otemanu (Temanu; 2,385 feet [727 metres]) and twin-peaked Mount Pahia (2,159 feet [658 metres]) as its highest . Pregnant women/disabled guests/babies our services must be notified in advance! Staggeringly, the anthropomorph has been removed (I suspect for safe-keeping rather than stolen). 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. We are in our early 50's, in good shape and are moderate hikers (most. 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. by Sean Arnett | Nov 29, 2022 | South Pacific Islands. Never hike the off-road tracks during or after rain. A peaceful and slow-paced island, Moorea is a hidden gem with stunning natural wonders. There are several different routes to the top, and the most popular is the South Ridge route. Mount Otemanu is located in Bora Bora and is the highest point. Seen as a form of paganism by the missionaries the cutting of hair was soon encouraged! Aito, his cat, lounged on the bed as Azdine served us a glass of French wine and proudly showed us his dwelling. Create Your Dream Vacation With Expert Help, in all their majesty, it is important to consider the adventures that lie inland; home to. The variety of local botany: many local plants have medicinal properties and are still used today for some of them. Because the island is small, there are a few good walking trails to explore, and they can be completed in a few days. They can only be used for one night. Three Coconuts Pass (Col des Trois Cocotiers). The elevation is determined by the terrain. In fact if beaches and crystal clear water are your priority then Bora Bora is a better choice than Bali. The majority of visitors to Bora Bora are American, Japanese or European. The island of Tahiti is arguably the most popular of the 118 islands in French Polynesia. Its known as Hiros Finger (or another part of his anatomy depending on who you ask). Discover island treasures hidden in the valley on your way to the top where you will enjoy a breathtaking view on Bora Bora turquoise lagoon and neighbour islands of Raiatea, Tahaa, Huahine and Maupiti. The scent is exquisite, that of the finest coffee perfumed with a rich hint of dark chocolate slurp! 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. Some are difficult to find but others are waiting to be discovered if you are willing to explore. Here you can find the only hike in Tahiti that allows access to the Mt. Hotels Le Mridien & Four Seasons with supplement. ). Wear a light jacket that can keep both cold and warm, as well as proper hiking gear and waterproof hiking boots. All tours have been regularly tried out in order to give the most accurate information and advice. The highlight of this hike is, well everything. The trail is well-marked and relatively easy to follow. Which InterContinental in Bora Bora is better? Hiking Mount Otemanu at Le Meridien Bora Bora offers visitors the opportunity to make a physical and mental commitment to this difficult trek. There were eight massive cannons installed over four locations in this project. He suggested cooking mahi mahi on Copyright 2011 - 2023 BoraBoraIslandGuide.com. The trail is well marked and easy to follow. He stopped working at Here are seven of the best and most scenic hikes on Bora Bora. Now Lagoon at the St Regis and a restaurant in the Four Seasons also offer this island dish. walk as there was 4 days of rain in a row. , Three Coconuts Pass is well-maintained and easy to follow. Valley of the Kings is an easy 3 hour walk which most people can do. 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. I noticed that locals passing by respectfully Passports must be valid for at least three months and proof of onward travel may be required. And boy, it's tough to argue with that perception when you see this magical place in the flesh. There are several different trails to choose from, and they range in difficulty from easy to moderate. 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. However, there are a few areas where the trail is steep and slippery, so visitors should take care when hiking in these areas. Perched on the mountainside above Point Pahua on the western point of the island, the views from the cannons are superb. The banyan tree has great cultural significance, as it served as the final resting place for the kings of Bora Bora. Said to be the final resting place for royalty in times long gone, the views from this cave are nothing short of breathtaking. 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. "When I stand in my shower I see my mountain" he tells us of the products on this site. referred to him as 'the guide'. You'll also hear He brings lava stones back 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. The track can be found by heading clockwise around the island on the main road. This is also the lunch break point (not included). Here's our pick of the best beaches on Bora Bora. The banyan tree itself & much of what he experienced that day would feature in Avatar. 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. Some of its most breathtaking views can be seen from some of its most prominent points. 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. Its the question on every hiker's lips when they first see it. The temperature at sea is 28 degrees Fahrenheit. Bora Boras iconic peaks are steeped in history and legend, providing a transformative experience to those fortunate enough to traverse them. Some of the websites offering these are These short shoulder seasons offer fine weather with temperatures in the mid-70s to mid-80s. See. Azdine won, as he topped the course. You should choose a professional or advanced hiker with the necessary equipment. 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 ! Bora Bora is exclusive and expensive because it is very hard to get to. French expat and founder of Polynesian Island Tours Azdine Oualid leads tours to the Valley of the Kings, a marae . worked in the jungle, and Tahitian people didn't go into The Bora Bora Valley of the Kings hike is the most popular. There are limited flights to Bora Bora (only four per day), and they all originate in Tahiti. This mountain on the romantic island has a natural history that is as much about the island as it is about the lagoon. Is It Worth Flying To Bora Bora From Chicago. A full day excursion on Tahiti will take you through Papenoo Valley, including Topatari Falls, Vaiharuru Falls, and Puraha Falls. Can you hike Mount Otemanu? Answer 1 of 2: My husband and I leave to Taha'a and Bora Bora next week. 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. When we met Azdine he had been in Bora Bora for 6 years. Tahiti is a far more expensive destination than Fiji too. mini / 8 pers. 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. Who wouldnt want to brag about conquering it? You hike through fertile valleys amongst lush tropical vegetation. The weather in Bora Bora is relatively stable year-round, with temperatures typically ranging from 27-32 degrees Celsius. Hiking tours may involve strenuous and lengthy hike over uneven terrain, uphill and downhill trails, and under limited shade. Adventure or leisure? You can hike to the guns and return to your original location in about an hour. 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. The upside to being on the tour route is that this track is really obvious and its hard to get lost. 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. Take a picnic and make it a morning or afternoon out of it, using the simple bench seats on the cannons as an example. Take a picnic and make a morning or afternoon out of it, making use of the simple bench seats at the cannons. 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. 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. afresh. 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. A television crew came from Papeete to make a documentary. We had contacted Azdine because we were keen to explore the famous Bora Bora Valley of the Kings. 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. Boasting incredible panoramic views, Mount Pahia is the second-highest summit in Bora Bora. 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. Royalty is said to have been buried in the Cave of Mount Otemanu for many years. Pahia). With Papeete as its capital and an international airport, Tahiti is the biggest and most developed island. Having Azdine as a host had me checking my values and examining them The school held a competition as an 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. 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 cheapest time to go to Bora Bora? 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. Hiking in the Valley of Kings on Ancestors Path - Full Day (Lunch not included) A hiking of about 6 hours through the Valley of kings to the "Ancestors' Peak". Over time as the roots thickened the bodies would find themselves engulfed in the structure of the tree. Bora Bora, French. He noticed a platform and cleared it. This hiking trail is rated as moderately difficult for a reason: it has a steep terrain. During the high season he offers four different Bora Bora walking tours through the lush, rugged interior island. 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. Bora Bora Island Guide can devote the time to providing you The trailhead can be found on the south-western end of the island, and it takes approximately two hours to reach the summit. The income generated through these means helps ensure 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. 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. The 118 islands that make up French Polynesia each have their own culture and tourist attractions. Inclusions Round trip transfers to/from tour starting point; Guided tour, Schedules (transfer time from hotels not taken into account) 08h00 14h00. 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. 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. 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. We only have time for one more excursion. The hike is actually pretty easy but difficult to find if you don't know. Public rates mentioned on each pensions Fact Sheet. research. at the Kaina Hut. We would climb through lush tropical vegetation in a fascinating outing as our guide, Azdine, outlined the legends surrounding the valley, the sacredness of certain trees, & the knowledge of the ancestors for the medicinal qualities of certain plants. The island of Bora Bora is located in the Pacific Ocean and is known for its lush vegetation and warm waters. He planned to the jungle. Spread over four locations, eight giant cannons were installed high on the hills in Bora Bora and they're still there today. Otemanu is a popular challenge for experienced climbers. 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. What is the best time to go to Bora Bora? Bora Bora, located in the Pacific Ocean, is known for its pristine beaches, crystal clear waters and stunning . Hikers can explore remnants of ancient villages and Marae (Polynesian temples) and it would be a shame to unknowingly pass these relics. It's said that the giant banyan tree featured on this hike was the inspiration for the "Tree of Souls in the blockbuster Avatar movie. If you're wondering why a Frenchman of a Moroccan background is taking Polynesian cultural tours How Many Days Do You Need In Bora Bora? These ten hotel rooms have some of the best views on the planet, from the Andes to Bora Bora. Backpack (Sac dos), Bottle of water (Eau), Camera (Appareil photo), Comfy clothes (Tenue confort), Hat (Chapeau). Archaeology: visit ancient temples (the marae) that is still sacred places and walk to the tomb of ancient kings. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. You can also explore inland trails, as well as those closer to the beach. Every night he worked in the Tahiti is the most developed and populous island in French Polynesia, also known as The Islands of Tahiti. Orohena volcanic crater. Do not attempt to hike Mount Otemanu and Mount Pahia if you cant deal with heights or suffer from vertigo. read Azdine's story of finding Paradise. The vibrant city of Papeete blends traditional and modern Polynesian . Bora Bora may be the perfect place for a beach vacation, but there's plenty to see and do away from the beach. Sacred Cave of Anau is a 6 hour trek (with climbing) for those used to strenuous activity. Are there 2 bedroom overwater or beach bungalows? Some say that the panoramic views from the summit are some of the best in the world. Take a guided snorkeling excursion into the lagoon to learn more about the marine life. Azdine had brought some roasted beans with him taken from the bushes on a previous hike. 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. Re: Valley of the Kings trailhead. For bargain prices with optimal weather, book summer dates early or book dates in the shoulder months of November and April. 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. Climbing Mt. Because the trail passes through private property, it is not possible to go without a guide. 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. Unchallenged & unchecked by the population or its elected representatives, the destruction would continue. The lava tubes, hidden pools, and waterfalls are well worth the effort. with all the free and fabulous information & resources you'll It is believed up to 7 Kings were buried that way over time. more. PIck-Up / Drop-Off At bases or receptions of all hotels or pensions . Mt. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. A hiking of about 6 hours through the Valley of kings to the Ancestors Peak. Answer 1 of 2: My husband and I leave to Taha'a and Bora Bora next week. Here's our guide to navigating the island. Because the terrain is rough and steep at times, it is essential to wear shoes with adequate grip and traction. 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. Small cruise ships must travel slowly through the narrow pass in the lagoon. Pensions on a Motu Roundtrip transfer to the main islands base to add at extra charge. The most popular hiking trail in Moorea, Three Coconuts Pass is well-maintained and easy to follow. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. hours Azdine displayed the remnants of ancient life, How much would a vacation home in Bora Bora cost tonight? This is a place where you can learn about the wildflowers, take in the breathtaking views, and take in some amazing photos. and 2 tombs, which he estimates to be about 5 percent of the Fall in love with lush, tropical shores and experience Mana. Of course, it may have something to do with Tahiti's awe-inspiring waterfalls. Azdine, the guide, will share information about geology, ancestral plants, medicine and sacred trees. Every year, the Hawaiian Islands receive more visitors in ten days than the entire French Polynesia. It would present him with an opportunity to look into the botany, archaeology, ethnology & geology of this fascinating area of Bora Bora. This trail, which measures approximately 3.4 kilometers in length, is labeled as difficult in terms of difficulty. 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. of us at Bora Bora Island guide love to Because it is considered difficult in terms of difficulty, it must be well prepared. including the well known Bora Bora Valley of the Kings hike, on the Bora Bora tours page, along with contact details. outdated. 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. expensive. Polynesian Island Tours offers a choice of fascinating cultural walks: His outdoor shower hangs from a tree in his pretty garden. The mountaintop is the most difficult part of the hike because it is the highest point. The hike takes about a kilometer and is only slightly elevated. The mountain is located on the island of Bora Bora, and the climb typically takes 2-3 days to complete. of us at Bora Bora Island guide love to Moorea is a quick ferry ride away from Tahiti. The Bora Bora Island guide who leads these unique tours is Azdine We are interested in visiting the archaeological site of the Valley of Kings. The lava tubes, hidden pools, and waterfalls are well worth the effort. Mount Otemanu is the most iconic peak in The Islands of Tahiti. However if beaches are your priority, then Fiji would be the better choice. It would be interesting to date the grinding stone & grinder: The best find for many though was the wild coffee bushes. The trailhead is near a tower just north of Povaie Bay, which is also home to an art gallery. , a visit to the Faraura Valley is a must. 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. Up for a challenge? Important LUNCH NOT INCLUDED, ask for a lunch box to your hotel !! The Faanui WWII Guns trail, one of the most popular hiking trails in Bora Bora, is a great place to go hiking while in the area. 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. It has four peaks spread over 4 miles that are at least 2,500 feet in height, including Mount Otemanu (Temanu; 2,385 feet [727 metres]) and twin peaks Mount Pahia (2,159 feet [658 metres]. The trail starts behind a cement building on private land so if the owners are about, you will need to ask their permission to cross their land. We may also earn commissions on some 1. Bora Bora is exclusive and expensive because it is very hard to get to. You will need to have a reasonable level of fitness and know your bodys limits. have fun, but we also have to keep the site up and running! A Certified Tahiti Specialist can help you uncover hidden gems. Sip freshly opened coconuts and watch the beautiful sunset from Matira Beach. 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. For 15 years Azdine dreamed of coming to French Polynesia. 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). On the western side of the island, at Point Pahua, a Farepiti Cannon can be found on a mountainside. Answer 1 of 2: My husband and I leave to Taha'a and Bora Bora next week. why you'll see ads on this site. As will the fun of actually finding the cannons, even if one of the barrels has gone missing. Hike through history. Mount Otemanu is the most difficult and highest peak on the island, rising 727 meters above sea level.
