There are many things to do in Bora Bora, such as snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and hiking. And boy, it's tough to argue with that perception when you see this magical place in the flesh. , Three Coconuts Pass is well-maintained and easy to follow. We only have time for one more excursion. I don't need to go on holiday. And everything was If you're wondering why a Frenchman of a Moroccan background is taking Polynesian cultural tours They could be embalmed & then stood upright in-between the roots of the tree. French expat and founder of Polynesian Island Tours Azdine Oualid leads tours to the Valley of the Kings, a marae . Important LUNCH NOT INCLUDED, ask for a lunch box to your hotel !! 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. In the low season, when Bora Bora is quiet, he continues his Which is unusual even for the wet season in Bora Bora! I don't believe he does a tour everyday, but I had the concierge at our hotel set it up for me. We are interested in visiting the archaeological site of the Valley of Kings. This short 4-kilometer round trip is a pleasant walk in which children will not fail to participate. Beyond the hustle and bustle of Papeete, its capital city, lies a remarkable landscape rich in hiking opportunities. For those interested in seeing waterfalls while. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. When he arrived in Papeete he cried. 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. 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. It is critical that you wear protective footwear on a regular basis to avoid being harmed by stonefish, urchins, or coral itself while in the ocean. 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. Bora Bora is synonymous with relaxing in splendor but there's more to this beauty than the beach. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Or is there also another guide? more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. 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. Hiking in French Polynesia is unlike anything you have ever experienced. 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). 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. Mt. Email polynesiaislandtours@mail.pf if you The temperature at sea is 28 degrees Fahrenheit. The trail begins at the Belvedere parking lot and offers impressive views of Mount Tohivea, the Opunohu Valley, Opunohu Bay, Cooks Bay, and more. 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. Because the island is small, there are a few good walking trails to explore, and they can be completed in a few days. You must only try this For 6 Are you still looking for additional information? his son to study hard so that one day he would be able to travel to 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. You can use the Google search box below to search the site. Bora Bora Island Guide invites you to 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. 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 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. Served this way the fish arrives sizzling at the table and delights the senses. Hiking in French Polynesia is an experience unlike any other. Moorea is a quick ferry ride away from Tahiti. Great for canyon enthusiasts, this lush. The hike takes about a kilometer and is only slightly elevated. Bora Bora Island Guide invites you to He's a qualified Polynesian hiking guide who's knowledgeable, passionate and humorous. Because the terrain is rough and steep at times, it is essential to wear shoes with adequate grip and traction. 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!). Gregoire Le Bacon Tahiti Nui Helicopters. 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. For 15 years Azdine dreamed of coming to French Polynesia. Here's our pick of the best beaches on Bora Bora. Want to do some adventurous Bora Bora hiking through the lush island interior? Pull sweet avocadoes and colorful pineapple from the trees. Warm clear seas, tropical vistas and utter luxury: say hello to anoverwaterbungalow or villa vacation in 2023. 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. 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. ), 2 pers. Although its possible to do this hike without a guide, its not recommended. He brings lava stones back Take a guided snorkeling excursion into the lagoon to learn more about the marine life. 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. 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. 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. With two-thirds of the nation projected to being submerged by the end of the century, nows the time to splurge on a romantic romp. Seeing the lava stone in the inner island prompted him to think of using it for cooking. Pensions on a Motu Roundtrip transfer to the main islands base to add at extra charge. in a couple of days. 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! Tel. From here, it's an easier hike to the cannons. been scaled by foot it is possible for a helicopter to land on it's summit. 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. 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. However, the views from the summit are incredible, and the experience of climbing such a tall mountain is truly unforgettable. The hikes to Mount Otemanu and Mount Pahia are not for the faint-hearted. You hike through fertile valleys amongst lush tropical vegetation. 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. Tahiti is a far more expensive destination than Fiji too. Operates Everyday (EXCEPT on Sunday & Public Holidays for Four Seasons guests ! We only have time for one more excursion. It was both refreshing & effective: It made one reflect on the fact that Bora Bora is not paradise on earth simply for its beautiful lagoon or for its majestical mountains but also for the abundant offerings of the land. Now Lagoon at the St Regis and a restaurant in the Four Seasons also offer this island dish. Now he could live the simple life of his dreams, just from hiking. afresh. wild, inner island. The answer depends on a few factors, including the weather and the level of difficulty of the hike. Both Bora Bora and the Maldives involve further travel from the international airport. There were eight massive cannons installed over four locations in this project. The Valley of Kings is located in the center of the island, and is a popular spot for hiking and picnicking. It is a magnificent & majestic setting of huge stones backed by what is the largest banyan tree known in French Polynesia probably in the pacific. hours Azdine displayed the remnants of ancient life, Answer 1 of 2: My husband and I leave to Taha'a and Bora Bora next week. expensive. Tours only operate during the dryer months. Orohena volcanic crater. Great for families, the Papenoo Valley is home to some of the most popular. 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. We had contacted Azdine because we were keen to explore the famous Bora Bora Valley of the Kings. 8 Days. mini / 8 pers. 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. This route is considered to be fairly challenging, with some exposed sections and some steep climbs. They can only be used for one night. The island, located about 230 kilometres (140 mi) northwest of Papeete, is surrounded by a lagoon and a barrier reef. Beyond the turquoise lagoon and glistening bays lie emerald peaks, fragrant pineapple fields, and lush valleys just waiting to be explored. 2. outdated. This is due to the lack of signage, overgrown tracks, and the mountainous nature of the trails. When Azdine was a young student in France, his father put a poster of the jungle. James would remain there; still, quiet for over 2 hours, moved, spiritually charged by the surroundings. Meet the guide who leads hiking tours through the Bora Bora Valley of the Kings. The trail is well-marked and relatively easy to follow. Its the opportunity to not miss a single stunning stretch of coastline, view of the lagoon, village, and fabulous eatery. The best part? This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. These short shoulder seasons offer fine weather with temperatures in the mid-70s to mid-80s. All tours have been regularly tried out in order to give the most accurate information and advice. of the products on this site. Of course, it may have something to do with Tahiti's awe-inspiring waterfalls. Archaeology: visit ancient temples (the marae) that is still sacred places and walk to the tomb of ancient kings. 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. Take a picnic and make it a morning or afternoon out of it, using the simple bench seats on the cannons as an example. The Bora Bora Island guide who leads these unique tours is Azdine Whether you are a beginner or more advanced, there are plenty of opportunities for hiking in Tahiti; you are sure to have an unforgettable experience in one of the most exquisite places on Earth. contentedly. why you'll see ads on this site. fit and not suffer from vertigo. For 6 months he worked in a restaurant at night, and during the day explored the 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. Find the bliss of an overwater bungalow closer to home: the Caribbean's most worthy alternatives. What he had seen on TV wasn't real. This is also the lunch break point (not included). build a house of coconut palm on the beach, fish, and pick fruit. The lagoon in Bora Bora has one ocean pass that opens to the sea. Create Your Dream Vacation With Expert Help, in all their majesty, it is important to consider the adventures that lie inland; home to. Mount Otemanu (727m), the highest and most recognized feature on Bora Bora Island can only be climbed up to it's 'shoulders'. Mount Pahia can be climbed in about 4 hours by fit and experienced hikers. Over time as the roots thickened the bodies would find themselves engulfed in the structure of the tree. PIck-Up / Drop-Off At bases or receptions of all hotels or pensions . 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 believed up to 7 Kings were buried that way over time. 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. There are limited flights to Bora Bora (only four per day), and they all originate in Tahiti. Alternatively, you may use, InterContinental Bora Bora Resort Thalasso Spa, an IHG Hotel, InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort, an IHG Hotel. features striking landscapes, waterfalls, and native flora.