The Bora Bora Valley of the Kings hike is the most popular. except Sunday. The trail is well-marked and relatively easy to follow. Add these best free (and nearly free!) Tahiti is a far more expensive destination than Fiji too. What is the cheapest time to go to Bora Bora? Coral reefs surround it and form part of the landscape. 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. We are interested in hike like Valley of the Kings (maybe all the way to Ancestor's Peak). The Papenoo Valley offers a well-rounded glimpse of Tahitis landscape: magnificent waterfalls, ancient archaeological sites, lush, tropical vegetation, and picturesque canyons. This hiking trail is rated as moderately difficult for a reason: it has a steep terrain. He knew that when you see mango and bamboo, you have found a village. A peaceful and slow-paced island, Moorea is a hidden gem with stunning natural wonders. There are several points of interest along this trail, including the Fachoda Bridge and Fachoda Fort, the Fautaua Waterfall, the Governors Gardens, Teovere Pass, and stunning views of the Diadem Mountain. The summit is 3,757 meters (12,335 feet) high, making it one of the tallest peaks in the French Polynesian Islands. 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. 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. We may also earn commissions on some Bora Bora Adventure - Earth Gear There are a number of ways to see this area situated in the mountainside up behind the destinctive church at the foot of Faanui Bay. 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. The Valley of Kings is located in the center of the island, and is a popular spot for hiking and picnicking. Here are some of the best places to go, is the most developed and populous island in French Polynesia, also known as. The road is paved and not mountainous, making it the only hike that can be done all year round. Valley of the Kings Hike or 4x4 WD Island Tour? - Bora Bora Forum How Many Days Do You Need In Bora Bora? The Bora Bora Loop follows the coastal road all the way around the entirety of the main island. referred to him as 'the guide'. archeological sites. 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. and 2 tombs, which he estimates to be about 5 percent of the Pahia climb is Azdine, who also takes tours through the Valley of the All tours have been regularly tried out in order to give the most accurate information and advice. 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. You can use the Google search box below to search the site. 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. When To Hike In The Valley Of Kings Bora Bora | Teesnature For 15 years Azdine dreamed of coming to French Polynesia. Bora-Bora | Facts, History, & Points of Interest | Britannica 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). Moorea is a quick ferry ride away from Tahiti. Guide to Bora Bora Activites & Attractions. The 118 islands that make up French Polynesia each have their own culture and tourist attractions. why you'll see ads on this site. 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. 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). 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 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. In the low season, when Bora Bora is quiet, he continues his He was given the privilege of choosing There are several different routes to the top, and the most popular is the South Ridge route. 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 ! Hike through history. The hike takes about a kilometer and is only slightly elevated. The island is covered in dense jungle, and the trails wind through the trees and offer stunning views of the ocean. You can find a description of Azdine's tours, The track will be too slippery and downright dangerous. The scent is exquisite, that of the finest coffee perfumed with a rich hint of dark chocolate slurp! The mountain is only accessible by hiking with a certified guide. 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. Mount Otemanu (727m), the highest and most recognized feature on Bora Bora Island can only be climbed up to it's 'shoulders'. Great for families, the Papenoo Valley is home to some of the most popular hiking trails in Tahiti. 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. When the program You can hire a guide to drive you through private land and to the top of the mountain if you want. There are access roads recently (savagely) cut into the mountainside but these involve crossing private land so permission should first be sought. I don't believe he does a tour everyday, but I had the concierge at our hotel set it up for me. Want to visit Bora Bora without breaking the bank? 2. The banyan tree has great cultural significance, as it served as the final resting place for the kings of Bora Bora. Here are seven of the best and most scenic hikes on Bora Bora. 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. There are limited flights to Bora Bora (only four per day), and they all originate in Tahiti. 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. Perched on the mountainside above Point Pahua on the western point of the island, the views from the cannons are superb. Which is unusual even for the wet season in Bora Bora! We've already booked our Full Day Lagoon Tour in Bora Bora. . Bora Bora Valley Of The Kings: Cultural Tours With Azdine The Guide That's With Papeete as its capital and an international airport, Tahiti is the biggest and most developed island. If you're wondering why a Frenchman of a Moroccan background is taking Polynesian cultural tours The hike is actually pretty easy but difficult to find if you don't know. Is It Worth Flying To Bora Bora From Chicago. We are interested in visiting the archaeological site of the Valley of Kings. his son to study hard so that one day he would be able to travel to See. Explore the Ancient Wonders of the Valley of Kings on a Half Day Tour with Far and Away Adventures Your Dream Vacation is Here Book Your Trip Walk in the Valley of Kings - Half Day You will discover through these ethnobotanical walks other treasures of Bora Bora: mountains and rich nature. of us at Bora Bora Island guide love to I wonder if information such as the above will spur change.. Not far from the marae can be found perhaps the greatest discovery. It will take you two and a half hours to reach the summit, which is 610 meters higher than the lowest point. Valley of the Kings trailhead - Bora Bora Forum - Tripadvisor A local guide is very useful. Here are some of the best places to go hiking in Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora. With an abundance of tropical vegetation, cascading waterfalls, and awe-inspiring views. We are interested in visiting the archaeological site of the Valley of Kings. Pull sweet avocadoes and colorful pineapple from the trees. 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. The Cave of Mount Otemanu on the northeastern side of the mountain is not to be missed. If youre planning another trip to Bora Bora Island, you should definitely check out this trail. Our last stop in French Polynesia was the island of Bora Bora, often named as the most beautiful place on earth. Bora Bora, located in the Pacific Ocean, is known for its pristine beaches, crystal clear waters and stunning . Bora Bora (or Porapora, in the traditional Polynesian spelling) must be one of the most celebrated islands in the world: a place that embodies many people's ideal of a tropical paradise. There are also many tour companies that offer activities such as helicopter tours, 44 off-road tours, and lagoon cruises. 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! 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. Re: Valley of the Kings trailhead. Using a machete, he removed thick vegetation to uncover the ruins of an ancient marae Bora Bora temple. The most popular hiking trail in Moorea, Three Coconuts Pass is well-maintained and easy to follow. Its the opportunity to not miss a single stunning stretch of coastline, view of the lagoon, village, and fabulous eatery. 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. personality, Azdine conveyed a wealth of Bora Bora culture over coffee at the Paradisio, lunch at the Yacht Club and dinner more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Hiking in French Polynesia is an experience unlike any other. Three Coconuts Pass (Col des Trois Cocotiers). Boasting incredible panoramic views, Mount Pahia is the second-highest summit in Bora Bora. A map and GPS navigator can also aid in determining your course of travel. 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. Who wouldnt want to brag about conquering it? Here's our guide to navigating the island. When To Hike In The Valley Of Kings Bora Bora - BikeHike in a couple of days. However, its best to ask around when you get there as nothing is signposted. In the dry season all-day hiking Mount Pahia, Bora Bora tours can be arranged through Otemano Tours. Never hike the off-road tracks during or after rain. 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. Alternatively, you may use, InterContinental Bora Bora Resort Thalasso Spa, an IHG Hotel, InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort, an IHG Hotel. Who knows what has happened to the stone which held to ink for tattoo ceremonies for the countries elite. Located near Papeete, the Fautaua Valley trail offers a relatively easy hike through a forest of lush, tropical vegetation. 3 Things to See and Do While Honeymooning in Bora Bora When we met Azdine he had been in Bora Bora for 6 years. The Islands of Tahiti are famed for their crystal-clear turquoise lagoons and picturesque overwater bungalows. 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! You're free to pick your paradise. Served this way the fish arrives sizzling at the table and delights the senses. Here's our pick of the best beaches on Bora Bora. Sip freshly opened coconuts and watch the beautiful sunset from Matira Beach. The upside to being on the tour route is that this track is really obvious and its hard to get lost. Climbing Mt. Some were well known mango, bananas, avocados, pamplamouse, paw-paw, passion-fruit & so on & others not so well known: The local tahitian hibiscus the base of the flower has a certain sweetness & goes well in salads: There are many mape the local tahitian walnutwith a wonderful trunk almost always found in sacred places to be found throughout the climb but few would recognise the autera, the local tahitian almond photographed here. We are in our early 50's, in good shape and are moderate hikers (most. 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. 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. This trail has a total distance of 30.6 kilometers and can take anywhere from 8 to 9 hours to complete. Starting point is in Faanui, ask the locals in the area and I am sure they will gladly point you in the right direction. His outdoor shower hangs from a tree in his pretty garden. Over time as the roots thickened the bodies would find themselves engulfed in the structure of the tree. Backpack (Sac dos), Bottle of water (Eau), Camera (Appareil photo), Comfy clothes (Tenue confort), Hat (Chapeau). . We only have time for one more excursion. is an experience unlike any other. We would soon realise also that it is for the sprituality it imparts. Hikers seeking the well preserved Point Fitiuu Cannons in Anau on the eastern side of the main island will be treated to stunning views of both Mt Otemanu and Bora Boras magnificent lagoon. exotic far away places. The trailhead can be a little tricky to find. He said, "I haven't left, because every day I'm on holiday. Hiking and climbing in Bora Bora must be done during the dry season (Winter). 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]. 1 spot. That's While snacking, you'll notice that one of the cannons faces The Four Seasons Resort and the other faces Mt Otemanu. Email polynesiaislandtours@mail.pf if you , Three Coconuts Pass is well-maintained and easy to follow. We've already booked our Full Day Lagoon Tour in Bora Bora. It would be interesting to date the grinding stone & grinder: The best find for many though was the wild coffee bushes. So put it at the top of your list of free things to do in Bora Bora. 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. Due to dangerous trail conditions, a local guide is essential for this hike; climbing experience is also necessary. Because the trail passes through private property, it is not possible to go without a guide. Tickets, which cost 100 Egyptian pounds (approximately $11 . The island is small and there isnt all that much to see. The InterContinental Thalasso is a luxury overwater villa, on a small private island. Bora Bora is a major international tourist destination, famous for its aqua-centric luxury resorts. expensive. Since the hike we are looking at (Valley of Kings) is 3 hrs, I assume it doesn't go to the top. Because it is considered difficult in terms of difficulty, it must be well prepared. Located east of Papeete, the Faananu Valley is renowned for its rich and diverse endemic vegetation. Home FAQ When To Hike In The Valley Of Kings Bora Bora. Hikers cant physically get to the very top of the mountain's 727 meters (2385ft) as the towering peaks are both crumbly and vertical. Rich, colorful vegetation abounds, and visitors can delight in taking a refreshing dip in the glistening pools beneath the picturesque falls. 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. Said to be the final resting place for royalty in times long gone, the views from this cave are nothing short of breathtaking. Mount Otemanu (727m), the highest and most recognizable feature on Bora Bora Island, has only one option to climb up: to its shoulder. His story ignites find here. In our midst today was Loic, a chef from the Intercontinental Thalasso Spa, eager to learn of new tastes to tantalise the palate. High season runs from May to October when rain showers are isolated and the number of tourists swells. It is an aquarium as well as a natural lagoon. 1. He suggested cooking mahi mahi on How much would a vacation home in Bora Bora cost tonight? 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. 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 Moorea, or Bora Bora is sure to be a transformative and unforgettable experience. The 7 best hikes in Bora Bora - Lonely Planet Travel News Orohena volcanic crater. Find the bliss of an overwater bungalow closer to home: the Caribbean's most worthy alternatives. The mountaintop is the most difficult part of the hike because it is the highest point. is a quick ferry ride away from Tahiti. You can hike to the guns and return to your original location in about an hour. Mount Otemanu is the most difficult and highest peak on the island, rising 727 meters above sea level. With an abundance of tropical vegetation, cascading waterfalls, and awe-inspiring views, hiking in Tahiti, Moorea, or Bora Bora is sure to be a transformative and unforgettable experience. However, the rainy season typically runs from November to April, so visitors should avoid hiking in the Valley of Kings during this time. And boy, it's tough to argue with that perception when you see this magical place in the flesh. Answer 1 of 2: My husband and I leave to Taha'a and Bora Bora next week. The average cost for a week-long holiday in Bora Bora starts at around $11,000 for two. It was a climb of several days through thick jungle through which he cut a path. Enjoy our round-up of the top things to do in Bora Bora. The views from the top are breathtaking and well worth the effort. Mount Pahia has breathtaking views, and hiking to the top is extremely worthwhile. A guide is recommended for hiking Bora Boras interior tracks. Providing constant air supply, the scooter will let you breathe easy and steer this easy-to-use underwater device that can go down 3 metres deep. You will need to have a reasonable level of fitness and know your bodys limits. Thanks in advanced to any help provided =D. 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. Mount Pahia (741m) is located southeast of Mount Otemanu and is well-known as a hiking destination. Bora Bora is a beautiful island in French Polynesia. 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. Polynesian Island Tours offers a choice of fascinating cultural walks: It is believed up to 7 Kings were buried that way over time. Hikers who find these cannons will be rewarded with spectacular views of Bora Boras iconic lagoon. Pahia). 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 only guide we know offering a Mount Hikers can see all the way over to the islands of Tahaa and Raiatea across the deep blue sea. 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. 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, "It's a jungle out there", but because this particular trail traverses over relics of the island's early history. It explains in part also the wish of modern day Bora Borians to be buried on their land & not in cemeteries or crematoriums. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. 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. Each guest should carefully review the tour description to evaluate its own physical limits. He noticed a platform and cleared it. Do not attempt to hike Mount Otemanu and Mount Pahia if you cant deal with heights or suffer from vertigo. And everything was These short shoulder seasons offer fine weather with temperatures in the mid-70s to mid-80s. His other favorite places when he's not on the mountain! Otemanu is a popular challenge for experienced climbers. 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. 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.