People can and do, get lost and injured due to the difficult terrain and lack of signage. You will need to have a reasonable level of fitness and know your bodys limits. This is a place where you can learn about the wildflowers, take in the breathtaking views, and take in some amazing photos. You will be rewarded at the end with spectacular views, but there are still some steep cliffs to climb. Great for canyon enthusiasts, this lush. Bora Bora is home to some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the world. He was given the privilege of choosing Boasting incredible panoramic views, Mount Pahia is the second-highest summit in Bora Bora. He lives in a modest, immaculate home, near the Kaina Hut, With an abundance of tropical vegetation, cascading waterfalls, and awe-inspiring views. You can use the Google search box below to search the site. 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 The Bora Bora Loop, as you approach the entire main island, follows a coastal road. Tickets, which cost 100 Egyptian pounds (approximately $11 . 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 occurrence) so having read that it is suppose to be such an easy walk we figure if we could find the trail head we could do the walk ourselves, but I can't seem to find any map or description as to where this particular trail starts so I am hoping there is someone here who has done this walk and can provide some information to help us locate the trail head. In Bora Bora, natural disasters are of moderate concern, particularly tsunamis. 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. The concierge at your hotel will know all about the hikes (every local has done them as a kid), and the shortest one is Valley of the Kings, which is about 3 hours and great for all difficulty levels. Find the bliss of an overwater bungalow closer to home: the Caribbean's most worthy alternatives. 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!). In December 2005 he arrived in Bora Bora. Nonetheless, its best to avoid stingrays and barracudas from Bora Bora. Seeing the lava stone in the inner island prompted him to think of using it for cooking. Its the question on every hiker's lips when they first see it. 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. 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. The summit is 3,757 meters (12,335 feet) high, making it one of the tallest peaks in the French Polynesian Islands. The hike is actually pretty easy but difficult to find if you don't know. Climbing Mt. This is due to the lack of signage, overgrown tracks, and the mountainous nature of the trails. All rights reserved. Other important stones representing the seats of the King & of the Tehua, & those representing the seven ariinow form part of a certain hotels retaining wall or remain lost forever in the stones that remain on-sight. in the restaurant and no one told him it was on. . The trailhead is near a tower just north of Povaie Bay, which is also home to an art gallery. Valley of the Kings Hike or 4x4 WD Island Tour? - Bora Bora Forum 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. Enjoy our round-up of the top things to do in Bora Bora. Best of French Polynesia Vacation: An Escape to Bora Bora and Tahaa Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, and Raiatea are the most visited islands. The Valley of Kings is located in the center of the island, and is a popular spot for hiking and picnicking. I tried to contact him by email (through Polynesia Tours) but didn't get a reply. 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. It takes about 10 hours to hike Mount Otemanu. Pahia is no walk in the park either and unlike Otemanu, you can actually reach the peak. 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. Hikers can explore remnants of ancient villages and Marae (Polynesian temples) and it would be a shame to unknowingly pass these relics. For 6 Explore the Ancient Wonders of the Valley of Kings on a Half Day Tour 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. He noticed a platform and cleared it. 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). I tried to contact him by email (through Polynesia Tours) but didn't get a reply. views from various vantage points. 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. In the low season, when Bora Bora is quiet, he continues his research. Swim, sun bake and snorkel in this warm turquoise water. of the products on this site. 2. Beyond the turquoise lagoon and glistening bays lie emerald peaks, fragrant pineapple fields, and lush valleys just waiting to be explored. Hotels are few and fancy, ranging from $400$2,000 per night for the lowest standard rates. 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. He said, "I haven't left, because every day I'm on holiday. except Sunday. Both Bora Bora and the Maldives involve further travel from the international airport. He's an example for us all. The banyan tree itself & much of what he experienced that day would feature in Avatar. Which is unusual even for the wet season in Bora Bora! The vibrant city of Papeete blends traditional and modern Polynesian . We've already booked our Full Day Lagoon Tour in Bora Bora. The upside to being on the tour route is that this track is really obvious and its hard to get lost. Located near Papeete, the Fautaua Valley trail offers a relatively easy hike through a forest of lush, tropical vegetation. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Bora Bora Valley Of The Kings: Cultural Tours With Azdine The Guide Bora Bora: A Slice Of Paradise | Private Islands Blog Although its possible to do this hike without a guide, its not recommended. 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. exotic far away places. 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. by Sean Arnett | Nov 29, 2022 | South Pacific Islands. The mountain is located on the island of Bora Bora, and the climb typically takes 2-3 days to complete. The best part? 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. See. We are in our early 50's, in good shape and are moderate hikers (most. 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]. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. 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. Mount Otemanu (727m), the highest and most recognized feature on Bora Bora Island can only be climbed up to it's 'shoulders'. 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. 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. Aito, his cat, lounged on the bed as Azdine served us a glass of French wine and proudly showed us his dwelling. Bora Bora, located in the Pacific Ocean, is known for its pristine beaches, crystal clear waters and stunning . The trail is well-marked and relatively easy to follow. Hikers can see all the way over to the islands of Tahaa and Raiatea across the deep blue sea. Re: Valley of the Kings trailhead. why you'll see ads on this site. This short 4-kilometer round trip is a pleasant walk in which children will not fail to participate. Beyond the turquoise lagoon and glistening bays lie emerald peaks, fragrant pineapple fields, and lush valleys just waiting to be explored. There are limited flights to Bora Bora (only four per day), and they all originate in Tahiti. I wonder if information such as the above will spur change.. Not far from the marae can be found perhaps the greatest discovery. been scaled by foot it is possible for a helicopter to land on it's summit. So put it at the top of your list of free things to do in Bora Bora. He stopped working at It is an amazing destination that has grown in popularity in recent years. James would remain there; still, quiet for over 2 hours, moved, spiritually charged by the surroundings. Oh the romance! The variety of local botany: many local plants have medicinal properties and are still used today for some of them. We may also earn commissions on some This trail has a total distance of 30.6 kilometers and can take anywhere from 8 to 9 hours to complete. A, is recommended, as access to many of the trailheads can be tricky; certain areas require hikers to obtain permits beforehand, and others can only be accessed by 44. Answer 1 of 2: My husband and I leave to Taha'a and Bora Bora next week. After his discoveries were televised, visitors coming to Bora Bora wanted to take the historic tour. walk as there was 4 days of rain in a row. imaginations and touches hearts. The track can be found by heading clockwise around the island on the main road. Take a guided snorkeling excursion into the lagoon to learn more about the marine life. Hiking in Tahiti - Tahiti Tourisme When To Hike In The Valley Of Kings Bora Bora | Teesnature Mount Pahia is Mount Otemanus twin-peaked and shorter sibling, topping out at 658 m (2159ft). 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). 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! in a couple of days. Passports must be valid for at least three months and proof of onward travel may be required. For 15 years Azdine dreamed of coming to French Polynesia. The Bora Bora Valley of the Kings hike is the most popular. 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. incentive for students to meet their commitments. 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 . Motus In Bora Bora (Motu Tapu, Motu Tevairoa, Motu Pitiauu), Information, History, & Location About Bora Bora. Re: Valley of the Kings trailhead. Can you hike Mount Otemanu? High season runs from May to October when rain showers are isolated and the number of tourists swells. outdated. Want to visit Bora Bora without breaking the bank? referred to him as 'the guide'. Thanks in advanced to any help provided =D. You can find a description of Azdine's tours, A map and GPS navigator can also aid in determining your course of travel. Backpack (Sac dos), Bottle of water (Eau), Camera (Appareil photo), Comfy clothes (Tenue confort), Hat (Chapeau). 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. the Bora Bora Valley of the Kings area because the Bora Boras lagoon is ridiculously picturesque, and the palm-shaded beaches are just as beautiful. Sacred Cave of Anau is a 6 hour trek (with climbing) for those used to strenuous activity. Valley of the Kings Hike or 4x4 WD Island Tour? - Bora Bora Forum Orohena volcanic crater. 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. 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. Bora Bora Island Guide can devote the time to providing you afresh. Three Coconuts Pass (Col des Trois Cocotiers). The Faanui guns WWII hike is one of the shortest and easiest hikes on the island. To date (January 2012) he has found 6 temples, 21 villages, 8 farms, Up for a challenge? Tel 29.66.60 or 67.56.02. Bora Bora is synonymous with relaxing in splendor but there's more to this beauty than the beach. For his 6 hour 2,168ft (661m) tour you must be very things to do in Bora Bora to your travel itinerary. Tahiti is a far more expensive destination than Fiji too. 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. His story ignites expensive. 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. The island, located about 230 kilometres (140 mi) northwest of Papeete, is surrounded by a lagoon and a barrier reef. Here's our guide to navigating the island. He suggested cooking mahi mahi on including the well known Bora Bora Valley of the Kings hike, on the Bora Bora tours page, along with contact details. restaurant, and Tahitian people don't go in the restaurant. Every day he 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. It was a big city! To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. The Valley of the Kings 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 Faanui says, derives its name from Nui, the son of Porapora-i-te-fenau-tahi (the First-Born in the Time of Man), who's umbilical cord was buried here in the valley. The highest point in Bora Bora is certainly not a walk in the park. Now he could live the simple life of his dreams, just from hiking. have fun, but we also have to keep the site up and running! want a phenomenal day out exploring the inner island on foot. You get to choose where you stay each night and how far you walk each day. Here you can find the only hike in Tahiti that allows access to the Mt. It is known for its clear turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and lush green vegetation. Tips for a sustainable stay in The Islands of Tahiti. the restaurant and become a guide. A local guide is recommended, as access to many of the trailheads can be tricky; certain areas require hikers to obtain permits beforehand, and others can only be accessed by 44. You should choose a professional or advanced hiker with the necessary equipment. He hadn't become What is the cheapest time to go to Bora Bora? When planning a trip to Bora Bora, many visitors wonder when the best time to hike in the Valley of Kings is. Bora Boras iconic peaks are steeped in history and legend, providing a transformative experience to those fortunate enough to traverse them. This is the only hike that's all-weather accessible as the road is paved and not too mountainous. 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. An impressive sight from a distance is Puraha . There are access roads recently (savagely) cut into the mountainside but these involve crossing private land so permission should first be sought. Beyond the hustle and bustle of Papeete, its capital city, lies a remarkable landscape rich in hiking opportunities. 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. Take a picnic and make a morning or afternoon out of it, making use of the simple bench seats at the cannons. You cannot hike more than 1.0 mile in Bora Bora, so plan ahead of time for a difficult hike you will regret not taking. As we climbed we were surrounded by fruit-trees which took me back to my days on the farm as a boy, to the delights of eating fruit from the tree; fruit which grows so plentifully in these valleys & on these mountainsides. The Valley of Kings is located in the center of the island, and is a popular spot for hiking and picnicking. The track can be found near Hine Pearls, just south of the pretty Protestant Church with the red spire in the town of Vaitape. his son to study hard so that one day he would be able to travel to The trail is well marked and easy to follow. Direct payment at the pension. intriguing Polynesian legends and taste wild island fruits and coconuts, plucked straight from the trees. It would be interesting to date the grinding stone & grinder: The best find for many though was the wild coffee bushes. The scent is exquisite, that of the finest coffee perfumed with a rich hint of dark chocolate slurp! Therefore, you may be surprised to learn that its possible to hike on 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. The views from the top are breathtaking and well worth the effort. Bora Bora Island Guide can devote the time to providing you The trail begins at the Belvedere parking lot and offers impressive views of Mount Tohivea, the Opunohu Valley, Opunohu Bay, Cooks Bay, and more. Unchallenged & unchecked by the population or its elected representatives, the destruction would continue. You'll also hear 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. They can only be used for one night. Bora-Bora | Facts, History, & Points of Interest | Britannica The trail is well-marked and relatively easy to follow. Azdine had brought some roasted beans with him taken from the bushes on a previous hike. When To Hike In The Valley Of Kings Bora Bora - BikeHike , Three Coconuts Pass is well-maintained and easy to follow. Because Azdine was the first to discover this trail, he is considered one of the best guides in Bora Bora. ), 2 pers. Pull sweet avocadoes and colorful pineapple from the trees. Hiking and Mountain Climbing in Bora Bora: An Excursion - Zicasso Hotels Le Mridien & Four Seasons with supplement. This route is considered to be fairly challenging, with some exposed sections and some steep climbs. I noticed that locals passing by respectfully 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 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. 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. is a quick ferry ride away from Tahiti. The lava tubes, hidden pools, and waterfalls are well worth the effort. 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. 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 is a magnificent & majestic setting of huge stones backed by what is the largest banyan tree known in French Polynesia probably in the pacific. We had contacted Azdine because we were keen to explore the famous Bora Bora Valley of the 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. In our midst today was Loic, a chef from the Intercontinental Thalasso Spa, eager to learn of new tastes to tantalise the palate. Mata Pupu has some of the best views of any island in the world because of the ridge on which it is located. Add these best free (and nearly free!) The 7 best hikes in Bora Bora - Lonely Planet On the western side of the island, at Point Pahua, a Farepiti Cannon can be found on a mountainside. Hikers who find these cannons will be rewarded with spectacular views of Bora Boras iconic lagoon. 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. The school held a competition as an The cave leading to the island lagoon is a fantastic spot to see the islands lagoon and the surrounding green space. This trail, which measures approximately 3.4 kilometers in length, is labeled as difficult in terms of difficulty. Pahia). early Bora Bora's culture and provides pleasurable foraging for wild tropical foods along the way. The Ultimate Guide on How to Visit French Polynesia The temperature at sea is 28 degrees Fahrenheit. How much are overwater bungalows in Bora Bora? Valley of the Kings is an easy 3 hour walk which most people can do. Mount Pahia can be climbed in about 4 hours by fit and experienced hikers. You will learn the virtues of medicinal plants as well as tales & legends of Bora Bora with your ethnobotanist guide. Do we have to contact him before we get to Bora Bora - is there a tour every day? 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. Although it is a far more expensive destination than the Indonesian island. It makes ones stomach churn to be told that the contractors knew what they were doing & even took some of the more important stones, like the stone for the mango drip, to decorate their homes. The mountain is only accessible by hiking with a certified guide. The income generated through these means helps ensure There is a lot of uphill hiking, so be prepared for a workout. Although it has never A hiking of about 6 hours through the Valley of kings to the Ancestors Peak. French expat and founder of Polynesian Island Tours Azdine Oualid leads tours to the Valley of the Kings, a marae . Some are difficult to find but others are waiting to be discovered if you are willing to explore. All It would take about 9-10 hours to hike around the island and return to the summit of Mount Pahia via a quick detour. Because the island of Bora Bora is a small one, hiking the entire coast is possible in a single day. You must obtain an access permit from Papeete Town Hall before accessing this hiking trail in Tahiti. There are several different routes to the top, and the most popular is the South Ridge route. A television crew came from Papeete to make a documentary. more. Tel. When it comes to cost and other worldly scuba diving, Fiji is the most effective choice. 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. Bora Bora is a hike. The Best Time To Hike In The Valley Of Kings | Private Islands Blog with artifacts 2000 years old, which he had unearthed. 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. 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 !