Hiking in the Valley of Kings Aquabike Underwater Scooter Set off on an adventure in the Bora Bora lagoon with an underwater scooter, and explore unknown depths. 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. , striking mountain peaks, lush valleys, and ancient ruins, there is much to be explored and appreciated. 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. You must obtain an access permit from Papeete Town Hall before accessing this, The Hitiaa lava tubes near Taravao are some of the most unique and magnificent. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Wear a light jacket that can keep both cold and warm, as well as proper hiking gear and waterproof hiking boots. 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. The Bora Bora Loop follows the coastal road all the way around the entirety of the main island. Bora Bora is an island in French Polynesia, an overseas collectivity of France in the Pacific Ocean. 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. Although it is a far more expensive destination than the Indonesian island. Now he could live the simple life of his dreams, just from hiking. French expat and founder of Polynesian Island Tours Azdine Oualid leads tours to the Valley of the Kings, a marae . 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. The vibrant city of Papeete blends traditional and modern Polynesian . I have read on non-tour guide websites that the hike to the top of Mt Pahia takes 5-6 hrs, and includes a "rope climb' at the end where you basically pull yourself up a cliff. 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. Copyright 2011 - 2023 BoraBoraIslandGuide.com. Its the opportunity to not miss a single stunning stretch of coastline, view of the lagoon, village, and fabulous eatery. Is It Worth Flying To Bora Bora From Chicago. 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. They could be embalmed & then stood upright in-between the roots of the tree. The mountain is extremely difficult to access, so youll need some of the best hiking gear available. Hikers can explore remnants of ancient villages and Marae (Polynesian temples) and it would be a shame to unknowingly pass these relics. Pahia). Budget travelers should aim to spend no more than $500 per person on a week-long stay in Bora Bora. Valley of The Kings: most popular hike on Bora Bora Around 3 hours, easy to moderate 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. For those interested in seeing waterfalls while. His outdoor shower hangs from a tree in his pretty garden. The mountain is only accessible by hiking with a certified guide. why you'll see ads on this site. Unchallenged & unchecked by the population or its elected representatives, the destruction would continue. This is the only hike that's all-weather accessible as the road is paved and not too mountainous. We really enjoy hikes with incredible views and learning something along the way. Bora Bora is synonymous with relaxing in splendor but there's more to this beauty than the beach. find here. read Azdine's story of finding Paradise. 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. except Sunday. You should choose a professional or advanced hiker with the necessary equipment. The only guide we know offering a Mount The upside to being on the tour route is that this track is really obvious and its hard to get lost. find here. The turquoise lagoons of Bora Bora are also perfect for kayaking; you can even take time to observe the colorful marine life below. Or is there also another guide? Here are some of the best places to go, is the most developed and populous island in French Polynesia, also known as. Mount Otemanu is located in Bora Bora and is the highest point. You hike through fertile valleys amongst lush tropical vegetation. For bargain prices with optimal weather, book summer dates early or book dates in the shoulder months of November and April. The Bora Bora Valley of the Kings hike is the most popular. Here are some of the best places to go hiking in Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora. Bora Bora Island Guide invites you to contentedly. The scent is exquisite, that of the finest coffee perfumed with a rich hint of dark chocolate slurp! Hiking and climbing in Bora Bora must be done during the dry season (Winter). We had contacted Azdine because we were keen to explore the famous Bora Bora Valley of the Kings. There are limited flights to Bora Bora (only four per day), and they all originate in Tahiti. Tel. at the Kaina Hut. Therefore, you may be surprised to learn that its possible to hike on Bora Bora. Bora Bora, French. 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 . Located near Papeete, the Fautaua Valley trail offers a relatively easy hike through a forest of lush, tropical vegetation. Although its possible to do this hike without a guide, its not recommended. It is believed up to 7 Kings were buried that way over time. build a house of coconut palm on the beach, fish, and pick fruit. Royalty is said to have been buried in the Cave of Mount Otemanu for many years. He's a qualified Polynesian hiking guide who's knowledgeable, passionate and humorous. Bora Boras lagoon is ridiculously picturesque, and the palm-shaded beaches are just as beautiful. Smell. Nonetheless, its best to avoid stingrays and barracudas from Bora Bora. Mount Pahia is Mount Otemanus twin-peaked and shorter sibling, topping out at 658 m (2159ft). It would present him with an opportunity to look into the botany, archaeology, ethnology & geology of this fascinating area of Bora Bora. 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. read our advertising disclosure. However if beaches are your priority, then Fiji would be the better choice. 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. Up to the time of the missionaries, the Tahitians lived in the valleys rather than beside the sea. A full day excursion on Tahiti will take you through Papenoo Valley, including Topatari Falls, Vaiharuru Falls, and Puraha Falls. 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. Hiking in French Polynesia is unlike anything you have ever experienced. 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. was shown on television he missed it, as he was working To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. 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. Located in the Afareaitu Valley, the trail to the Afareaitu Waterfall is relatively short and has many points of interest along the way. Vanilla grew wild in the trees, we were surrounded by wild ginger & our thirsts were quenched by the water of fresh coconuts. Hikers will experience incredible panoramic views not only across Bora Bora but out into the deep blue of the Pacific Ocean. 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. The initial section will give your calves a workout and make you sweat in the tropical humidity. It takes about 10 hours to hike Mount Otemanu. Otemanu is a popular challenge for experienced climbers. While Im not sure if this is fact or fiction, there's no doubt the tree has great cultural significance, given that it reportedly served as the final resting place for the ancient kings of Bora Bora. want a phenomenal day out exploring the inner island on foot. This trail, which measures approximately 3.4 kilometers in length, is labeled as difficult in terms of difficulty. Re: Valley of the Kings trailhead. Located east of Papeete, the Faananu Valley is renowned for its rich and diverse endemic vegetation. After his discoveries were televised, visitors coming to Bora Bora wanted to take the historic tour. 1 spot. 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. . Are there 2 bedroom overwater or beach bungalows? read our advertising disclosure. Bora Bora, located in the Pacific Ocean, is known for its pristine beaches, crystal clear waters and stunning . 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. Azdine, the guide, will share information about geology, ancestral plants, medicine and sacred trees. It would take about 9-10 hours to hike around the island and return to the summit of Mount Pahia via a quick detour. If you're wondering why a Frenchman of a Moroccan background is taking Polynesian cultural tours