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. All 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. Your guide will explain how For his 6 hour 2,168ft (661m) tour you must be very Located east of Papeete, the Faananu Valley is renowned for its rich and diverse endemic vegetation. 1 spot. Pahia is no walk in the park either and unlike Otemanu, you can actually reach the peak. Vanilla grew wild in the trees, we were surrounded by wild ginger & our thirsts were quenched by the water of fresh coconuts. Great for families, the Papenoo Valley is home to some of the most popular. French and Tahitian are the main languages spoken on the island, though most inhabitants have a command of the English language. You can also explore inland trails, as well as those closer to the beach. The banyan tree has great cultural significance, as it served as the final resting place for the kings of Bora Bora. ancient Bora Bora Valley of the Kings on the main island. Hiking in the Valley of Kings on Ancestors Path - Far and Away Adventures 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. 3 Things to See and Do While Honeymooning in Bora Bora 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. Hikers cant physically get to the very top of the mountain's 727 meters (2385ft) as the towering peaks are both crumbly and vertical. You'll also hear In the low season, when Bora Bora is quiet, he continues his Moorea is a quick ferry ride away from Tahiti. mini / 8 pers. his son to study hard so that one day he would be able to travel to The most popular hiking trail in Moorea, Three Coconuts Pass is well-maintained and easy to follow. The lava tubes, hidden pools, and waterfalls are well worth the effort. 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! maxi (Adults or Child from 10 y.o), minimum 10 y.o requested! The summit is 3,757 meters (12,335 feet) high, making it one of the tallest peaks in the French Polynesian Islands. The Cave of Mount Otemanu on the northeastern side of the mountain is not to be missed. Best of French Polynesia Vacation: An Escape to Bora Bora and Tahaa Therefore, you may be surprised to learn that it's possible to hike on Bora Bora. Both Bora Bora and the Maldives involve further travel from the international airport. Who knows what has happened to the stone which held to ink for tattoo ceremonies for the countries elite. Hiking in French Polynesia is an experience unlike any other. Azdine won, as he topped the course. Mata Pupu has some of the best views of any island in the world because of the ridge on which it is located. It takes about 10 hours to hike Mount Otemanu. Over breakfast, you will find the enticing aromas of passion fruit and lychee accompanying the refreshing scent of coffee. We are in our early 50's, in good shape and are moderate hikers (most. Pahia climb is Azdine, who also takes tours through the Valley of the 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 tours may involve strenuous and lengthy hike over uneven terrain, uphill and downhill trails, and under limited shade. 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. The 7 best hikes in Bora Bora - Lonely Planet Travel News 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. Here's our pick of the best beaches on Bora Bora. Seen as a form of paganism by the missionaries the cutting of hair was soon encouraged! His story ignites 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. "When I stand in my shower I see my mountain" he tells us with all the free and fabulous information & resources you'll Conrad (ex Hilton) Hotel Shuttle Boat to add at extra charge, about 6/pers, direct payment at the hotel. It wasn't on our map until Azdine marked it there. Mount Pahia has breathtaking views, and hiking to the top is extremely worthwhile. With Papeete as its capital and an international airport, Tahiti is the biggest and most developed island. As the place of royalty there is an area of carved stone believed to have been used by woman to give birth: Most importantly of all the area was used to bury the Kings of Bora Bora. We are interested in visiting the archaeological site of the Valley of Kings. , a visit to the Faraura Valley is a must. We've already booked our Full Day Lagoon Tour in Bora Bora. Little did he know that he would ultimately stumble upon, buried deep in the thick foliage, the signs of the remnants of ancient villages, ofmaraes(places of worship) & of the burial site of Kings. Each guest should carefully review the tour description to evaluate its own physical limits. Tour guide for Valley of the Kings, Bora Bora - Tripadvisor A guide is recommended for hiking Bora Boras interior tracks. Unchallenged & unchecked by the population or its elected representatives, the destruction would continue. He stopped working at We only have time for one more excursion. There are limited flights to Bora Bora (only four per day), and they all originate in Tahiti. Bora Boras iconic peaks are steeped in history and legend, providing a transformative experience to those fortunate enough to traverse them. early Bora Bora's culture and provides pleasurable foraging for wild tropical foods along the way. 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. All Rights Reserved, The view which outlines the ancient Bora Bora Valley of the Kings, 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. Valley of the Kings Hike or 4x4 WD Island Tour? - Bora Bora Forum Wear a light jacket that can keep both cold and warm, as well as proper hiking gear and waterproof hiking boots. Hiking in French Polynesia is unlike anything you have ever experienced. 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, Its a jungle out there, but because this particular trail traverses over relics of the islands early history. The InterContinental Thalasso is a luxury overwater villa, on a small private island. 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. Passports must be valid for at least three months and proof of onward travel may be required. We really enjoy hikes with incredible views and learning something along the way. 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. Here you can find the only hike in Tahiti that allows access to the Mt. The Islands of Tahiti are famed for their crystal-clear turquoise lagoons and picturesque overwater bungalows. The majority of visitors to Bora Bora are American, Japanese or European. I don't believe he does a tour everyday, but I had the concierge at our hotel set it up for me. When Azdine was a young student in France, his father put a poster of 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. 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. Re: Valley of the Kings trailhead. It was in the banyan tree that Kings would find their final resting place. We use cookies to help us improve, promote, and protect our services. 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 7 best hikes in Bora Bora - Lonely Planet Due to dangerous trail conditions, a local guide is essential for this hike; climbing experience is also necessary. Bora Bora is an island in French Polynesia, an overseas collectivity of France in the Pacific Ocean. Orohena volcanic crater. Mount Pahia can be climbed in about 4 hours by fit and experienced hikers. The lava tubes, hidden pools, and waterfalls are well worth the effort. I will be on the mission & readers will be the first to know of the findings! Its the opportunity to not miss a single stunning stretch of coastline, view of the lagoon, village, and fabulous eatery. The track can be found near Hine Pearls, just south of the pretty Protestant Church with the red spire in the town of Vaitape. Hikers who find these cannons will be rewarded with spectacular views of Bora Boras iconic lagoon. In 2003, with his life in a backpack and 20,000XPF, a young Frenchman, whose parents had immigrated from Morocco, set out to including the well known Bora Bora Valley of the Kings hike, on the Bora Bora tours page, along with contact details. Seeing the lava stone in the inner island prompted him to think of using it for cooking. Valley of the Kings Hike or 4x4 WD Island Tour? - Bora Bora Message You will be rewarded at the end with spectacular views, but there are still some steep cliffs to climb. His outdoor shower hangs from a tree in his pretty garden. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. find Paradise. things to do in Bora Bora to your travel itinerary. Hikers can explore remnants of ancient villages and Marae (Polynesian temples) and it would be a shame to unknowingly pass these relics. It will take you two and a half hours to reach the summit, which is 610 meters higher than the lowest point. 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. All rights reserved. We may also earn commissions on some A map and GPS navigator can also aid in determining your course of travel. Azdine had brought some roasted beans with him taken from the bushes on a previous hike. Partway along this walk is an interestingly shaped geological feature jutting dramatically out of the ground. For those interested in seeing waterfalls while. A local guide is recommended due to the dangerous hiking conditions, which involve climbing, ropes and forging through an unmaintained track. The road is paved and not mountainous, making it the only hike that can be done all year round. Answer 1 of 6: Hi, My husband and I are relatively fit in our mid-twenties and are thinking of doing a guided hike that goes through The Valley of Kings. For bargain prices with optimal weather, book summer dates early or book dates in the shoulder months of November and April. If it's there it's because someone planted it. 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. At the sharp bend in the road, views of Mount Otemanu will come into sight and you'll see a track leading out onto the peninsula. All The Bora Bora Island guide who leads these unique tours is Azdine The Faanui guns WWII hike is one of the shortest and easiest hikes on the island. His other favorite places when he's not on the mountain! To date (January 2012) he has found 6 temples, 21 villages, 8 farms, 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. 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 best times to go to Bora Bora are November and April. ceremonial religious sites. French expat and founder of Polynesian Island Tours Azdine Oualid leads tours to the Valley of the Kings, a marae . Four Seasons private transfer, rate per boat, maximum capacity of 8 passengers. 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). Valley of the Kings trailhead - Bora Bora Forum - Tripadvisor In the low season, when Bora Bora is quiet, he continues his research. referred to him as 'the guide'. For those interested in seeing waterfalls while hiking in Tahiti, a visit to the Faraura Valley is a must. Located near Papeete, the Fautaua Valley trail offers a relatively easy hike through a forest of lush, tropical vegetation. Breathtaking view point: Climb up to the edge to enjoy a panoramic view over the lagoon of Bora and the neighbour islands of Raiatea, Tahaa, Huahine and Maupiti. Great for canyon enthusiasts, this lush. It is known for its clear turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and lush green vegetation. Kings. I noticed that locals passing by respectfully 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. with all the free and fabulous information & resources you'll 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. Here are some of the best places to go hiking in Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora. This trail has a total distance of 30.6 kilometers and can take anywhere from 8 to 9 hours to complete. The trailhead can be found on the south-western end of the island, and it takes approximately two hours to reach the summit. 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 highest point in Bora Bora is certainly not a walk in the park. Because the trail passes through private property, it is not possible to go without a guide. The trail is well marked and easy to follow. Follow it up until you pass clumps of mango trees, where you veer a little towards the left. See the Bora Bora weather page to find out more about the seasons in Bora Bora. contentedly. He pictured the tropical jungle and the lagoon. The crumbly vertical cliffs of the towering peak prevent further ascent as they do not hold clamps. The mountain is only accessible by hiking with a certified guide. Or is there also another guide? Tours only operate during the dryer months. Valley of the Kings trailhead - Bora Bora Forum - Tripadvisor A hiking of about 6 hours through the Valley of kings to the Ancestors Peak. The trail is well-marked and relatively easy to follow. Polynesian Island Tours offers a choice of fascinating cultural walks: At the beginning of this very year (2014) certain locals, presumably with a commercial interest in mind, took it upon themselves to start further clearing the area with earth moving equipment & (although having sought the advice of a known expert in Tahiti) to start rebuilding the marae & decorating its surrounds to radically alter that which had been found. When it comes to planning your South Pacific Island trip, there are many things to consider. A local guide is very useful. Papa's intention was to motivate In our midst today was Loic, a chef from the Intercontinental Thalasso Spa, eager to learn of new tastes to tantalise the palate. Because the island is small, there are a few good walking trails to explore, and they can be completed in a few days. 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. Copyright 2011 - 2023 BoraBoraIslandGuide.com. Taste. High season runs from May to October when rain showers are isolated and the number of tourists swells. His walk reveals fascinating facts about Now Lagoon at the St Regis and a restaurant in the Four Seasons also offer this island dish. the Bora Bora Valley of the Kings area because the We are interested in visiting the archaeological site of the Valley of Kings. This is a place where you can learn about the wildflowers, take in the breathtaking views, and take in some amazing photos. Explore the Ancient Wonders of the Valley of Kings on a Half Day Tour The vibrant city of Papeete blends traditional and modern Polynesian . The track can be found by heading clockwise around the island on the main road. The best way without doubt is to take your time & stroll up the road beside the church, to feel the vegetal growth & gifts around you (there are even American ammunition storage shelters from WWII for those that are interested. Read our Privacy Policy. The photo below shows how to survive in the unlikelihood of your being lost in the mountains Bora Bora without water the snake vine is your answer; the taste is more than acceptable: When Azdine started undertaking this hike in only 2006 he was drawn to the cliff-face that flanks Mts Otemanu & Pahia, certain that there would be caves; caves used for centuries to bury the dead. Question: What Country Does Bora Bora Belong To, Do They Have Bicycles At Four Seasons In Bora Bora, Question: Where Is The Valley Of The Kings On A Map, Quick Answer: Where Can You Hike The Kings Trail, Question: How Steep Is The Waipio Valley Hike, Question: Where To Hike In The Foothills Of Kings Canyon, Quick Answer: Where To Hike Hudson Valley, Quick Answer: How Hard Is The Pololu Valley Lookout Hike. Enjoy our round-up of the top things to do in Bora Bora. research. Valley of the Kings Hike or 4x4 WD Island Tour? - Bora Bora Forum He suggested cooking mahi mahi on read our advertising disclosure. Who's the Guide to Bora Bora Valley of the Kings? - Bora Bora Island Guide 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! This is the only hike that's all-weather accessible as the road is paved and not too mountainous. That's With an abundance of tropical vegetation, cascading waterfalls, and awe-inspiring views. Free Things To Do In Bora Bora - Bora Bora Island Guide For 6 months he worked in a restaurant at night, and during the day explored the 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. The Papenoo Valley offers a well-rounded glimpse of Tahitis landscape: magnificent waterfalls, ancient archaeological sites, lush, tropical vegetation, and picturesque canyons. The upside to being on the tour route is that this track is really obvious and its hard to get lost. Bora Boras lagoon is ridiculously picturesque, and the palm-shaded beaches are just as beautiful. You can use the Google search box below to search the site. This trail, which measures approximately 3.4 kilometers in length, is labeled as difficult in terms of difficulty. 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. The cheapest time to go to Bora Bora: The best deals can be found in Bora Boras off season between October and May. 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. 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. Hiking in Bora Bora: you've never seen the lagoon from this angle before Dec 2, 2021 8 min read Most visitors head to Bora Bora for a blissful, tropical island vacation that centers around relaxing in an overwater bungalow on the sparkling lagoon. Public rates mentioned on each pensions Fact Sheet. Oh the romance! Bora Bora is a major international tourist destination, famous for its aqua-centric luxury resorts. Swim, sun bake and snorkel in this warm turquoise water. Pensions on a Motu Roundtrip transfer to the main islands base to add at extra charge. incentive for students to meet their commitments. The 7 best hikes in Bora Bora - Lonely Planet Which InterContinental in Bora Bora is better? Once you leave the sealed circle island road, it will take around 10 minutes of uphill walking but the views of the motus (little islands) in the lagoon will distract you from your burning calves. I tried to contact him by email (through Polynesia Tours) but didn't get a reply. Because Azdine was the first to discover this trail, he is considered one of the best guides in Bora Bora. We only have time for one more excursion. The track will be too slippery and downright dangerous. 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. Where to Find Tahitian Waterfalls | Tahiti Waterfalls There are a few that are difficult to locate, but others are easy to come by. This is also the lunch break point (not included). It was a big city! Although it is a far more expensive destination than the Indonesian island. The scent is exquisite, that of the finest coffee perfumed with a rich hint of dark chocolate slurp! I love my job. of the products on this site. When he arrived in Papeete he cried. Travelers can also get to the Valley of the Kings - which is open year-round from 6 a.m. to 4 or 5 p.m. - by bike, taxi or tour bus. Meet the guide who leads hiking tours through the Bora Bora Valley of the Kings. It is believed up to 7 Kings were buried that way over time. Bora Bora, located in the Pacific Ocean, is known for its pristine beaches, crystal clear waters and stunning . Get a life instead! Orohena volcanic crater. In the dry season all-day hiking Mount Pahia, Bora Bora tours can be arranged through Otemano Tours. 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 ! When To Hike In The Valley Of Kings Bora Bora - BikeHike The school held a competition as an 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. Circle the cliffs keeping to the top of the left side. A Certified Tahiti Specialist can help you uncover hidden gems. Using a machete, he removed thick vegetation to uncover the ruins of an ancient marae Bora Bora temple. Great for families, the Papenoo Valley is home to some of the most popular hiking trails in Tahiti. Beyond the hustle and bustle of Papeete, its capital city, lies a remarkable landscape rich in hiking opportunities. Gregoire Le Bacon Tahiti Nui Helicopters. The history of the island of Bora Bora: learn how the island of Bora Bora was born, the characteristics of the population and the legends that feed its history. 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. 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. 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. 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. Mount Otemanu (727m), the highest and most recognizable feature on Bora Bora Island, has only one option to climb up: to its shoulder. personality, Azdine conveyed a wealth of Bora Bora culture over coffee at the Paradisio, lunch at the Yacht Club and dinner Bora Bora Island Guide can devote the time to providing you Bora-Bora | Facts, History, & Points of Interest | Britannica want a phenomenal day out exploring the inner island on foot. Bora Bora: A Slice Of Paradise | Private Islands Blog
