There is something to note about why my overwater bungalow at the Sofitel Marara Beach Resort was significantly cheaper than Four Seasons or St Regis. big house? We were unable to do the The trailhead can be a little tricky to find. 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 Bora Bora Valley of the Kings hike is the most popular. The lava tubes, hidden pools, and waterfalls are well worth the effort. Its a tradition practiced to this day to ensure the maintenance of a persons affinity with their land Bora Bora has no hospital & those expecting a baby travel to Tahiti or more usually Raiatea to give birth; most return with the umbilical cord of the new-born to bury it in the land of Bora Bora. The island of Tahiti is arguably the most popular of the 118 islands in French Polynesia. 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. He said, "I haven't left, because every day I'm on holiday. read our advertising disclosure. In Vaitape take the road to the acquainted with the locals. expensive. The island is small and there isnt all that much to see. Nonetheless, its best to avoid stingrays and barracudas from Bora Bora. 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. Hikers can see all the way over to the islands of Tahaa and Raiatea across the deep blue sea. Located in the Afareaitu Valley, the trail to the Afareaitu Waterfall is relatively short and has many points of interest along the way. His outdoor shower hangs from a tree in his pretty garden. Since the hike we are looking at (Valley of Kings) is 3 hrs, I assume it doesn't go to the top. Enjoy our round-up of the top things to do in Bora Bora. We use cookies to help us improve, promote, and protect our services. The elevation is determined by the terrain. this same view across to the Bora Bora Valley of the A local guide is very useful. Hotels Le Mridien & Four Seasons with supplement. When he arrived in Papeete he cried. imaginations and touches hearts. Stones must be porous to absorb the heat or they will explode. The cave leading to the island lagoon is a fantastic spot to see the islands lagoon and the surrounding green space. The importance of the site, a place of royalty, seemingly confimed by the petroglyph photographed below: A clear representation of Bora Bora, to the egg which symbolises Taaroa, the tahitian god of creation; the circular form a representation of infinity/royalty. You must obtain an access permit from Papeete Town Hall before accessing this hiking trail in Tahiti. Beyond the turquoise lagoon and glistening bays lie emerald peaks, fragrant pineapple fields, and lush valleys just waiting to be explored. It was a climb of several days through thick jungle through which he cut a path. Answer 1 of 2: My husband and I leave to Taha'a and Bora Bora next week. We only have time for one more excursion. Thanks in advanced to any help provided =D. The turquoise lagoons of Bora Bora are also perfect for kayaking; you can even take time to observe the colorful marine life below. We've already booked our Full Day Lagoon Tour in Bora Bora. wild, inner island. 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. Oh the romance! Boasting incredible panoramic views, Mount Pahia is the second-highest summit in Bora Bora. The island is covered in dense jungle, and the trails wind through the trees and offer stunning views of the ocean. The lava tubes, hidden pools, and waterfalls are well worth the effort. 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. The upside to being on the tour route is that this track is really obvious and its hard to get lost. To date (January 2012) he has found 6 temples, 21 villages, 8 farms, and 2 tombs, which he estimates to be about 5 percent of the archeological sites. Climbing Mt. 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. worked in the jungle, and Tahitian people didn't go into 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. High season runs from May to October when rain showers are isolated and the number of tourists swells. The trail begins at the Belvedere parking lot and offers impressive views of Mount Tohivea, the Opunohu Valley, Opunohu Bay, Cooks Bay, and more. Once you spot the sign to the ferry, the track to the cannon site is only around 30 meters (98ft) further up the road on the right. We are in our early 50's, in good shape and are moderate hikers (most challenging hike we've done recently is Kauai's Kalaulau Trail to the first beach). The Papenoo Valley offers a well-rounded glimpse of Tahitis landscape: magnificent waterfalls, ancient archaeological sites, lush, tropical vegetation, and picturesque canyons. These ten hotel rooms have some of the best views on the planet, from the Andes to Bora Bora. Seeing the lava stone in the inner island prompted him to think of using it for cooking. fit and not suffer from vertigo. read our advertising disclosure. with artifacts 2000 years old, which he had unearthed. The probelm is that I cannot find information online from any of the tour operators that state whether or. Bora Bora is home to some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the world. The hike is actually pretty easy but difficult to find if you don't know. 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. 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. About 4,000 people inhabit the island of Bora Bora. Such a situation is inexplicable & the authorities must move without delay to localise this priceless piece of Polynesian history & culture, probably the most important relic of its type in French Polynesia, certainly in Bora Bora & to classify the islands historical sites. Of course, it may have something to do with Tahiti's awe-inspiring waterfalls. 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. You can use the Google search box below to search the site. the jungle. 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. 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. 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. Some are difficult to find but others are waiting to be discovered if you are willing to explore. 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. All tours have been regularly tried out in order to give the most accurate information and advice. of us at Bora Bora Island guide love to Itinerary and order of the visited sites may change without prior notice according to weather conditions or other circumstances. 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. There are limited flights to Bora Bora (only four per day), and they all originate in Tahiti. Public rates mentioned on each pensions Fact Sheet. Inclusions Round trip transfers to/from tour starting point; Guided tour, Schedules (transfer time from hotels not taken into account) 08h00 14h00. Here are some of the best places to go hiking in Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora. James would remain there; still, quiet for over 2 hours, moved, spiritually charged by the surroundings. You can book tours for any day exotic far away places. The track will be too slippery and downright dangerous. 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. 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. You're free to pick your paradise. Gregoire Le Bacon Tahiti Nui Helicopters. 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. See. The Valley of Kings is located in the center of the island, and is a popular spot for hiking and picnicking. why you'll see ads on this 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 Great for canyon enthusiasts, this lush hiking trail in Tahiti features striking landscapes, waterfalls, and native flora. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. 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 who find these cannons will be rewarded with spectacular views of Bora Boras iconic lagoon. Take a picnic and make a morning or afternoon out of it, making use of the simple bench seats at the cannons. His story ignites 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!). lava stone to the Kaina Hut. He planned to In the low season, when Bora Bora is quiet, he continues his research.