the Bora Bora Valley of the Kings area because the The Bora Bora Loop follows the coastal road all the way around the entirety of the main island. If youre planning another trip to Bora Bora Island, you should definitely check out this trail. Passports must be valid for at least three months and proof of onward travel may be required. Here are some of the best places to go hiking in Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora. When To Hike In The Valley Of Kings Bora Bora. Over breakfast, you will find the enticing aromas of passion fruit and lychee accompanying the refreshing scent of coffee. expensive. 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. Can you hike Mount Otemanu? 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. The only guide we know offering a Mount Some say that the panoramic views from the summit are some of the best in the world. 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. read our advertising disclosure. An impressive sight from a distance is Puraha . The views from the top are breathtaking and well worth the effort. of us at Bora Bora Island guide love to It is believed up to 7 Kings were buried that way over time. Enjoy our round-up of the top things to do in Bora Bora. The mountaintop is the most difficult part of the hike because it is the highest point. The Valley of Kings is located in the center of the island, and is a popular spot for hiking and picnicking. There are limited flights to Bora Bora (only four per day), and they all originate in Tahiti. This route is considered to be fairly challenging, with some exposed sections and some steep climbs. 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. The scenic trail is lush and features fascinating local flora. 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. outdated. 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. I love my job. Valley Of The Kings: Legends And Stories In The Heart Of The Island Starting from the village of Faanui, a hike of a few kilometers takes you inland to the sacred places of ancient Bora Bora. mini / 8 pers. Trekking in Bora Bora means getting up-close views of not only the lush rainforest -filled with hibiscus blossoms, paw-paw trees, and wild vanilla-but also remnants of the island's ancient civilization. The track will be too slippery and downright dangerous. There are also many tour companies that offer activities such as helicopter tours, 44 off-road tours, and lagoon cruises. Operates Everyday (EXCEPT on Sunday & Public Holidays for Four Seasons guests ! , a visit to the Faraura Valley is a must. The Bora Bora Valley of the Kings hike is the most popular. In the rainy season, hiking in Bora Bora can be difficult. . He stopped working at 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. 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. Add these best free (and nearly free!) The track can be found near Hine Pearls, just south of the pretty Protestant Church with the red spire in the town of Vaitape. You can find a description of Azdine's tours, 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. Re: Valley of the Kings trailhead. 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. They could be embalmed & then stood upright in-between the roots of the tree. Therefore, you may be surprised to learn that its possible to hike on Bora Bora. Mount Pahia can be climbed in about 4 hours by fit and experienced hikers. It was a big city! Polynesian Island Tours offers a choice of fascinating cultural walks: When the missionaries arrived Tahitians grew their hair long in the belief it gave them strength. 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. 1. The mountain is located on the island of Bora Bora, and the climb typically takes 2-3 days to complete. Many signs of ancient life have been uncovered in Bora Boras iconic peaks are steeped in history and legend, providing a transformative experience to those fortunate enough to traverse them. Kings. Now Lagoon at the St Regis and a restaurant in the Four Seasons also offer this island dish. There are many things to do in Bora Bora, such as snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and hiking. 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. A full day excursion on Tahiti will take you through Papenoo Valley, including Topatari Falls, Vaiharuru Falls, and Puraha Falls. Although its possible to do this hike without a guide, its not recommended. How much are overwater bungalows in Bora Bora? , Three Coconuts Pass is well-maintained and easy to follow. 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. Re: Valley of the Kings trailhead. Because it is considered difficult in terms of difficulty, it must be well prepared. You're free to pick your paradise. Backpack (Sac dos), Bottle of water (Eau), Camera (Appareil photo), Comfy clothes (Tenue confort), Hat (Chapeau). French expat and founder of Polynesian Island Tours Azdine Oualid leads tours to the Valley of the Kings, a marae . Most excursions require healthy conditions. You will need to have a reasonable level of fitness and know your bodys limits. He lives in a modest, immaculate home, near the Kaina Hut, We are in our early 50's, in good shape and are moderate hikers (most. Answer 1 of 2: My husband and I leave to Taha'a and Bora Bora next week. Mount Otemanu is the most iconic peak in The Islands of Tahiti. Hiking tours may involve strenuous and lengthy hike over uneven terrain, uphill and downhill trails, and under limited shade. strenuous activity in dry weather or the unmaintained trail will be muddy and slippery. 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. find here. features striking landscapes, waterfalls, and native flora. Stones must be porous to absorb the heat or they will explode. . Therefore if youre traveling on a budget, you will find many more affordable accommodation options in Fiji, while food also tends to be cheaper in Fiji as well. Mount Pahia (741m) is located southeast of Mount Otemanu and is well-known as a hiking destination. The contractors moved on the sacred site of one the oldest & certainly most importantmarae on Bora Bora, sites which to this day remain unprotected by any form of government legislation. He knew that when you see mango and bamboo, you have found a village. The mountain is only accessible by hiking with a certified guide. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Travelers can enter Bora Bora for 90 days every six months without a visa. personality, Azdine conveyed a wealth of Bora Bora culture over coffee at the Paradisio, lunch at the Yacht Club and dinner People can and do, get lost and injured due to the difficult terrain and lack of signage. I will be on the mission & readers will be the first to know of the findings! Hikers will experience incredible panoramic views not only across Bora Bora but out into the deep blue of the Pacific Ocean. this same view across to the Bora Bora Valley of the Hiking Mount Otemanu at Le Meridien Bora Bora offers visitors the opportunity to make a physical and mental commitment to this difficult trek. What is the number 1 island in the world? In the low season, when Bora Bora is quiet, he continues his research. When the program These short shoulder seasons offer fine weather with temperatures in the mid-70s to mid-80s. If you're wondering why a Frenchman of a Moroccan background is taking Polynesian cultural tours Tours only operate during the dryer months. This scenic coastal hike ventures between the ocean and the Te Pari Cliffs with many points of interest along the way, including white sandy beaches, coral flats, the famous Vaipoiri Cave, lava tubes, the Queens Bathing Pool, and much more. Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, and Raiatea are the most visited islands. We are interested in visiting the archaeological site of the Valley of Kings. 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. You get to choose where you stay each night and how far you walk each day. Orohena volcanic crater. 2. 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. Pahia). Bora Bora Hiking is a rewarding experience because the lush tropical vegetation is so beautiful and there are amazing You can book tours for any day Orohena volcanic crater. This is also the lunch break point (not included). ceremonial religious sites. When it comes to cost and other worldly scuba diving, Fiji is the most effective choice. Want to do some adventurous Bora Bora hiking through the lush island interior? read our advertising disclosure. It was in the banyan tree that Kings would find their final resting place. Bora Bora Island Guide invites you to Mata Pupu has some of the best views of any island in the world because of the ridge on which it is located. except Sunday. How Many Days Do You Need In Bora Bora? The highest point in Bora Bora is certainly not a walk in the park. We really enjoy hikes with incredible views and learning something along the way. 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. We've already booked our Full Day Lagoon Tour in Bora Bora. The Faanui WWII Guns trail, one of the most popular hiking trails in Bora Bora, is a great place to go hiking while in the area. 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 you stay at an overwater villa In Bora Bora or Moorea, you can snorkel or swim right off your private deck. 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. Mount Otemanu is one of two peaks on Bora Bora (along with Mt. Hotels Le Mridien & Four Seasons with supplement. 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. Important LUNCH NOT INCLUDED, ask for a lunch box to your hotel !! Up to the time of the missionaries, the Tahitians lived in the valleys rather than beside the sea. We are interested in visiting the archaeological site of the Valley of Kings. 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. For 6 months he worked in a restaurant at night, and during the day explored the Motus In Bora Bora (Motu Tapu, Motu Tevairoa, Motu Pitiauu), Information, History, & Location About Bora Bora. Pull sweet avocadoes and colorful pineapple from the trees. is a quick ferry ride away from Tahiti. of the products on this site. How Many Days Do You Need In Bora Bora? The Faanui guns WWII hike is one of the shortest and easiest hikes on the island. This kind of activity is recommended for guests in very good physical condition. was shown on television he missed it, as he was working Served this way the fish arrives sizzling at the table and delights the senses. Tahiti is a far more expensive destination than Fiji too. Pahia is no walk in the park either and unlike Otemanu, you can actually reach the peak. Warm clear seas, tropical vistas and utter luxury: say hello to anoverwaterbungalow or villa vacation in 2023. Said to be the final resting place for royalty in times long gone, the views from this cave are nothing short of breathtaking. The best part? Home FAQ When To Hike In The Valley Of Kings Bora Bora. When it comes to planning your South Pacific Island trip, there are many things to consider. Its the opportunity to not miss a single stunning stretch of coastline, view of the lagoon, village, and fabulous eatery. The Islands of Tahiti are famed for their crystal-clear turquoise lagoons and picturesque overwater bungalows. We may also earn commissions on some It explains in part also the wish of modern day Bora Borians to be buried on their land & not in cemeteries or crematoriums. Because the island of Bora Bora is a small one, hiking the entire coast is possible in a single day. 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. What he had seen on TV wasn't real. 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. Bora Boras iconic peaks are steeped in history and legend, providing a transformative experience to those fortunate enough to traverse them. 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 wonder if information such as the above will spur change.. Not far from the marae can be found perhaps the greatest discovery. Meet the guide who leads hiking tours through the Bora Bora Valley of the Kings. You'll also hear Bora Bora is home to some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the world. The trailhead can be found on the south-western end of the island, and it takes approximately two hours to reach the summit. in the restaurant and no one told him it was on. 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. Swim, sun bake and snorkel in this warm turquoise water. Pahia climb is Azdine, who also takes tours through the Valley of the Mango is not natural in the jungle. find 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. Take a picnic and make a morning or afternoon out of it, making use of the simple bench seats at the cannons. intriguing Polynesian legends and taste wild island fruits and coconuts, plucked straight from the trees. The answer depends on a few factors, including the weather and the level of difficulty of the hike. Get a life instead! with all the free and fabulous information & resources you'll 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. He was given the privilege of choosing Four Seasons private transfer, rate per boat, maximum capacity of 8 passengers. Up for a challenge? Why struggle to pay a mortgage on a 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. And boy, it's tough to argue with that perception when you see this magical place in the flesh. A hiking of about 6 hours through the Valley of kings to the Ancestors Peak. 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. 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. But with his dynamic Every year, the Hawaiian Islands receive more visitors in ten days than the entire French Polynesia. We've already booked our Full Day Lagoon Tour in Bora Bora. Because the island is small, there are a few good walking trails to explore, and they can be completed in a few days. He brings lava stones back A Certified Tahiti Specialist can help you uncover hidden gems. Bora Bora is synonymous with relaxing in splendor but there's more to this beauty than the beach. When he arrived in Papeete he cried. Its the question on every hiker's lips when they first see it. 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. Tel 29.66.60 or 67.56.02. 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. Bora Bora is exclusive and expensive because it is very hard to get to. He pictured the tropical jungle and the lagoon. A short walk through lush vegetation, across a small creek & a climb up large stones you will bring you to Apoo Ote Ora (the Circle of Life). From here, it's an easier hike to the cannons. Papa's intention was to motivate Although it has never 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 Valley of Kings is located in the center of the island, and is a popular spot for hiking and picnicking. Some of the websites offering these are 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 ! Azdine, the guide, will share information about geology, ancestral plants, medicine and sacred trees. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Bora Bora may be the perfect place for a beach vacation, but there's plenty to see and do away from the beach. Great for families, the Papenoo Valley is home to some of the most popular. more. and 2 tombs, which he estimates to be about 5 percent of the his son to study hard so that one day he would be able to travel to We only have time for one more excursion. The InterContinental Thalasso is a luxury overwater villa, on a small private island. Hikers can see all the way over to the islands of Tahaa and Raiatea across the deep blue sea. views from various vantage points. 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. You must only try this 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. Great for canyon enthusiasts, this lush hiking trail in Tahiti features striking landscapes, waterfalls, and native flora. Otemanu is a popular challenge for experienced climbers. Nonetheless, its best to avoid stingrays and barracudas from Bora Bora. Do we have to contact him before we get to Bora Bora - is there a tour every day? In 2003, with his life in a backpack and 20,000XPF, a young Frenchman, whose parents had immigrated from Morocco, set out to Apparently this segment of the destruction of this countrys cultural heritage commenced with earth moving contractors seeking to provide stone (rocks) for the fortification of one of the major resorts on the motu. contentedly. Unchallenged & unchecked by the population or its elected representatives, the destruction would continue. 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. 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. Adventure or leisure? This hiking trail is rated as moderately difficult for a reason: it has a steep terrain. 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 Faanuisays, derives its name from Nui, the son of Porapora-i-te-fenau-tahi (the First-Born in the Time of Man), whos umbilical cord was buried here in the valley. 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. 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. . why you'll see ads on this site. Who knows what has happened to the stone which held to ink for tattoo ceremonies for the countries elite. You can hike to the guns and return to your original location in about an hour. The arii (upper class) would come to A Pou E Tora & connect their hair to the banyan roots dangling from the tree then sit on the large stones in a deep sense of being connected to nature, to their source (yes, as seen in Avatar). Located near Papeete, the Fautaua Valley trail offers a relatively easy hike through a forest of lush, tropical vegetation. 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. The income generated through these means helps ensure Aorai is the third-highest peak in Tahiti, rising 2,066 meters. They can only be used for one night. However, the views from the summit are incredible, and the experience of climbing such a tall mountain is truly unforgettable. However, the rainy season typically runs from November to April, so visitors should avoid hiking in the Valley of Kings during this time. Beyond the hustle and bustle of Papeete, its capital city, lies a remarkable landscape rich in hiking opportunities. by Sean Arnett | Nov 29, 2022 | South Pacific Islands. Bora Bora, located in the Pacific Ocean, is known for its pristine beaches, crystal clear waters and stunning . at the Kaina Hut. In the dry season all-day hiking Mount Pahia, Bora Bora tours can be arranged through Otemano Tours. 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!). Do not attempt to hike Mount Otemanu and Mount Pahia if you cant deal with heights or suffer from vertigo. You can use the Google search box below to search the site. 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. The lava tubes, hidden pools, and waterfalls are well worth the effort. 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. Despite the fact that shark attacks are rare in Bora Bora, there are a large number of them.