It wasn't on our map until Azdine marked it there. So put it at the top of your list of free things to do in Bora Bora. 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. 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! However if beaches are your priority, then Fiji would be the better choice. About 4,000 people inhabit the island of Bora Bora. by Sean Arnett | Nov 29, 2022 | South Pacific Islands. 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. 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. of us at Bora Bora Island guide love to Located in the southernmost part of Tahiti Iti, the Te Pari trail is accessible only by boat and offers an expedition into the uninhabited natural area of Tahiti. I will be on the mission & readers will be the first to know of the findings! The turquoise lagoons of Bora Bora are also perfect for kayaking; you can even take time to observe the colorful marine life below. 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. A hiking of about 6 hours through the Valley of kings to the Ancestors Peak. Moorea is a quick ferry ride away from Tahiti. 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. 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. 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. Oualid. . All . The majority of visitors to Bora Bora are American, Japanese or European. How much are overwater bungalows in Bora Bora? While snacking, you'll notice that one of the cannons faces The Four Seasons Resort and the other faces Mt Otemanu. with artifacts 2000 years old, which he had unearthed. Here you can find the only hike in Tahiti that allows access to the Mt. However, if you want overwater bungalows and adventure on the island, Bora Bora is a great choice. I am on holiday". A Certified Tahiti Specialist can help you uncover hidden gems. Are you still looking for additional information? Answer 1 of 2: My husband and I leave to Taha'a and Bora Bora next week. Hotels are few and fancy, ranging from $400$2,000 per night for the lowest standard rates. 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 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. island's main village was originally located there. PIck-Up / Drop-Off At bases or receptions of all hotels or pensions . Mata Pupu has some of the best views of any island in the world because of the ridge on which it is located. Guide to Bora Bora Activites & Attractions. He lives in a modest, immaculate home, near the Kaina Hut, In fact if beaches and crystal clear water are your priority then Bora Bora is a better choice than Bali. Its the question on every hiker's lips when they first see it. , a visit to the Faraura Valley is a must. Here's our pick of the best beaches on Bora Bora. The Bora Bora Island guide who leads these unique tours is Azdine Mount Pahia is Mount Otemanus twin-peaked and shorter sibling, topping out at 658 m (2159ft). We were unable to do the The trail is well marked and easy to follow. The mountain is extremely difficult to access, so youll need some of the best hiking gear available. worked in the jungle, and Tahitian people didn't go into 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. Vanilla grew wild in the trees, we were surrounded by wild ginger & our thirsts were quenched by the water of fresh coconuts. Alternatively, you may use, InterContinental Bora Bora Resort Thalasso Spa, an IHG Hotel, InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort, an IHG Hotel. You will need to have a reasonable level of fitness and know your bodys limits. Is It Worth Flying To Bora Bora From Chicago. These ten hotel rooms have some of the best views on the planet, from the Andes to Bora Bora. Meet the guide who leads hiking tours through the Bora Bora Valley of the Kings. Mt Pahia Climb of 6 hours is for the very fit who don't suffer from vertigo. A guide is recommended for hiking Bora Boras interior tracks. There are limited flights to Bora Bora (only four per day), and they all originate in Tahiti. We've already booked our Full Day Lagoon Tour in Bora Bora. There are also many tour companies that offer activities such as helicopter tours, 44 off-road tours, and lagoon cruises. The Valley of Kings is located in the center of the island, and is a popular spot for hiking and picnicking. Direct payment at the pension. 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 summit is 3,757 meters (12,335 feet) high, making it one of the tallest peaks in the French Polynesian Islands. acquainted with the locals. Whether you are a beginner or more advanced, there are plenty of opportunities for hiking in Tahiti; you are sure to have an unforgettable experience in one of the most exquisite places on Earth. 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. 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. 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). Those who plan on going on a hike in flip flops and swimsuits should avoid going. The hike is actually pretty easy but difficult to find if you don't know. contentedly. 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. His outdoor shower hangs from a tree in his pretty garden. High season runs from May to October when rain showers are isolated and the number of tourists swells. Rich, colorful vegetation abounds, and visitors can delight in taking a refreshing dip in the glistening pools beneath the picturesque falls. There is a lot of uphill hiking, so be prepared for a workout. We are in our early 50's, in good shape and are moderate hikers (most. incentive for students to meet their commitments. The InterContinental Thalasso is a luxury overwater villa, on a small private island. 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 . The average weekly stay for a more luxurious hotelier ranges between $1000 and $2000. May 9, 2018 - Meet the guide who leads hiking tours through the ancient Bora Bora Valley of the Kings to discover cultural sites revealing information about the island's early history. 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. features striking landscapes, waterfalls, and native flora. Mt. Archaeology: visit ancient temples (the marae) that is still sacred places and walk to the tomb of ancient kings. 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. Hikers can see all the way over to the islands of Tahaa and Raiatea across the deep blue sea. Bora Bora is a hike. Valley of the Kings is an easy 3 hour walk which most people can do. During the high season he offers four different Bora Bora walking tours through the lush, rugged interior island. 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. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The island is small and there isnt all that much to see. Since the hike we are looking at (Valley of Kings) is 3 hrs, I assume it doesn't go to the top. Azdine, the guide, will share information about geology, ancestral plants, medicine and sacred trees. want a phenomenal day out exploring the inner island on foot. He stopped working at Seeing the lava stone in the inner island prompted him to think of using it for cooking. He pictured the tropical jungle and the lagoon. been scaled by foot it is possible for a helicopter to land on it's summit. You hike through fertile valleys amongst lush tropical vegetation. The highest point in Bora Bora is certainly not a walk in the park. In Bora Bora, natural disasters are of moderate concern, particularly tsunamis. 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. Hikers who find these cannons will be rewarded with spectacular views of Bora Boras iconic lagoon. The cave leading to the island lagoon is a fantastic spot to see the islands lagoon and the surrounding green space. Every night he worked in the Using a machete, he removed thick vegetation to uncover the ruins of an ancient marae Bora Bora temple. The Mount Otemanu hike is a four-kilometer trail that is moderate in terms of difficulty. Want to learn more? These short shoulder seasons offer fine weather with temperatures in the mid-70s to mid-80s. 1. Mount Otemanu is the most difficult and highest peak on the island, rising 727 meters above sea level. If it's there it's because someone planted it. When it comes to hiking, you may not consider the volcanic island, but recent research has revealed that the Pacific has some of the best trails. Copyright 2011 - 2023 BoraBoraIslandGuide.com. 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. Because the trail passes through private property, it is not possible to go without a guide. Trailheads are notoriously hard to find in Bora Bora due to a lack of signage but this one is not too bad as the cannon can be found on Google Maps near Tereia Point in the northwest of the main island. Here you can find the only hike in Tahiti that allows access to the Mt. This is also the lunch break point (not included). Kings on one of his bedroom windows. We've already booked our Full Day Lagoon Tour in Bora Bora. 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. 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. Some are difficult to find but others are waiting to be discovered if you are willing to explore. It gave sense to the names Apoo Ote Ora& Tumu Ora life was a circle where one travelled from ones place of birth & back again at ones death. 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. the jungle. Up to the time of the missionaries, the Tahitians lived in the valleys rather than beside the sea. 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. Email polynesiaislandtours@mail.pf if you Azdine had brought some roasted beans with him taken from the bushes on a previous hike. Sacred Cave of Anau is a 6 hour trek (with climbing) for those used to strenuous activity. in the restaurant and no one told him it was on. Ancesters Road or the Track of the Past is an easy full day tour for the fit. What is the number 1 island in the world? This is the only hike that's all-weather accessible as the road is paved and not too mountainous. Although it is a far more expensive destination than the Indonesian island. Royalty is said to have been buried in the Cave of Mount Otemanu for many years. 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!). Mount Otemanu is one of two peaks on Bora Bora (along with Mt. Discover island treasures hidden in the valley on your way to the top where you will enjoy a breathtaking view on Bora Bora turquoise lagoon and neighbour islands of Raiatea, Tahaa, Huahine and Maupiti. 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. Hiking in French Polynesia is an experience unlike any other. We may also earn commissions on some Azdine won, as he topped the course. 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. We use cookies to help us improve, promote, and protect our services. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. He said, "I haven't left, because every day I'm on holiday. 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. 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. Heading clockwise on the circle island road, make your way to the Pearl Beach Resort ferry departure (lagoon side of the road) a few kilometers past Faanui. 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. Pahia is no walk in the park either and unlike Otemanu, you can actually reach the peak. Bora Bora, French. 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. read our advertising disclosure. 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. ). Coral reefs surround it and form part of the landscape. See the Bora Bora weather page to find out more about the seasons in Bora Bora. 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. He noticed a platform and cleared it. The cheapest time to go to Bora Bora: The best deals can be found in Bora Boras off season between October and May. It is an amazing destination that has grown in popularity in recent years. As the highest feature on Bora Bora, Mount Otemanu dominates the landscape and given prominence on both travel brochures and the feed of nearly every social media influencer that visits, its possibly one of the most recognized geological features in French Polynesia. 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. The hike is actually pretty easy but difficult to find if you don't know. Which is unusual even for the wet season in Bora Bora! Bora Bora Hiking is a rewarding experience because the lush tropical vegetation is so beautiful and there are amazing 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. is a quick ferry ride away from Tahiti. Of course, it may have something to do with Tahiti's awe-inspiring waterfalls. Aorai is the third-highest peak in Tahiti, rising 2,066 meters. 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 elevation is determined by the terrain. The mountain is located on the island of Bora Bora, and the climb typically takes 2-3 days to complete. It is known for its clear turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and lush green vegetation. Beyond the hustle and bustle of Papeete, its capital city, lies a remarkable landscape rich in hiking opportunities. He was given the privilege of choosing have fun, but we also have to keep the site up and running! Its the opportunity to not miss a single stunning stretch of coastline, view of the lagoon, village, and fabulous eatery. Hiking tours may involve strenuous and lengthy hike over uneven terrain, uphill and downhill trails, and under limited shade. 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]. Otemanu is a popular challenge for experienced climbers. When we met Azdine he had been in Bora Bora for 6 years. Important LUNCH NOT INCLUDED, ask for a lunch box to your hotel !! To properly experience Bora Bora, three days (four nights if arriving late) should be enough. and 2 tombs, which he estimates to be about 5 percent of the When planning a trip to Bora Bora, many visitors wonder when the best time to hike in the Valley of Kings is. That's They can only be used for one night. 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. 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. The scent is exquisite, that of the finest coffee perfumed with a rich hint of dark chocolate slurp! Mount Otemanu is the most iconic peak in The Islands of Tahiti. Hikers will experience incredible panoramic views not only across Bora Bora but out into the deep blue of the Pacific Ocean. When he arrived in Papeete he cried. 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. Because the terrain is rough and steep at times, it is essential to wear shoes with adequate grip and traction. However, there are a few areas where the trail is steep and slippery, so visitors should take care when hiking in these areas. Boasting incredible panoramic views, Mount Pahia is the second-highest summit in Bora Bora. From the top of the mountain (about halfway up), youll see a cave with views from all three sides, as well as a large cave at the shoulder. maxi (Adults or Child from 10 y.o), minimum 10 y.o requested! why you'll see ads on this site. 8 Days. There were eight massive cannons installed over four locations in this project. Most visitors head to Bora Bora for a blissful, tropical island vacation that centers around relaxing in an overwater bungalow on the sparkling lagoon. Take a picnic and make a morning or afternoon out of it, making use of the simple bench seats at the cannons. The road is paved and not mountainous, making it the only hike that can be done all year round. However, the rainy season typically runs from November to April, so visitors should avoid hiking in the Valley of Kings during this time. 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. why you'll see ads on this site. For 15 years Azdine dreamed of coming to French Polynesia. Pregnant women/disabled guests/babies our services must be notified in advance! the island he wanted to live on. read our advertising disclosure. The track can be found by heading clockwise around the island on the main road. 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). Re: Valley of the Kings trailhead. 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. research. have fun, but we also have to keep the site up and running! 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. 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 ! The scenic trail is lush and features fascinating local flora. You hike through fertile valleys amongst lush tropical vegetation. The island, located about 230 kilometres (140 mi) northwest of Papeete, is surrounded by a lagoon and a barrier reef. The banyan tree has great cultural significance, as it served as the final resting place for the kings of Bora Bora. Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, and Raiatea are the most visited islands. We are in our early 50's, in good shape and are moderate hikers (most. Orohena volcanic crater. For 6 months he worked in a restaurant at night, and during the day explored the