Mount Otemanu (727m), the highest and most recognized feature on Bora Bora Island can only be climbed up to it's 'shoulders'. 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. The best times to go to Bora Bora are November and April. Most visitors head to Bora Bora for a blissful, tropical island vacation that centers around relaxing in an overwater bungalow on the sparkling lagoon. This trail features ancient temples and colorful native flora, culminating at an exquisite outlook with panoramic views of the famous Bora Bora lagoon and neighboring islands. The trail is well-marked and relatively easy to follow. We really enjoy hikes with incredible views and learning something along the way. 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. Which InterContinental in Bora Bora is better? Copyright 2011 - 2023 BoraBoraIslandGuide.com. The average weekly stay for a more luxurious hotelier ranges between $1000 and $2000. Oh the romance! 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. 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. However, the rainy season typically runs from November to April, so visitors should avoid hiking in the Valley of Kings during this time. When it comes to cost and other worldly scuba diving, Fiji is the most effective choice. This trail, which measures approximately 3.4 kilometers in length, is labeled as difficult in terms of difficulty. The initial section will give your calves a workout and make you sweat in the tropical humidity. For 6 months he worked in a restaurant at night, and during the day explored the 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. 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. Ancesters Road or the Track of the Past is an easy full day tour for the fit. The highlight of this hike is, well everything. Served this way the fish arrives sizzling at the table and delights the senses. The Ultimate Guide on How to Visit French Polynesia except Sunday. You can use the Google search box below to search the site. The summit is 3,757 meters (12,335 feet) high, making it one of the tallest peaks in the French Polynesian Islands. The track will be too slippery and downright dangerous. why you'll see ads on this site. Copyright 2011 - 2023 BoraBoraIslandGuide.com. Azdine won, as he topped the course. . The best time to hike in the Valley of Kings is from May to October, when the weather is drier and the trails are less slippery. The Papenoo Valley offers a well-rounded glimpse of Tahitis landscape: magnificent waterfalls, ancient archaeological sites, lush, tropical vegetation, and picturesque canyons. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Tips for a sustainable stay in The Islands of Tahiti. imaginations and touches hearts. Meet the guide who leads hiking tours through the Bora Bora Valley of the Kings. The income generated through these means helps ensure 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. Because it is considered difficult in terms of difficulty, it must be well prepared. 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. For those who have a few days up their sleeve and are comfortable with the concept of multi-day hiking, this 32-km loop(19.8mi) could very well be the stuff that dreams are made of. It would be interesting to date the grinding stone & grinder: The best find for many though was the wild coffee bushes. Some of its most breathtaking views can be seen from some of its most prominent points. The Bora Bora Valley of the Kings hike is the most popular. Bora Bora's most prized piece of white sand has been named " best beach in the world ", and the best thing about it is that everyone can enjoy it! The lagoon in Bora Bora has one ocean pass that opens to the sea. A map and GPS navigator can also aid in determining your course of travel. Its the opportunity to not miss a single stunning stretch of coastline, view of the lagoon, village, and fabulous eatery. The income generated through these means helps ensure The hike is actually pretty easy but difficult to find if you don't know. Now Lagoon at the St Regis and a restaurant in the Four Seasons also offer this island dish. 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. The Maldives vs Bora Bora: Accessibility The Maldives is more readily accessible from Europe and Africa than Bora Bora is, but if you are based in the United States then Bora Bora is the better option. Located near Papeete, the Fautaua Valley trail offers a relatively easy hike through a forest of lush, tropical vegetation. The trailhead is near a tower just north of Povaie Bay, which is also home to an art gallery. Due to the mountains crumbly vertical cliffs, it is not possible to gain access to the summit further. However, its best to ask around when you get there as nothing is signposted. have fun, but we also have to keep the site up and running! Polynesian Island Tours offers a choice of fascinating cultural walks: Tel. In the dry season all-day hiking Mount Pahia, Bora Bora tours can be arranged through Otemano Tours. 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. read our advertising disclosure. Answer 1 of 2: My husband and I leave to Taha'a and Bora Bora next week. Every year, the Hawaiian Islands receive more visitors in ten days than the entire French Polynesia. The 7 best hikes in Bora Bora - Lonely Planet We use cookies to help us improve, promote, and protect our services. We would arrive at a stunning plateau at the foot of Mts Otemanu & Pahia, a place of rare beauty surrounded by these majestic mountains & other prominent peaks. 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. 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. Is Bora Bora the most beautiful place on earth? 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. 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. The trailhead can be found on the south-western end of the island, and it takes approximately two hours to reach the summit. Bora Boras iconic peaks are steeped in history and legend, providing a transformative experience to those fortunate enough to traverse them. lava stone to the Kaina Hut. Bora-Bora | Facts, History, & Points of Interest | Britannica 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. Its the question on every hiker's lips when they first see it. with all the free and fabulous information & resources you'll expensive. Mount Pahia Ascent is one of the countrys best hiking trails. 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. Pathways go through ancient villages, ceremonial sites, sacred spots, and through trees bearing coconuts and wild fruits. Great for canyon enthusiasts, this lush. 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). 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. mini / 8 pers. A hiking of about 6 hours through the Valley of kings to the Ancestors Peak. The track can be found near Hine Pearls, just south of the pretty Protestant Church with the red spire in the town of Vaitape. We only have time for one more excursion. restaurant, and Tahitian people don't go in the restaurant. 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. The banyan tree itself & much of what he experienced that day would feature in Avatar. If it's there it's because someone planted it. When To Hike In The Valley Of Kings Bora Bora. He said, "I haven't left, because every day I'm on holiday. Because the island of Bora Bora is a small one, hiking the entire coast is possible in a single day. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Bora Bora is exclusive and expensive because it is very hard to get to. Gregoire Le Bacon Tahiti Nui Helicopters. Some are difficult to find but others are waiting to be discovered if you are willing to explore. Get a life instead! worked in the jungle, and Tahitian people didn't go into Rich, colorful vegetation abounds, and visitors can delight in taking a refreshing dip in the glistening pools beneath the picturesque falls. Bora Boras lagoon is ridiculously picturesque, and the palm-shaded beaches are just as beautiful. referred to him as 'the guide'. 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. Each guest should carefully review the tour description to evaluate its own physical limits. Bora Bora Island Guide can devote the time to providing you Hiking and climbing in Bora Bora must be done during the dry season (Winter). It explains in part also the wish of modern day Bora Borians to be buried on their land & not in cemeteries or crematoriums. We are interested in visiting the archaeological site of the Valley of Kings. 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. For those interested in seeing waterfalls while hiking in Tahiti, a visit to the Faraura Valley is a must. Because the trail passes through private property, it is not possible to go without a guide. We may also earn commissions on some The hikes to Mount Otemanu and Mount Pahia are not for the faint-hearted. This hiking trail is rated as moderately difficult for a reason: it has a steep terrain. 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. Can you hike Mount Otemanu? On the western side of the island, at Point Pahua, a Farepiti Cannon can be found on a mountainside. While snacking, you'll notice that one of the cannons faces The Four Seasons Resort and the other faces Mt Otemanu. 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. 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 tours may involve strenuous and lengthy hike over uneven terrain, uphill and downhill trails, and under limited shade. Hikers can explore remnants of ancient villages and Marae (Polynesian temples) and it would be a shame to unknowingly pass these relics. The turquoise lagoons of Bora Bora are also perfect for kayaking; you can even take time to observe the colorful marine life below. The most popular hiking trail in Moorea, Three Coconuts Pass is well-maintained and easy to follow. The InterContinental Thalasso is a luxury overwater villa, on a small private island. strenuous activity in dry weather or the unmaintained trail will be muddy and slippery. You will be rewarded at the end with spectacular views, but there are still some steep cliffs to climb. However, there are a few areas where the trail is steep and slippery, so visitors should take care when hiking in these areas. June is the hottest month in Bora Bora with an average temperature of 29C (84F) and the coldest is January at 17C (63F) with the most daily sunshine hours at 8 in September. We are interested in hike like Valley of the Kings (maybe all the way to Ancestor's Peak). Tours only operate during the dryer months. early Bora Bora's culture and provides pleasurable foraging for wild tropical foods along the way. In fact if beaches and crystal clear water are your priority then Bora Bora is a better choice than Bali. Despite the fact that shark attacks are rare in Bora Bora, there are a large number of them. When to hike Bora Bora is a personal preference, but generally, the best time to hike is from late November to early December when the temperatures are mild and the vegetation is in full bloom. 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. About 4,000 people inhabit the island of Bora Bora. After his discoveries were televised, visitors coming to Bora Bora wanted to take the historic tour. The track can be found by heading clockwise around the island on the main road. 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. There's More To a Bora Bora Vacation Than Beaches The weather in Bora Bora is relatively stable year-round, with temperatures typically ranging from 27-32 degrees Celsius.