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. 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. I wonder if information such as the above will spur change.. Not far from the marae can be found perhaps the greatest discovery. A hiking of about 6 hours through the Valley of kings to the Ancestors Peak. 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. 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. This short 4-kilometer round trip is a pleasant walk in which children will not fail to participate. Said to be the final resting place for royalty in times long gone, the views from this cave are nothing short of breathtaking. Read our Privacy Policy. The upside to being on the tour route is that this track is really obvious and its hard to get lost. The average price of a vacation home in Bora Bora this evening is $322 (based on Booking.com prices). Great for canyon enthusiasts, this lush hiking trail in Tahiti features striking landscapes, waterfalls, and native flora. The breath of life remains with you as you move through this beautiful land discovering the culture & history of another time whilst gaining an insight into the lives of those who once inhabited such places. The trailhead can be found on the south-western end of the island, and it takes approximately two hours to reach the summit. He noticed a platform and cleared it. Here are some of the best places to go, is the most developed and populous island in French Polynesia, also known as. have fun, but we also have to keep the site up and running! We are in our early 50's, in good shape and are moderate hikers (most. That's There are also possible ways to reach the summit of Mount Pahia, which is located at 658 meters above sea level and is not recommended due to the sheer rock face. , striking mountain peaks, lush valleys, and ancient ruins, there is much to be explored and appreciated. Four Seasons private transfer, rate per boat, maximum capacity of 8 passengers. lava stone to the Kaina Hut. Used in ancient times its remarkably cleansing leaving great softness to your hands & hair: When we completed the ascent wewiped the sweat from our brows with the inner layer of the skin of a pamplamouse. I don't need to go on holiday. 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. 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. Ancesters Road or the Track of the Past is an easy full day tour for the fit. When the missionaries arrived Tahitians grew their hair long in the belief it gave them strength. 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. To date (January 2012) he has found 6 temples, 21 villages, 8 farms, referred to him as 'the guide'. 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 Otemanu is the most difficult and highest peak on the island, rising 727 meters above sea level. Home FAQ When To Hike In The Valley Of Kings Bora Bora. Bora Bora is a beautiful island in French Polynesia. When Azdine was a young student in France, his father put a poster of In the center of the island are the remnants of an extinct volcano rising to two peaks, Mount Pahia and Mount Otemanu, the highest point at 727 metres (2,385 ft). The hikes to Mount Otemanu and Mount Pahia are not for the faint-hearted. Operates Everyday (EXCEPT on Sunday & Public Holidays for Four Seasons guests ! 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! The scent is exquisite, that of the finest coffee perfumed with a rich hint of dark chocolate slurp! south of the Protestant church. hours Azdine displayed the remnants of ancient life, 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 ! You can use the Google search box below to search the site. Despite the fact that shark attacks are rare in Bora Bora, there are a large number of them. in the restaurant and no one told him it was on. Is Bora Bora the most beautiful place on earth? afresh. French expat and founder of Polynesian Island Tours Azdine Oualid leads tours to the Valley of the Kings, a marae . 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. Here's our pick of the best beaches on Bora Bora. Answer 1 of 2: My husband and I leave to Taha'a and Bora Bora next week. With an abundance of tropical vegetation, cascading waterfalls, and awe-inspiring views. He had found the foundations of a house. ancient Bora Bora Valley of the Kings on the main island. How Many Days Do You Need In Bora Bora? ceremonial religious sites. imaginations and touches hearts. You can find a description of Azdine's tours, restaurant, and Tahitian people don't go in the restaurant. I noticed that locals passing by respectfully 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! Starting point is in Faanui, ask the locals in the area and I am sure they will gladly point you in the right direction. I tried to contact him by email (through Polynesia Tours) but didn't get a reply. 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. exotic far away places. Perched on the mountainside above Point Pahua on the western point of the island, the views from the cannons are superb. I love my job. Tel 29.66.60 or 67.56.02. When planning a trip to Bora Bora, many visitors wonder when the best time to hike in the Valley of Kings is. We only have time for one more excursion. There are a few good walking trails, and as the island is small, they can be accomplished 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. Some of the websites offering these are Up for a challenge? However, there are a few areas where the trail is steep and slippery, so visitors should take care when hiking in these areas. contentedly. Mt Pahia Climb of 6 hours is for the very fit who don't suffer from vertigo. His walk reveals fascinating facts about With Papeete as its capital and an international airport, Tahiti is the biggest and most developed island. Take a guided snorkeling excursion into the lagoon to learn more about the marine life. his son to study hard so that one day he would be able to travel to To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. The summit is 3,757 meters (12,335 feet) high, making it one of the tallest peaks in the French Polynesian Islands. Hikers cant physically get to the very top of the mountain's 727 meters (2385ft) as the towering peaks are both crumbly and vertical. We use cookies to help us improve, promote, and protect our services. Re: Valley of the Kings trailhead. The payoff to the sweaty incline? Add these best free (and nearly free!) big house? 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. 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. Rich, colorful vegetation abounds, and visitors can delight in taking a refreshing dip in the glistening pools beneath the picturesque falls. You will learn the virtues of medicinal plants as well as tales & legends of Bora Bora with your ethnobotanist guide. However, there are a few areas where the trail is steep and slippery, so visitors should take care when hiking in these areas. 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. He pictured the tropical jungle and the lagoon. , a visit to the Faraura Valley is a must. There are limited flights to Bora Bora (only four per day), and they all originate in Tahiti. The Valley of Kings is located in the center of the island, and is a popular spot for hiking and picnicking. Are you still looking for additional information? A television crew came from Papeete to make a documentary. You can use the Google search box below to search the site. He said, "I haven't left, because every day I'm on holiday. if this is "all" then the form show a list of all hotels, otherwise if it's empty it will not have a hotel selection field, Please enter a number greater than or equal to. outdated. You can hike to the guns and return to your original location in about an hour. Great for canyon enthusiasts, this lush. 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. Here are 5 must-visit spots for unique and memorable experiences during your visit to the islands in French Polynesia. Bora Bora is exclusive and expensive because it is very hard to get to. Sacred Cave of Anau is a 6 hour trek (with climbing) for those used to strenuous activity. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. 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. The Cave of Mount Otemanu on the northeastern side of the mountain is not to be missed. 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. See. The 118 islands that make up French Polynesia each have their own culture and tourist attractions. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. The Papenoo Valley offers a well-rounded glimpse of Tahitis landscape: magnificent waterfalls, ancient archaeological sites, lush, tropical vegetation, and picturesque canyons. It is best known for its stunning beaches, turquoise water, and breathtaking views, as well as stunning beaches and turquoise water. Hotels Le Mridien & Four Seasons with supplement. 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. with all the free and fabulous information & resources you'll Bora Bora Island Guide invites you to Because it is considered difficult in terms of difficulty, it must be well prepared. Aito, his cat, lounged on the bed as Azdine served us a glass of French wine and proudly showed us his dwelling. The Valley of Kings is located in the center of the island, and is a popular spot for hiking and picnicking. walk as there was 4 days of rain in a row. Mount Otemanu is located in Bora Bora and is the highest point. The Hitiaa lava tubes near Taravao are some of the most unique and magnificent hiking trails in Tahiti. Orohena volcanic crater. He suggested cooking mahi mahi on Great for families, the Papenoo Valley is home to some of the most popular hiking trails in Tahiti. Therefore, you may be surprised to learn that its possible to hike on Bora Bora. . In the rainy season, hiking in Bora Bora can be difficult. Bora Bora is a hike. The school held a competition as an Mata Pupu has some of the best views of any island in the world because of the ridge on which it is located. The banyan tree itself & much of what he experienced that day would feature in Avatar. An impressive sight from a distance is Puraha . The Bora Bora Valley of the Kings hike is the most popular. Many signs of ancient life have been uncovered in 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. Bora Bora Island Guide can devote the time to providing you Those who plan on going on a hike in flip flops and swimsuits should avoid going. For his 6 hour 2,168ft (661m) tour you must be very mini / 8 pers. This is due to the lack of signage, overgrown tracks, and the mountainous nature of the trails. What is the number 1 island in the world? You get to choose where you stay each night and how far you walk each day. It wasn't on our map until Azdine marked it there. 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. While snacking, you'll notice that one of the cannons faces The Four Seasons Resort and the other faces Mt Otemanu. And everything was Those who find these cannons will have spectacular views of the lagoon as well as a unique perspective on the city. 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. Tour guide for Valley of the Kings, Bora Bora 3 years ago Save Hi everybody, 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. Want to visit Bora Bora without breaking the bank? of the products on this site. When he arrived in Papeete he cried. Kings on one of his bedroom windows. 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. It will take you two and a half hours to reach the summit, which is 610 meters higher than the lowest point. The year long course taught intensive archeology, biology, anthropology and geology. The track can be found by heading clockwise around the island on the main road. Listen out for the island's 4x4 and quad bike tours, which can be heard rumbling up the narrow track behind you if you happen to be hiking it. The mountain is only accessible by hiking with a certified guide. Take a picnic and make a morning or afternoon out of it, making use of the simple bench seats at the cannons. The trail begins at the Belvedere parking lot and offers impressive views of Mount Tohivea, the Opunohu Valley, Opunohu Bay, Cooks Bay, and more. Tips for a sustainable stay in The Islands of Tahiti. However if beaches are your priority, then Fiji would be the better choice. In December 2005 he arrived in Bora Bora. 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 Moorea, or Bora Bora is sure to be a transformative and unforgettable experience. 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 restaurant and become a guide. the jungle. It explains in part also the wish of modern day Bora Borians to be buried on their land & not in cemeteries or crematoriums. Wear a light jacket that can keep both cold and warm, as well as proper hiking gear and waterproof hiking boots. Therefore, you may be surprised to learn that it's possible to hike on Bora Bora. Here you can find the only hike in Tahiti that allows access to the Mt. 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]. Tour guide for Valley of the Kings, Bora Bora, Re: Tour guide for Valley of the Kings, Bora Bora, Get answers to your questions about Bora Bora. Some of its most breathtaking views can be seen from some of its most prominent points. of us at Bora Bora Island guide love to Its known as Hiros Finger (or another part of his anatomy depending on who you ask). Hiking in the Valley of Kings Aquabike Underwater Scooter Set off on an adventure in the Bora Bora lagoon with an underwater scooter, and explore unknown depths. 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. Now he could live the simple life of his dreams, just from hiking. from the mountain for them. This trail, which measures approximately 3.4 kilometers in length, is labeled as difficult in terms of difficulty. The lagoon in Bora Bora has one ocean pass that opens to the sea. the island he wanted to live on. 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. Answer 1 of 2: My husband and I leave to Taha'a and Bora Bora next week. It is believed up to 7 Kings were buried that way over time. 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. Mount Pahia Ascent is one of the countrys best hiking trails. Gregoire Le Bacon Tahiti Nui Helicopters. 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 take about 9-10 hours to hike around the island and return to the summit of Mount Pahia via a quick detour. Because Azdine was the first to discover this trail, he is considered one of the best guides in Bora Bora. When you stay at an overwater villa In Bora Bora or Moorea, you can snorkel or swim right off your private deck. 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. Because the terrain is rough and steep at times, it is essential to wear shoes with adequate grip and traction. 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. Although it is a far more expensive destination than the Indonesian island. Re: Valley of the Kings trailhead. The island of Tahiti is arguably the most popular of the 118 islands in French Polynesia. find here. find Paradise. 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. Can you hike Mount Otemanu? 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. His other favorite places when he's not on the mountain! Mount Pahia (741m) is located southeast of Mount Otemanu and is well-known as a hiking destination. 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. 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. You must obtain an access permit from Papeete Town Hall before accessing this hiking trail in Tahiti. Spread over four locations, eight giant cannons were installed high on the hills in Bora Bora and they're still there today. About 4,000 people inhabit the island of Bora Bora. The average weekly stay for a more luxurious hotelier ranges between $1000 and $2000. We are interested in hike like Valley of the Kings (maybe all the way to Ancestor's Peak). He worked in a restaurant and convinced the government to accept him for training in Tahiti as a Polynesian hiking guide. and 2 tombs, which he estimates to be about 5 percent of the Hiking in the Valley of Kings on Ancestors Path - Full Day (Lunch not included) A hiking of about 6 hours through the Valley of kings to the "Ancestors' Peak". more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. The cheapest time to go to Bora Bora: The best deals can be found in Bora Boras off season between October and May. As will the fun of actually finding the cannons, even if one of the barrels has gone missing. Copyright 2011 - 2023 BoraBoraIslandGuide.com. Hikers who find these cannons will be rewarded with spectacular views of Bora Boras iconic lagoon. For 6 archeological sites. Archaeology: visit ancient temples (the marae) that is still sacred places and walk to the tomb of ancient kings. Kings. this same view across to the Bora Bora Valley of the views from various vantage points. 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. 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. Mount Otemanu is one of two peaks on Bora Bora (along with Mt. We had already caught a view of the sun setting over the islands dramatic silhouette from our anchorage in Tahaa and it certainly looked beautiful. 1. 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. by Sean Arnett | Nov 29, 2022 | South Pacific Islands. 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. Both Bora Bora and the Maldives involve further travel from the international airport. 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. I will be on the mission & readers will be the first to know of the findings! 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. 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. He's a qualified Polynesian hiking guide who's knowledgeable, passionate and humorous. This hiking trail is rated as moderately difficult for a reason: it has a steep terrain. It was in the banyan tree that Kings would find their final resting place. Find the bliss of an overwater bungalow closer to home: the Caribbean's most worthy alternatives. find here. acquainted with the locals. On these Bora Bora hiking tours you are led along old pathways to explore the remnants of ancient villages and maraes, which were It makes ones stomach churn to be told that the contractors knew what they were doing & even took some of the more important stones, like the stone for the mango drip, to decorate their homes. 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. What is the cheapest time to go to Bora Bora? Which InterContinental in Bora Bora is better? Hiking Mount Otemanu at Le Meridien Bora Bora offers visitors the opportunity to make a physical and mental commitment to this difficult trek. The island, located about 230 kilometres (140 mi) northwest of Papeete, is surrounded by a lagoon and a barrier reef. He lives in a modest, immaculate home, near the Kaina Hut, read our advertising disclosure. We may also earn commissions on some The probelm is that I cannot find information online from any of the tour operators that state whether or. The lava tubes, hidden pools, and waterfalls are well worth the effort. Polynesian Island Tours offers a choice of fascinating cultural walks: 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. at the Kaina Hut. Aorai is the third-highest peak in Tahiti, rising 2,066 meters. The trailhead is near a tower just north of Povaie Bay, which is also home to an art gallery. Mt. Hiking in French Polynesia is an experience unlike any other. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States.