valley of the kings hike bora bora

Up for a challenge? You will be rewarded at the end with spectacular views, but there are still some steep cliffs to climb. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. The scent is exquisite, that of the finest coffee perfumed with a rich hint of dark chocolate slurp! Smell. Due to the mountains crumbly vertical cliffs, it is not possible to gain access to the summit further. with all the free and fabulous information & resources you'll This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. 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. His outdoor shower hangs from a tree in his pretty garden. find Paradise. restaurant, and Tahitian people don't go in the restaurant. Kings on one of his bedroom windows. He's an example for us all. 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! We are interested in visiting the archaeological site of the Valley of Kings. Hotels are few and fancy, ranging from $400$2,000 per night for the lowest standard rates. For bargain prices with optimal weather, book summer dates early or book dates in the shoulder months of November and April. When To Hike In The Valley Of Kings Bora Bora - BikeHike views from various vantage points. This is due to the lack of signage, overgrown tracks, and the mountainous nature of the trails. Bora Bora is a hike. Mata Pupu has some of the best views of any island in the world because of the ridge on which it is located. This short 4-kilometer round trip is a pleasant walk in which children will not fail to participate. The easiest way is to head towards Point Fitiuu on the main circle island road where you'll soon find yourself heading up a small hill as you near it on Google maps. Those who find these cannons will have spectacular views of the lagoon as well as a unique perspective on the city. Bora Bora: A Slice Of Paradise | Private Islands Blog big house? 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. That's Re: Valley of the Kings trailhead. But with his dynamic "When I stand in my shower I see my mountain" he tells us Fall in love with lush, tropical shores and experience Mana. Bora Bora Hiking is a rewarding experience because the lush tropical vegetation is so beautiful and there are amazing Beyond the hustle and bustle of Papeete, its capital city, lies a remarkable landscape rich in hiking opportunities. Copyright 2011 - 2023 BoraBoraIslandGuide.com. When planning a trip to Bora Bora, many visitors wonder when the best time to hike in the Valley of Kings is. 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. Because the island of Bora Bora is a small one, hiking the entire coast is possible in a single day. 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 Papenoo Valley offers a well-rounded glimpse of Tahitis landscape: magnificent waterfalls, ancient archaeological sites, lush, tropical vegetation, and picturesque canyons. In December 2005 he arrived in Bora Bora. 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. The trailhead can be a little tricky to find. island's main village was originally located there. As Azdine said to us: The difference between a foreigner & a local tahitian is that the foreigner has a watch, but the tahitian has the time! 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. The best part? 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. Climbing Mt. Mount Pahia is Mount Otemanus twin-peaked and shorter sibling, topping out at 658 m (2159ft). Mount Otemanu is the most iconic peak in The Islands of Tahiti. 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. Over time as the roots thickened the bodies would find themselves engulfed in the structure of the tree. Valley of the Kings trailhead - Bora Bora Forum - Tripadvisor Mount Pahia can be climbed in about 4 hours by fit and experienced hikers. Bora Bora is exclusive and expensive because it is very hard to get to. It makes for the most powerful of encounters: The banyan tree is called Tumu Ora (the Tree of Life) in Tahitian & it was to this special place that Azdine took James Cameron, a man captivated by Polynesian culture & the producer of the film Avatar. Beyond the turquoise lagoon and glistening bays lie emerald peaks, fragrant pineapple fields, and lush valleys just waiting to be explored. Add these best free (and nearly free!) I don't believe he does a tour everyday, but I had the concierge at our hotel set it up for me. The weather in Bora Bora is relatively stable year-round, with temperatures typically ranging from 27-32 degrees Celsius. things to do in Bora Bora to your travel itinerary. He planned to The 118 islands that make up French Polynesia each have their own culture and tourist attractions. Since the hike we are looking at (Valley of Kings) is 3 hrs, I assume it doesn't go to the top. You should choose a professional or advanced hiker with the necessary equipment. It is best known for its stunning beaches, turquoise water, and breathtaking views, as well as stunning beaches and turquoise water. Great for families, the Papenoo Valley is home to some of the most popular. You get to choose where you stay each night and how far you walk each day. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. Despite the fact that shark attacks are rare in Bora Bora, there are a large number of them. The initial section will give your calves a workout and make you sweat in the tropical humidity. Most visitors head to Bora Bora for a blissful, tropical island vacation that centers around relaxing in an overwater bungalow on the sparkling lagoon. Bora Bora is exclusive and expensive because it is very hard to get to. Hiking and Mountain Climbing in Bora Bora: An Excursion - Zicasso You'll also hear There are several different routes to the top, and the most popular is the South Ridge route. For those interested in seeing waterfalls while hiking in Tahiti, a visit to the Faraura Valley is a must. We've already booked our Full Day Lagoon Tour in Bora Bora. By continuing to use the site, you agree to our cookie policy. 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. It wasn't on our map until Azdine marked it there. Seeing the lava stone in the inner island prompted him to think of using it for cooking. Bora Bora Valley Of The Kings: Cultural Tours With Azdine The Guide The trail is well-marked and relatively easy to follow. Circle the cliffs keeping to the top of the left side. 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. 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 The trailhead can be found on the south-western end of the island, and it takes approximately two hours to reach the summit. You can find a description of Azdine's tours, Azdine, the guide, will share information about geology, ancestral plants, medicine and sacred trees. 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. The 7 best hikes in Bora Bora - Lonely Planet Travel News He said, "I haven't left, because every day I'm on holiday. The year long course taught intensive archeology, biology, anthropology and geology. his son to study hard so that one day he would be able to travel to Hiking in the Valley of Kings on Ancestors Path - Far and Away Adventures It is only possible to do these tours during dry weather. It explains in part also the wish of modern day Bora Borians to be buried on their land & not in cemeteries or crematoriums. 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. I don't need to go on holiday. ), 2 pers. why you'll see ads on this site. I tried to contact him by email (through Polynesia Tours) but didn't get a reply. Never hike the off-road tracks during or after rain. We really enjoy hikes with incredible views and learning something along the way. Travelers can enter Bora Bora for 90 days every six months without a visa. The hikes to Mount Otemanu and Mount Pahia are not for the faint-hearted. However, the rainy season typically runs from November to April, so visitors should avoid hiking in the Valley of Kings during this time. In 2003, with his life in a backpack and 20,000XPF, a young Frenchman, whose parents had immigrated from Morocco, set out to What is the cheapest time to go to Bora Bora? The elevation is determined by the terrain. Of course, it may have something to do with Tahiti's awe-inspiring waterfalls. When it comes to planning your South Pacific Island trip, there are many things to consider. Starting point is in Faanui, ask the locals in the area and I am sure they will gladly point you in the right direction. Swim, sun bake and snorkel in this warm turquoise water. This trail, which measures approximately 3.4 kilometers in length, is labeled as difficult in terms of difficulty. The income generated through these means helps ensure 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. The school held a competition as an How Many Days Do You Need In Bora Bora? It was a big city! Pahia climb is Azdine, who also takes tours through the Valley of the 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. The banyan tree itself & much of what he experienced that day would feature in Avatar. 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. The average cost for a week-long holiday in Bora Bora starts at around $11,000 for two. The differences between the InterContinental Hotels in Bora Bora are best be summed up this way: The InterContinental Le Moana feels like a more authentic experience, on the main island in bungalow-like rooms. Mount Otemanu is one of two peaks on Bora Bora (along with Mt. 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. Located east of Papeete, the Faananu Valley is renowned for its rich and diverse endemic vegetation. Pathways go through ancient villages, ceremonial sites, sacred spots, and through trees bearing coconuts and wild fruits. 8 Days. Hiking in Tahiti - Tahiti Tourisme When Azdine was a young student in France, his father put a poster of Hiking Mount Otemanu at Le Meridien Bora Bora offers visitors the opportunity to make a physical and mental commitment to this difficult trek. intriguing Polynesian legends and taste wild island fruits and coconuts, plucked straight from the trees. A local guide is very useful. 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. A television crew came from Papeete to make a documentary. The Best Time To Hike In The Valley Of Kings | Private Islands Blog 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. We would soon realise also that it is for the sprituality it imparts. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. Here are some of the best places to go, is the most developed and populous island in French Polynesia, also known as. The scenic trail is lush and features fascinating local flora. Azdine won, as he topped the course. Moorea, or Bora Bora is sure to be a transformative and unforgettable experience. Most excursions require healthy conditions. The Bora Bora Island guide who leads these unique tours is Azdine Using a machete, he removed thick vegetation to uncover the ruins of an ancient marae Bora Bora temple.