Bora Bora has an incredible rainforest-clad interior with majestic mountains and trails that will take your breath away. 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. Walking & Hiking In Tahiti: The Eight Best Trails For Views & Fun! People can and do, get lost and injured due to the difficult terrain and lack of signage. This route is considered to be fairly challenging, with some exposed sections and some steep climbs. The thrills begin with your arrival at Bora Bora Airport. The views from the top of Mount Pahia are out of this world, and definitely make the two-hour hike worth it. 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. From the peak you will get spectacular panoramic views across Bora Bora and out into the Pacific Ocean its arguably the best view anywhere on the island, but you need to be an experienced hiker to get there. You find the scent of pineapple blending with the semi-sweet ocean fragrance. The hiking route starts off at the base of Mount Otemanu with you trekking through an overgrown area which then leads you up the northeastern side of the mountain. French Polynesia is home to numerous dreamy islands, and Bora Bora stands out as the most popular destination. Youll walk along winding trails as you scale the mountain, getting steeper and steeper until eventually you need the help of the strategically placed ropes to pull yourself up to the highest point. Board the boat on the resorts private dock to begin your private journey around the indigo and turquoise hues of the crystal clear waters. For an experienced hiker or someone under the guidance of a professional, Bora Bora hiking in the rain can be quite enjoyable. The solid rock and sheer drop makes it impossible to scale. Also, keep in mind that you can always catch a cab back to your hotel or get on a bike if you get too tired and decide not to finish the entire island loop. The dorsal fin of bannerfish wiggles and dances in the current like a streamer alongside the reaching branches of the vibrant coral. Youll need to be able to physically pull yourself up using the ropes to get to the cave. Who wouldnt want to brag about conquering it? Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window), Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window). The history of Mount Otemanu This is due to the lack of signage, overgrown tracks, and the mountainous nature of the trails. Clown fish hide in the tendrils of purple anemones, highlighting the intricate details of life under the sea. If youre feeling super adventurous and up for a challenge, then you can walk around the whole island of Bora Bora using the coastal road. Usually, only one of the paths is the continuation of the trail, while others tend to be dead-end paths. The tropical heat fills the valley. That said, only hike as high up as you feel comfortable the views are stunning halfway up the mountain too. You look into the canopy to find a red-tailed tropicbird, known for its white plumage and pink and black tint around the eyes. The breeze rustles the thistles dangling from your overwater bungalows thatched roof. A fin of a humpback whale reaches out of the water. Megan's travel tips been featured in numerous media outlets including Metro, Timeout, Thrillist and more. A lot of people visiting Bora Bora dont realize that its actually possible to hike up Mt Otemanu. In case you wind up in someones backyard, be apologetic and tell them that you had no idea you would end up there. This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist. You get to choose where you stay each night and how far you walk each day. Covering 2.2 miles, Fountain Valley Trail boasts an elevation gain of 324 feet and offers some of the best hiking experiences in Colorado. Bora Bora Hiking - Bora Bora Forum - Tripadvisor An Honest Guide On If Bora Bora Is Overrated. 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. Trail length: 3.4 kilometers Elevation Change: 601 meters Hiking Time: 2 hours 30 minutes Starting Point: Trailhead at end of road near catholic church in Tiipoto Difficulty: Hard Transportation: Mount Pahia is the tallest mountain in Bora Bora that is accessible to hikers. The upside to being on the tour route is that this track is really obvious and its hard to get lost. You meet your guide in the lobby and return to the coast of the main island to begin your exploration of the Valley of the Kings. Whether youve decided to climb Mount Otemanu or not, its always a good idea to find out more about Bora Boras most iconic landmark. Its possible to walk along a ridge atop Mata Pupu an experience that offers some of the best panoramic views that can be experienced on the Bora Bora islands. Thu 26 Jul 2007 03:50 Share: Previous Back to Index Next A must do in Bora Bora is the Mountain Hike up the tallest peak on Bora Bora, some 600m. Indulge in the refreshing flavor of a fresh cappuccino made from beans cultivated on the ridges of Mount Otemanu. The mountains and jungle in Bora Bora were sacred places to ancient Polynesians as this was where the spirits of their ancestors lived. Welcome to Wandering our World! The views from here are out of this world, and something youre unlikely to forget for years to come. Make sure youre prepared for all kinds of terrain before beginning any journey outdoors! Its likely that youll get lost a few times without a guide, but getting back on the trail is easy enough. except Sunday. The warm South Pacific Sea feels inviting. A hat is also recommended to protect you from the sun. You can book tours for any day Pahia is no walk in the park either and unlike Otemanu, you can actually reach the peak. If you do go hiking but are confronted for being on private land, be polite and say you didnt know. Some of these tips were also provided to me by my guide. You scour up the smooth but steep ascent to the cave to find views of the indigo lagoon spreading to the cobalt colors of the sea. You hike through fertile valleys amongst lush tropical vegetation. Although you can start hiking anywhere, its recommended to begin the hike in the southern part of the island. outdated. Mt Otemanu is Bora Boras highest point so, as you can imagine, hiking it definitely isnt a walk in the park but you will be rewarded at the end with some spectacular views! Schools of angelfish swim below. As the most popular peak of the 12ers, Mount Borah's standard route has become crowded most Summer weekends. Board a boat to view the migrating whale pods. He's a qualified Polynesian hiking guide who's knowledgeable, passionate and humorous. Otemanu is a jagged, green-sided mountain in the center of the island of Bora Bora. The whale flops back into the water, causing a ripple effect that rocks the boat. Want to learn more? Black Balsam Knob via Art Loeb Trail. If reaching its summit is more a matter of climbing than hiking, walkers can however reach the Anau cave which is located at its base. read our advertising disclosure. The remaining part of your hike to reach the cannons is mild and manageable. Follow the trail until you get to the summit of Mount Pahia easy enough, right? Dont worry, you dont need to be an athlete to do this hike but you do need to have a decent level of fitness. Despite being relatively short, there are some steep areas along the trail; however, it can be completed within 30 minutes from start to finish. In the distance, you can see the outline of Raiatea, a nearby French Polynesian island. Remember to wear proper shoes though as the hike can be quite steep in places. The 16 Best Hikes on Oahu for Every Skill Level - U.S. News Travel Bora Bora is synonymous with relaxing in splendor but there's more to this beauty than the beach. A guide to Bora Bora Hiking. Mount Pahia is the shorter sibling of Mount Otemanu, offering breathtaking views spanning both Bora Bora and beyond into the Pacific Ocean surfaces. Otemanu! Trail type: Out and back. Departing from the tower - in disbelief that it could get any better - the climb takes hikers up & literally over Mata Pupu a prominent Bora Bora landmark whose cone-shaped structure reaches 235m into the skies. Approximate elevation gain: 630 feet. There is no entry or access fee. The hike down is fast and steep, not easy in any capacity. Humpback whales leap from the water, showcasing their grand size and unique grace. Most visitors head to Bora Bora for a blissful, tropical island vacation that centers around relaxing in an overwater bungalow on the sparkling lagoon. Your guide reels the parasail back to the boat where you relish the scenic journey back to the resort. Hiking and climbing in Bora Bora must be done during the dry season (Winter). You must follow an access road to the transmission tower, which marks the beginning of spectacular views of Bora Boras most expensive resorts. Hiking in Bora Bora: Green Mountains & WW2 American Guns Certain areas of the mountain contain the bodies of ancient Polynesian kings and queens. The mountain ascents on the Bora Bora Island are very rough and challenging in dry weather. Women in a small village set beside mango and avocado trees hand-dye their sarongs to imitate the vivacious colors of the island. From there you can walk along a mountain ridge towards the islands highest mountain,Mount Otemani. Visit a local village and learn to husk a coconut before finding the sacred cave of Ana o Pea. The prime season to climb Mount Borah is from mid-July to mid-September. Hikers can see all the way over to the islands of Tahaa and Raiatea across the deep blue sea. Are you still looking for additional information? The remainder of the day is yours to experience the pleasures of Bora Bora at your leisure. Bora Bora Travel Guide | French Polynesia Backpacking & Hiking The sensational views out across the lagoon from this ridge and Mata Pupu are out of this world. All rights reserved. The water here is incredibly shallow even 200-300 yards out into the sea so its perfect for walking in water and watching the colorful fish swim around your legs. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. I had a blast. Look out for the old WWII remnants and guns when hiking through the lush jungle, as well as the relics of ancient Polynesian temples. It is only possible to do these tours during dry weather. But, its enough to retrace your steps if you end up following the wrong path. The hike itself takes you up to the shoulder region of the mountain (about halfway up) where youll find a huge cave that can be seen from ground level. This cave is believed to be haunted, but the views from the cave out towards the ocean are worth the risk! Starting from . In the morning, you enjoy the comforting tropical aromas of fresh papaya and colorful guava. Although this trek will require four to five hours to finish, its worth every second! The route starts at Vaitape. Just make sure you have a good level of fitness and some upper body strength before hiking this trail. 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. I found that the hike started off pretty moderate in intensity but it got harder the higher up we got. Mount Otemanu serves as an important and sacred place for the Polynesian people who have lived in Bora Bora since the 3rd century. Learn more. From there you can walk along a mountain ridge towards the island's highest mountain, Mount Otemani. Mountain Climbing Mount Otemanu Climb Mount Otemanu (727m), the highest and most recognized feature on Bora Bora Island can only be climbed up to it's 'shoulders'. You can attempt to climb to the top of Mount Pahia on your own, just know that it will take time and patience. 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. You return to the boat and continue your adventures in the water with a distinctive aquabike excursion. You listen to the light waves splash against the mixture of sandy beaches and rugged points. Around 350 meters (1148ft) past the cargo vessel quay in Farepiti, you will see a dirt road to the cannons snaking up the hill to your right. Mount Pahia Hike - Reviews, Photos - Mount Pahia - Tripadvisor The track will be too slippery and downright dangerous. Mount Pahia can be climbed in about 4 hours by fit and experienced hikers. This Bora Bora hiking trail is very short, but its rated as moderately difficult because of the steep terrain. Make sure you look out for the old American WWII cannons which are scattered around as well as some ancient-looking altars that remain from old Polyensian temples. As will the fun of actually finding the cannons, even if one of the barrels has gone missing. . Towards the end of the hike, youll even need to use the ropes which have been placed along certain points to help you on the steepest points. In wet weather, the trails become much more dangerous because of the slippery terrain. Hiking In Bora Bora: Six Breathtaking Trails For Views & Fun! Its pretty impressive. why you'll see ads on this site. You do need to be moderately fit to take on this hike. I found the hike up Mount Otemanu wasnt easy at all and it was fairly strenuous at certain parts so you do need to be moderately fit to do it. Your private transfer escorts you from the resort to Bora Bora Airport when you are ready. Despite its height at only 2100ft, this trek will surely put your hiking endurance to the test. Oualid. My guide, Manu, was absolutely incredible. You linger on the water and continue to search for playful whales on the water before arriving on the powdery-white sands of a motu, an islet. As you trek along this pathway, an exceptionally shaped geological feature, known as Hiros Finger, stands out from its counterparts. Its possible to hire a guide to take you anywhere on the island, and this is the best option if you want to explore Bora Boras inland trails but youre not sure where to even begin. Visitors can admire the mountain from a boat, or explore the base of the mountain on a rigorous guided hike. The mountain is a remnant of the old volcano that formed the island and its possible to hike up the mountain to a certain point. Summit Elevation - 12,662'. You can however hike up to the shoulder areas of the volcano and this still provides a pretty impressive view of Bora Bora and its iconic blue lagoon. Relax in the shade and enjoy the aroma of grilling mahi mahi for a picnic lunch. A local guide is recommended due to the dangerous hiking conditions, which involve climbing, ropes and forging through an unmaintained track. If youre on your own, youll have a hard time figuring out which path is the correct one to take. and Chicken Out Ridge was a hand-over-fist festival with a healthy dose of exposure. Your guide cuts a thick vine away from the trees. Since hiking trails are not maintained, consider 4x4 trails. Although it is technically possible to do this hike without a guide, I wouldnt recommend it. Hiking with guides is especially recommended for people without a lot of hiking experience since the terrain of Bora Boras best hiking trails is rarely suitable for newbies without proper equipment. Mount Pahia (Bora Bora) - What to Know BEFORE You Go (2023) - Tripadvisor The guns from WWII that are still sitting on the northwestern edge of the island are another famous Bora Bora landmark worth checking out. Hi! 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. If youre looking to explore the Valley of The Kings, its best done with a guide. From there, follow the road past the car rental place and through the residential area. Borah Peak : Climbing, Hiking & Mountaineering : SummitPost From then on the hike steadily gets steeper, and there will be markings on trees to show you which way to go keep a close eye on them during the ascent as theyre easy to miss. 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. Hibiscus and frangipani blossom beneath the towering coconut palms on shore. At 727 meters, Mount Otemanu is the tallest peak on the island and the most challenging ascent in Bora Bora. Bora Bora is the perfect place for hikers of any level - from beginners to experts. read Azdine's story of finding Paradise. The boat anchors near the edge of one of Bora Boras famous coral gardens that acts as a barrier between the sea and the island shores. Your guide points to wild pig tracks. The hikes to Mount Otemanu and Mount Pahia are not for the faint-hearted. How Much Cash Should I Bring To Bora Bora? Five camping units are available. Bora Boras lagoon is ridiculously picturesque, and the palm-shaded beaches are just as beautiful. intriguing Polynesian legends and taste wild island fruits and coconuts, plucked straight from the trees. The speedboat glides over the indigo waters and causes the lagoon to splash over the hull of the boat. You push through the jungle brush, ascending the lush hills. From here, it's an easier hike to the cannons. Bora Bora Hiking is a rewarding experience because the lush tropical vegetation is so beautiful and there are amazing I now run the Wandering our World team - this article was either written by one of our freelance staff writers and then edited by me, or written by myself. Enjoy fresh fish grilled on porous lava stone before returning to the resort in the afternoon. Hiking in Bora Bora: From Green Mountains to WW2 American Guns By Christian L. Published: August 7, 2020 - Last updated: September 13, 2021 7 Comments This Bora Bora travel guide will help you to discover the hidden gems on this exquisite island. 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. The story is that attempts to climb Mt. 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. Today you give your muscles a rest with a cruise around the stunning lagoon, meeting your guide in the lobby after the meal. You continue to look into the distance where the fin had emerged. But it is possible to hike to a cave on Mount Otemanu. Bora Bora is a paradise teeming with all sorts of amazing attractions. This awesome cave makes Mount Otemanu one of the best Bora Bora hiking trails as its such a treat to see at the end of a strenuous climb. find here. Check out the video below for a visual representation of the trail. Covering 2 kilometers with an elevation gain of 240 meters, this moderate trail takes 1-2 hours to complete depending on your speed so dont forget to bring some water and sunscreen! As Randy Newman once said: Its a jungle out there! Otemanu have failed because the rock is too crumbly. Spanning one kilometer in length, youll find yourself surrounded by incredible natural scenery as you traverse through without any major elevation changes. The volcanic island might not be famous as a popular hiking destination, but thats one of the things that nearly everyone who visits Bora Bora does. Our guide told us that many people believe the cave is haunted but the views from up here are definitely worth the risk. There are a few good walking trails, and as the island is small, they can be accomplished 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. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. From quick hikes to interesting landmarks to loops that take you around the entire island here are the best hiking trails in Bora Bora to explore while youre on the fascinating island! The center of Bora Bora is also home to an extinct volcano. Two-Week Island Paradise Vacation: Honeymooning in Tahiti, Bora Bora by Sky & Sea: Helicopter and Diving Vacation Tour. Bora Bora is a rather small island and its possible to hike its entire coast in a single day. . As you ascend up the hill towards the monument, youll find an array of artillery used by Americans in WWII be sure to allocate some time to learn about these historical guns! The lush green peak that remains is just the remnant of an ancient volcano which hasnt been active for millions of years. For his 6 hour 2,168ft (661m) tour you must be very Dont expect to stumble upon mountain huts and cabins where you can grab refreshments when necessary there arent such things in Bora Bora, and the only items that youre able to use on your hikes are the ones that you brought in your backpack.
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