Islands Far Far Away....
This lens is about my own experience in French Polynesia. I want to share the beauty I have seen, felt with all of my six senses. There is also some information that is different from what is written in the books. I hope this will be helpful to someone who is planning to go to Tahiti and the other islands of French Polyneisa.
Paradise Photos
Where to go
Lots to choose from
There are 118 islands in French Polynesia and it might be hard to choose where to go. The most visited islands by tourists are the group called The Society Islands. Famous Tahiti and Bora Bora belong there.The choice comes back to you, whether you want to experience a totally "wild" place without roads, banks, restaurants (or even simple snack places) or if you prefer to be in a hotel with all the luxury you can imagine.
Ancient God
Tahiti Island
Tahiti is a beautiful island that is very worth while exploring. You can rent a car right at the airport upon arrival. You can also rent a scooter, but for that you will have to go to Papeete. I found a rental place on the last day on one of the hidden streets in the capital city.Here is the link to it:
Tahiti Auto Center
My favourite beaches on Tahiti are the black sand beach on the Venus point and white sand beach in the Meridian hotel.
Black Sand Beach
Moorea Island
Moorea is only 20 minutes by ferry from Tahiti. It has world famous rocks in a shape of shark teeth, ancient temples, calm lagoon full of colourful fish, unique bays and of course beautiful beaches. If you decide to go around the island you can visit little villages and talk to local people. They are incredibly friendly and open.There is Daniel's Pizza on the way. They have the best pizza! Thin crust, plenty of toppings and not over cheesy. Daniel creates his pizza for you on the spot, from scratch. Again, use the chance to talk to the locals, they are fun and have lots to share!
If you are staying on the island for a few days you can visit the plantation and taste their fresh made juices and jams and learn a lot about tropical plants.
There are also safaries across the island, diving and snorkelling if you are more of the ocean adventurer. And of course, it is a great destination for the surfers!
Even tiny villages have churches
Bora Bora
One of the most popular islands of French Polynesia is Bora Bora. One of my favourites too.If you are looking for a decently priced, and at the same time beautiful place to stay, I recommend Chez Nono. This pension (small family own hotel) shares the beach with Intercontinental Hotel. They have rooms and bungalows for rent. The rooms are small and hot, but the bungalows are great and affordable.
Chez Nono also offers daily boat excursions. You will snorkel in a fish garden, see small sharks (very beautiful creatures!), swim with stingrays and also have a traditional Polynesian lunch.
If you are a first time diver, then Bora Bora is a very good place to start. The lagoon offers both safety and beauty. The instructors of Bora Bora Diving Centre are very mindful and caring, they thoroughly explain the technique before you plunge and look after you while in the water.
If you happen to be in the main village, and you certainly will if you travel on your own, visit the pastry place. It is great for a French style breakfast. The croissants and coffee became a staple for me. The pastries are made every morning. The owner is French and he knows his job well!
Polynesian Lunch
Rangiroa
Now let us move to the atolls. Atoll is an island with no mountain, it is a ring shaped land with a lagoon in the middle.Rangiroa is the largest atoll in French Polynesia. If you are a diver, then it is a great place to go to see marine life. If you are not, then there is not that much to do. The white sand of the beaches was washed away with the big storms in the 90's and now they are all stony. Most of the time it is windy and the ocean is agitated, so I didn't find it very inviting.
The island itself is very peaceful and at the same time the traces of civilisation are still there. There is even a taxi on the island! Only one for the whole place.... I wanted to take it one night, but the driver said he was tired and went to sleep :). Thankfully, local people are good to hitch hikers, and there is a good chance to find a ride.
There are plenty of pensions to stay in. I rented bungalow next to the water and enjoyed the sound of the ocean.
If you decide to experience traditional a Polynesian dance show, you can visit the Kia Ora Hotel. Make sure you are dressed appropriately, as bikinis and t-shirts are not allowed :)
Open Ocean
Tikehau
Tikehau was the last island I visited and it was certainly the most remote and isolated place I have ever been to in my life. Those Robinson Cruso pictures of paradise were taken in a place like this.I was lucky to watch the full moon eclipse there! I just happened to be at the right place at the right time.
Tikehau is an ideal place to rest, enjoy the sun, swim naked and feel being part of the nature.
Make sure that the place you stay provides at least breakfast and dinner, otherwise you might have to go on a diet :) There are no restaurants there, only one snack place which is open only at lunch time and it might be closed if the owner is feeling like staying home that day.
There is one baker that makes bread for the entire island. He bakes bread once a day, in the afternoon to have it fresh for dinner. This is a place to meet the locals of the island. I remembered there how good bread could taste. If you happen to be there on a day when they make coconut bread, make sure to try it!
evening in the lagoon
Travel Tips
What to Bring
Except for the important items like passport, ticket and money you will need the following:
-mosquito repellent (you can buy it in Polynesia too. It is based on coconut oil there and it's actually very effective)
-sunscreen,
-sunglasses,
-bathing suit,
-"shoes" for swimming - to keep your feet protected from coral cuts,
-shorts
-a set of "dress up code". Polynesians like to dress up and if you want to go out for a dance performance you will need to follow "no shorts" policy.
What to Take Back Home
-black pearl,
-pareo,
-lots of photos,
-suntan,
-happy memories,
-peace of mind...
What to Experience
-visit market in Papeete,
-try traditional Polynesian raw fish in coconut milk,
-see and participate in traditional Polynesian dance,
-touch white, pink and black sands and take picture of your foot on each,
-take a safari across Tahiti island,
-snorkel in "fish garden" on Bora Bora,
-witness shark feeding,
-swim with stingrays - they are very gentle creatures and they like playing with people,
-scuba dive in Rangiroa passage,
-have a beer with local people,
-have French style breakfast in Vaitape village, Bora Bora,
-make round tour of each island you visit.
If You Get Lost or Need Something - No Matter What
find your beautiful smile and approach a local person, they will do everything they can and more to help you out.
Except for the important items like passport, ticket and money you will need the following:
-mosquito repellent (you can buy it in Polynesia too. It is based on coconut oil there and it's actually very effective)
-sunscreen,
-sunglasses,
-bathing suit,
-"shoes" for swimming - to keep your feet protected from coral cuts,
-shorts
-a set of "dress up code". Polynesians like to dress up and if you want to go out for a dance performance you will need to follow "no shorts" policy.
What to Take Back Home
-black pearl,
-pareo,
-lots of photos,
-suntan,
-happy memories,
-peace of mind...
What to Experience
-visit market in Papeete,
-try traditional Polynesian raw fish in coconut milk,
-see and participate in traditional Polynesian dance,
-touch white, pink and black sands and take picture of your foot on each,
-take a safari across Tahiti island,
-snorkel in "fish garden" on Bora Bora,
-witness shark feeding,
-swim with stingrays - they are very gentle creatures and they like playing with people,
-scuba dive in Rangiroa passage,
-have a beer with local people,
-have French style breakfast in Vaitape village, Bora Bora,
-make round tour of each island you visit.
If You Get Lost or Need Something - No Matter What
find your beautiful smile and approach a local person, they will do everything they can and more to help you out.
Place is currently vacant...
I used the following books
Tahiti & French Polynesia (Country Guide)
Amazon Price: $15.63 (as of 07/26/2008)
Insight Compact Guide Tahiti & French Polynesia (Insight Compact Guides)
Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 07/26/2008)
Hidden Tahiti and French Polynesia: Including Moorea, Bora Bora, and the Society, Austral, Gambier, Tuamotu, and Marquesas Islands (Hidden Travel)
Amazon Price: $13.57 (as of 07/26/2008)
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LeslieBrenner
Oh-oh, I'm getting the island "slows" just looking at the pictures. Beautiful. Posted March 12, 2008 |
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planet-trotter
thank you, everyone! :) Posted February 15, 2008 |
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catchquests
great lens... would love to go to tahiti one day!!:) have you discovered the philippines?:) i am here to get the word out about catchquests: the absolute philippine travel guide! Posted February 13, 2008 |
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PABro
What a fantastic place! Great photos. 5*s. - Paul Posted February 11, 2008 |
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jacobm
Great information and lens you have! Posted February 11, 2008 |
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Piksychick
I so want to go there. It truly looks like heaven on earth! Beautiful photos. Posted January 22, 2008 |
Tahitian Pearls Samples
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Pearls
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Treasures
New eBay
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links to the airlines and agencies
International Airline of French Polynesia
Air Tahiti Nui
Domestic Airline of French Polynesia
Air Tahiti
Other ways to get to French Polyneisa
Air France
LAN
Air New Zealand
Air Tahiti Nui
Domestic Airline of French Polynesia
Air Tahiti
Other ways to get to French Polyneisa
Air France
LAN
Air New Zealand
