Catriona Rowntree goes beyond the beaches and lagoons of Bora Bora
Catriona Rowntree goes beyond the beaches and lagoons of Bora Bora and discovers a side of the tropical island that most tourists never see.
Location:
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Cost:
Tupuna Safari www.tupunasafari.com
Bora Bora Jeep 4x4 Safari starts at $145 for adults and $72 for kids including guided village visits and
fruit platter
Bora Bora Masson Art Gallery www.instagram.com/massonartgallery
Air Tahiti Nui www.airtahitinui.com
Air Tahiti Nui flies from Australia to Papeete via Auckland several times a week.
Visit www.tahititourisme.au for more holiday inspiration
Prices correct at 21.03.26
Highlights:
The inland of Bora Bora is a world of volcanic peaks, hidden valleys and tiny villages where old traditions are kept alive. On a tour with Tupuna Safaris, the first stop was Masson Art Gallery where three generations of local artists create unique and colourful sarongs called pareo. Inspired by the surroundings of lush mountains, tropical flowers and beach, the beautiful pareos can be framed or worn. Wandering the property, which was like a little slice of paradise, Catriona learnt how the Polynesians use every part of the Uru tree, from eating the fruit to carving canoes, and using the sap.
Continuing on through the Faanui Valley, they came across a magnificent Banyan Tree, known as the tree of life. The trees are revered as a sacred, long-living entity, representing the vital connection between the earth and the heavens, some reported to be 1000 years old.
For the final destination, it was time to get off road. Tupuna Safaris is the only tour that has access to a track built by the Americans during World War II. Winding up the steep side of Popoti Mountain, they eventually reached the sumit which revealed a magnificent view over all of Bora Bora. Looking across to Mount Otemanu, guide Tiba explained "A hi'o i to mou'a", which are ancestors calling for people to return to nature. If they ever have a problem, looking out to the mountain restores and guides them.
Visiting inland Bora Bora offered deep cultural immersion and dramatic landscapes with a glimpse into the authentic side of French Polynesia.
Related Content:
Catriona Rowntree embraces culture in French Polynesia's capital, Papeete
Catriona Rowntree takes the plunge in 'the most beautiful holiday spot in the world'
