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Less than 10 minutes away from Tahiti
by air (every 1/2 hour) or less than one hour by ferry are the deep,
spectacular bays and white sand beaches of Moorea. The craggy volcanic peaks, reflected in the
tranquil waters of Cook's Bay and Oponohu Bay, rise like a shark's jaw
from the island's basaltic base. The lush mountain slopes are covered with
rain forest or pineapple plantations, and white sand beaches border
crystalline lagoons.
Upon your arrival at the
ferry terminal or at the small airport you can rent a car or a scooter ,
or take the local public transport, the "truck" to take you to
your destination (most hotels have pick-up).
Only 40 miles around on a well paved
road along the shore, this dramatic and lush island can easily be circled
by car, scooter or on bicycle for the more physically inclined.
You can also enjoy horseback riding along the
beach or the interior, hikes to hidden waterfalls or visit the Belvedere's
very spectacular scenic view point ( take a look at the QTVR panorama ).
For a truly spectacular
Tahitian Show, the best anywhere in Polynesia, go to the Tiki
Village where you will enjoy a memorable lagoon-side dinner and
spectacular show. The owner, Olivier Briac has also made this unique
Tahitian environment famous for his spectacular Royal
Tahitian Weddings which have been a favorite of movie stars such as
Dustin Hoffman as well as the international jet-set.
There is no town to speak-of on Moorea, but you
will find a few areas along the road with clusters of shops selling
miscellenious goods, local crafts and colorful hand printed fabrics (pareos). Like
all Polynesian islands, Moorea is enriched by folklore. Legend has it that
a golden skinned lizard abandoned by its human parents, became stranded on
the reef of Emeho as it swam after them. The merciful gods turned it into
the island of Moorea (which means 'golden lizard') one of the true jewels
of French Polynesia.
Although
it is only 17km from Tahiti and regarded as her sister island, Moorea
maintains its natural beauty and tranquility.
Indeed
it is often compared to James Mitchener's mythical island of Bali Hai. Its
volcanic peaks rise like a shark's jaw from the islands basaltic base and
are best viewed from Cook's Bay and Opunohu Bay, or from the Belvedere
Lookout point, where the sacred Rotui Mountain divides the two bays.
One
third of French Polynesia's total hotel capacity is on Moorea with 922
lodging units provided in hotel rooms and bungalows, or in small local
style thatched roof 'fare'. These include 746 garden, beach and overwater
bungalows and 176 rooms.
The
mountain slopes of Moorea are covered with pineapple plantations and at
water level, white sandy beaches border crystal clear lagoons.
Moorea's
quiet tranquillity will soothe your senses, for life is easy and slow
moving here, yet Moorea offers a variety of entertainment and recreation.
The
best way to get to know this magnificent island is to take a circle tour
by hire car or scooter through the small picturesque villages. This way
you can roam at will to the sugar white beach of your choice or inland
through the bamboo forests and pineapple and vanilla plantations. You are
free to stop as many times as you like to appreciate the spectacular views
of the mountains and valleys, lagoons and bays. The trip will take about
four hours depending, of course, how long you stop along the way.
In
Opunohu Bay at the Kellum you can visit a beautiful large garden and old
colonial home, built last century and apparently untouched by time.
A
tour of Opunohu valley means stops at the stone marae temples and archery
platforms used by Polynesian royalty in pre-Christian days and a pause at
Le Belvedere Lookout Point which offers an unequalled panorama of Moorea's
two bays.
If
you like horse riding, there is nothing more exhilarating than galloping
along the white sandy beaches. There are also all sorts of nautical
activities including deep sea fishing, motor boat cruising, sailing, scuba
diving, coral gazing and shell collecting using glass-bottom boats.
Glass-bottom
boats leave Hotel Bali Hai dock daily at 9am and 2pm except Thursday and
Saturday if the boat is being used for snorkelling excursions.
Moorea
has many talented artisans whose creations are sold in boutiques and
privately owned shops around the island. Here you'll find the perfect 'pareu',
sundress, bikini, shirt and beach-wear. These hand-painted designs are
ideal for the tropical climate.
Black
pearls can be purchased from several jewellers and boutiques on Moorea and
the public market in Pao Pao beside Cook's Bay has locally made shell
jewellery and hats, tote bags, baskets and mats woven from palm fronds,
pandanus and banana plants.
There
are a number of special events worth attending such as the Tahitian
Tamaara'a Show. You arrive by outrigger canoe at sunset, taste foods
Visitors
to the island of Moorea are very lucky on two counts. Of course, there is
the island's natural beauty and, with the Tiki Theatre Village being
located on the island, holiday makers have a unique opportunity to visit
an old Tahitian village.
Hotels & Resorts on Moorea
On Moorea most
hotels are located at the sunny and sheltered northshore of the island.
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