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| French Polynesia |
| Moorea | Rangroa |
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| French Polynesia Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Row of Overwater Bungalows Row of Overwater Bungalows Justin P. The term French Polynesia refers to five archipelagoes spread over an expanse of the South Pacific approximately the size of Western Europe (2,000,000 square miles or approximately 5,000,000 square kilometers). The region includes the Marquesas, the Tuamotus, the Society Islands, with Tahiti and Bora Bora as the best known islands, the Australs and the Gambiers. Each of these archipelagoes has its own culture, ethnicity and climate; all of them are unique travel destinations with beaches of unrivaled beauty, many activities and a very friendly population. French Polynesia was the natural backdrop for the legendary paintings of Paul Gauguin. Like the vast majority of visitors to the region, Gauguin has inspired by French Polynesia ’ s turquoise lagoons, multi-coloured reef fish, volcanic peaks, lush valleys and white-sand beaches. ____________Getting Around Edit This Getting around the islands of French Polynesia can be done by boat or air though access to some of the remote islands can be difficult and unreliable. The French government kicks in some financial support so domestic air travel is not as expensive as you might expect but distances between some island groups are great and these flights are costly. Apart from some small charter operators domestic flights are handled by Air Tahiti and Air Moorea. Inter-island boats run regular routes between all of the island groups and can be a great way to travel within the region. Huge catamarans ply between Tahiti and Moorea and the very modern Ono-Ono services the rest of the Society group. Luxury cruises are available on vessels like the Wind Song the Arunai and the Club Med 2. Tahiti and the developed islands operate a local-bus service known as le truck which is cheap and reliable. Taxis are available for hire but they are horribly expensive. Rental cars scooters and bicycles are good ways to explore and 4WDs can be hired if you want to head inland on some of the tracks. In the Marquesas many locals and tourists choose to get around on horseback. __________Economy Edit This Economy—overview: Since 1962 when France stationed military personnel in the region French Polynesia has changed from a subsistence economy to one in which a high proportion of the work force is either employed by the military or supports the tourist industry. Tourism accounts for about 20% of GDP and is a primary source of hard currency earnings. The small manufacturing sector primarily processes agricultural products. The territory will continue to benefit from a five-year (1994-98) development agreement with France aimed principally at creating new jobs. GDP: purchasing power parity—$1.76 billion (1995 est.) GDP—real growth rate: NA% GDP—per capita: purchasing power parity—$8 000 (1995 est.) GDP—composition by sector: agriculture: 4% industry: 18% services: 78% (1992 est.) Inflation rate—consumer price index: 1.5% (1994) Labor force: total: 118 744 (of which 70 044 are employed) (1988) by occupation: agriculture 13% industry 19% services 68% (1992 est.) Unemployment rate: 15% (1992 est.) Budget: revenues: $636 million expenditures: $643 million including capital expenditures of $NA (1994) Industries: tourism pearls agricultural processing handicrafts Industrial production growth rate: NA% Electricity—capacity: 79 000 kW (1995) Electricity—production: 330 million kWh (1995) Electricity—consumption per capita: 1 500 kWh (1995) Agriculture—products: coconuts vanilla vegetables fruits; poultry beef dairy products Exports: total value: $245 million (f.o.b. 1994) commodities: cultured pearls 53.8% coconut products mother-of-pearl vanilla shark meat (1992) partners: France 33% US 8.5% (1994) Imports: total value: $967 million (c.i.f. 1994) commodities: fuels foodstuffs equipment partners: France 44.7% US 13.9% (1994) Debt—external: $NA Economic aid: recipient: ODA $NA Currency: 1 CFP franc (CFPF) = 100 centimes Exchange rates: Comptoirs Francais du Pacifique francs (CFPF) per US$1—110.60 (January 1998) 106.11 (1997) 93.00 (1996) 90.75 (1995) 100.94 (1994) 102.96 (1993); note—linked at the rate of 18.18 to the French franc Fiscal year: calendar year __________People Edit This non non non Population: 237 844 (July 1998 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 33% (male 40 264; female 38 770) 15-64 years: 62% (male 77 011; female 71 100) 65 years and over: 5% (male 5 347; female 5 352) (July 1998 est.) Population growth rate: 1.81% (1998 est.) Birth rate: 22.67 births/1 000 population (1998 est.) Death rate: 5 deaths/1 000 population (1998 est.) Net migration rate: 0.39 migrant(s)/1 000 population (1998 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.08 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 1 male(s)/female (1998 est.) Infant mortality rate: 13.67 deaths/1 000 live births (1998 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 72.25 years male: 69.87 years female: 74.75 years (1998 est.) Total fertility rate: 2.71 children born/woman (1998 est.) Nationality: noun: French Polynesian(s) adjective: French Polynesian Ethnic groups: Polynesian 78% Chinese 12% local French 6% metropolitan French 4% Religions: Protestant 54% Roman Catholic 30% other 16% Languages: French (official) Tahitian (official) Literacy: definition: age 14 and over can read and write but definition of literacy not available total population: 98% male: 98% female: 98% (1977 est.) :::::::::Bora bora Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Rainbow over hotel in Papeete Rainbow over hotel in Papeete Justin P. Bora Bora is as close to paradise as you can get without doing anything really drastic. It is the perfect place to spend a relaxed holiday that is filled with activities at the same time. Hardly surprising, watersports are top notch here. Bora Bora is also packed full of Polynesian sights, smells, and sounds you'll want to experience. Ancient Archeological ruins, leftover World War II bunkers and cannons are found on the island and can be visited on guided tours. ::::::::Mangareva Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see photo The archipeligo of Mangareva (sometimes called the Gambiers) lies some 1,600 kms South East of Tahiti and are said to be the most beautiful islands in the South Seas. In all there are 16 islands and the largest of them is Mangareva from which the archipeligo takes its name. The Capital city is sleepy Rikitea home to the largest cathedral in the South Seas. Some 1,100 people live here and many work in the pearl farms for it is from Mangareva that the most beautiful pearls come. A truly idyllic place someone once said that it's motto is "Deus meus haec otia fecit" - God has given us this tranquillity. :::::::::Marquesas Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see photo Just south of the equator, the Marquesas Islands are the furthest islands from any continent and are a 3.5 hour flight from Tahiti. Jagged volcanic mountains jut imposingly out of the sea and waves crash against cliff faces. However, the islands are also lushly forested, with an amazing range of flora. Visitors will find plenty of sea and land based activities, including sailing, deep-sea fishing, hiking and horseback riding. They can watch artisans as they create unique works of art. The islands also have a fascinating archaeological attraction, with ancient ruins and giant tiki, carved in rock like their Easter Island 'neighbours'. Although there are no hotels, there are some small pensions and home stay accommodation. The island of Hiva Oa, with its deep valleys and lush plateaus covered in dense forest, is popular with 'yachties'. It is home to the graves of artist Paul Gauguin and singer Jaques Brel. Ua Pou island's dramatic skyline gives it the name 'The Pillars' and Ua Huka is known for its range of wildlife - flowers, herbs, birds and sealife. It also has some interesting archaeological sites that include petroglyphs and tiki. Fatu Hiva is known for its unique carving. :::::::::Moorea Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Panorama from Bellevedere Panorama from Bellevedere Mark Chen Overview Moorea, along with Bora Bora , is considered one of the most beautiful areas in the South Pacific (and by extension, the world). It is a laid-back island with white sand beaches, turquoise lagoons, and green mountains jutting into the sky. One can drive around the island in under 2 hours, making most areas easily accessible by car or scooter, a better deal in ultra-expensive French Polynesia . Scooters run about 5500 cfp per day, cheaper for multi-day rentals. Cars are 8500 cfp and up. Most people arrive by ferry in Vaiare,on the east side of Moorea. Ferry is the best way to access the island as it is only a 45-minute ride from Pape'ete and cheaper than flying (about $8 US), with the additional bonus of some beautiful views of both Tahiti and Moorea. Accomodations The Sofitel Ia Ora is 2 miles from the ferry, and there is a bus which runs from the ferry around the island for 300 cfp; a taxi will cost three times that for the short ride. The Sofitel also has the best beach on the island, and as with all beaches here, is open to the public. Ads by Google Moorea Know Before You Go. Read Reviews from Real Travelers. www.TripAdvisor.com Moorea Hotels Find the lowest price and book now. This year get away guilt-free! www. OneTime. com/ hotels Bora Bora Scuba Diving PADI 5 star center - Free Nitrox Daily shark diving - Free pick up www.topdive.com easyTahiti.com Specials Hot vacation Specials to Tahiti, Bora Bora and Moorea ! www.easyTahiti.com There are very few places to eat near the hotel though, so a car or scooter is helpful to have for those looking to spend less and eat better. The Sofitel is a great place to stay, but food is not their strength. (As of early 2006 the Sofitel Ia Ora is under renovation, should re open mid 2006).There are 3, soon 4 luxury resorts on the island: the Sheraton (www.sheratonmoorea.com), the Intercontinental (http://moorea.intercontinental.com/), the Pearl (http://www.pearlresorts.com/moorea/main.asp), and soon the Sofitel (http://www.accorhotels.com/accorhotels/fichehotel/gb/sof/resort/0566/fiche_hotel.shtml). All offer overwater bungalow accommodations as well as (cheaper) garden bungalows. However, these are cheaper to be booked in packages from outside Moorea, and rooms are listed starting at US$350 or $400. All luxury hotels have good bars, but the Sheraton is the only one offering happy hour, and the drinks are quite expensive (a cocktail goes for about 1300 XPF). The second tier of hotels on Moorea is quite less expensive: Club Bali Hai (http://www.clubbalihai.com/) and Hotel Kaveka (http://www.hotelkaveka.com) offer 3-stars like accommodation with beach access and a lot of amenities without the luxurious edge of the typical Tahitian resort- their rooms are anywhere between 12000 and 20000 XPF per night, depending on season and room type. Cheaper accommodations are offered at several pensions on the island: for example, Pension Motu Iti (www.pensionmotuiti.com) offers both individual bungalows and a dormitory style room with 20 beds. In addition, travelers can save money by staying at one of the two campgrounds, both on the west side of the island. Dining Pretty much all upscale restaurants will pick you up for dinner. Some of the best restaurants in Moorea are Restaurant Honu Iti in Pao Pao (excellent French cuisine) and the Mayflower, by the now closed Club Med. Meals in the luxury resorts are usually expensive and not memorable, so you’re better off to get out and spend just as much, but eat fabulous Tahitian or French fares! Buying basic groceries will save you money, but be prepared to spend there as well. Cereal alone will run you $6-7 US per box, however a large baguette is about 19XPF (about $0.20). The fish markets on the island offer super-fresh fish (if you shop in the morning) and extremely cheap cuts of tuna, mahi-mahi, swordfish, etc. Cheaper meals on the island include several pizza parlors and a rotisserie chicken stand. The pizza place across from the ferry is pretty standard, better is Chez Luciano on the Western side of the island. Pizzas start at about 1000 cfp. "Allo Pizza" is another very popular pizza place with thin crust pizza and a wide selection. You will find rotisserie chicken trucks parked on the side of the road, make sure you try this delicious and cheap meal! As far as cheap meals are concerned, do not forget to stop for breakfast or lunch at Snack Rotui, at the bottom of Cook's Bay in Pao Pao. This small snack shop is very popular among locals, who will stop and get a tune baguette, or a cheeseburger one, or a chow mein one, at all times. The baguette are very cheap (200 XPF), and incredibly good. Also, the wide selection of Chinese food is excellent, and the quick turnaround of any of their display items guarantees freshness. also, try their chocolate beignet with their coffee, a real treat. You will find some of the best poisson cru on the island at L'Ananas Bleu, the day restaurant at Club Bali-Hai, along with good but pricey (around 1000 XPF) burgers. Open only for breakfast and lunch, this restaurant is hosted in a typical polynesian hut, with several tables outside and a beutiful view on Cook's Bay. If you feel like you're missing out on Polynesian food, the grocery store in Pao Pao (the small one with blue curtain outside, on the hill's side at the bottom of Cook's Bay) offers traditional Tahitian carry-out platters on Sunday morning. However, you need to be there by 6am, as by 7am all the platters are gone. Try the poisson cru, the poulet fafa, and their bread and pastries. Beaches If you are not staying in one of the hotels offering beach access, there are two beautiful public beaches in Moorea offering great snorkeling and pristine views. One is located on the north side of the island, west of the Sheraton between Cook’s Bay and Opunohu Bay. It is easily located as a sailing school is based at that beach, so there will be numerous small sailboats visible from the road. The other, somewhat more stunning and by far larger, is on the east side of the island just south of the airport. You access this beach at a slight split in the road between the airport and the ferry dock, and drive on an unpaved road for about 2 km. The beach is pristine, with gorgeous view of Tahiti , and with a sandy bottom ideal for children. In order to snorkel at this beach you need to swim out a little, as the coral heads are adjacent to the reef break. Additional (and better) snorkeling can be found by walking north (to the left as you face the water) for about 1/4 mile, as the reef comes closer to shore. Be wary of this area, however. Due to the shallowness of this reef, if incoming waves are large, the current can be very strong. This snorkel should only be attempted by experienced snorkelers who are adept at navigating shallow coral reefs. Many Diadema are also present in this area, adding another level of caution. However, if the current is not too strong, this is a beautiful snorkel, one that can easily take an hour or more depending on how much you wish to view. Thankfully, the current runs back toward the main beach, which makes it ideal for drift snorkeling. Fins are a must, and gloves and/or rash guards/diveskins will make coral scratches less likely. Other hidden beaches can be found all over the island - it simply takes an eye to spot the sometimes not very clear roads that lead down to them. Snorkeling along the west side of the island tends to be slightly less rewarding, as the reef breaks are further out, but these areas can provide a relaxing swim. As always, be careful of currents. Due to the nature of the reef breaks and channels, currents can be very strong, quietly sweeping unsuspecting swimmers towards the channels, where the water rushes out back to sea. Diving Do not pass the chance to dive in Moorea: the reef is terrific, with beautiful corals and an incredible amount of fish, and the lemon sharks are quite an attraction- and a favorite among divers. Even on an entry level dive you’ll be able to see clown fishes in their anemone, reef sharks, and a multitude of brightly colored tropical reef fishes. Top Dive Moorea has excellent equipment, well-trained dive masters, and a nice boat. Other dive shops are available in Moorea as well. Perhaps the best dive location is the area known as the Rose Garden, just outside of the entrance to Opunohu Bay. The actual Rose Garden is approximately 85ft in depth, making this dive trickier for new divers, but the accompanying spur-and-groove formations at about 30-40ft are also beautiful. Other Sights The Bellevedere lookout is one of the most stunning views from the island. Situated several hundred feed above sea level, the lookout is positioned so that both bays (Cook's and Opunohu) are clearly visible. Driving to Bellevedere is suggested, as the road is long and can be steep; however, it is bikeable. There are two access points, one at the foot of each bay. In Cook's Bay, it is just across from the supermarche Are, and turns into a dirt road that takes you past pineapple plantations. In Opunohu Bay, there is no easy landmark, but it is clearly visible and marked with a sign. This road is paved. Along the way, you will pass an Agricultural School that sells their own ice cream - it's a treat that shouldn't be missed! Be careful of your timing though; sunsets are beautiful from Bellevedere, but the store closes at 16:30, well before sunset. The University of California, Berkeley, runs a research center located along the west side of Cook's Bay. Gump Research Station (http://moorea.berkeley.edu) is home to several ongoing projects conducted by numerous researchers from all over the world. Although tours are not always possible, it never hurts to e-mail ahead or even simply stop in to ask researchers what they are doing. Projects range from coral growth and fish habitat to butterfly DNA research. Just a short distance from the Gump Station is the factory for Jus de Fruits de Moorea, where pineapple, passion fruit, and other fruit cocktails are produced. Jus de Fruits also distills their own liqeurs, including Vanilla Creme and Ginger Rum. The factory is open to tours (but was closed in mid-2006 for renovations). The gift shop provides free samples of their liquors, and you can purchase non-alcoholic fruit juices for about 100XPF less than in the stores. The Afareitu Waterfall is also a beautiful sight. Located along the eastern side of the island, it does involve somewhat of a hike along a path that is not always the clearest and takes you across private property. The easiest access point is at approximately PK11 on the clockwise route. Park on the side, and proceed up the road. The road eventually turns unpaved, and then becomes grass. You will pass a plantation on the left, and it widens into a sort of clearing. It is at this point that a narrow trail will appear in the underbrush; follow this all the way to the end. If it has recently rained, the waterfall will be much stronger and can provide a fantastic, cool shower. Conversely, recent rains also mean the trail will be muddier, so be sure to bring sturdy sandals for the hike. ::::::::::Rangiroa Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see A small portion of Rangiroa as seen from the airplane A small portion of Rangiroa as seen from the airplane Vanessa DellaPasqua Rangiroa is a coral atoll in the Tuamotu Archipelago of French Polynesia. Although the land mass of the entire atoll is only 40 sq km, the lagoon it surrounds is the second largest in the world, behind Kwajalein in the Marshall Islands. At 1640 sq km in size, the lagoon could contain the entire island of Tahiti. Known for it's incredibly clear waters (60 foot plus "viz"), year-round warm waters, and abundant sea life, Rangiroa is a mecca for divers and snorkelers. Rangiroa is about an hour north of Tahiti by plane. The only inhabited part is an 10 km string of islets connected by a series of concrete bridges. There is also a luxury resort in the southern part of the atoll, accessible only by boat. The sleepy hamlet of Avatoru contains several high-end resorts, many small pensions and several scuba center centers. Tiputa, across the brilliantly named Tuputa pass from the eastern edge of Avatoru, is even quieter. The lagoon is absolutely gorgeous, with tons of fish. There are several scuba shops that operate on the atoll. The signature Rangiroa dive starts at a reef outside of the atoll, where you ride the current of the incoming tide through the Tiputa pass into the lagoon. On the way, you will see triggerfish, hammerhead sharks, barracuda, and 5 foot long mahi-mahi. Additionally, there is beautiful snorkeling if you're not scuba certified. Besides diving and snorkling, there are plenty of excursions by boat available from various small tour operators to various locations such as Les Sables Roses (Pink Sand Beach, the Reef Islands (a series of eery-looking coral spires reminiscent of the Trona Pinnacles in the southern California desert), and the Blue Lagoon, a large lagoon within a lagoon on the western edge of the atoll. Don't expect to find a TV, or at least not one receiving much of a signal. However, Rangiroa is home of the only internet access point in the entire Tuamotu archipelago! The locals are friendly and incredibly nice, and all together this is an atoll you should not miss if you plan to visit French Polynesia! ::::::::: Tahiti Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Papeete Papeete prazlin With an area of 1042 km2, Tahiti is the largest of the Polynesian islands. Tahiti population is also the most concentrated especially in Papeete. Tahiti is actually divided into Big Tahiti and Little Tahiti and joined by an impressive isthmus. A delightfully scenic introduction to Tahiti is a 114 kilometre drive - or cycle - around the big island, over the isthmus and along the coast of the little island. The road passes villages, plantations and forests. There are beautiful beaches to stop at and play on, rugged volcanic mountains, the Arahoho Blowhole, Faaruumai Waterfalls and lava tubes. There are historical and archaeological points of interest, including Point Venus, where Captain Cook made his observations of that mysterious planet, and Marae Arahuruhu with its ruined temples, tikis and petroglyphs. A glimpse of Polynesian life can be gained at the Central market in Papeete, with its amazing array of local foods downstairs and an equally intriguing line-up of local clothes and handcrafts upstairs. The lovely Papeete waterfront is the place to sit and watch the world go by, particularly in the evenings when caravans offer a variety of ethnic foods. Most larger hotels have at least one night a week where visitors can experience Polynesian culture close up. Traditional feasts, including a variety of seafood and delicacies baked in an earth oven, are accompanied by the compelling performance of traditional dances and music. ________Practical Information Edit This The official currency is the Pacific Franc ( CFP or XPF ). The rate is fixed to the Euro ( EUR ) at 119 CFP for one Euro. Exchange can be done at the airport via an automated change machine, or at any bank. _______Tours and Excursions Edit This Day tour to visit Moorea island by fast ferries from Papeete harbour. |