Escape to Tubuai
Escape to Tubuai: An Off-the-Beaten-Path Polynesian Paradise.
When it comes to venturing off the beaten path in French Polynesia, Tubuai stands out as a dream destination, unspoiled by the rigors of mass tourism. Often overshadowed by Tahiti, its sister Islands like Bora Bora and Moorea, Tubuai’s remote location in the Austral Island group offers a chance for intrepid travelers to experience something truly special. This lesser-known gem thrives with lush greenery, immaculate beaches, and a deeply ingrained Polynesian culture.
Imagine escaping the mundane, finding yourself walking on a beach where the only footprints are your own. Welcome to Tubuai!
Just as Polynesia, More than Tahiti
Tubuai’s charm does not merely lie in its secluded beauty, but it is the authenticity of its culture that outshines all. An integral aspect of Tubuai’s culture echos Tahiti’s rich and vibrant cultural heritage, reflecting the overall Polynesian lifestyle. Remnants of Polynesian traditional way of life, such as local crafts, pearl farming and ancient agricultural practices, northern Polynesian influences and fascinating Marae are woven into the fabric of the island.
The Austral Connection
Tubuai is the largest of the Austral Islands, a group of islands in French Polynesia that are famous for their distinctly cooler climate and fertile soil. With its verdant landscape, Tubuai boasts an array of fruits like oranges, pineapples and is particularly renowned for its potato cultivation. Adventure seekers can enjoy hikes through endless pineapple fields, beside archaeological sites and into valleys offering panoramic views.
Tubuai’s Aquatic Splendor
No trip to French Polynesia would be complete without delving into its aquatic wonderlands. Tubuai’s lagoon is known to house a variety of fish species, making it an idyll for snorkeling and fishing activities. The lagoon also provides protection to the island, creating an opportunity for safe water-based activities such as kayaking.
How can you get there?
Getting to Tubuai is a captivating journey in itself! Flights from Tahiti are the most convenient way to land in this paradise. Air Tahiti, the domestic airline of French Polynesia, offers regular flights to Tubuai.
Tips to remember
Despite its remoteness, Tubuai island caters well to visitors. Pensions, otherwise known as local guesthouses, offer wonderful accommodation options. Most meals incorporate freshly caught seafood and locally grown fruits, providing a true taste of the island’s bounty. In terms of connectivity, availability of Wi-Fi in accommodations is commonplace.
Ultimately, Tubuai stands as a testament to the tranquility, spirit, and culture that embodies the true essence of Polynesian life. Far from the tourist crowds of Tahiti and Bora Bora, Tubuai awaits those who aren’t afraid to stray off the beaten path and explore the unexplored!