Fatu Hiva - Paradise in French Polynesia

You will definitely know that you are away from it all once you reach Fatu Hiva. This small and very remote island is part of the Marquesas Islands, which in turn, belongs to the French Polynesian territory of France. It is the southernmost island the Marquesas group in the Pacific Ocean. Fatu Hiva is the remains of two calderas of a huge volcanoes. The remote nature of the island offers you the experience of perfect isolation.

There is no airport or even a landing strip in Fatu Hiva. The only way to reach it is by sea and almost all visitors that come to the island are passengers of cruise ships. There is also the option of sailing to this island. It is possible to stay in Fatu Hiva for a night or two, however there are no hotels or resorts here. You will have to settle for basic pension houses or even stay at one of the locals' homes, which can offer you a memorable experience.

Once you set foot on Fatu Hiva, you will immediately admire its pristine untouched surroundings. The island is adorned with cliffs that provide as marvelous backdrops to the shimmering ocean. It is also fringed with gorgeous bays, some of which are wide sandy stretches. This piece of paradise is also known for lush natural rainforests, which attract hikers and adventurers.

In the middle of the island, you will also find flat plains populated by tall grasses, trees and a mountain ridge called Tauauoho. If you want to discover the history and culture of this tiny French Polynesian island, ask a local to guide you through the forests to experience the giant petroglyphs, which are considered the largest in the entire island group. And if you want to take a break from exploring the island, indulge in some dried bananas, Fatu Hiva's specialty snack, called the popoi of uru

Fatu Hiva has only three villages namely, Uia, Hana Vave and Omoa. The largest among them is Uia, which is located at the eastern coastline and is marked by narrow valleys and flowing streams that go to the interior of the island. Hana Vave is home to the Bay of Virgins, situated in the north of the island's western coastline. This bay is known as the most beautiful one in the area, which is why most visitors head out to Hana Vave. The Bay of Virgins is extra special during sunset, when the colors in the sky produced bronze reflections on the surrounding mountains and cliffs. The last village on the island is Omoa, which sits on the south of the western coastline, and is marked by a protected harbor.

Fatu Hiva has a small population of only 600 inhabitants, but they are extremely warm and hospitable. When cruise ship passengers arrive, they are often greeted by villagers with music and dancing. Despite their isolation, Fatu Hiva inhabitants are quite crafty. The tapa cloth is one of their famous products. These are fabrics made out of plat fibers and which bear drawings, which resemble the ancestral marquisien's tattoos.

The locals also make aromatic bouquets called umuhei and the mono made in sandal wood. On the main street of the island, you will find many artisans selling these products and other crafts and sculptures. So before, you leave Fatu Hiva, consider purchasing some of these exquisite items as souvenirs and gifts!



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9171923

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