Pacific Island Paradises

– 208 – www.paradises.com and Tahiti Iti, wander through an old fort built by the French in 1844. Don't miss the Gauguin Museum in the Papeari district, set in exotic botanical gardens, and the wonderful fruit, vegetable and f lower market in central Papeete. Where to stay International luxury resorts and hotels nestle alongside motels, lodges and small pensions in the islands. For an authentic Tahitian experience, many families also offer rooms for rent within their homes. There are also youth hostels and campsites with cooking facilities for those on a tight budget. Getting around Le Truck is Tahiti's public bus service. The destination is posted on top of each Le Truck, which always begins and ends its round trips at the public market in the centre of Papeete. It is also possible to travel between islands by ferry, with the Aremiti ferry taking just 40 minutes from Papeete to Moorea. Food and entertainment Tahitian tamara'a' or feasts can be arranged through local tour operators. The major international hotels often host evening programs with lavish buffets and dance shows featuring the performances of some of Tahiti's most talented dancers and musicians. Outside the hotels, French, Italian and Chinese cuisine is widely available. There are a host of bars, cafes and nightclubs scattered around Papeete giving travellers a wide choice and a chance to mix with the locals. Les Roulottes are a Papeete institution—a collection of mobile diners operating from early evening until late at night on the waterfront at Vaiete Square offering mouthwatering savoury meals as well as delicious desserts. Activities Tahiti is renowned for its range of water sports, from diving and snorkelling, to windsurfing and sailing, to deep- sea fishing, surfing and jet-skiing. Speedboats are available for waterskiing and there are glass-bottom boats for viewing the coral reefs. Tennis and squash are on offer at many resorts and at the country club and Tahiti and Moorea offer championship golf courses. For the more adventurous, there's a range of bushwalking and hiking available on the volcanic islands of the Society Islands, as well as horseriding. Shopping guide Bright pareus or T-shirts are popular souvenirs, as is Tahitian shell jewellery, the famous black pearls, French perfume and local handicrafts. Climate The French Polynesian islands enjoy a tropical climate. The average temperature is 27ºC, and the waters of the lagoons are a fairly constant 26ºC. Clothing Casual. Pareus are popular worn over swimming costumes to the beach or around the pool. Papeete is more cosmopolitan. Electricity Most hotels use 110 or 220 volts, AC 60 cycles. Time zone GMT10 hours. AEST-20 hours. Two hours behind US Pacific Standard time and 19 hours behind Australia's east coast. The Marquesas Islands are 30 minutes ahead of the rest of French Polynesia. Currency French Pacific francs (CFP). Tipping is discretionary. Visas and health All passengers entering French Polynesia must have an outbound ticket. Check with airline as entry formalities may change. There is no departure tax and Australians do not require visas. Other visitors, check with the French Consulate. Getting there Air France, Hawaiian Airlines, Air New Zealand, QANTAS, LanChile (via Easter Island), Air Caledonie International and Air Tahiti Nui. The domestic carrier is Air Tahiti. — T a h i t i —

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