| | Jun 5, 2006 - Isle de Pins, New Caledonia | (click to enlarge)
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 | | show all 40 | | Incredible views as we fly into Isle de Pins | | Eric on the beach at sunset | | Watching sunset from our campsite beach | | |
| | Isle de Pins or Isle of Pines
Over 200 hundred of years ago, Captain Cook first set eye on the clear, turquoise waters and white sandy beaches of this semi-tropical island. He named the island for its unique vegetation - hundreds of soaring pine trees that line the shoreline unlike any other tropical island. And so it was called, the Isle of Pines (or Isle de Pins en francais).
Like all of New Caledonia, the island is expensive. Therefore, to go easy on our budget, we were camping in what turned out to be one of the most beautiful campsites ever. Fortunately, we were virtually the only people staying there making our experience that much more unique and special. Our site was situated on the edge of a private beach owned by the campsite with a soft golden sand, azure blue waters and fire red sunsets blazing behind the soaring pine trees. The camp grounds were shaded with tall coconut palms, green grass and maintained with pride and love by the owner and his wife.
To be camping again was also magnificent. There is something about camping. It provides you with a special connection to the outdoors and your surroundings and our surroundings could not have been more beautiful. We were situated right on beach with the sounds of the ocean waves lapping against the shore all night and million stars shining brightly putting on a spectacular show. The peace and tranquility was magical. We cooked on the open fire creating meals with whatever we could throw together from the groceries we had brought with us from Noumea and the limited supplies that were available at the local store or bakery about 1.5 kilometre walk down the road. With Eric's hammock strung up between a couple of trees and a nice beachside fire each evening what more could we ask for.
To complement our great accommodations, was the rest of the flawless, quiet island. It was stunning - ringed by beautiful beaches, lagoons, sparkling water and hardly any people. We split our days up between beach bumming on some of the nicest beaches, to cycling around about three quarters of island and hiking to the top of Pic 'Nga, the highest peak on the island for panoramic views of Isle de Pins. Although at this time of year the weather was a bit cooler, we finally had lost the overcast rainy weather and the sun was back out in full force making each of our days that much more enjoyable.
Our stay on the Isle of Pines was perfect and we could have stayed even longer. However, after our four nights we had to head back to the airport for one more night in Noumea before moving on to Vanuatu where we expected a totally different kind of South Pacific experience.
TRAVEL TIPS FOR ISLE DE PINS
1. The only international hotel chain located on the island is the Meridien, which is in a nice quiet location walking distance to the beautiful Piscine Naturel. The beach at the Meridien is beautiful at high tide only. Low tide you are better off to head to the Piscine Naturel.
2. Like everywhere in New Caledonia, Isle of Pines is expensive. If you are on a budget and looking for cheaper accommodations you can stay at one of the Gites or camp in a few different locations around the island.
3. Transfers to and from the airport are expensive and you are best to pre-book these when you book your accommodations before arriving. By doing this, your accommodation transfer will be waiting for you upon arrival at the airport you for a quick and easy transfer at the best rate possible.
4. The island is not heavily populated or touristy (although more so than the Loyalty Islands) and has a very quiet and relaxed feel about it. Visiting Isle of Pines is all about exploring the beautiful bays, beaches and waterfront areas.
5. Climb Pic 'Nga, the highest peak on the island, for incredible panoramic views of the beaches, bays with their multitude of shades of blue in the waters and of course the tall pine trees ringing the island that give it its name. The climb is moderately strenuous and takes about an hour to reach the top and then another hour to come back down.
6. There is no real public transportation on the island. If you want to explore the island, you can either rent a car or rent bicycles. Cycling around the island is a bit of work as the island is not flat. You can cover a lot of the island in one day though just set off early with plenty of water and your beach gear for stops along the way.
7. Kanumera Bay is one of the best places on the island for snorkelling. It is a picturesque, calm bay with crystal clear waters and an ideal place for soaking in some of the best of what Isle of Pines has to offer.
8. The Piscine Naturel or Natural Pool is necessary visit as well. At low tide, an inland pool is formed with a small beach area on one end and coral and pine scenery surrounding the other sides. The pool has gorgeous blue, clear water great for swimming and snorkelling. To get to the pool you walk along a tidal riverbed lined with forests leading up to the ultimate view of the glistening waters.
9. If you would like to do some camping on the island, we stayed at Camping des Rouleaux which I am sure is the best campsite on the island - and perhaps in all of the South Pacific. The site is obviously a labour of love for the owners who maintain it impeccably and the location fronting on to a huge isolated beach is incredible.
10. If you are going to New Caledonia a trip to Isle of Pines is a must. You are much better of spending your time here than in Noumea or elsewhere on Grande Terre. The beauty and tranquility of the island is not to be missed.
www.carlhenderson.ca
www.imagestoframe.com
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