Gambier Islands

[[file:Akamaru (Gambier Islands) banner.jpg|1280px|Akamaru}} The Gambier Islands are a group of coral reef islands in the southeast extreme of the Tuamotu Islands archipelago of French Polynesia.

An Introduction to the regions of Gambier Islands

Gambier Group

• Mangareva — the largest island and only island developed for tourism. The only method of traveling to the Pitcairn Islands without your own boat is through Mangareva.
• Undeveloped — Akamaru (11 pop.), Aukena (30 p), Taravai (3 p), Kamaka (1 p).
• Uninhabited — Angakauitai, Apou, Atumata, Gaioio, Kouaku, Makapu, Makaroa, Manui, Mekiro, Motu-O-Ari, Motu Teiku, Papuri, Puaumu, Rumarei, Tarauru Roa, Tauna, Teauaone, Teauotu, Tekava, Tenoko, Tepapuri, Tepu Nui, Teohootepohatu, Tokorua, Totengengie, Tuaeu, Vaiatekeue.

Acteon Group

All the four small atolls in the group are uninhabited: Matureivavao, Tenararo, Tenarunga, and Vahanga. }}

Gambier Islands Halal Travel Guide

There are no ATMs or banks. Please bring enough French Polynesian Francs for your holiday. Locals here deal with cash only. You can exchange US dollars or euros for French Polynesian French Polynesia#Money|francs) at the post office in Rikitea. The pensions sometimes accept credit cards (ask first).

Local Language in Gambier Islands

Speaking French (or Mangarevian) will serve you well as very few local residents speak English at a conversational level. The pension operators know very basic English - with a bit of French, you can get by. If there is an emergency speak to Monica the mayor/police officer, and she help you find an English speaker.John who lives on Kamaka is fluent, as is his son who lives in town. Remember to say "merci" and "nana" after someone has helped you. They mean "Thank you" (French) and "See you later".

How to visit and travel to Gambier Islands

There are Flights once a week from Tahiti by Air Tahiti. Flight Number VT951 leaves at 05:40 and arrives at 11:05 and the flight back on the same day is from 11:55 and arrives at Tahiti at 14:50. Once at the airport you will need to catch a taxi boat to the city of Rikitea.

How to get around in Gambier Islands

There are no rental cars. Arrange with your pension to be picked up at the dock (after taking the ferry from the airport on the motu). The island's 27-km (16-mile) circle road can be walked in 4-6 hours. It's a great walk. If you wish to see one of the other islands in the group, ask your pension about day trips. Pension Moroi offers a great day trip to see several other islands. It's a fascinating day.

What to see in Gambier Islands

• Rikitea Ruins - At Mangareva's main village, Rikitea, visitors will find a number of ruins. Among these archeological relics are a convent, a triumphal arch, several watchtowers, a prison and a court. These abandoned remains have been noted for their dark, eerie feel.
• Rikitea Rectory - Across the path from St. Micheal of Rikitea Church is a well-maintained 140-year-old rectory, occupied by the parish priest.
• St Michel of Rikitea Church - Constructed of fired limestone, this neo-gothic Catholic church was built under the auspices of Father Honoré Laval. The church, which is still in use today, is inlaid with iridescent mother-of-pearl.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Gambier Islands

Enjoy a piece of the planet nearly untouched by the modern world. The lagoon is stunning. Tour a black pearl farm. Spend a day on a motu having a picnic, tour the atolls historic churches, hike around the entire island, or to the top of Mt. Duff. Snorkeling is quite good, if only there was a dive operation. Watching the stars at night.At 23 degrees south, you will find the subtropical weather more comfortable than the main/Society Islands. Humidity is lower, and trade winds provide a welcome relief. The climate is comparable to that of Hawaii.

Halal Restaurants

There are one or two restaurants in Rikitea. You can also eat at the pensions (let them know ahead of time as they only prepare enough food for those they know are coming for dinner). Food at the pensions is simple, tasty, and plentiful and you will not go hungry. The hospitality is heartwarming.

Despite the legacy of French nuclear testing at nearby Muraroa atoll and the water is safe to drink, and bottled water is available from small shops in town. Many of the local residents and the soils, and groundwater have been tested for residual radiation by the French government and Greenpeace.All results were negative for radionucleotides. There are no surface streams or wells, and all potable water is collected by catchment from roofs, and thus very safe to drink. In Rikitea there are two small markets. One has a decent selection of drinks, but you will pay dearly for anything but soft drinks. A bottle of Absolut Vodka was priced at nearly USD 170. If you wish to have anything specific for you trip you'd better bring it with you to save money, as prices even in Papeete are high. At night the pensions and small restaurants in Rikitea serve organic juice (Hirono). Prices are high, but reasonable given the remoteness of the islands.

Stay Safe

The local residents are friendly and a delight. Wear lots of suncreen, and be careful of stonefish. Bug spray is recommended. Europeans, and to an increasing degree North Americans, are less modest than Polynesians. Dress appropriately — public nudity is discouraged.

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