Isle of Pines, South Pacific

The Isle of Pines was the last stop of my travel in New Caledonia before heading back to Australia. The island is just 100 km southeast of the New Caledonia’s capital Noumea and is part of the French-Pacific territory. This is the first time I have experienced the South Pacific island; I had little time on my hands (only two days) but still enough to feel the peace and quietness of island life.

The ocean shells exposed near Kuto Bay. 

I have finally found a fresh, grilled fish that I could buy and eat right on the beach ( I had difficulty to find this type of food in New Caledonia). Nothing tastes better than a simple meal of a fresh fish or lobster straight from the grill.

The Kuniés, as the island's inhabitants are known, continue to lead a peaceful life. They try to keep their gorgeous natural islands calm and as simple as they've been for hundreds of years. Their land remains extremely protected by the tribal system, the land is neither for sale nor for rent. The Kunies I met during my stay were all very kind, polite and friendly. 

The Kuniés have kept alive the tradition of sailing pirogues (outrigger canoes), and I sailed for a few hours on this boat across the calm lagoon.

My captain was a bit dry at first but he warmed up after an hour and talked about his island with a great passion.  

We sailed peacefully through transparent waters of Upi Bay.

The sails were in excellent condition and were made in Noumea, New Caledonia. I was explained that the price of sails is still very high for people from the island, therefore they are well taken care of as they need to perform for many years.

After the sailing trip I was dropped on a little beach and walked through the rain forest to the next bay.

Spectacular Oro Bay where I had a long swim. 

A natural pool called Oro. There was lots of coral and tropical fish. The story says that the island was discovered by the captain James Cook in 1774; he did not disembark but as he passed by on his ship he noticed these very tall pine trees and named the island Isle of Pines. Only in 1840 the first catholic missionaries arrived here.

Crossing one of the interior lagoons.

Despite some tourism the island remains an unspoiled, turquoise paradise. There is no litter found on beaches or in forests, there is no artificial noise, only the sound of the ocean and birds. It is a pristine and clean land closely protected by its own people who were born here since hundreds of years. Wonderful to experience such protected, natural beauty.

Accomodation to recommend: Gite Kuberka near Kuto bay, relaxed and simple bungalows, with a pool and beautiful garden, owned by a local family (cold, draft beer is served).