Why You Should Not Bike To The Belvedere Lookout + What To Do Instead

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(Last Updated On: July 28, 2020)The Belvedere Lookout will give you the panoramic view of Mount Rotui towering in the middle of the Cook Bay and the Opunohu Bay. These two bays carved the heart shape of the island of Moorea in French Polynesia.

Vehicle to use

To go to the Belvedere lookout, you can ride a bicycle, an e-bike, a scooter, or an ATV. While we saw some cars passing along the way to the Belvedere Lookout, driving a pick-up truck is the smart choice. We saw a sedan passing along the coconut plantation but the driver gave up after going through several rough and steep paths. Mike and I rented a mountain bike going to the Belvedere Lookout and it was no fun especially for someone who is not a biker like me. I did my best to make it through then enjoyed the view. But I will not do it again unless my husband will ask me to do it again! Biking to the Belvedere Lookout was my idea though hehe. I was full of positivity that we can do it and we did! But I can say never again! Riding an e-bike, a scooter or an ATV is an easier way. If you still want to bike going to the Belvedere Lookout, read further to get an idea of what you will be going through. We also provided the directions below on how to go to the Belvedere lookout.

DIY or book a tour to the Belvedere Lookout

You also don’t need a guide to go to the Belvedere Lookout so you can DIY (Do It Yourself) it. But if you are joining a tour in Moorea, you don’t need to DIY it. Several tours in Moorea include a visit to the Belvedere lookout. All the tours below include a visit to the Belvedere Lookout. Click below to see the details and to decide which tour best suits you. The Belvedere Lookout is open daily and you can visit it for free. It also started doing the love locks so don’t forget to bring one.

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How to go to the Belvedere Lookout

Belvedere de Opunohu sign

You have to look for Belvedere de Opunohu sign which is always in red to go to Route du Belvedere. The sign is the start of the Route du Belvedere going to the Belvedere Lookout. See how to go to Route du Belvedere below.

From Sofitel Moorea Ia Ora Beach Resort and Manava Beach Resort & Spa Moorea to Route du Belvedere

Sofitel Moorea Ia Ora Beach Resort is approximately 14.6 km away from the Belvedere de Opunohu sign. While Manava Beach Resort & Spa Moorea is approximately 9.2 km away. From Sofitel Moorea or Manava Moorea, follow the road going to Super U Are supermarket. Sofitel Moorea Ia Ora Beach Resort is approximately 10.6 km away from Super U Are supermarket. Then Manava Beach Resort & Spa Moorea is approximately 5.2 km away from Super U Are supermarket. You will pass by Allo Pizza on your left and Restaurant Te Honu Iti on your right. Super U Are supermarket is 600 meters from Restaurant Te Honu Iti. When you see Super U Are supermarket on your right, you will see a red Route des Ananas sign pointing left. Route des Ananas means Pineapple Road.

The challenging route

Turn left and follow the road for 4 km until you see the sign for Belvedere de Opunohu. But before you reach the Belvedere de Opunohu sign, the 4 km route is a combination of the paved and rough steep road. Additionally, there were 2 shallow streams that we passed by so we got our shoes wet during this trip. It is quite a challenge if you are biking so never back down.

Keep yourself distracted by the amazing view of the mountains and the coconut plantation. Stop and rest if you must but never quit.

From Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort and Spa to Route du Belvedere

From Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort and Spa, you will see 2 Belvedere de Opunohu signs going to Route du Belvedere. You will know that you are in Route du Belvedere once you reach the second Belvedere de Opunohu sign. Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort and Spa is approximately 5.7 km from the second Belvedere de Opunohu sign. Follow the road going to Criobe Moorea until the first Belvedere de Opunohu sign that is approximately 4.1 km away from Hilton Moorea.  When you see the sign, turn left. You will then see Criobe Moorea on your right 130 meters after you turn left from the first Belvedere de Opunohu sign. Follow the road until you see the second Belvedere de Opunohu sign. The distance of the first sign is approximately 1.6 km to the second Belvedere de Opunohu sign.

Easier Route

This is an easier route than passing in the Route des Ananas. Though it will be a longer trip if you will be coming from Sofitel Moorea or Manava Moorea. It will be an additional 10.1 km to go around Cook’s Bay and Opunohu Bay. Mike and I took this route going back to Sofitel Moorea after visiting the Belvedere Lookout. We don’t want to pass through the Route des Ananas twice in a day. Note that even if you will take this route, you will still pass the Route du Belvedere which is also not an easy route riding a mountain bike.

Going to Belvedere Lookout

From the start of the Route du Belvedere going to the Belvedere Lookout, it is a 3 km of steeper paved road surrounded by trees going to the Belvedere Lookout. Remember to bring enough water and snacks for this trip. Wear comfortable clothes and sunglasses.

My sunglasses got broken while we were passing through the Route des Ananas. I stopped wearing it because its lens was always getting moist due to my sweat.

I put it in the bike basket along with my other things. It got broken as it was bouncing and hitting with my other things whenever we passed by a rocky road. Along the Route du Belvedere, you will pass by Lycée Agricole Opunohu where you can buy refreshments. Tourist loves their vanilla ice cream. You will see Lycée Agricole Opunohu on your right when going up to the Belvedere Lookout.

Lycée Agricole Opunohu Opening Hours

Monday to Friday: 8:45 AM to 4:00 PM Saturday: 8:45 AM to 12:15 PM Sunday: Closed

Arriving in Belvedere Lookout

Some people will just stay here for a while then head to the next spot to visit but Mike and I stayed. We pause to appreciate more of the panoramic view of Mount Rotui in between Cook’s bay and the Opunohu bay. Our photos did not show the beauty of view as it was overcast went we arrived.

There is a guy selling fresh coconut juice at the Belvedere Lookout. You may also do the Moorea Three Coconuts Trail Guided Hike that starts at the Belvedere Lookout. The Moorea Three Coconuts Trail Guided Hike is a 6.4 km nature trail hike in the rainforest of Moorea. Click HERE to book your Moorea Three Coconuts Trail Guided Hike.

Conclusion

Our experience going to the Belvedere Lookout will hopefully help you decide if you are going to DIY this trip or book a tour. And if you are still willing to bike to the Belvedere lookout. Enjoy your trip!

What to pack for your trip to the Belvedere lookout

• Sunscreen
• Dry Bag
• Reusable Water Bottle
• Action Camera
• Snacks

Where to stay in Moorea

Hostel: PainaPaopao Backpacker has a garden and options for a bed in a 6-bed mixed dorm or a double room. Guest House: Haere Mai I Te Fare has double to family rooms and bungalows. Hotel: Hôtel Fenua Mata’i’oa has suites with either garden or sea view. Resort: Sofitel Moorea Ia Ora Beach Resort has garden bungalows, beach bungalows, and overwater bungalows. Click HERE to read our Moorea Resorts guide.

Booking resources when planning your trip to French Polynesia

Flights to Moorea

Jetradar is a free online search engine for flights around the world that compares airfare from airlines and travel agencies. It will help you find the best flight deals. Download the Jetradar mobile app in iOS or Android to set price drop alerts.  Click HERE to read our guide on how to find cheap flights using Jetradar using a desktop or mobile device.

Accommodation in Moorea

Hotellook.com is a free online search engine that will help you search and compare the best prices of accommodations between Booking.com, Zen Hotels, Agoda.com, and others.

Moorea car rental

Rentalcars.com is an international online car booking service. It will help you compare the prices and the quality of service of car rental companies all over the world.

Get a travel insurance

Travel insurance is a usually overlooked item when planning a trip. World Nomads is simple and flexible travel insurance that will help you when things go wrong while travelling. Click HERE to read our World Nomads Travel Insurance guide.

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