Things to see and do Oro

It is the jewel in the crown of the Isle of Pines and a visit is a must during a stay here. This small natural coral basin, wedged between a channel and the sea, is an impressive and marvelous spot, a place simply blessed by nature: sheltered from the ocean waves that hit the surrounding rock barrier, surrounded by majestic pines and a beach of fine white sand, it hides under its turquoise and clear shallow waters a heavenly marine fauna: corals, shells and multicolored fish. Swimming in this crystalline pool, with or without snorkel, in the middle of a multitude of multicolored fish not afraid for a penny, even curious, is an idyllic moment. However, don't forget your plastic sandals, because before reaching the sandy bottom, it is necessary to walk for a few meters on small rocks! Spending the day there to capture all the magic, discover new specimens and swim several times is a good option. But to avoid the crowds, it is advisable to come in the early morning or later in the afternoon, as families and locals tend to go there for lunch, enjoying the pool just before and/or after. To get there, you have to leave your car at the parking lot and follow for about 15 minutes a forest path that you have to pay for, at the entrance of which someone will wait for you to collect the money and explain the shortest way. This path crosses the channel, so you will have to walk in the water (more or less high depending on the tide) which does not present any particular difficulty. And for the smaller budgets, it is possible to come by your own means via the track that serves the Meridian. But it can also be pleasant to arrive on the site from Upi Bay, after an excursion in a traditional Melanesian pirogue, piloted by a piroguier from Saint-Joseph Bay. In this case, it is necessary to foresee forty-five minutes of walk on the pedestrian forest path to reach the natural swimming pool. The toll and a certain surveillance have been put in place by the customary authorities to avoid certain abuses of cruisers. Please remember to wear a bathing suit to ensure a certain modesty.

This is truly a stopover not to be missed under any circumstances, for the beauty of the place, of course, but above all to take a dip and enjoy a welcome moment of relaxation before resuming your excursion.

Numerous more or less accessible caves follow one another along the road towards the north. Their exploration requires an adequate equipment. The luxuriant vegetation around is magnificent, as well as the entrance of the site! It is here that Queen Hortense would have found refuge between 1855 and 1856, when the tribes were fighting for the succession. At the entrance, we can see a temple dedicated to her memory. You have to cross a small river by a slippery bridge and be careful not to fall. At the bottom, a slab would have served as a bed for the one who came to hide there. Kanedjio Vendegou was born around 1848 on the Isle of Pines. Daughter of the great chief, Kaoua Vendegou, although a woman, was able to speak out and help her father who accepted the protection of France in 1853. Kanedjio is baptized and becomes Hortense. An excellent student, she became the first Melanesian woman to read and write French. Thanks to an agreement with the administration, she obtained the protection of land for the Kuniés. Without any descendants, she joined the sisters after the death of her husband in 1872 and died in 1900. She is buried in Vao. Her portrait is still visible in many houses and cottages on the island. Her memory is still very much alive.

At 20 minutes by scooter from Kuto, the place is not difficult to find. Just go in the direction of Vao and follow the direction of Oro Bay. 9 kilometers straight ahead, you are there! Don't forget your flashlight!