Ile des Pins: The Jewel of the Pacific

• HelloBonjour
  [Bon-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [Oh ruh-vwah]
• YesOui
  [Wee]
• NoNon
  [Non]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît
  [Seel voo play]
• Thank youMerci
  [Mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi
  [Ex-kew-zay mwah]
• How are you?Comment allez-vous?
  [Koh-mohn tah-lay voo]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et vous?
  [Byen. Ay voo]
• Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [Par-lay voo ahn-glay]
• I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [Zhuh nuh kohm-prahnd pah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir le menu, s'il vous plaît
  [Zhuh voo-dray vwahr luh muh-new, seel voo play]
• I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [Zhuh nuh mahnj pah duh vee-and]
• Cheers!Santé!
  [Sahn-tay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [Zhuh voo-dray pay-ay, seel voo play]

• Help!À l'aide!
  [Ah layd]
• Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [Ah-lay vooz ahn]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [Ah-peh-lay lah poh-lees]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [Ah-peh-lay ahn mayd-sahn]
• I'm lostJe suis perdu
  [Zhuh swee pair-doo]
• I'm illJe suis malade
  [Zhuh swee mah-lahd]

• I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [Zhuh voo-dray ash-tay...]
• I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [Zhuh ruh-gard zhust]
• How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [Kohm-byen sah koot]
• That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [Say troh shair]
• Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [Poo-vay voo bay-say luh pree]

• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [Kell ur eh-teel]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [Eel eh oon ur]
• Half past (10)Dix heures et demie
  [Dee-ss urz ay duh-mee]
• MorningMatin
  [Mah-tan]
• AfternoonAprès-midi
  [Ah-pray mee-dee]
• EveningSoir
  [Swah]
• YesterdayHier
  [Yehr]
• TodayAujourd'hui
  [O-zhoor-dwee]
• TomorrowDemain
  [Duh-man]
• 1Un
  [Oon]
• 2Deux
  [Duh]
• 3Trois
  [Twa]
• 4Quatre
  [Ka-truh]
• 5Cinq
  [Sank]
• 6Six
  [Sees]
• 7Sept
  [Set]
• 8Huit
  [Weet]
• 9Neuf
  [Nurf]
• 10Dix
  [Dee-ss]

• Where's a/the...?Où se trouve...?
  [Oo suh troov]
• What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [Kell eh lah-dress]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [Poo-vay voo muh mohn-tray (sir lah kart)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [Kahn eh luh proh-shahn (bus)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ...)
  [Oon bee-yeh (poor)]

Ile des Pins, also known as the Isle of Pines, was originally settled by the Kanak people, the indigenous Melanesian inhabitants of New Caledonia, over 2000 years ago. The island was named by Captain James Cook in 1774 during his second voyage to the South Pacific. He was struck by the island's lush landscape and the tall native pine trees that dominate its skyline.

In the mid-19th century, European missionaries began to establish a presence on Ile des Pins. The arrival of these missionaries marked a significant change for the island’s indigenous population, as the missionaries sought to convert the Kanak people to Christianity and introduce Western ways of life. The influence of these early missionaries is still evident in the island's architecture and culture today.

In 1872, Ile des Pins was transformed into a penal colony by the French government. Over 3,000 political prisoners from the Paris Commune, as well as other convicts, were sent to the island. The remnants of this period can still be seen in the form of old prison ruins, such as those at Ouro. This era left a lasting impact on the island’s demography and historical narrative.

During World War II, Ile des Pins played a strategic role as a base for American forces in the Pacific Theater. The island's airstrip and deep-water anchorage were crucial for military operations. The presence of American troops brought about significant cultural exchanges and economic activity, leaving a lasting impression on the local population.

Following World War II, Ile des Pins gradually transitioned from a strategic military outpost to a peaceful haven and tourist destination. The island's natural beauty, with its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, began to attract visitors from around the world. Today, tourism is a vital part of the island's economy, and efforts have been made to preserve its unique cultural heritage and natural environment.

Ile des Pins is renowned for its vibrant Kanak culture, which is preserved through traditional practices, art, and ceremonies. The island hosts several cultural festivals throughout the year, celebrating its rich heritage. Local artisans produce intricate handicrafts, and traditional dance and music are integral to community life. Visitors can explore these cultural aspects by engaging with local communities and participating in events.

Ile des Pins is located in the South Province of New Caledonia. The most common way to reach the island is by taking a domestic flight from Nouméa's La Tontouta International Airport to the Ile des Pins Airport. The flight takes approximately 25 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a high-speed catamaran from Nouméa, which typically takes around 2.5 hours. Ferries operate regularly, but it is advisable to check the schedule in advance.

Once on Ile des Pins, transportation options include rental cars, scooters, and bicycles, which are available for hire from various providers on the island. Taxis are also available but can be expensive. For short distances, walking is a feasible and enjoyable option as the island is relatively small. There are no public buses, so planning your transportation in advance is recommended.

The official currency of New Caledonia is the CFP Franc (XPF). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops on Ile des Pins. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are available, but they can be limited, so withdrawing cash in Nouméa before traveling to the island is a good idea.

Ile des Pins is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is always best to take standard precautions. Avoid leaving your belongings unattended on beaches and in public areas. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is advisable to stay vigilant, especially in less populated areas or at night. Use common sense and follow local advice.

In case of emergency, dial 15 for medical emergencies, 17 for police, and 18 for fire services. The local hospital on Ile des Pins can handle minor medical issues, but for serious conditions, you may need to be transported to Nouméa. Ensure you have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available for over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting villages and religious sites. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always ask for permission before photographing people or sacred places. Public Transport: As there are no public buses, do plan your transportation in advance. Taxis and rentals are available. Greetings: Do greet people with a warm smile and a simple 'Bonjour.' A handshake is also appropriate. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it may be considered impolite.

To experience Ile des Pins like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional New Caledonian goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the island's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the natural swimming pool at Oro Bay and the sacred rock of Kanumera Bay. For a unique experience, take a guided tour with a local to learn about the island’s history and traditions.