Muri or West side?

We are planning a trip down and are torn between staying at Muri beach or on the west side to be able to view the sunsets. Any advise?

Please disregard... I'm on the wrong island!

Edited by: H2ooh

Edited by: H2ooh

Definitely Muri. I think thats the best spot to be in rarotonga!!! Been to the cook islands twice. I simply love it!!!Don't forget if you can to visit Aitutaki. It is my favourite place on earth. If you want more info on rarotonga or aitutaki let me know

I'm actually going to Rarotonga and would like to know if we should go for Muri or south-west? What are the differences? I hear Muri has best swimming and is popular with tourists but I don't know much about the south-west.

Muri looks pretty when calm but that part of the island can be windy. Muri is very developed and has some pollution problems re septic tanks which are starting to be addressed. Further to the south, Titikaveka, is regarded as a good place for swimming and snorkelling.

The west of the island Arorangi and also Aroa around the Rarotongan Resort are more sheltered. Arorangi has a more rocky beach, but has the sunsets and less wind. The tides also wash out the lagoon better on this side.

Have visited Raro more than a dozen times.

Edited by: agingaquarian

Thats great. Thanks agingaquarian. As two travellers who won't have any access to a car/moped is that something we should consider when choosing between the different areas? I get the impression that it's not going to be hard to get around by walking/bus/taxi.

There is an excellent bus service on Raro with buses running both clockwise and anticlockwise. Suggest you go to this site

http://www.jasons.com/guides

and order the Rarotonga map and Cook Islands guide. They are free. The guide has lots of information, including the bus timetable.

Walking is possible, but the roads are much busier than they used to be. At night it is best not to walk, but if you do make sure you carry a torch/flashlight.

Edited by: agingaquarian