Top 10 islands of the world: Bora Bora, French Polynesia | Shaped like a giant sombrero, the volcanic island of Bora Bora stars in countless South Pacific fantasies. The focal point and best asset of this tropical beauty is its ravishing lagoon in technicolor turquoise. Fish, turtles, sharks, and rays swim in clear waters, and tiny islets dot the lagoon. The Bora Bora is distinctly French, with mouthwatering cuisine to match. Diving and snorkeling are excellent in the surrounding reefs and hiking trails weave through the palm-studded forests. If you can afford it, hide out here in a luxurious over-the-water bungalow on stilts and bask in your good fortune as you fall asleep to the gentle slosh of the sea.
Bora Bora is just 29 sqkm in size, located northwest of Tahiti in French Polynesia. At the island’s center rises Mt. Otemanu, a 727m dormant volcano. Approx. 9,000 people call Bora Bora home. Half of them live in Vaitape. The island’s economy is driven almost solely by tourism.
How to get to Bora Bora
It will take time, and it might be the most thrilling air travel you have ever had. To get Bora Bora flights you must first fly into French Polynesia’s Faa’a International Airport, at Papeete, on the main island of Tahiti. Air New Zealand, Air Tahiti Nui, Air France, LAN and Hawaiian Airlines bring you into Tahiti. From Papeete, only Air Tahiti connects you to 47 islands “nearby”, including Bora Bora Airport. It will take 50 minutes.
Important Note: Misunderstandings between Air Tahiti and travel agents in other parts of the world are very common. If your bookings were made from abroad, confirm your Bora Bora flights and other Bora Bora travel arrangements when you arrive in Papeete! Also be attentive when waiting at the airport for your flight to Bora Bora because planes can leave up to 20 minutes early.
Where to stay in Bora Bora
Bora Bora is an international tourist destination, famous for its aqua-centric luxury resorts. But due its remoteness not too many travelers end up here. Booking.com lists 47 properties. 25 of them are profesional hotels and resorts, starting at approx. 110 Euros per night. On the upper end you find 5-star properties such as InterContinental and Conrad Bora Bora Nui at roughly 1,000 Euros per night. If you are on a budget, choose wisely. Low cost accommodation on Bora Bora Island does very often mean: low standards. Really low standards! One of the few exceptions might be the ‘Bora Bora Bungalove’ estate if self-catering is your style. It enjoys a beautiful waterfront location, with views of the lagoon and Mt. Otemanu. There is a swimming area with a reef. The airport will be just 7 km away and free transfer from and to the airport is available.
Top 10 islands of the world Bora Bora. By Chili & Churp | © International Destinations | Check out all other Top 10 Islands one by one -> Cook Islands | Seychelles | Tahiti | St. Lucia | Palawan | Fiji | Cebu | Mykonos | Whitsunday Island.
