Places You Must Visit Before You Die! #1

Bora Bora Island in French Polynesia

About Bora Bora Island

Just an hour's flight away from the islands of Tahiti and Moorea lies the enchanting and romantic island of Bora Bora.

You will be amazed by the sparkling, translucent waters of the lagoon, the rugged mountains, the dense tropical vegetation, the many excursions and the warm welcome by the inhabitants of the island, which attracts celebrities, artists, newlyweds, and lovers in search of an authentic paradise.

2 volcanic peaks dominate the heart of the island of Bora Bora, creating an impressive backdrop in contrast to the lagoon waters that change constantly from emerald green to the deepest blue.

A 32 km long road runs the length of the coast, making it possible for you to go completely around the island and almost never rise above sea level. By bicycle the road may seem a bit difficult, but by scooter or car, you can enjoy the landscape without getting tired.

Bora Bora is a place of relaxation but with many excursions and activities also available for people who wish to stay active and keep in shape, including: snorkeling, fishing, romantic excursions, outdoor activities, etc…

History

Historians believe that Bora Bora was uninhabited up until the ninth century, until the arrival of Polynesian voyagers who first crossed the Teavanui pass, the only point of passage in the immense barrier reef that surrounds the island.

The island was known as Vavau, perhaps supporting the theory that it was colonised by inhabitants from the Tongan island of the same name. 'Bora Bora' roughly translates as 'first-born', indicating that this may have been the most important island after Ra'iatea. According to local myth, the legendary Hiro, the first king of Ra'iatea, sent his son Ohatatama to rule Bora Bora.

The name Vavau has evolved over the years to become Pora Pora, and finally Bora Bora, probably in 1769 when Captain Cook discovered the Leeward Islands.

James Cook sighted Bora Bora in 1769 on his first voyage to French Polynesia, and a London Missionary Society (LMS) base was established on the island in 1820. Bora Bora supported Pomare in his push for supreme power over Tahiti, but resisted a French protectorate (established over Tahiti in 1842) until the island was annexed in 1888.

Two European explorers claimed possession of the island a year apart from each other in the 18th century, the English navigator Samuel Wallis on behalf of Great Britain, followed by the French navigator Louis Antoine de Bougainville.

During WWII a US supply base was established here, prompted by the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941. From early 1942 to mid-1946 Operation Bobcat transformed the island and, at its peak, up to 6000 men were stationed on Bora Bora. Today the runway on Motu Mute is the clearest (and most useful) reminder of those frenetic days. Until Faa'a airport on Tahiti opened in 1961, this was French Polynesia's international airport. Eight massive seven-inch naval cannons were installed around the island during the war; all but one are still in place.

The United States discovered Bora Bora during World War II, when the U.S. military used the island as a supply base in response to the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941.

The 5,000 soldiers installed defenses along the coast to protect the island against a possible surprise attack by Japan. They also built the coastal road and the first airport on Motu Mute.

There has been a general effort to clean up Bora Bora in recent years, and local children on cleaning bees are a fairly common sight. But you'll still see and smell more rubbish than you'd hope to, particularly in the remote northern parts of the island. It's a fragile situation: the island is dependent on tourism but is at risk of deterring visitors because of overdevelopment, while at the same time its major drawcard - marine life - is seriously under threat. Let's hope the juggling act can be managed, because this is a truly beautiful part of the world.

Things To Do In Bora Bora Island

.Matira Beach

Matira Beach is one of the only public access beaches in Bora Bora making it extremely popular with visitors. The water is crystal clear and the sand is soft and downy. Matira Beach is also peppered with resorts, shops and eateries, so it's a convenient place to spend most of a day.

.Mount Otemanu

Mount Otemanu is one of two extinct volcanoes at the center of the island. Rising 2,400 feet above the lagoon, this volcanic remnant makes for a dramatic photo op or an adrenaline-pumping adventure. In fact, many say a trip to Bora Bora isn't complete without a visit to the top of this breathtaking mountain. And fear not, hiking isn't your only option; you can enjoy Mount Otemanu in all sorts of ways — a 4x4 tour, a boat tour, a helicopter tour or even some casual snapshots on the beach.

.Shark/Stingray Feeding

Bora Bora's crystal-clear blue waters and incredibly soft white sand are probably the main reasons you planned a trip in the first place. So what better way to say thank you to Mother Nature than by feeding the animals that live in it? Tour companies, such as Moana Adventure Tours and Reef Discovery, offer snorkeling, and shark and stingray feedings and encounters. You'll have the opportunity to interact with native blacktip reef sharks and stingrays in their natural habitats. And if you don't feel comfortable feeding the stingrays and sharks, you'll still be able to enjoy snorkeling the reefs and seeing the plethora of rainbow-colored fish.

.Coral Gardens

On a small islet just east of the main island and directly across from the Sofitel Marara, you'll find a gorgeous coral reef. Because the reef isn't far below the water, all you need to bring with you to spy the cache of colorful fish is some snorkeling goggles. But keep in mind that the beaches are filled with coral and not sand, so it gets a little rocky. Many past travelers recommend bringing water shoes or aqua socks to save your feet.

.Bora Bora Lagoonarium

The Bora Bora Lagoonarium is a natural aquarium on a small motu (island), just east of the main island. (By "natural," we mean that this aquarium isn't man-made. Rather, it's a portion of the actual lagoon). One of the coolest things about this family-owned attraction is that you can actually snorkel on the premises under the supervision of wildlife guides. Beneath the lagoon's surface, you'll spy sharks, turtles, rays and many different kinds of ocean fish. And depending on what tour you choose (full-day, half-day morning or half-day afternoon), you'll enjoy a number of other perks like a canoe tour of the island or a barbeque picnic.

Best Food To In Bora Bora

Sushi – This dish was first introduced in South East Asia which is prepared with fish and rice. In Bora Bora sushi is prepared with the fresh fish which has been directly brought from the ocean with local ingredients and sweet rice. Sushi is a fresh meal prepared with fresh fish catches in the island.

Foie Gras – This is a famous French dishes which is prepared with Bora Bora’s unique techniques. A foie gras is a mixture of seeped in purple egg plant with spices of a island is a wonderful twist on the customary dish.

Rotisserie Pork – This dish is best dish cooked with fresh pork and the slices with pineapple are the finest way to pamper your taste. It is a local famous dish of island which promises a fresh taste of the island.

Mahi Mahi dish – It is usually prepared with vanilla sauce. The tourist of the Bora Bora really enjoy this dish and been appreciate by them. The vanilla they used in this dish is grown in Bora Bora Island so we can see fresh vanilla dishes in this island. This dish is considered as best dish in Bora Bora.

Tahitian Vanilla Panna Cotta – It is an Island-grown orchids which produce vanilla distinct any other. It is prepared with fresh cream and sugar which is chilled with vanilla; this smooth dessert is a definite blaze after dinner enjoyment.

Banana or Papaya Puree – This purees known as po’e is the most popular dessert served on the island. The purees are usually baked, covered with sugar and coconut milk.

Poisson Cru – It is a national dish of French Polynesia. Poisson cru means a raw fish in French which tastes best. Firstly, the fish is lightly cooked in lemon juice and then it is mixed with fresh salad and bathed in coconut milk. Mostly the poisson cru is prepared with fresh tuna and also includes chicken, pork, sweet potatoes, bread fruit, rice, local fruits too.

Tahitian fruit pudding – It is a famous fruit pudding found in all restaurants. It is an traditional dish of the island. Originally the pudding was covered in banana leaves and then to be baked in the fire pit. This easy baked edition is easier in the current kitchen.

Appetizers – It include royal seafood salad with lobster, tiger prawns and caviar, and seared ahi tuna with vanilla oil, potatoes and lemon juice, while entrees include mahi mahi in a banana curry crust with mashed sweet potatoes and mango sauce.

The trio – This dish is prepared with Tahitian fish for a real taste of French Polynesia. This dish includes island flavors like vanilla, curry or lime. It is the favourite dish of the tourist of bora bora.

Best Hotels

1. Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort & Spa
   

2.Sofitel Bora Bora Private Island

3.InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa

4.Sofitel Bora Bora Marara Beach Resort

5.Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora

Map Of Bora Bora Island

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