Bora Bora

Candid tips & insights

 

NEXT Top 100 Wonder
Top 100 Wonder rankings
NEXT Polynesia Wonder
MENU

---

Why
Bora Bora
is special

---

The Polynesian island Bora Bora in the South Pacific is widely touted as the most strikingly beautiful island in the world.

---

Bora Bora

tips & insights

---

Volcanic island

Essentially, Bora Bora is a crumbling core of a tall extinct volcano that is surrounded by a tropical emerald-turquoise lagoon, which in turn is ringed by a string of islets, which in turn is surrounded by coral reefs.

---

Two main peaks

Bora Bora is dramatically crowned by two rugged volcano-core peaks draped with lush tropical foliage. One is as tall as a modern 200-story building.

---

Romantic

This travel destination is a mecca for honeymooners, anniversary celebrants, and other amorous couples in the high-budget category.

---

Tourism

Yes, through the years between my first visit (1970s) and latest visit (2008), Bora Bora has become more touristy, but with less negative effect than some writers say. The natural beauty and setting are too spectacular to be ruined by waves of tourists.

---

Over-water
bungalows

Bora Bora is known for its over-water bungalows on stilts (see photo above ). Today, many of the high-end resorts offer them.

---

Activities

A sampling of the variety that awaits you:

Relaxing
You will enjoy lovely white sand, palm-fringed beaches for lounging and swimming.

Watersports
Snorkeling and diving are popular. You can also see the lagoon's colorful tropical fish on a glass bottom boat.

Touring
Travel its 32-kilometer (20-mile) coastal road that circles the island. You can do it by car, motorbike, bicycle, or - as I did - on foot. It is an unforgettable experience.

Dining & more
Bora Bora is part of French Polynesia, which is an overseas territory of France. You will quickly see this connection in language, food and other cultural influences.

---

Getting there

To reach this island paradise, most visitors take an international flight to Tahiti. From there, it's a 45-minute flight to Bora Bora.

---

Best time
to come

Trade winds keep the climate balmy year-round, though the ideal visiting time is from May to September when sunny days abound.

---

NEXT Top 100 Wonder
Top 100 Wonder rankings
NEXT Polynesia Wonder

---

French Polynesia

Bora Bora
Moorea
Fatu Hiva
Nuku Hiva
Ua Pou

Hawaii USA

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Na Pali Coast
Waimea Canyon

Other Polynesian areas

Easter Island  Chile
Aitutaki  Cook Islands
Upolu  Western Samoa
Vava'u  Tonga

Clickable Polynesia Wonder map
Polynesia Wonder Guide home page

---

French Polynesia map & advice
Interesting Polynesia facts & tidbits
Polynesia Photo Gallery
Gauguin Painting Gallery

---

Other pages & sections
that may interest you

Top 1000 Wonder list
Wonder Guides to 17 countries
Special Topic Guides
Site Map
About Howard Hillman
What Readers Say
Email me your opinion

---

©2009 HQP / Hillman Quality Publications