TRAVEL TIPS
BORA BORA
OVERVIEW VISÃO GERAL TRANSPORTATION TRANSPORTE ATTRACTIONS ATRAÇÕES WHERE COMPRAS TO STAY ONDE WHERE FICAR TO EAT ONDE SHOPPING COMER
OVERVIEW Bora Bora is the most luxurious and
Known as “the honeymoon island”, Bora Bora
astonishing touristic island among 118 islands
is the most chosen destination by newly-
of French Polynesia in Pacific Ocean. The
married couples who look for the sensation of
region is divided in five archipelagos: Austrais,
being in a paradise, living at a bungalow over
Gambier, Marquesas, Society and Tuamotu.
ocean waters.
The archipelago where Bora Bora island is found is Society’s (“La Societé” in French),
Having a volcanic formation and surrounded
with 14 islands. One of them is Tahiti, where
by a ring of islanders, islets created by reefs
it is located the capital of French Polynesia:
(“motus”) and coral reefs (atolls) create a
Papeete. The main city/village in Bora Bora
huge internal blue lagoon with calm waters
is Vaitapé. This archipelago is considered the
(marine lagoons). The landscape is framed by
most populous and developed of this natural
mountains and volcanic peaks, such as the
paradise, and its most famous islands are:
hugely famous Mont Otemanu. Its beaches,
Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea, Tahaa and Maupiti.
often private and deserted, with white and soft sands and bathed in crystalline waters, provide diving with an excellent visibility.
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Besides its natural beauties, Bora Bora island is
the diversity of the region’s marine fauna,
known by being one of the best destinations
having tours by boat, sailing ship and jet ski,
for relaxing in the world, since some of the best SPAS are in resorts at the island. There are several treatments which are known for their natural scents of flowers an fruits and essential oils in massages and baths. Just like every paradisiac island, the attractions in Bora Bora are based in enjoying the beach, sunbathing, diving and learning about
parasailing and even taking the car to drive on the only road that surrounds the central part of the island. Enjoying the comfort of the resorts, relaxing surrounded by nature and watching music and dance concerts of the local culture are still real attractions! In the past, the islands were occupied by the Polynesian people, dated on approximately 600 A.D. The Polynesian people consisted
of immigrant people from southeast of Asia
WEATHER
and New Zealand to the lost islands on the
The best period of the year to go to Bora
Pacific. They were excellent navigators and had
Bora is between the months of May and
knowledge about waves, constellations and the
October, since in this period it rains less in
wind. Since the 16th century Europeans started
the region of French Polynesia, but especially
making the first contacts with the archipelagos.
between the months of July and September.
In 19th century, the Tahiti’s royal family accepted
During such period, the temperature is cooler
the French protectorate, integrally yielding its
and drier. It occurs because the temperature
kingdom to France. That is why nowadays it is
is warm and humid in months of November
known as French Polynesia.
and April, and it is known as the rain and hurricane season. Annual temperatures vary
Due to this French influence, Bora Bora’s
between 20ºC and 30ºC, and sea water
official language is French and Tahitian. But
remains in a constant temperature during the
other native languages are also spoken, as well
entire year, from 26ºC to 28ºC.
as English. Its exotic culture derives from the Maori Tahitian culture, which is responsible for festivities and habits of the inhabitants of the island, such as rituals with dances adoring rock sacred idols, gods and songs to war. Flowers,
TRANSPORT
dances and canoes comprise daily lives of the natives, and their cultural traditions are based
There are cruises and domestic flights to go
on them. Its exotic gastronomy, just like at any
to the island of Bora Bora. The visitants go, in
other island of the region, invests in raw fish
international flights, to Papeete airport, the
and seafood, and some dishes are prepared in
capital of French Polynesia in Tahiti island,
underground furnaces.
and then take another domestic flight to Bora Bora (the route takes, approximately, 1 hour).
Since this trip is a little expensive, deciding
The airline which performs such flights is Air
how many days you will spend there will
Tahiti. This route from Tahiti to Bora Bora can
depend on how much money you can expend;
also be taken by the ferryboat, which takes a
however, with high costs of airline tickets and
little longer, through the companies: Hawaiki
only weekly flights, the minimum period to be
Nui and Vaeanu (it is important to pay
spent in the archipelago “La societé” is 7 days,
attention to the days these transportations
but, specifically, in Bora Bora, the essential
perform tours, because they are not very
period of time to be spent is 3 to 4 days. On
frequent during the week).
the other days you can visit other islands, such as Tahiti. A Visa is not necessary for people
Most tourists who go to Bora Bora stay in
who will spend up to 60 days in the island.
resorts that already offer transfer service
All you need is the passport with a minimum
included, taking the guests from the airport to
validation of 6 months.
the hotel or resort. Most hotels/ resorts also offer transfer services for free to the center of
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Bora Bora and other diving regions, reducing costs with locomotion and being one less worry for travelers. On the “dry land� of the island, it is possible to get around by truck, car, bicycle, motor scooter, or even on foot. There is only one tarred road (in perfect conditions) which surrounds the entire island, totaling 32 kilometers. Public transportation is precarious - there is only one bus which runs around in the half-part of the island, and after 1 hour it operates in the other half. The main means of transportation in the region are boats, such as Taxis Motu, which circulates through the island. It is easy to find them on the main port, in Vaitape city, or by requesting them at the reception of the hotels. It is also possible to rent speedboats, jet ski or to pay for hours of rides in sailing ships or other type of water transport.
ATTRACTIONS
you would like to enjoy! Some resorts/ hotels already provide diving equipment for free to their guests. However, a good option for
The most desired attraction in Bora Bora is
people who want to rent diving equipment
to relax! Whether it is done by sunbathing,
sets and even hire a tourist guide is the Diving
bathing in calm and crystalline waters, having
Center, which is specialized in offering places
treatments or massages in SPAs, whatever...
for diving according to the interest of the
Everything in the most romantic island of the
tourist.
world is translated into relaxation and enjoying peaceful and lovely days in paradise.
DIVING
Bora Bora has several sea lagoons which are equally beautiful, where visitors can dive and watch dolphins, turtles, stingrays and sharks.
It is unavoidable going to Bora Bora without
One of the most well known places in the
diving to watch its incredible marine fauna. Be
island for this activity is Lagonarium and the
sure that you have the necessary equipment
snorkel diving with sharks and stingrays.
and choose the region and the diving trips
deep. The scooter has a constant air supply for you to easily breathe, not being necessary to experience diving nor piloting the machine, because the tour is performed by a “Capitan” who will be with you during the entire route.
WATER SPORTS With calm waters from Bora Bora ocean lagoons, the scenario is excellent for the practice of sports other than swimming, such as: sailing, riding jet ski, stand up surfing, windsurf and canoeing/kayaking. Such sports can be played with excursions so that you can meet new areas and attractions of the islands while you practice the activities.
BEACHES Wherever you look in Bora Bora there is a beautiful beach to relax and swim, from the ones which are on the resort to the most desert ones, in uninhabited “motus” (islets created by reefs). The main beach of Bora Bora is Punta Matira, The experience of diving in Bora Bora also
with white sand and calm waters in several
offers underwater services for people who
shades of blue.
want to explore the ocean floor without needing a diver nor diving with a cylinder:
Other regions with the best beaches of the island are: Baía Pofai, considered as an
- A brand new attraction which is actually
urbanized area with some near restaurants
a success is the AquaSafari. Here you use a
and crab sales; and the region of Anau, which
diving helmet fed with oxygen through a cable
although it does not have many beaches, it has
linked to the boat. It leaves your head “outside
beautiful wild landscapes.
water” even when you are on the lagoon floor. In this activity, it is possible to walk at the
BOAT TRIPS
lagoon bottom, to watch reefs and fish species
There are several boat package and routes
calmly and precisely.
which can be hired in Bora Bora island. Known as “cruise”, rides in trips, launches, etc., can be
- Another option is the Aquabike, a kind of
private or in groups, and many of them last the
aquatic bicycle which can go up to 3 meters
entire day, offering meals on board and taking
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passengers to diving areas, beaches, and to
in the island, which aimed to destruct Japanese
see all surroundings of the island. The two
vessels that tried to dominate the region.
main routes of boat trips are:
With cannons and bunkers (underground fortifications that, ever since, have already
- Boat ride through internal lagoon visiting
saved local population from cyclones etc.) the
Motus, which are all islets forming the ring
base is a scenario for photography nowadays.
which circulates the island; - Ride in a glass-bottom boat to admire reefs and fish of the region;
WHERE TO STAY
GROUND TRIPS The main village/ city of Bora Bora island is
Choosing the accommodation in Bora Bora is
Vaitape, where it is possible to see houses of
one of the decisive factors of the trip, because
natives of the island and to learn a little more
staying in a luxury resort or in a cheaper hotel
about the life style of island’s inhabitants.
inside the island will make all the difference in how you will enjoy your trip!
- The main island can be visited by several means of transportation, such as bicycle,
As mentioned before, Bora Bora is not
car, 4x4 trucks etc., but the most fun option
a cheap destination; therefore, the first
is going in groups withquadricycles to visit
suggestion is to go to really expend money,
the surroundings, dazzled by beautiful ocean
since saving up money in this trip might not
landscapes and exploring a little of the wild
be so advantageous. After all, who does not
nature of the place. Usually, tour packages with
immediately think about the bungalows over
quadricycles can be hired through the resorts.
crystal-clear sea waters of the Polynesian islands? It is as though one of the must-
- Walking in trails or tours by Jeep around
see attractions of the place! Thus, make a
Mont Otemanu and Mont Pahia, peaks of the
reservation of at least two nights in one of
volcano which originated the island and are
such bungalows during your stay in Bora Bora;
located in the center of the region.
and, if you prefer, after that you can spend the rest of the days of your trip in a cheaper hotel.
- Another trail with a panoramic view is the “climb to Belvédère”, only by foot. The access
The resorts offer several experiences to
is on the road in the middle of the extension
tourists, not to mention comfort. Services of
of Club Med, and it can also be started from
transfer and speedboat exclusive for guests,
inside the club.
native concerts at night, spa, and some activities, such as feeding stingrays and fish on
- For people who like to visit historical monuments, there are the ruins of the NorthAmerican military base from the World War II
resort’s seaside.
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Coral reef resorts in private islands (Motus)
is known for having a large part of the floor
with the best locations:
made of glass, which enables a good view of local marine fauna.
- Intercontinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa, resort with the most beautiful view for
- Sofitel Bora Bora Private Island, located
the main island of Bora Bora and for Montu
in a small island in the crystalline lagoon of
Otemanu. It is one of the most modern resorts
Bora Bora.
of the region. Resorts in private islands (motus) outside - St. Regis Bora Bora, one of the biggest and
coral reef:
most modern resorts of the region. It was chosen to be scenario of a Hollywood movie.
- Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort & Spa, located in motu Tevairoa, its differential feature are the
- Four Seasons Bora Bora, with gastronomy
glass bedside cabinets, which enables to see
as a differential in its restaurants and bars, it
fish even when lying in bed.
is also known by its pampering and modern ambient.
- Hilton Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa, located in motu To’opua, it is known for having
- Le MĂŠridien Bora Bora, is the oldest resort
huge bungalows with glass floor and private
in the region, and it was recently reformed. It
Jacuzzis.
Resorts located in central/ main island of Bora Bora:
DINING OUT
- Intercontinental Le Moana Resort & Spa,
As in every aphrodisiac island, the typical
from the same chain of Intercontinental
cuisine of the region is based on seafood, a
Thalasso, it is close to Punta Matira and offers
variety of tropical fruits, and some meats, such
excellent restaurants and services, even
as chicken meat. The most consumed fish are:
though bungalows are smaller and simpler
Frigate tuna, Tuna and the called Mahi Mahi,
than Thalasso’s ones.
which tastes like Salminus brasiliensis (Jaw Characin/�Dourado� in Portuguese). Lobsters
- Sofitel Bora Bora Marara Beach Resort,
are also main dishes of the Polynesian cosine,
located in a beach with beautiful landscapes of
and the basic ingredient for the preparation of
tropical flowers and bungalows with glass floor.
most food are coconut milk and coconut oil.
- Le Maitai Polynesia, close to the famous
Some seafood dishes are served raw, and
Punta Matira beach, this hotel is considered
other typical dishes prepared in underground
the one with the best price among the ones
furnaces or on the grill, usually, are tempered
listed above; considered touristic category, it
with lemon and coconut juice.
also offers bungalows over the water and an excellent restaurant which is open to the public.
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TYPICAL DISHES - Tamara: prepared with fish, chicken, pork, onions, potatoes and vegetables, everything evolved in banana leaves and buried in ground between porous basalt stones and cooked for 4 hours. - Raw Poissom, raw seafood prepared with lemon juice or vinegar and salt, and it also has coconut sauce. - Chevrettes, has a type of shrimp which is specific from the region as its main ingredient, and it can be prepared in several ways. - Olivier Salad, which is served with simmered taro leaves, with taste similar to spinach, and served with coconut cream.
Furthermore, it is also possible to find restaurants with French food, such as L’Espadon, and Vietnamese, Chinese, Italian and Hindu foods in the island. Some of the most famous restaurants
- Poi, a pudding prepared with taro, bananas
located in the city of Vaitape, in the main island,
or papayas.
are the following: La Villa Mahana, Bloody Mary (the most famous one), La Bounty (with excellent
- Pape Haari, known as coconut juice.
lobster dishes), Mai Kai Bora Bora, Tama’a (Maitai hotel) and Bora Bora Yacht Club.
- Maitai, local drink made of white rum, pinã, grenadine, lemon juice, coconut and cointreau.
RESTAURANTS Most resorts have their own restaurants, and in most cases it is where guests have their meals, such as dinner and breakfast. Among them, Four Seasons Bora Bora stands out with its excellent gastronomy, with its restaurants: Arii Moana, Tere Nui, Faré Hoa Beach Bar and Sunset Restaurant and Bar, each one with its own specialty. And also Le Corail, in Intercontinental Thalasso and Iriatai, in Hilton.
found in stores of the region, with several options of pattern. Black pearls can also be easily found in stores of the island, and they have a huge price variety, which depends on the shape, color and perfection of the pearl. As well as you also can find in Bora Bora necklaces and accessories made of shells.
CURRENCY Bora Bora’s official currency is Polynesian Franc (XPF), also known as Pacific Franc (CFP), which consists of bills of 500, 1,000, 5,000
SHOPPING Bora Bora, since it is a paradisiac island, is not the best place for international brands’ shopping in general. With products derived from the island’s raw materials, such as coconut and palm trees, the local market offers a variety of handcrafts made in wood, clothes, art objects, cosmetics based on coconut, and the most desired product from the region: black pearls. Coconut is the main source of income in French Polynesia after tourism. It is raw material used in clothing, it can be used as building material, and it is mainly used in cosmetic industry. Natural cosmetics based on coconut which can be found at any drugstore/store are soaps, moisturizers, oils and even shampoos. A typical outfit which is worth to be bought are the “pareos”, a kind of long skirt that can be tied on the chest or waist. They are easily
and 10,000 CFP and coins of 1,2,5,10,20,50,100 CPF. But Dollar and Euro are also accepted in the archipelago. To exchange money, there are currency exchange offices in Tahiti’s international airport and in most international resorts and hotels. In islands of “La societé” archipelago, there are 3 banks which provide exchange service. Polynesia Bank, Tahiti Bank and Socredo Bank. The credit card with the brands American Express, Visa, Master Card and Diners Club are the most accepted ones in most islands and stores; however, it is important to always have money in cash, especially because in some places it is required a consumption minimum to pay with credit card. It is also important to verify withdrawal limits in ATMs with your bank. Tips are not accepted in Bora Bora, and it is considered against hospitality rules to accept them.
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IMPORTANT NUMBERS
+689 40 18 17 15
IDD CODE FROM FRENCH POLYNESIA BORA BORA CODE FIRE DEPARTMENT POLICE MEDICAL EMERGENCY
SEA RESCUE
40 42 12 12 MOTU MUTE AIRPORT IN BORA BORA
+689 677014 INFORMATION AND TOURIST ASSISTANCE
44 99