Travel Tips | Bora Bora (Eng.)

BORA BORA

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VISÃO GERAL ATRAÇÕESTRANSPORTE COMPRAS ONDE FICAR ONDE COMEROVERVIEW ATTRACTIONSTRANSPORTATION SHOPPINGWHERE TO STAY WHERE TO EAT

OVERVIEW

Bora Bora is the most luxurious and astonishing touristic island among 118 islands of French Polynesia in Pacific Ocean. The region is divided in five archipelagos: Austrais, Gambier, Marquesas, Society and Tuamotu. The archipelago where Bora Bora island is found is Society’s (“La Societé” in French), with 14 islands. One of them is Tahiti, where it is located the capital of French Polynesia: Papeete. The main city/village in Bora Bora is Vaitapé. This archipelago is considered the most populous and developed of this natural paradise, and its most famous islands are: Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea, Tahaa and Maupiti.

Known as “the honeymoon island”, Bora Bora is the most chosen destination by newly-married couples who look for the sensation of being in a paradise, living at a bungalow over ocean waters.

Having a volcanic formation and surrounded by a ring of islanders, islets created by reefs (“motus”) and coral reefs (atolls) create a huge internal blue lagoon with calm waters (marine lagoons). The landscape is framed by mountains and volcanic peaks, such as the hugely famous Mont Otemanu. Its beaches, often private and deserted, with white and soft sands and bathed in crystalline waters, provide diving with an excellent visibility.

DUFRY TRAVEL TIPSBORA BORA

the diversity of the region’s marine fauna, having tours by boat, sailing ship and jet ski, 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

Besides its natural beauties, Bora Bora island is known by being one of the best destinations 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


of immigrant people from southeast of Asia and New Zealand to the lost islands on the Pacific. They were excellent navigators and had knowledge about waves, constellations and the wind. Since the 16th century Europeans started making the first contacts with the archipelagos. In 19th century, the Tahiti’s royal family accepted the French protectorate, integrally yielding its kingdom to France. That is why nowadays it is known as French Polynesia.

Due to this French influence, Bora Bora’s official language is French and Tahitian. But other native languages are also spoken, as well 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, dances and canoes comprise daily lives of the natives, and their cultural traditions are based on them. Its exotic gastronomy, just like at any other island of the region, invests in raw fish and seafood, and some dishes are prepared in underground furnaces.

Since this trip is a little expensive, deciding how many days you will spend there will depend on how much money you can expend; however, with high costs of airline tickets and only weekly flights, the minimum period to be spent in the archipelago “La societé” is 7 days, but, specifically, in Bora Bora, the essential period of time to be spent is 3 to 4 days. On the other days you can visit other islands, such as Tahiti. A Visa is not necessary for people who will spend up to 60 days in the island. All you need is the passport with a minimum validation of 6 months.

WEATHERThe best period of the year to go to Bora Bora is between the months of May and October, since in this period it rains less in the region of French Polynesia, but especially between the months of July and September. During such period, the temperature is cooler and drier. It occurs because the temperature is warm and humid in months of November and April, and it is known as the rain and hurricane season. Annual temperatures vary between 20ºC and 30ºC, and sea water remains in a constant temperature during the entire year, from 26ºC to 28ºC.

TRANSPORT

There are cruises and domestic flights to go to the island of Bora Bora. The visitants go, in international flights, to Papeete airport, the capital of French Polynesia in Tahiti island, and then take another domestic flight to Bora Bora (the route takes, approximately, 1 hour). The airline which performs such flights is Air Tahiti. This route from Tahiti to Bora Bora can also be taken by the ferryboat, which takes a little longer, through the companies: Hawaiki Nui and Vaeanu (it is important to pay attention to the days these transportations perform tours, because they are not very frequent during the week).

Most tourists who go to Bora Bora stay in resorts that already offer transfer service included, taking the guests from the airport to the hotel or resort. Most hotels/ resorts also offer transfer services for free to the center of


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

The most desired attraction in Bora Bora is to relax! Whether it is done by sunbathing, bathing in calm and crystalline waters, having treatments or massages in SPAs, whatever... Everything in the most romantic island of the world is translated into relaxation and enjoying peaceful and lovely days in paradise.

DIVINGIt is unavoidable going to Bora Bora without diving to watch its incredible marine fauna. Be sure that you have the necessary equipment and choose the region and the diving trips

you would like to enjoy! Some resorts/ hotels already provide diving equipment for free to their guests. However, a good option for people who want to rent diving equipment sets and even hire a tourist guide is the Diving Center, which is specialized in offering places for diving according to the interest of the tourist.

Bora Bora has several sea lagoons which are equally beautiful, where visitors can dive and watch dolphins, turtles, stingrays and sharks. One of the most well known places in the island for this activity is Lagonarium and the snorkel diving with sharks and stingrays.

The experience of diving in Bora Bora also offers underwater services for people who want to explore the ocean floor without needing a diver nor diving with a cylinder:

- A brand new attraction which is actually a success is the AquaSafari. Here you use a diving helmet fed with oxygen through a cable linked to the boat. It leaves your head “outside water” even when you are on the lagoon floor. In this activity, it is possible to walk at the lagoon bottom, to watch reefs and fish species calmly and precisely.

- Another option is the Aquabike, a kind of aquatic bicycle which can go up to 3 meters

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 SPORTSWith 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.

BEACHESWherever 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, with white sand and calm waters in several shades of blue.

Other regions with the best beaches of the island are: Baía Pofai, considered as an urbanized area with some near restaurants and crab sales; and the region of Anau, which although it does not have many beaches, it has beautiful wild landscapes.

BOAT TRIPSThere are several boat package and routes which can be hired in Bora Bora island. Known as “cruise”, rides in trips, launches, etc., can be private or in groups, and many of them last the entire day, offering meals on board and taking


passengers to diving areas, beaches, and to see all surroundings of the island. The two main routes of boat trips are:

- Boat ride through internal lagoon visiting Motus, which are all islets forming the ring which circulates the island;

- Ride in a glass-bottom boat to admire reefs and fish of the region;

GROUND TRIPSThe main village/ city of Bora Bora island is Vaitape, where it is possible to see houses of natives of the island and to learn a little more about the life style of island’s inhabitants.

- The main island can be visited by several means of transportation, such as bicycle, car, 4x4 trucks etc., but the most fun option is going in groups withquadricycles to visit the surroundings, dazzled by beautiful ocean landscapes and exploring a little of the wild nature of the place. Usually, tour packages with quadricycles can be hired through the resorts.

- Walking in trails or tours by Jeep around Mont Otemanu and Mont Pahia, peaks of the volcano which originated the island and are located in the center of the region.

- Another trail with a panoramic view is the “climb to Belvédère”, only by foot. The access is on the road in the middle of the extension of Club Med, and it can also be started from inside the club.

- For people who like to visit historical monuments, there are the ruins of the North-American military base from the World War II

in the island, which aimed to destruct Japanese vessels that tried to dominate the region. With cannons and bunkers (underground fortifications that, ever since, have already saved local population from cyclones etc.) the base is a scenario for photography nowadays.

WHERE TO STAY

Choosing the accommodation in Bora Bora is one of the decisive factors of the trip, because staying in a luxury resort or in a cheaper hotel inside the island will make all the difference in how you will enjoy your trip!

As mentioned before, Bora Bora is not a cheap destination; therefore, the first suggestion is to go to really expend money, since saving up money in this trip might not be so advantageous. After all, who does not immediately think about the bungalows over crystal-clear sea waters of the Polynesian islands? It is as though one of the must-see attractions of the place! Thus, make a reservation of at least two nights in one of such bungalows during your stay in Bora Bora; and, if you prefer, after that you can spend the rest of the days of your trip in a cheaper hotel.

The resorts offer several experiences to tourists, not to mention comfort. Services of transfer and speedboat exclusive for guests, native concerts at night, spa, and some activities, such as feeding stingrays and fish on resort’s seaside.


Coral reef resorts in private islands (Motus) with the best locations:

- Intercontinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa, resort with the most beautiful view for the main island of Bora Bora and for Montu Otemanu. It is one of the most modern resorts of the region.

- St. Regis Bora Bora, one of the biggest and most modern resorts of the region. It was chosen to be scenario of a Hollywood movie.

- Four Seasons Bora Bora, with gastronomy as a differential in its restaurants and bars, it is also known by its pampering and modern ambient.

- Le Méridien Bora Bora, is the oldest resort in the region, and it was recently reformed. It

is known for having a large part of the floor made of glass, which enables a good view of local marine fauna.

- Sofitel Bora Bora Private Island, located in a small island in the crystalline lagoon of Bora Bora.

Resorts in private islands (motus) outside coral reef:

- Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort & Spa, located in motu Tevairoa, its differential feature are the glass bedside cabinets, which enables to see fish even when lying in bed.

- Hilton Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa, located in motu To’opua, it is known for having huge bungalows with glass floor and private Jacuzzis.


Resorts located in central/ main island of Bora Bora:

- Intercontinental Le Moana Resort & Spa, from the same chain of Intercontinental Thalasso, it is close to Punta Matira and offers excellent restaurants and services, even though bungalows are smaller and simpler than Thalasso’s ones.

- Sofitel Bora Bora Marara Beach Resort, located in a beach with beautiful landscapes of tropical flowers and bungalows with glass floor.

- Le Maitai Polynesia, close to the famous Punta Matira beach, this hotel is considered the one with the best price among the ones listed above; considered touristic category, it also offers bungalows over the water and an excellent restaurant which is open to the public.

DINING OUT

As in every aphrodisiac island, the typical cuisine of the region is based on seafood, a variety of tropical fruits, and some meats, such as chicken meat. The most consumed fish are: Frigate tuna, Tuna and the called Mahi Mahi, which tastes like Salminus brasiliensis (Jaw Characin/”Dourado” in Portuguese). Lobsters are also main dishes of the Polynesian cosine, and the basic ingredient for the preparation of most food are coconut milk and coconut oil.

Some seafood dishes are served raw, and other typical dishes prepared in underground furnaces or on the grill, usually, are tempered with lemon and coconut juice.


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.

- Poi, a pudding prepared with taro, bananas or papayas.

- Pape Haari, known as coconut juice.

- Maitai, local drink made of white rum, pinã, grenadine, lemon juice, coconut and cointreau.

RESTAURANTSMost 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.

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 located in the city of Vaitape, in the main island, are the following: La Villa Mahana, Bloody Mary (the most famous one), La Bounty (with excellent lobster dishes), Mai Kai Bora Bora, Tama’a (Maitai hotel) and Bora Bora Yacht Club.

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

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.

CURRENCYBora Bora’s official currency is Polynesian Franc (XPF), also known as Pacific Franc (CFP), which consists of bills of 500, 1,000, 5,000 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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IDD CODE FROM FRENCH POLYNESIA

BORA BORA CODE

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40 42 12 12

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Travel Tips | Bora Bora (Eng.)