The small island of Bora Bora (just 6 miles long and more than 2 miles wide) overflows with beauty. Dormant volcanoes rise up at its center and fan out into lush jungle before spilling into an aquamarine lagoon. In fact, author James Michener, who wrote "Tales of the South Pacific," called Bora Bora "the most beautiful island in the world." The 18th-century British explorer James Cook even coined it as the "pearl of the Pacific." The very definition of a tropical getaway, blissful Bora Bora abounds with luxurious resorts, sunny skies, warm waters and friendly locals.
And as you might've already guessed, the main industry on this petite island in French Polynesia and its swarm of tiny motu (small surrounding islands) is tourism. To that end, you can snorkel, exploreVaitape (Bora Bora's quaint town), hike Mount Otemanu and more. But there's a catch: Bora Bora is expensive — very expensive. In short, visit Bora Bora for natural beauty, visit for utter relaxation and visit if you have the money.
How To Save Money in Bora Bora
Visit in the off-seasonThe average nightly room rate for an overwater bungalow in Bora Bora is close to $1,000 USD, but you can find lower rates if you visit between December and March.
Take a Pacific Ocean cruiseMany cruise lines stop at Bora Bora, so you can get a taste of the luxe life without cashing in your retirement.
Bring your own alcoholAnd pack lots of sunscreen. Many shops on the island sell alcohol and basic necessities, such as sunscreen and bug spray, at high prices, so make sure to pack in surplus.
Bora Bora Culture & Customs
The main languages in Bora Bora are French and Tahitian, but you'll find that many people also speak English, especially resort employees. Bora Borans move at a relaxed pace. They have a life philosophy called "`Aita pea pea," which means "not to worry." Try to go with the flow and enjoy life at a slower clip.
Protestant missionaries, who came to the island in the 19th century, have heavily influenced the religion in Bora Bora: Christianity continues to play a major role in the island's culture. If you're interested, you might stop into the Église Protestante Maohi (Maohi Protestant Church), which has roots dating back to the late 1700s.
Since 1946, French Polynesia (a group of islands of which Bora Bora belongs to) has been an overseas territory of France. But French Polynesia has a lot of autonomy, which you'll see in everything from their currency to taxation. The official currency of Bora Bora is the French Pacific franc (CPF). One dollar is equivalent to approximately 108 CPF.
Keep in Mind...
It's all about the lagoons
Here's a secret: Many of Bora Bora's beaches are manmade and not much to write home about. The pristine lagoons are another story.
Taste test great local food
Trying poisson cru (raw fish) — usually tuna or mahi-mahi bathed in lime juice and coconut milk — is a must.
Try the miracle oil
Pick up a bottle of all-purpose monoi, an oil made from coconut and tiare blossoms. It serves as a leave-in hair conditioner, a moisturizer and even a salve for insect bites.
