Motu Mute Arpt

Two huge peaks of sheer black rock lie at the centre of Bora Bora. Surrounded by the bluest waters, the isle’s most treasured feature is its lagoon. Part of the Society Islands group in French Polynesia, the original name of the island is ‘Pora Pora’ meaning first born. More than a few writers, including James Michener, have called it “the most beautiful lagoon in the world”. Bora Bora is served by a local airport in Motu Mete in the north, with daily flights to Tahiti. It became the south pacific military supply base after the Pearl Harbour bombing during World War II, and Bora Bora still shows signs of its military history with artillery positioned around the island. A place of innovation, Hotel Bora Bora built the first ever water bungalows which are today a characteristic feature of the island. A Bora Bora holiday ranges from luxurious accommodation in a state of the art house on stilts, to cheap, comfortable lodgings. Bora Bora tours include spectacular trips across the island tracking flora and fauna. Although there are not a lot of land mammals on the island (mainly just horses, cows, sheep and pigs) there are a vast number of rare birds. Perhaps the most exciting wildlife, however, is under water, with nearly 500 species of fish living within the Tahitian waters, along with sea turtles, sharks and dolphins. Scuba diving is therefore a popular past time on the island. Bora Bora is the most popular sailing destination in the whole of the Polynesia.

A Bora Bora holiday can include as much or as little activity as you want. The island itself is small, and can be circled by a car in about an hour. If you are going on your honeymoon then you are in for a treat. Past couples have boasted of meals in the water under an umbrella. The cuisine on the island is delicious, known for its seafood and fruits tourists can dine in the most romantic of settings. Not that you would want to, but if you do need to phone home fortunately making calls on Tahiti’s islands is reasonably cheap. The French telephone companies have developed a sound public system with plenty of phone booths dispersed around the island. Bora Bora has its very own waterpark at the heart of its famous lagoon known locally as a ‘lagoonarium’, displaying fish and marine life in the open air, Holiday makers can swim around with the creatures in the water; in fact, you are encouraged to do so! One of the ‘lagoonarium’ specialities is its shark and ray feeding exhibition, and seeing these creatures in such close proximity is a once in a lifetime opportunity. If you are looking for a bit of culture then a Bora Bora holiday does not disappoint. There are a number of quality art galleries on the island and paintings can be purchased from various small exhibitions, gift shops and boutiques. One gallery worth checking out is Galerie D’Art Alain Linda. Paintings found in the gallery include well respected artists such as Boullaire and Gotz. Bora Bora tours must involve some serious shopping. There are dozens of great items to be found in little shopping centres along the island’s encircling road. You can buy fine handmade jewellery and clothes or delicious traditional food at market stalls. If you want to relax then enjoy a sunset cruise. This is what Bora Bora is all about, watching waves hit against your boat in the middle of the South Pacific and relaxing in the most tranquil of settings. Typically sunset cruises depart from the lagoon around 4 o’clock in the afternoon so there is plenty of time to soak up the sun. While the best time to travel to Bora Bora is during the winter months (June, July and August), this is also the busiest season. Travelling around May or April is considered best of all because it is cheaper and less crowded.So book now for clear waters, hot sun and sandy beaches, let Bora Bora show you why it is one of the world’s most popular holiday destinations.