Bora Bora from the sky
by Mila Zinkova, used under GNU Free Documentation License
Bora Bora
French Polynesia
Bora Bora is one of the most beautiful islands in the Pacific Ocean. It is within the Society Islands group in the French Polynesia. It is located 230km northwest of Papeete, the capital of French Polynesia. The main island of Bora Bora is an extinct volcano consisting of two peaks named Mount Pahia and Mount Otemanu. A shallow lagoon surrounds the main island, and a barrier reef encircle it, providing protection against the open ocean. Islands that have emerged out of the barrier reef are called "motus", or "isles".The name comes from the Tahitian word "pora-pora", which means "first born".
Bora Bora is believed to have seen human habitation since the 4th century, when the people of Tonga arrived there. However, it was known to the West after James Cook arrived in 1777. It was used as a military supply base during the Second World War, even though it never saw any fighting. The airstrip at Bora Bora was the only international airport for French Polynesia, until the Faa'a International Airport at Papeete was opened in 1962.
As of August 2007, there are just about nine thousand people living in Bora Bora, mainly in Vaitape, on the west side of the main island. Bora Bora today is heavily dependent on tourism. It caters mainly to upmarket tourists and many 5-star resorts have been built here. The resorts are often built on the motu or on stilts over the crystal clear lagoons. The guest can enjoy a wide variety of sea-related activities including shark and ray feeding excursions. Snorkelling and scuba diving are two other popular activities.
Where in the world is Bora Bora?
How to go to Bora Bora?
Air Tahiti has 5-6 daily flights between Faa'a International Airport (PPT) and Bora Bora. Airlines flying to Faa'a International Airport include Aircalin (to Nouméa), Air France (to Los Angeles), Air New Zealand (to Auckland), Air Rarotonga (to Rarotonga), Air Tahiti (to Afaraeitu, Avarua, Fare, Rarotonga, Tiputa, Tuherahera, Uturoa, Vaitape),
Air Tahiti Nui (to Auckland, Los Angeles, New York-JFK, Osaka-Kansai, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Sydney, Tokyo-Narita),
Hawaiian Airlines (to Honolulu) and LAN Airlines (to Hanga Roa, Santiago de Chile).
Another view of Bora Bora from the sky
by makemake, used under GNU Free Documentation License
External Links
Faa'a International Airport
