Bora Bora is one of the destinations on many people's bucketlist. Everyone would take away something different from the experience.
For me, it's the locals' way of life. I learnt about how they use coconut trees, how to make coconut milk, how they make the roof of the huts, and so much more. They carry their traditional ways and are so close to nature. The abundance of fruit trees such as mango trees and banana trees. My favourite thing to do is to pick mangoes from the ground.
How to get there:
By ferry: it’s 8 hours by ferry and costs about $100 each way from Tahiti.
Ferries also shuts down near the third week in January and reopens this route in early February. Please double check with the ferry company for the current schedule. Locals bring their cozy pillow and blankets to nap on the ferry. They also brought their music instruments and jammed. If you prefer a more quiet ride, there are different sections on the ferry that you won’t hear the music.
By air: it’s around US$250 each way and only takes one hour. If you have motion sickness, it’s best to take the plane ride. You will be able to see the beautiful waters from the above.
Transportation: car rental, electric scooters, bikes are common options.
Car rental is about US$50/day for standard and US$60/day for automatic.
Accommodations: hotels and Airbnb. There are very wide range of pricing from US$100/night to US$10,000/night depending on your budgets.
I stayed at an Airbnb by the ocean. It’s 15 minutes boat ride across from the motu.
Food: supermarkets and restaurants.
You will find cooked food in supermarkets, but only Chin Lee Supermarket opens on Sunday. The supermarkets might also close for lunch break between 12 pm to 2 pm.
Recommended restaurants:
(1) Bora Bora Beach Club.
(2) Bora Bora Yatch Club for the dance performance and the view at sunsets.
(3) Bloody Marry’s is supposed to be good, but I did not visit.
Activities
(1) Boat tours
We went on a full day boat tour by Bora Bora Lagoonarium. It was US$100/person including lunch.
(2) Have a picnic on a motu
Our Airbnb host took us to their private home on Motu Omee for a visit. It’s between the calm and shallow lagoons and the wavy blue ocean.
(3) Hiking
There is a small trail near Mt. Otemanu that doesn’t require local guides. You will see a parking lot with buses. Best to ask for the locals to show you the way. There are plenty of fruit to eat if you are hungry for a snack during the hike.
(4) Public beaches for free snorkeling.
(5) Bike around the island.
(6) Try peddle boarding.
5 Day Bora Bora Intienary:
Day 1: Walk around and enjoy a nice dinner.
Day 2: Boat tour.
Day 3: Cycle around the island.
Day 4: Have a picnic on a motu.
Day 5: Hiking and snorkel at public beaches.
Happy exploring!
Bora Bora is one of the destinations on many people's bucketlist. Everyone would take away something different from the experience.
For me, it's the locals' way of life. I learnt about how they use coconut trees, how to make coconut milk, how they make the roof of the huts, and so much more. They carry their traditional ways and are so close to nature. The abundance of fruit trees such as mango trees and banana trees. My favourite thing to do is to pick mangoes from the ground.
How to get there:
By ferry: it’s 8 hours by ferry and costs about $100 each way from Tahiti.
Ferries also shuts down near the third week in January and reopens this route in early February. Please double check with the ferry company for the current schedule. Locals bring their cozy pillow and blankets to nap on the ferry. They also brought their music instruments and jammed. If you prefer a more quiet ride, there are different sections on the ferry that you won’t hear the music.
By air: it’s around US$250 each way and only takes one hour. If you have motion sickness, it’s best to take the plane ride. You will be able to see the beautiful waters from the above.
Transportation: car rental, electric scooters, bikes are common options.
Car rental is about US$50/day for standard and US$60/day for automatic.
Accommodations: hotels and Airbnb. There are very wide range of pricing from US$100/night to US$10,000/night depending on your budgets.
I stayed at an Airbnb by the ocean. It’s 15 minutes boat ride across from the motu.
Food: supermarkets and restaurants.
You will find cooked food in supermarkets, but only Chin Lee Supermarket opens on Sunday. The supermarkets might also close for lunch break between 12 pm to 2 pm.
Recommended restaurants:
(1) Bora Bora Beach Club.
(2) Bora Bora Yatch Club for the dance performance and the view at sunsets.
(3) Bloody Marry’s is supposed to be good, but I did not visit.
Activities
(1) Boat tours
We went on a full day boat tour by Bora Bora Lagoonarium. It was US$100/person including lunch.
(2) Have a picnic on a motu
Our Airbnb host took us to their private home on Motu Omee for a visit. It’s between the calm and shallow lagoons and the wavy blue ocean.
(3) Hiking
There is a small trail near Mt. Otemanu that doesn’t require local guides. You will see a parking lot with buses. Best to ask for the locals to show you the way. There are plenty of fruit to eat if you are hungry for a snack during the hike.
(4) Public beaches for free snorkeling.
(5) Bike around the island.
(6) Try peddle boarding.
5 Day Bora Bora Intienary:
Day 1: Walk around and enjoy a nice dinner.
Day 2: Boat tour.
Day 3: Cycle around the island.
Day 4: Have a picnic on a motu.
Day 5: Hiking and snorkel at public beaches.
Happy exploring!