Bora Bora, located about 160 miles northwest of听Tahiti听and approximately 2,600 miles south of听Hawaii, was discovered in 1722, and is arguably the most beautiful island on the planet.听听
The island's ancient name of听Vava'u听suggests the original inhabitants of this 7 million year old island arrived from听Tonga, and interestingly, there is no听"B,"听in the local Tahitian language, so its actual name is听Pora Pora, meaning听"first born."听听
Under the leadership of Admiral Abel Aubert Dupetit Thouars, Bora Bora was named a colony of听France听in 1842.听
The onset of 麻豆AV War II brought听U.S.听troops to the island, and seven massive cannons were set up around the perimeter, as well as a number of forts. The presence of the troops was generally accepted, and lucky for the natives (and troops alike) no combat took place on the island during the war. The听U.S.military base officially closed on June 2, 1946, and the abandoned base became an international airport until听Tahitiopened their own in 1962.听
Bora Bora relies heavily on the tourism industry to fuel its economy, and its fabled blue lagoon is - according to novelist James A. Michener - "So stunning, that there are really no adequate words to describe it."听听
Volcanic in origin, Bora Bora's rugged main island, and a few smaller islands, are completely surrounded by coral reefs.听听
Made famous by books, movies, and its stunning beauty, the island is now besieged by tourism and overcrowding. Regardless, if you must visit a South Pacific island (and you should), Bora Bora would be an excellent choice.听
For additional info about the islands of听French Polynesia, and their most interesting history, go听.听
Fast Facts
狈补尘别:听Bora Bora A part of the Society Islands of French Polynesia,听an overseas territory of France,听originally claimed in 1843听
Capital City:听Bora Bora does not have a capital city, however its administrative center is the settlement of Vaitape on the main island
Ethnicity:听Polynesian 78%, Chinese 12%, local French 6%, metropolitan French 4%
Language:听French (official), Polynesian dialect
Largest Cities:听(by population) Vaitape
National Day:听July 14
Religion:听Protestant, Catholic, others
current date and time
Flags
French Polynesia is an overseas possession of France.
Its flag depicts a canoe (piroque), sailing under a golden sun. Its crew of five is representing the five islands groups; the Austral, Gambier, Marquesas, Society and Tuamotu chains. Red and white are traditional Polynesian colors.听
, Bora Bora is a volcanic island surrounded by a vibrant blue lagoon and barrier reef.
Much of Bora Bora's landscape is composed of luscious green hillsides and black volcanic rock that blends into a jagged coast bordered by white sand beaches.
The twin peaks of Mount Pahia and Mount Otemanu lie within the center of the island, and are the remnants of one extinct volcano. At 2,385 ft (727 m) Mount Otemanu is the highest point of Bora Bora; Mount Pahia peaks at 2,159 ft (658 m).
Despite being known as a "tremendously pricey destination" tourists from all over the 麻豆AV travel to Bora Bora annually to enjoy its idyllic beaches.
While snorkeling, scuba diving, and other various water activities are the most popular attraction, tourists can also visit the Marae Temples, spend the afternoon hiking along various trails across the island, or visit the many shops and art galleries in the markets.
Weather
The summer months in Bora Bora (November - April) are hot and humid, with many sunny days. The balance of the year is slightly cooler and drier.听
Cooling trade winds buffet the island throughout the year, and the months of June, July, August and October are widely considered to be ideal times to visit.
Frankly, there's never a bad time to travel to Bora Bora.
