By Buy a Content | December 1, 2013
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There are not enough words that could truly describe the beauty and the pristine environment of the Bora Bora islands. These island of dreams, Bora Bora, have been given the title of being World’s most romantic islands. Bora Bora is located about 160 miles northwest of Tahiti and almost 2100 miles from Hawaii. This paradise was discovered in 1770 which is without a doubt the most beautiful island on the planet. The original inhabitants of this island came some 7 million years ago from Tonga which became clear as the islands ancient name is Vava’u. In Tahitian Language the island name is Pora Pora as there is no letter “B” in their language and the islands name translates into “First born”. According to legends Bora Bora was the first island to be born when the supreme god, Taarao, fished the island out of the sea when the island Havai’i now known as Raiatea was mythically born. The Bora Bora islands were colonised by France under the leadership of Admiral Abel Aubert Dupetit Thouars, in 1842. As these islands were already renowned for their unmatched beauty, many novels and movies incorporated the Bora Bora islands which made them even more famous around the world. As the renowned novelist, James A. Michener said,

“So stunning, that there are really no adequate words to describe it.”

Some even consider the Bora Bora islands as the most mythical of the pacific islands. When seen from the air the Bora Bora islands have even been compared to

“a tiny emerald in a setting of turquoise, encircled by a sheltering necklace of sparkling pearls”

Bora Bora islands falls under the French Polynesian islands, it is as “Overseas Country” supported financially by mainland France. These islands are volcanic in origin but are full of lush green vegetation and white sandy beaches that end up into a crystal clear blue lagoon which surrounds the whole main island. As the lagoon is surrounded by a reef it is quite protected from the harshness of the open sea. This lagoon also acts as a safe haven for the small and big sea creatures.

 

Even though the land mass of Bora Bora is quite small, the lagoon itself is three times larger in area and is filled with brilliantly coloured coral fishes that spend their entire lives around the corals. The lagoon is also filled with many different types of rays such as spotted ray, grey ray and the huge Manta ray, specially these Manta rays congregate in huge numbers in the lagoon. And you can also see many 4-5 foot long reef sharks as well as barracudas. With waters so crystal clear you can easily view the marine life from above but you definitely should not miss the chance to snorkel and explore the whole lagoon.

The major population of Bora Bora live in a small town, Vaitape on the western side of the main island, it also acts as the administrative centre of Bora Bora. The skyline of this island is dominated by two towering peaks, one is an extinct volcano and also the highest point in Bora Bora, Mount Otemanu which is 727 meters or 2385 feet and the other peak is Mount Pahia which is 658 meters or 2159 feet. These two peaks are located at the centre of the main island. You definitely cannot miss those two peaks when you arrive at Bora Bora. The only airport in the Bora Bora was made the U.S troops during the second world war and like most hotels and resorts in the island the airport is also located on a motu’s, which a small sandy islets that surround the main island. When you come via air you can easily view the hotels and resorts, with their overwater bungalows and interconnecting walkways.This small airport handles several daily flights from Faa’a International Airport in Papeete and the smaller airport on Moorea. After landing on the airport, you will be greeted by local tahitian music and then taken away via boat to you respective resort or hotel.

In this mythical paradise on earth, you will never feel any boredom at all. The hotels and resort in the island have a variety of activities that will cater to everyone’s needs. But the best thing about Bora Bora is that you can just lay back and enjoy the island lifestyle, as the residents of Bora Bora live by a simple philosophy ‘aita pea pea’ which means ‘not to worry’. But one of the most popular activity is definitely shark feeding, where you can watch local divers feeding 4-5 foot shark from waist deep water and you can even watch the rays in the lagoon being fed. All these activities are quite safe and there is no danger from these reef sharks and rays. But if you don’t like such hands on activities, you can easily rent a glass bottom boat and enjoy the marine life of the lagoon from a safe distance. I don’t think any one could resist going into the crystal clear turquoise water of the lagoon, when you can easily spend the whole day snorkelling and scuba diving.

 

One of the most popular beach is the Maitra beach where you can find many multi colour tropical fish which is easily visible in the shallow waters. There are also many land activities that which can give you a more better idea of the local culture and explore the main land as well. You can easily rent a 4X4 and go around the island and check out the old ruins of World War, which gives a great vantage point to view the whole island as well as it’s surrounding. If you want some physical workout, you can easily hire a bicycle and get around the town and interact with the local people.

Being the most romantic island in the world it caters very widely to couples and provide a perfect romantic setting. Couples can go out on sunset cruises on a catamaran or rent a small canoe and go around the motu’s and have secluded picnics. You can even go on a romantic hiking trip along the beautiful trails of the island. Even though there are also jet ski option, tourist don’t prefer it as it cause water and noise pollution as well. But some couple even prefer going on parasailing together which is also quite fun doing together. There are also places where you can rent horses and go for horse back riding along the trails of the island and get different views of the whole lagoon and the island. One of the best places to visit is the Bora Bora Lagoonarium, it is like a underwater zoo, where a certified diver acts as your guide and take you up and close to turtles, sharks, sting rays and many other  sea creatures which are confined within the boundaries of the underwater zoo.

So if you are about have a vacation or going on a honeymoon, be sure that the destination is none other than the most mythical and romantic island in the world, Bora Bora.