Bora Bora is an island group in French Polynesia, France. The island has two extinct volcanoes and surrounded by lagoon and barrier reef. It is famous for tourist spots and aqua-centric luxury resorts. The name comes from the saying “Poraporamaitepora”, “created by the gods” by the locals; sometimes pronounced as Bola Bola. In World War II Bora Bora Island served as a military supply base, oil depot, airstrip, seaplane base, and defensive fortifications. This is the reason why tourist attractions include WWII cannons. Buggy riding, motorboat riding, snorkeling, and scuba diving are popular activities. Architects have many interests such as traveling, photography, exploring, interior design, and vacation. Bora Bora is the place that feeds all these interests at one place.
1. Matira beach
One of the beautiful, largest beaches located south of Bora Bora is filled with palm trees with green hills. It is the only public beach with free public access. It is walkable as it is free of sharp coral, flat and sandy, and the water is crystal clear.
2. Mount Otemanu
Mount Otemanu and Mount Pahia can be seen anywhere in Bora Bora. It’s a great hiking destination, best done with the help of a local guide. The fragile precarious volcanic rock makes it impossible to reach its summit. Other than hiking, we can look for old American WWII cannons, ancient local altars all around the jungle.
3. Tahiti Pearl Market
Known for its beautiful pearls, Tahitian has a separate jewelry market of locally harvested pearls. They harvest a wide range of color, sizes, and qualities. Pearl trade market gives employment for a large population of native people.
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Tahiti Pearl Market ©www.tripadvisor.in 
Tahiti Pearl Market ©www.tripadvisor.in 
Tahiti Pearl Market ©www.tripadvisor.in 
Tahiti Pearl Market ©www.tripadvisor.in
4. Paroisse Saint Pierre – Celestin Church
Located in the centre of Vaitape is one of tourist attraction places, built at the initiative of Father Emile of catholic origin. It was designed by Architect David Chauvin whose design well sustains with the surrounding local. Durable laminated glass was used instead of glass to resist strong winds alongside the area.
5. Bora Art Upstairs
Located in Vaitape village is the gallery of Bora art Upstairs, and has a collection of paintings inspired by Polynesian culture. Marco Lundi, a local artist has many paintings over acrylic, oil, canvas, and paper. The gallery contains more than 100 original artworks from local artists, some are kept for sales too.
6. Restaurant Matira beach
On the shores of Matira beach, lies Restaurant Matira beach known for its beautiful dining rooms, spectacular views, and luxurious vibes. Key highlights include an outdoor terrace, cozy bar, and room for kids. Chef Tuaiva and Margianne are known for their light menu with a local elite touch.
7. Lagoonarium
Lagoonarium located on Motus is an aquarium without the glass, gives a chance to see sea beings in their natural environment. Traditional outrigger canoes take us for a full circle of Bora Bora Island with crystal clear water and marine life. Snorkel the coral gardens or feed the stingrays; we can enjoy a peaceful life along with marine life. Full day tour offers picnic lunch, dinner cruise, and private services. This place also includes bungalows or dorms with low-budget options.
8. Bora Bora explorer
Become a Bora Bora explorer with a local guide, experiencing land and water adventures throughout the day. Comfortable off-road vehicles help us to travel most secluded spots including war-affected areas around the islands. After exploring the lands and sea, we can dive into local foods as they have their history and cultures included in it. Combining both land and sea tours will enhance the tour, a local tour guide’s advice.
9. Vaitape tours
The only town in Bora Bora is Vaitape with housing 5000 people. This area has been home to Polynesians since the 4th century, from Canoa. Vaitapeharbour is the main stop for cruise ships and other boats. This town also contains restaurants, cafes and famous shopping centre Commercial La Pahla, banks, post, and a police station. This is a major necessity place for a tourist as it includes daily needs and as well as attractions like lagoonarium, Protestant church, etc.
10. Marine museum
Marine museum located in the northern end of the island contains 40 ancient and modern canoes, fishing boats, and other historic ships. It operates on special requests as it houses rare legendary ships Bounty and KonTiki and many more rare antiques.
11. 4WD tour
The best way to cover the overall island is by taking a 4WD tour. There are several points which give amazing views. We can also learn history, culture, and religion followed by the locals by asking the tour guide while traveling.
12. Mount Pahia
After finishing mount Otemanu, Mount Pahia stands to give us a 360-degree view of Bora Bora Island. Though it takes an hour and a half to reach the top; it worth every struggle.
13. Bloody Mary’s Restaurant
This restaurant is famous for its colorful history and ambiance. Founded in 1879 by Polish nobleman, Baron Jerzy Edward von Dange, still follows its old Tahiti style. Interior attractions include sand floor, tiki torches, and palm trunks for seating. They also have open restrooms having waterfalls instead of sinks. Bloody Mary opens for lunch, dinner, and drinks with fresh seafood and displays daily fresh catch at its entrance.
14. MotuTapu tours
One of the most photographed places in the south pacific, located in Vaitape. Hilton Bora Nui resort provides a Tahitian meal along the shore. Its white sand is worth of trip adding reef diving and stingray encounters. The hotel also provides private Champagne lunch for couples.
Information Sources:
- tripadvisor.in
- vacationidea.com
- travel.usnews.com
- traveltriangle.com
- wikipedia.org
- viator.com
- news.paxeditions.com
- wikimedia.org
- ttnotes.com
- wallpaperflare.com
- unsplash.com
- mariapaulaclavijo.blogspot.com
- pexels.com
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Belles formations nuageuses sur les sommets des volcans éteints du mont Pahia mont Otemanu, Bora Bora, Polynésie française 
