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Introduction
Facts & Information
Bora Bora History
Bora Bora Hotels
Bora Bora Attractions
Bora Bora Tours
Transportation
Picture Gallery
Resources

Bora Bora.

French Polynesia Facts & Information

 Location Oceania, archipelagoes in the South Pacific Ocean, about one-half of the way from South America to Australia
 Climate Tropical, but moderate
 Terrain Mixture of rugged high islands and low islands with reefs
 Population 270,485
 Nationality French Polynesian
 Ethnic groups Polynesian 78%, Chinese 12%, local French 6%, metropolitan French 4%
 Religions Protestant 54%, Roman Catholic 30%, other 10%, no religion 6%
 Languages French 61.1% (official), Polynesian 31.4% (official), Asian languages 1.2%, other 0.3%
 Government Type N/A
 Capital Papeete
 Currency Comptoirs Francais du Pacifique franc (XPF)
 Description of Flag Two narrow red horizontal bands encase a wide white band; centered on the white band is a disk with blue and white wave pattern on the lower half and gold and white ray pattern on the upper half; a stylized red, blue and white ship rides on the wave pattern.
 French Polynesia Flag French Polynesia Flag

More Information
 www.cia.gov

 

Bora Bora Culture

Nearly 5,800 people live on Bora Bora and most still embrace the culture of myths and legends that have been handed down from the Polynesian gods. This ancient folklore influences the traditional song and dance of the island’s people and they love to share these celebrations with visitors. During festivals especially, women are adorned with leis and hei (crowns) of tropical flowers- the desire for beauty is anchored in the Polynesian culture.

Protestant missionaries arrived on the island in the 19th century and destroyed a large number of the ancient marae (sacred stone temples) in an effort to convert the natives. Though more than 150 years have passed since the conversion, many people still maintain their Christian beliefs and are considered to be very religious and pious. You may even notice family gravesites in the front yards of the local’s homes.

The pace of the people of Bora Bora is slow and relaxed and they live by the philosophy, “aita pea pea,” which means “not to worry.” A good way to see first-hand how Bora Borans live is to take a walk through the main settlement of Vaitape Village, which sits at the base of Mount Pahia.

The main languages of the island are French and Tahitian, but English is spoken at many of the hotels, shops, restaurants and other tourist attractions.

 

Bora Bora Shopping

A popular spot to buy craftwork like shell necklaces directly from the locals is at the Centre Artisanal near Vaitape Wharf in the same building as the tourist office. At the Le Pahia Shopping Center in Vaitape and at other small boutiques around the island, you will find such local products as carved bowls, tiki made of wood and stone, fine woven hats and baskets, and hand-blocked fabric worn by the island natives. Be respectful of local customs and do not bargain or

haggle over prices. The price marked is the price paid.

A black pearl makes the most unique souvenir to bring back from the South Pacific. This natural gem is cultivated at over 1,000 pearl farms throughout the Tahitian waters. Merchants carry varying sizes and price ranges. One such up-scale showroom is O.P.E.C. (tel: +689-67-61-62) where the black pearls are numbered and come with x-rays and certificates. Located along Pofai Bay, O.P.E.C. is among a cluster of shops offering the best of Bora Bora’s tourist shopping.

 

Bora Bora Restaurants
   
Read reviews for some of the best restaurants in Bora Bora. You'll find the perfect restaurant for your vacation here. Choose a restaurant by cuisine type or visitor rating.
Name Address Phone Cuisine
 Bloody Mary's Povai Bay 67.72.86 Seafood
 Bamboo House Povai Bay 67.76.24 French
 La Bounty Matira 67.70.43 French
 TOPdive Vaitape 60.50.50 French

 


Bora Bora Travel Guides
 Frommer's Bora Bora
 Lonely Planet Bora Bora
 Let's Go Bora Bora
 Fodors Bora Bora