Bora Bora

[SuperMoron]

oh hell.. i KNEW i shouldn't read this thread..

I'll have to add that to my list of places to go. *sigh* its been a bit over a year since i went travelling, and i'm itching the itch so badly right now. I guess it will have to go underneath zanzibar on my list - since zanzibar is closer and at least the ZAR is worth a tiny bit over there. The joys of living in a developing country..

 

[Checkers]

Wow I can see what the Bora Bora attraction is. What a cool looking place. It looks so relaxing id never want to leave! Sounds overly expensive though.

Doing gardening for my parents

Gardening makes my nails dirty But then again, whats gardening without a dog to help you dig the holes

 

[bustermom]

Hubby and I went to Tahiti a few years ago - we stayed a week in Moorea and a week in Bora Bora. And yes, you do need to fly into Papeete's international airport and then take a puddle jumper.

Moorea was beautiful and we had a great time exploring the island on our scooter, but a whole week there was too much as we ran out of things to do (small island, beaches were okay but not spectacular). Plus, the mosquitoes! OMG the mosquitoes were HORRENDOUS! When we checked in they gave us a handful of these corkscrew shaped incense things that you were supposed to burn at night to keep away the bugs but it was like trying to stop a charging elephant by whispering "shoo!". I have a picture of us sleeping with socks on our hands to keep the little buggers from eating every bit of exposed flesh.

Bora Bora on the other hand was unbelievable! We stayed in one of the overwater bungalows and they have a large glass insert in the middle of the floor so you can look down and watch the fish and there's a staircase down to the water on the outside of the bungalow. The constant breeze kept the bugs away, the people were so very nice, the food was outstanding (we had room service one night and they came in and set up this eye-popping display on the table for us - talk about feeling pampered) and we just loved everything about it.

They do speak English at the hotels, but french is the primary language so it gave me a good chance to brush up on my language skills and that was fun.

I'll put some pictures up on photobucket and post a link (after I re-read the rules to make sure it's okay, of course!).

 

[gmacleod]

Sounds overly expensive though.

Well, you could always go to the Cook Islands instead That group of Islands is right alongside the Society group (of which Bora Bora is one). Not surprisingly, they're very similar.

Constitutionally, they're a part of the Commonwealth, in a free association with New Zealand (and they speak English and a form of Maori there). The Cooks are beautiful and a LOT less developed in respect of being a tourism resport than French Polynesia is. That's nice if you like unspoilt, not so great for outright luxury. It's a fraction of the price though.

See http://www.cook-islands.com/index.php and http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/destinations/pacific/cook-islands?v=images&a=3

 

[Checkers]

Ive been to Rarotonga before which was SO nice. Since I went there I really want to go to Aitutaki. Those big lagoons are brilliant! Those islands are as close to paradise as I can get.

Thats one thing I do like about it too, NZD :D No need to worry about changing money and exchange rates. Much easier when they speak english

Although I had a terrifying experience with snorkling and a two little blue fish throwing themselves against my legs. I have never been so scared in my entire life LOL so next time I go snorkling, I will have nothing less that a wetsuit, flipper and gloves on!