Bora
Bora is full of surprising stories, volcanic landscapes and
Polynesian traditions that many travellers never discover. These
insights reveal a deeper and more authentic side to the island beyond
its famous overwater bungalows.
Bora Bora’s lagoon has more shades of blue than almost any lagoon in the Pacific, thanks to unique coral formations.
Despite being world-famous, Bora Bora has fewer than 10,000 residents.
There are no snakes or poisonous insects on the island.
Locals call Bora Bora “Pora Pora,” meaning “firstborn,” a nod to Polynesian legend.
Most of the island’s landmass is made from an ancient, collapsed volcano.
Bora Bora helped pioneer modern overwater bungalow design in the 1960s.
The island became a significant US military base during WWII, influencing modern infrastructure.
French Polynesia was one of the earliest adopters of large-scale marine protected areas.
Traditional Polynesian navigation systems inspired global heritage conservation movements.
Flowers worn behind the ear have meaning — right side means single; left means taken.
Respect for elders and community leaders is central to Polynesian culture.
Sunday is a quiet, family-oriented day with limited business activity.
Modesty is appreciated when away from beaches and resorts.
Paul Gauguin’s artistic legacy is strongly tied to French Polynesia.
Polynesian navigators preserve one of the world’s oldest maritime traditions.
Miss Tahiti winners often become cultural ambassadors worldwide.
Many globally recognised luxury resorts feature Polynesian craftsmanship and design.
The lagoon surrounding Bora Bora is protected by a near-continuous coral reef.
Mount Otemanu, a jagged volcanic remnant, is Bora Bora’s highest peak at 727 metres.
The island is part of the Society Islands archipelago.
The lagoon’s calm waters make it ideal for shark and ray encounters.
Polynesians value kindness, generosity and the spirit of mana — life energy and connection.
Dance, tattoos and storytelling remain essential cultural expressions.
Daily life is influenced by the ocean, with fishing still a key tradition.
Many locals speak Tahitian, French and English.
Traditional tatau (tattooing) carries deep symbolic meaning related to ancestry and identity.
Ori Tahiti dance features rhythmic drumming and expressive storytelling.
Flower crowns and leis are worn during celebrations and ceremonies.
Cuisine includes fresh fish, coconut, breadfruit and taro.
Bora Bora was settled by ancient Polynesian voyagers navigating by stars and currents.
The island was never colonised by Europeans until the late 19th century.
WWII military presence transformed Bora Bora with new roads and infrastructure.
Traditional royal families once governed the island.
Coral Gardens offer some of the clearest snorkelling in the region.
Matira Beach is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Mount Otemanu provides dramatic backdrops visible from almost anywhere on the island.
Lagoonarium hosts protected marine wildlife in a natural setting.
Bora Bora has fewer than 10,000 residents.
Polynesians call it “Pora Pora.”
No snakes or poisonous insects inhabit the island.
Overwater bungalows originated here.
Lagoon is famed for its vivid blue water.
WWII shaped modern infrastructure.
Polynesian dance and tattoos are core cultural expressions.
Mount Otemanu dominates the landscape.
Coral reefs protect the entire lagoon.
Flowers worn behind the ear signal relationship status.
Languages include Tahitian, French and English.
Marine life includes rays, blacktip sharks and parrotfish.