The most comprehensive digital travel guide on the Pacific region
Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaleditions.com/i/235341
TAHITI Bora Bora The warm shallow water of Bora Bora's majestic lagoon is world famous for its unspoilt beauty. Pristine white sand beaches line the main island and its motus (islets), providing the perfect backdrop for sun-loving travellers. Easily French Polynesia's most photographed island, Bora Bora lies 240 kilometres northwest of Tahiti in the Leeward Society Islands. Home to more than 4000 people, the main island and its imposing peak of Mount Otemanu dominates a multi-hued blue lagoon nestled inside a protective necklace of coral. Bora Bora impresses from the moment it comes into view on the short 50–minute flight from Tahiti. An exhilarating landing on a nearby motu emphasises the height of the island's towering peak as well as the stunning array of greens and blues that make up Bora Bora's famed lagoon. A short ride in a boat launch is all it takes from the airport on Motu Mute to Vaitape Village on the main island. Local transport options include a local bus, known as Le Truck, or minivans to the numerous accommodation options available on Tahiti's most developed island. Resorts, hotels, pensions and camping grounds offer a host of tours and activities to keep visitors entertained, from outrigger speed canoe excursions and scuba diving, to picnics on motus, catamaran cruising and barbecue parties. Bora Bora is easily explored by motor canoe, mountain bike or 4wd, with multiple tour operators happy to showcase their home to visitors. Travellers can opt to browse local boutiques or discover the island's secrets independently on foot. Alternatively you can choose to picnic French-style with baguettes, cheese and wine on Mt Pahia or one of the several gorgeous beaches. A boat trip around the lagoon provides endless opportunities to snorkel and explore small motus on the way, and arrive in time to watch the feeding of the sharks. This regular spectacle allows visitors to stand or float in about four feet of water and watch through a mask as several dozen hungry sharks are hand fed, only a few metres away. Deep-sea fishing off the sheltered waters of Bora Bora offers the chance to catch marlin, yellowfin, tuna, sailfish, wahoo and mahi mahi. When travellers tire of gazing at the www.paradisesonline.com 225