Bora-Bora, French Polynesia can be an intimidating destination for budget traveller like me. But I welcomed Bora-Bora's challenges and so I did my research.
Travel deal hunter gear on.
Although there are travel websites on how to do Bora-Bora on limited budget, there were very few blogs on it. I wanted to know from one's personal experience.
After a year and a half of research (while saving at the same time), I have reached a decision to go through a travel agent. A travel article mentions that Bora-Bora is one of those exclusive destinations that travel agencies can help in keeping the costs down.
At first, I was planning to visit two French Polynesian islands- Moorea and Bora-Bora. I have set a budget and I was determined not go over it. The emails from a few travel agents said: "Ms. Ramirez, you could only visit Moorea with that budget". Moorea is a cheaper island compare to Bora-Bora. Plus, Moorea is only 15 minutes by ferry from Papeete. Papeete is located in Tahiti, the largest French Poynesian island. Most visitors arrive by air at Faa'a International Airport, on Tahiti.
Tahiti is the largest French Polynesian island.
French Polynesian islands.
Determined to reach one of my ultimate dream destinations, I ignored the emails that limited me in going where I want to go. I continued my research patiently and voila--- a Bora-Bora deal within the budget!
All photos from here on are all taken by myself:
First glimpse of Bora-Bora.
An island surrounded by lagoon and barrier reef.
Also surrounded by motus (islets) emerging from the coral reefs.
The highest point at 2,385 feet is Mount Otemanu, a dormant volcano.
Approaching Bora-Bora's airport located on the islet of Motu Mute.
The most beautiful landing in the world!
Alain and I are the last two people boarded the flight from Tahiti to Bora-Bora. In my head ,'There is no way we could have seats on the left side of the plane!' Air Tahiti flights within the islands are first come first serve basis. No seating arrangements. Tripadvisor contibutors gave out a tip: sit on the left side of the plane for the best views of Bora-Bora. As I was slowly walking towards the front of the plane, a couple got up and changed seats freeing up the last two seats on the left side.
I was beyond thrilled! Alain told me, 'You have done it again!' On reaching a dream destination, on getting the best seats, on everthing Bora-Bora. I was smiling ear to ear all through out the flight.
It was a 50-minute scenic flight from Tahiti to Bora-Bora.
We were there in November 2014.
The view from Bora-Bora aiport! On the left is the catamaran waiting for passengers.
Lurhen and Alain in Bora-Bora!
From Bora-Bora's airport, there is a 25 minute catamaran ride to the main town of Vaitape. This is included in the cost of Air Tahiti flights to Bora-Bora. The luxurious hotels on motus have their own boat transfer from the airport.
A private shuttle.
Leaving the airport.
One of the motus (islets).
Welcome smile from a local.
Catamaran
Vaitape Wharf
Vaitape is the only town on Bora-Bora, its population is around 5,000. Here, you'll find the post office, police station, pharmacy, a medical center, supermarket, several banks and churches. There are also small restaurants, boutiques and few souvenir stores.
In Vaitape Wharf, we were met by the van driver that holds up a sign: Maitai, our hotel in Bora-Bora. Le Maitai is the only 3-star hotel on the island and is only 15 minute complimentary transfer by van from Vaitape. I chose this hotel because it is near a convenient store where they sell ready-to-eat lunches and fresh French baguettes!
Le Maitai has two parts- the lagoon side and the mountain side. The lagoon side has a small white sand beach. There are beach bungalows amongst palm trees and flowering bushes. From this side of the beach, there are small piers that give access to the over the water bungalows, which is the cheapest in Bora-Bora. There is also a restaurant at the end of the beach which serves good food. Across the street is the mountain side of the Le Maitai. The main entrance leads to the reception, to the right is a large restaurant mainly used for breakfast buffet. To the left side is where most of the garden rooms are located.
Busy.
Le Maitai's beach.
Over the water bungalows.
Lagoon side in mid-afternoon.
Le Maitai dock. Lagoon side.
The mountain side. Main entrance to the reception.
Garden rooms.
Our balcony.
I opted to stay in one of the garden rooms during our stay on the island. The room has a comfortable bed and clean bathroom and a television! There was also a balcony where we hung out early in the morning. Yes, we were up early at 4:30AM, island time, we were still jetlagged but did not mind it at all. Bora-Bora is 6 hours behind Montréal.
Everyday, around 5:30AM, we go the the beach and sit to witness the sunrise. What a husband and wife moment! We know we are more than blessed for this once in a lifetime trip.
Our sunrise watching spot.
Stunning!
Not only that we witnessed sunrises together but also beautiful sunsets. The best views of the sunsets are on Matira Beach, a 7 minute walk from our hotel.
Sunset on Matira Beach.
Colors of pink and blue skies at sunset.
Sunset.
Sunset kiss.
We have done a few excursions on the island, both on water and on land activities. We took a tour on a traditional Polynesian outrigger canoe. Our captain/ tour guide took us to circle the whole lagoon. Wherever the outrigger canoe took us, with the backdrop of the peak of Mt. Otemanu on any angle and the changing hues of blue of the lagoon--- the views are just spectacular!
Where we swam with black tip and reef sharks. They were everywhere!
Our tour guide and captain.
Behind me was a sting ray feeding activity.
Beautiful.
Other boat on the tour.
Our spot on the boat!
Hilton Bora-Bora
Another stunning view of Mt. Otemanu with the clouds.
A special view!
After snorkelling and swimming with the sharks plus stingray feeding- it was time for lunch. A Polynesian feast was waiting for the tour group on a private island. The feast was prepared by a cook in a traditional earth oven made with volcanic rocks and covered with banana leaves. On the menu were; suckling pig, chicken with local spinach, fish in different kinds, plantain bananas, bread fruit as well as fresh tropical fruits. A fire dance was performed after lunch too!
Picnic on water.
Another angle of Mt. Otemanu.
A view of a luxurious hotel from the small private island
Polynesian Feast
Us.
Fire dance. Burning feet!
For our land activities, we opted for a mountain safari. A fun and knowlegable tour guide took us to different view points on 4x4. Bora-Bora has a few inland roads that was built by Americans in World War II, they placed canons in strategic look outs. These roads are extremely rugged and is only accesible by 4x4 vehicles.
Our 4x4!
Antenna Viewpoint
Turquoise and blues.
Rugged road.
Bora-Bora was chosen by the United States as one of their military bases in the South Pacific after the attack on Pearl Harbor.
The canons were never fired and are just rusting in the steep hills of Bora-Bora.
We also visited a mountain artist who painted this pareo.
Another angle of Mt. Otemanu.
My husband and I really treasure this once in a lifetime trip to Bora-Bora, French Polynesia. We had our celfones off and did not check our emails when we were there. It was just us- taking in the chance to really be together.
Busy again.
My funny man.
Busy in paradise.
Him too. Busy in paradise.
Another angle of the mounntains and the lagoon.
Lagoon lovers.
Bora-Bora is just breathtaking in every angle!
Yes, French Polynesia can be expensive but if you will decide to opt for experience than extravagance---it is still doable within limited budget.
It is the most expensive trip I have spent on but the memories of Bora-Bora are priceless!
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