As I have just been to the beautiful French Polynesian island of Bora Bora, I asked my dear friend Jim Ferris to write a guest blog post, as it is his favourite place in the world.
A Bora Bora Love by Jim Ferris
I talk about French Polynesia all the time and the islands of the South Pacific are close to my heart.
But, just ask anyone and they will say that Bora Bora is the heart of the soul of French Polynesia in spite of the many hotels that have sprung up.
We started going to French Polynesia in the early 70’s mostly to Bora Bora. It is only 18 miles around (30 kilometres) and the people who live here are very friendly.
More specifically it is very easy to get to, either by cruise ship or by plane. By cruise ship, all you have to do is get off the tender boat and walk thru the shell and curio shop to the main road.
I always suggest to people to turn left and go to the local store (chin li) to enjoy the flavour of what a small island community has to offer the villagers.
It is a short 6 miles to one of the loveliest beaches in the world, Matira Point.
After 25-30 visits to the islands, one never tires of just walking around and talking to the local people.
If you ever have the opportunity to be in French Polynesia on a Sunday visit the local church to listen to the singing.
The shoreline has not changed on any of the islands for as long as I have been going.
There are rules and laws some of which I feel should be adopted my other island communities.
You cannot fly or sail into French Polynesia without a return ticket or be prepared to post a bond showing that you have funds to leave.
Did you know that developers cannot construct a building higher than the highest coconut tree, which is why you see hotels built from the top of a hill down toward the sea?
Yes, things are very expensive in French Polynesia, but it is like everything on small islands 90% of everything consumed is brought in by ship or plane.
Enjoy Bora Bora!
Jim Ferris
Jim Ferris is an experienced cruiser and loves nothing more than to be onboard. If you have any questions for him, please comment below.
Essential Info
- Weather: 23*C – 31*C year round
- Language: French (English is spoken)
- Currency: Polynesian Francs (Also US Dollars and Euros are excepted)
- Top tips: Wear lots of sunscreen and drink lots of water.
I hope you have enjoyed reading A Bora Bora Love by Jim Ferris, please share on Facebook and Pinterest so your friends and family can read too. Sharing is caring!
Have you been to Bora Bora? What would you recommend doing?
Happy Travels!
Love Lucy x
