Bora Bora is known as an island paradise. It is a tourist haven to enjoy the soft white sand beaches, the crystal clear waters, sapphire blue skies and seclusion. If you want to know more about Bora Bora, here are some interesting about Bora Bora facts and history.
Basic facts about Bora Bora
Bora Bora has become one of the most popular tourist destinations and a place everyone dream of visiting. In fact, there are many things that contribute to that reputation, let us see overview of the basic facts about this island.
- Its highest point is Mount Otemanu at 727 meters.
- Bora Bora is surrounded by a coral reef and a wonderful lagoon.
- The population is permanent since 2008. It consists of 8.880 residents.
- It is popular for the numerous luxurious resorts.
- It is halfway between Australia and the United States.
- Bora Bora lies 230 km northwest of Papeete.
- In the center of it, there are remains of an extinct volcano.
- Vaitape is the major settlement which is located on the western side of the main island.
- The island is completely pest free without any poisonous snakes or the insects in sight.
- It is one of the most secluded islands on Earth.
- Many couples dream about spending their honeymoon in the bungalows floating. Some others also cannot wait to experience the species of underwater animals and drink a cocktail on the beaches.
- Bora Bora has small islets around it such as Motu Tapu, Motu Ahuna, Motu Mute, Motu Tafari, Toopuaiti and some more.
- Bora Bora is well-known for the dark pearls which are a unique gift to bring home as a reminder of an amazing holiday.
- Bora Bora has a great histor. Since the times it was inhabited by warriors. Now, it serves as the most attractive destination.
Bora Bora History Facts
This island is full of interesting historical moments. It will help you to get to know the culture and tradition of the island better.
Here are some top history facts about Bora Bora so that you will be able to explore a different side of the loving island:
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- Pora Pora
Originally, this island was called Pora Pora because in the Tahitian language the letter ‘B’ does not exist. When translated, it has a meaning ‘the first born’ referring to the grave importance of that island or the son of King Hiro of Raiatea who ruled it. Later on, when English settlers arrived, they misheard the name as Bora Bora.
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- Volcanic eruption
This island was formed by a volcanic eruption over 4 million years ago. For a time, it was uninhabited and desolate, until people from the island of Tongan came. Based on the research, they are believed to be the first people to lie foot on this island after the volcanic eruption. At that time, the island was called as Vava’u.
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- Captain James Cook
Bora Bora was found by Captain James Cook in 1769. It was the first time the island was recognized as an existing one. Captain James Cook was on a mission in the area as a British explorer once he came upon the island. It was a beginning of the missionaries that were established there in 1820. Their main aim was to convert Polynesians into Christianity. You will be able to see that the importance of the island only grew with the years.
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- World War II
We get information that Bora Bora was an American supply during World War II in 1940. This island was a good sanctuary for more than 6.000 United States soldiers. Thus, the islet Motu Mute was the main gateway for supplies to and from the island, making it a key location. For protection, 8 cannons were situated on different sides of the island. Out of them all, there is only one remains today as a reminder of the battle.
Bora Bora interesting and fun Facts
Now let us talk about the cool and exciting side of this island. We are going to share some of the most interesting and fun facts about Bora Bora.
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- Romantic island
Most people call Bora Bora as a romantic island. That is mainly because Bora Bora is a perfect place for couples to spend their time and crown their love. Starting from the bungalows, private beaches up to the Motus and the lagoon, it is the kingdom of love. Moreover, there is Motu Iti just 19 kilometers north. Also, the coral reef formation which resembles a heart is another reason that justifies the romantic island.
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- The meaning of flowers
Everything has a meaning in Bora Bora. That includes the flowers too. A flower on the woman’s left ear signifies that she is taken and has someone she loves in her life. While, a flower on the right ear is a green light for the men to approach her saying that she is single and ready to assort.
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- Bora Bora in movies
This island seems to be an exciting location for shooting movies. To prove that, you are able to watch the romantic movie Couples Retreat. It was filmed at St. Regis Resort in 2009. Among other movies that have scenes shot in Bora Bora are Island Fever, XXX, Hurricane, Sky Pirates and even the reality show Keeping Up With The Kardashians.
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- Bora Bora’s youngins
Another information among the Bora Bora facts, lies in the youngins. They are young people under the age of 20. Half of Bora Bora’s population are youngins. What is awesome is that those young people fill the beaches during the day. During the night they organize exciting parties.
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- Tattoos
In Bora Bora, tattooing has a sacred meaning. The locals believe that it derives from the two sons of Ta’aroa, the God of creation. Also, the drawings on your skin are observed as a sign of beauty. Despite that, in the past, they were a method to show your position in society.
AUTHOR BIO
On my daily job, I am a software engineer, programmer & computer technician. My passion is assembling PC hardware, studying Operating System and all things related to computers technology. I also love to make short films for YouTube as a producer. More at about me…
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