(¯`•¸·´¯) In dA GLaMouR WorLd(¯`·¸•´¯): Bora Bora Island

Location : Pacific Ocean
Archipelago : Society Islands
Area : 29.3 km2 (11.3 sq mi)
Highest point : Mount Otemanu (727 m (2,390 ft))
Country : France
Overseas collectivity : French Polynesia
Administrative subdivision : Leeward Islands
Commune : Bora-Bora
Largest city : Vaitape (4,927 inhabitants)

Bora Bora is an island in the Leeward group of the Society Islands of French Polynesia, an overseas collectivity of France in the Pacific Ocean. The island, located about 230 kilometres (140 mi) northwest of Papeete, is surrounded by a lagoon and a barrier reef. In the center of the island are the remnants of an extinct volcano rising to two peaks, Mount Pahia and Mount Otemanu, the highest point at 727 metres (2,385 ft). The original name of the island in the Tahitian language might be better rendered as Pora Pora, meaning "First Born"; an early transcription found in 18th- and 19th century accounts, is Bolabolla (or "Bollabolla").

The major settlement, Vaitape is on the western side of the island, opposite the main channel into the lagoon. The products of the island are mostly limited to what can be obtained from the sea and coconut trees, which were historically of economic importance for copra.

The commune of Bora-Bora is made up of the island of Bora Bora proper with its surrounding islets emerging from the coral reef (29.3 km²/11.3 sq. miles in total) and of the atoll of Tupai (11 km2/4.2 sq mi), located 20 kilometres (12 mi) north of Bora Bora. The atoll of Tupai has no permanent population apart from about 50 workers in the coconut plantations.

Former President of French Polynesia Gaston Tong Sang is the current mayor of Bora Bora

History

The Island was first inhabited by Polynesian settlers around the 4th century. Its previous Polynesian name was Vava'u.

The first European sighting was made by Jakob Roggeveen in 1722. James Cook sighted the island in 1769 and landed in 1777. A London Missionary Society arrived in 1820 and founded a Protestant church in 1822.

In 1842 Bora Bora was made a protectorate of France following the actions of Admiral Abel Aubert Dupetit Thouars.

Today the island is mainly dependent on tourism. Over the last few years several resorts have been built on motu (small islands) surrounding the lagoon.

Thirty years ago, Hotel Bora Bora built the first over-the-water bungalows on stilts over the lagoon and today, overwater bungalows are a standard feature of most Bora Bora resorts. The quality of those bungalows ranges from comparably cheap, basic accommodations to very luxurious - and pricey - places to stay. Most of the tourist destinations are aquacentric; however it is possible to visit attractions on land such as WWII cannons.

Air Tahiti has five or six flights daily to the Bora Bora Airport on Moto Mute from Tahiti (as well as from other islands).

Although French and Tahitian are the main languages spoken by the inhabitants, people in contact with tourists generally have some command of English. Most visitors to Bora Bora are American, Japanese, or European.

Public transport on the island is limited, consisting of a single bus that goes halfway around the island and back approximately every hour. Bicycles are the recommended method of transport. There are also small fun-cars for hire in Vaitape.

Bora Bora is predestined for snorkeling and scuba diving in and around its lagoon. Many species of sharks and rays inhabit the surrounding body of water. There are a few dive operators on the island offering manta ray dives and also shark-feeding dives.

6 Categories of Bora Bora's activities include:

WATERSPORTS- with special sections for SCUBA DIVING and SAILING, plus snorkeling, surfing, windsurfing, jetskiing, jetboating, waterskiing, swimming, kitesurfing.
RELAXATION- motu picnics, nightlife, bus & mini van tours, glass bottom boat, private lagoon tours, sunset cruises, massage
ADVENTURES- 4x4 safaris, parasailing, deepsea & sportfishing, shark & ray feeding, hiking & climbing
ISLAND FUN- eco, cultural, & nature touring, lagoon excursions, horseback riding, light tackle fishing, Aquasafari, Lagoonarium, camping, flightseeing
RECREATION- casual walking, bicycle riding, tennis, volleyball, billiards, massage.
SHOPPING, SERVICES & RESTAURANTS- local art galleries & studios, BLACK PEARLS & JEWELRY, giftshops, boutiques & more.

Also, a list of general services: drugstores, cyber cafes, "the" visitor's center, and all the island's restaurants & food choices

3 Categories of Bora Bora's sights include:
SIGHTSEEING & GENERAL POINTS OF INTEREST- Ancient maraes, leftover World War II cannons and bunkers, plus a special CIRCLE ISLAND TOUR section.
ATTRACTIONS & UNIQUE ACTIVITIES-
The Exotic Lagoonarium, Tahitian Dancing, and the Aquasafari.
ARTISTS, CRAFTSMEN & OTHER SPECIALISTS-
with info on local artists & craftsmen, art galleries, Tattoo artists, and more...