Recent Trip to Bora Bora

I just got back from Bora Bora on pretty quick trip - just wanted to share some info.

Because of limited time I flew from Papeete to Bora Bora. Air Tahiti quoted me 31000 XPF (pacific francs) for a return flight from (PPT-BOR-PPT) - when I arrived I booked the flight for 26100 XPF - much cheaper to do when you arrive. They also had cheaper fares that were 20000 XPF if you flew on certain days at certain times - this info is very difficult to get via email - you would be best to either call Air Tahiti in FP or contact them when you arrive PPT (their office is right inside the terminal). I arrived at 6:45am and went to the Air Tahiti office and booked my tkt and was on a 7:50 am flight - very quick. If they are busy, their is also a travel agent in the terminal that can book all your flights and lodging.

When flying to Bora Bora from PPT, the best view is on the left side of the plane - Air Tahiti has all open seating, no preassigned seats - so if you want the view, get lined up early and on the plane.

Changing $$ at PPT - you are best using the ATM - the money changers rob you on the exchange rate and take 437 XPF commission.

When you arrive Bora Bora, ferry takes you to Vaitape from the airport strip. You can get a shared taxi to Matira Point for $5 USD (payable in USD of XPF). The road between Vaitape to Matira Point is in bad shape (i arrived just after a rain storm) - lots of potholes and the ride will take about 20 minutes.

I stayed at Pension Maeva - Chez Rosine Masson. It was 4000 XPF for a dorm for one night and 3500 XPF staying more than one night - dorm has 3 beds. Also has several rooms that have two beds and cost about 8000 XPF - the Pension has a nice kitchen and she has coffee and tea available (for you to make). Grocery store is close and you can get food there (not too expensive - large french bread 50 XPF, can of tuna 110 XPF, heineken bottle of beer 230 XPF). The Pension is right next door to Intercontinental Hotel and I used their pool and beach area - it was really nice. The Pension is right on the water and the area is nice for swimming and good views out at the lagoon and motu.

Arranging a trip out to the Motu is very pricey - 3000 XPF just for a water taxi back and forth. I did a full day tour around the island for 8500 XPF - took me to see sharks and rays, snorkeling, lunch on the Motu and a full ride around the island. If you can get a few people together, you can rent a boat for the day for 13000 XPF (also have 2/3/4 hour rentals - cost approx 6000/7000/8000 XPF). I would have done this but I didn't couldn't find anyone to do it with to split the cost.

Renting a car/scooter/bike. I tried to find someone to rent me a scooter but no one would - they wouldn't rent b/c the road was so bad and they didn't want scooters coming back broken - i rented a bike for 1300 XPF for 2 hrs and biked around the East side of the island - easy to bike and the road was good on this side of the island.

When trying to get back to Vaitape for flight or ferry, make sure to arrange you transport or give youself a lot of time. I tried to go back from Matira Point to Vaitape 2 1/2 hours before my flight and they told me there were no other cars going to the city. I hitched hiked and managed to get in on time. It is best to arrange everything you can as far in advance as possible. I thought it would be east to rent a bike, book a tour, or transport, but it wasn't (I also do not speak any French).

FREE BEE - if you do not arrive by plane. The airport ferry takes you to the airport for free - they do not check your plane ticket and you can ride on the ferry for a free - the ferry returns after the inbound plane passengers are ready to come to the island - even if they did ask you for a ticket, you could say you were there to meet a freind.

Once on Bora Bora, you can definetely do it for under 100 USD a day - but you do need to plan. I have been to over 95 countires and I really wanted to see this island - the infastructure wasn't what I expected it to be but the beauty was amazing - seeing the island from the lagoon and motu give the best views. If you just want to see a bit of FP and don't have a lot of $$ to spend, you would be best to go to Morea - easy to get to, beautiful and much cheaper and more options than Bora Bora.

Thanks for all the posts, it helpled me out a lot!

Thank you for a great report. I'm glad that you found the beauty of Bora Bora to be amazing. French Polynesia is a challenging country to travel to if you are not on a package tour but I found it well worth the effort.

Just a note about the ATMs, while they do offer the best rate not everyones ATM card works (my two didn't) so I would take a back-up source of funds (TC or cash).

Tearling,I enjoyed reading your report. Bora Bora was on my list of places I had to visit ever since I read Hawaii back in the early 60's. I finally got there last summer and it did not disappoint - the physical beauty is stunning and the colors of the lagoon waters are amazing. We, too, found it challenging as independent, budget travelers but well worth the effort. And ditto the information about the ATM's - we were in FP for 2 weeks and not once did we get one to give us money!

Great report! It's really refreshing for me to hear a report that isn't by a five star traveler.
Indeed Bora Bora isn't really set up for easy transportation! I was just there a couple months
ago and we took a taxi from the IC Le Moana (right next to where you stayed) to the Hotel Bora Bora for the dinner show.
$11 us....then on the way back the new driver wanted double! Oy vey! We had this happen to us a couple of times on the
island. As much as I love Bora Bora, I go there on a regular basis, they simply have to do something about the taxi situation and the lack of easy transport around the island.
Also, this last time I was alittle miffed about all the trash along the roadside at Matira Bay. Thanks for letting me vent alittle. So glad to hear you enjoyed this beautiful island paradise. Great tip about that airport ferry! Something free in Bora Bora! How rare!

sunny regards,
shully

Nice report!

Great report. Nice to hear about a bora pension. Really good tip on using the IC moana beach&pool.. - not that there's nothing wrong with the other 'side', ie. matira beach... Totally agree on the infrastructure&trash problem. My tip on the taxi situation (only during the day) would be to just hitch. we did it with the principle that every ride is a wine bottle saved :) and got a ride every time pretty easily.. But I guess late night after dinner going a distance, it is certainly a different story.