Interested in learning a little more about Bora Bora, French Polynesia? Here are ten fast facts to get you started:
1. In ancient times, Bora Bora was called Pora Pora meaning “first born” since it was believed to be the first island created after Raiatea (another neighboring island). However, the Tahitian language doesn’t distinguish between the ‘p’ and ‘b’ sounds and the <p> in Pora Pora is somewhere between those two sounds. Similarly, the <r> in Pora Pora doesn’t represent a sound that exists in English, but is somewhere between an ‘l’ and an ‘r’ sound. When Pora Pora was heard by outsiders, they misheard it as roughly Bola Bola or Bora Bora. When explorers (some say Jacob Roggeveen and others say James Cook) first landed on the island, they heard “Bora Bora” and the name has stuck ever since.
2. Bora Bora is a part of the Leeward Islands, which comprise the western part of the Society Islands (the other grouping is the Windward Islands which include Tahiti). There are three villages – Anau, Faanui, and Vaitape (the capital – which is where we were). Bora Bora is actually pretty tiny. I saw varying estimates, but roughly it measures around 5-6 miles north to south and 3 miles east to west. At only 15 square miles (math), it’s easily walkable in its entirety in a day (albeit you may be tired by the end). By car, you can circle it in about an hour. We didn’t walk around the island, but I did do laps on the ship while looking at the island. Does that count?
3. Bora Bora’s last queen was Ari’i-ʻOtare Teriʻi-maeva-rua III, who began her rule in 1873 at age 2 and ruled until she was abdicated of her power in 1895. I always like hearing about toddlers who were rulers because it makes me giggle a little. Anyway, she was the last reigning monarch of the Pōmare dynasty, and many Tahitians believe the act of abolishing the monarchy was illegal or outside of certain jurisdictions so there are people still asserting that they are next in line and trying to step in to rule the area. All of this happened after France annexed Bora Bora. At least France let her remain in power for 7 years after the annexation – and she remained the head of the royal house until her death at age 61 in 1932. Small wins?
4. Speaking of France, let’s just clarify things – Bora Bora is a municipality in the administrative subdivision of the Leeward Islands within the collectivity of French Polynesia, which belongs to France. This explains why Tahitian and France are the main languages spoken on the island (though English is prevalent thanks to tourism) and the French influence can be seen with things like educational curriculum and whatnot. So they are *not* separate countries… but rather French collectives. Vive la France, eh?
5. Let’s do another historical fact. During World War II, the United States used Bora Bora as a military supply base known as “Operation Bobcat.” The base had nine ships and nearly 7,000 soldiers at any given time. At strategic points around the island were at least eight 7-inch guns (most of which are still there apparently) to protect against potential attack. I feel like “7-inch guns” implies they had some rifles just sitting around. Rather, these were heavy artillery that would normally be seen on warships, with the seven inches referring to the diameter of the gun barrel. Anyway, fortunately, the island didn’t see any combat and the base was officially closed in 1946.
6. After troops left Bora Bora, they spread the word about the beautiful island, and tourism began booming. In fact, although Bora Bora only has a population of around 10,000, it sees approximately 200,000 visitors per year! It’s like living in a densely populated paradise, but only 1/20th of the people are working while the others are all on vacation – in your backyard. But then they never have to leave paradise, so perhaps that makes it all okay?
7. When visitors come to Bora Bora, it often has something to do with romance (think honeymoon or couple’s retreat), which brings me to the next fact. About 12 miles to the north of Bora Bora is Tupai, an uninhabited heart-shaped atoll (a coral island with a reef around it and a lagoon in the middle). You can visit by catamaran or helicopter but can’t stay there (no accommodations or anything). Unsurprisingly, it’s a popular destination for people seeking romance given that whole heart-shaped thing.
8. Speaking of love, here’s another thing to love about Bora Bora: no poisonous snakes. Actually, even better (for me), there is no native snake population at all. So, if you’re fearful of snakes, you have nothing to fear in Bora Bora. There are some sea snakes but apparently they aren’t aggressive towards humans and a bite is extremely rare. The dangers here are mostly with jellyfish and some reef-dwelling creatures that could sting you (though again, unlikely, so snorkel away!).
9. If you like hearty competition, this fact will excite you. Bora Bora, along with neighboring Huahine, Raiatea, and Tahaa, are hosts to the Hawaiki Nui Va’a, an international competition of Polynesian outrigger canoes (called va’a). The competition is held each year and takes place over three days (usually in November), with 100+ six-man outrigger canoes filling the open sea and lagoon. The course is 80 miles long and is raced in three stages: Huahine to Raiatea, Raiatea to Tahaa, and Tahaa to Bora Bora. Va’a is the most popular sport in French Polynesia, and this race is considered by many to be the ultimate test of a paddler’s power, determination, and both mental and physical endurance. There’s music and dancing and celebration at the finish line. I imagine this would be quite a fun event to witness if you ever get the chance.
10. The final fast fact for Bora Bora are the peaks that you can’t miss. Practically every postcard of the island shows at least one mountain in the background – sometimes two depending on the angle. The tallest peak is Mount Otemanu, which stands at 2,385 feet above sea level. It’s the pointy one. The second tallest mountain is Mount Pahi, which stands right beside Mount Otemanu at 2,169 feet above sea level. It’s the flat-top (or flatter-top) one. Both of these are extinct volcanoes and are at the center of the island. So unless you’re pointing your camera towards the ocean, you’re bound to have one of these photobombing you, and now you know their names. You’re welcome.
