The Island of Pristine Beauty

In August of 2015, Hollywood was abuzz due to a celebrity wedding. The Friends’ famed Jennifer Aniston and her beau, Justin Theroux, tied the knot in a sparkling ceremony.

Now, guess where they headed for their honeymoon? Yes, they went to beautiful Bora Bora, perhaps one of the perfect honeymoon destinations for newlyweds.

Why do travelers simply go “ga ga” about Bora Bora? Well, we really have to witness its beauty to realize how exotic the place is. Tropical lagoons, green and blue water like crystal, coral reefs, stunning blue sky, clean and fresh weather, and thatched roof bungalows; the list is endless. It’s a paradise that guarantees a wonderful escape to seclusion.

Such amazing travel experiences had only been possible for one person, and the world should be indebted to him for finding this “pearl” in the ocean. We are talking about Jacob Roggeveen, the man who discovered Bora Bora. He guided an expedition in August of 1721. During the journey, Jacob and his team explored Falkland Islands, Le Maire Strait, and Easter Island. Subsequently, the team headed west, and that’s where they sighted Bora Bora, the Society Islands, and most of the Samoan Islands. It was a discovery that opened up the doors to heaven.

Facts About Bora Bora

1. This beautiful little island is actually the result of a “natural” accident. It literally emerged from nowhere in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and has volcanic roots from the peaks Mount Pahia and Mount Otemanu.
2. Going by the geographical definition, Bora Bora is a tropical island located in French Polynesia, which is popularly known as “Tahiti.” It comprises 118 islands that are segmented into five groups. Bora Bora falls into the group named “The Volcanic Society Islands” in the South Pacific Ocean.
3. According to the local dialect, the island was actually named “Pora Pora,” which means “first born.” Later, when the first group of European settlers visited the island, they misheard the name and thought it to be “Bora Bora,” which has stuck all along.
4. Bora Bora is a place without any pests or bugs. It means there is no insect or even snake population on the island! So anybody can take a walk on the beaches or check out the vegetation without having to carry a bug repellent.
5. Because of the beauty scattered all over this island, it is called “The Romantic Island.”
6. During World War II, the United States selected Bora Bora as its supply outpost for the South Pacific Fleet.
7. This is said to be one of the most secluded or remote islands in the world. For example, the number of visitors that Hawaii gets in 10 days is about the number the entire French Polynesia gets in a year!
8. Almost 50 percent of the population of Bora Bora is below 20 years of age. The total population of this island is only 8,800. This means all the inhabitants of Bora Bora could easily sit together in the Louis Armstrong Stadium, New York, and there would still be vacant seats!
9. According to tradition on the island, when a woman places a flower on her left ear, it indicates that she has someone special in her life. If she places a flower on her right ear, it means she is single and available.
10. In 2013, CNN listed Matira Beach in Bora Bora as one of the world’s top 100 beaches. In fact, Bora Bora made the top 10!
11. Having a tattoo is considered art and a sign of beauty in Bora Bora.
12. Bora Bora was featured in the 2009 Hollywood romantic comedy Couples Retreat starring Vince Vaughn and Kristen Bell.