Catriona Rowntree explores Bora Bora - in wallet-friendly ways
Bora Bora has a bit of a reputation as an exclusive, expensive, honeymoon destination. Catriona Rowntree shows us some wallet friendly ways to enjoy the white beaches, turquoise lagoons and iconic overwater bungalows.
Location:
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Cost:
Oa Oa Lodge www.tahititourisme.au/accommodation/oa-oa-lodge
Overwater bungalows start at $545 per night including breakfast
Chin Lee Supermarket www.facebook.com/chinleebora
Open daily, 5am - 8pm
Avis Bora Bora www.avis-borabora.com
Standard bike hire starts at $23pp for 4 hours, e-bike hire starts at $46pp for 4 hours
Matira Blue Lagoon Eatery www.facebook.com/share/1B2W4WY34A
Open Wednesday to Monday
Matira Jet Tours www.matirajettours-atv.com
Kayak hire starts at $25 per hour
Air Tahiti is the primary inter-island airline of French Polynesia and flies multiple times a day from Papeete to Bora Bora. For prices and more information visit www.airtahiti.com
Prices correct at 04.04.26
Highlights:
Bora Bora island is part of French Polynesia, a 50 minute flight from Tahiti. Most people would think that a holiday in this tropical paradise would be out of reach. Catriona showed us how to live it up like a celebrity, on a much smaller budget.
Locally owned guesthouses called pensions offer intimate, family run, affordable alternatives to the big luxury resorts. At Oa Oa Lodge there is a pool with lagoon views, restaurant, boutique shop and 8 charmingly rustic bungalows inspired by traditional fishing huts. Their overwater bungalows deliver the iconic Bora Bora experience at a fraction of the cost of the big luxury resorts. You can also stroll to Vaitape, the island's main village, for affordable snacks, souvenirs, fresh tropical fruit, and French groceries at the Chin Lee supermarket.
The best way to explore Bora Bora is on two wheels. The island's 32-kilometre ring road can be ridden in just a few hours, and along the way, you'll discover plenty of hidden gems. When it comes to fueling up, sticking to a shoestring budget is easy by visiting a beachside food truck. On her ride Catriona came across Matira Blue Lagoon Eatery and enjoyed a delicious $10 lunch. It's an affordable meal with an unbeatable view across to Matira Beach.
Most of Bora Bora's pristine beaches are privately owned or for resort guests only. Matira Beach is often listed as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, it's open to the public, and it's free!
When it comes to activities you don't need an expensive excursion, you can easily access the turquoise waters yourself. Catriona hired a kayak for around $25 an hour and as she floated along, watching rays and fish glide beneath, she felt all her worries drifting away.
Luxury may have put Bora Bora on the map, but it's the island's natural beauty and warm, genuine hospitality that makes it truly priceless. At the end of the day, it's not about how much you spend, but how much you savour.
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