Bora Bora: The Jewel of the South Pacific

• HelloIa ora na
  [Yah oh-rah nah]
• GoodbyeNana
  [Nah-nah]
• YesE
  [Ay]
• NoAita
  [Eye-tah]
• Please/You're welcomeManava
  [Mah-nah-vah]
• Thank youMauruuru
  [Mah-oo-roo-roo]
• Excuse me/SorryFaaitoito
  [Fah-eye-toy-toh]
• How are you?Aita pea pea?
  [Eye-tah pay-ah pay-ah]
• Fine. And you?Maita'i. O oe?
  [My-tah-ee. Oh oy]
• Do you speak English?Ua haere atu oe i te reo anglais?
  [Oo-ah ha-ay-ray ah-too oy ee tay ray-oh ang-lay]
• I don't understandAita au maita'i
  [Eye-tah ow my-tah-ee]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseE haere atu au i te meniu, maruru
  [Ay ha-ay-ray ah-too ow ee tay may-nee-oo, mah-roo-roo]
• I don't eat meatAita au haere i te kai
  [Eye-tah ow ha-ay-ray ee tay kai]
• Cheers!Manuia!
  [Mah-noo-ee-ah]
• I would like to pay, pleaseE haere atu au i te moni, maruru
  [Ay ha-ay-ray ah-too ow ee tay moh-nee, mah-roo-roo]

• Help!Aide!
  [Eye-day]
• Go away!Haere atu!
  [High-ray ah-too]
• Call the Police!Tapura i te farerei!
  [Tah-poo-rah ee tay fah-ray-ray]
• Call a doctor!Tapura i te taata here!
  [Tah-poo-rah ee tay tah-ah-tah hay-ray]
• I'm lostUa haere atu au i te hau
  [Oo-ah ha-ay-ray ah-too ow ee tay how]
• I'm illUa piti ahau
  [Oo-ah pee-tee ah-how]

• I'd like to buy...E haere atu au i te hana...
  [Ay ha-ay-ray ah-too ow ee tay hah-nah]
• I'm just lookingE haere atu au i te titau
  [Ay ha-ay-ray ah-too ow ee tay tee-tow]
• How much is it?E hia moni te moni?
  [Ay hee-ah moh-nee tay moh-nee]
• That's too expensiveHe moni roa te moni
  [Hay moh-nee roh-ah tay moh-nee]
• Can you lower the price?E haamata i te moni?
  [Ay ha-ah-mah-tah ee tay moh-nee]

• What time is it?He aha te taime?
  [Hay ah-hah tay tah-ee-may]
• It's one o'clockE tahi te haora
  [Ay tah-hee tay how-rah]
• Half past (10)E toru i te ora toru
  [Ay tore-oo ee tay oh-rah tore-oo]
• MorningPoipoi
  [Poy-poy]
• AfternoonApono
  [Ah-poh-noh]
• EveningAhiahi
  [Ah-hee-ah-hee]
• YesterdayAro
  [Ah-roh]
• TodayAtea
  [Ah-tay-ah]
• TomorrowApa
  [Ah-pah]
• 1Tahi
  [Tah-hee]
• 2Rua
  [Roo-ah]
• 3Toru
  [Toh-roo]
• 4Maha
  [Mah-hah]
• 5Rima
  [Ree-mah]
• 6Ono
  [Oh-noh]
• 7Fitu
  [Fee-too]
• 8Varu
  [Vah-roo]
• 9Iva
  [Ee-vah]
• 10Ahuru
  [Ah-hoo-roo]

• Where's a/the...?I te haere i te...
  [Ee tay ha-ay-ray ee tay]
• What's the address?He aha te tuhinga?
  [Hay ah-hah tay too-hee-ngah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?E haere i te faaahaere i au (i te mahere)?
  [Ay ha-ay-ray ee tay fah-ah-ha-ay-ray ee ow (ee tay mah-hay-ray)]
• When's the next (bus)?He aha te haere i te tere apopo?
  [Hay ah-hah tay ha-ay-ray ee tay tay-ray ah-poh-poh]
• A ticket (to ....)Hevea (ki ...)
  [Hay-vay-ah (kee)]

Bora Bora, originally called 'Pora Pora,' meaning 'First Born,' was settled by Polynesians around the 4th century AD. These early inhabitants navigated the vast Pacific Ocean using stars, ocean currents, and bird migrations. The island's lush environment provided food and shelter, fostering a vibrant culture.

The first recorded European sighting of Bora Bora was by the Dutch explorer Jakob Roggeveen in 1722. However, it was British navigator Captain James Cook who made the island more widely known when he arrived in 1769. Cook was fascinated by the island's beauty and the navigational skills of the Polynesians.

In the early 19th century, Christian missionaries arrived in Bora Bora, significantly impacting the local culture. The London Missionary Society established a presence on the island, leading to the widespread adoption of Christianity and the decline of traditional Polynesian religious practices.

In 1842, Bora Bora became a protectorate of France, along with the rest of French Polynesia. The French influence brought new administrative structures, education systems, and trade opportunities, integrating Bora Bora into a broader global context.

During World War II, Bora Bora was used as a military supply base by the United States. The island was fortified with cannons and airstrips, and it became a critical logistical point in the Pacific theater. This period saw the construction of infrastructure that would later support the island's tourism industry.

After World War II, Bora Bora began to develop its tourism industry. The first hotel, Hotel Bora Bora, opened in 1961, attracting international visitors. The island's stunning lagoons, coral reefs, and luxurious resorts have since made it a premier destination for travelers worldwide.

In recent years, there has been a strong movement to revive and preserve traditional Polynesian culture in Bora Bora. Efforts include language revitalization, traditional dance and music performances, and the celebration of ancient customs and crafts. This cultural renaissance aims to honor the island's rich heritage while embracing modernity.

Bora Bora is located in French Polynesia, in the South Pacific Ocean. The main gateway to Bora Bora is Faa'a International Airport (PPT) in Tahiti. From there, you can take a domestic flight to Bora Bora Airport (BOB), which is located on a motu (islet) north of the main island. The flight from Tahiti to Bora Bora takes approximately 50 minutes. Upon arrival, most resorts offer a boat shuttle service from the airport to their respective locations.

Transportation options in Bora Bora include bicycles, scooters, and rental cars. Many visitors choose to rent bicycles or scooters to explore the island at their own pace. Taxis are also available, but they can be expensive. Some resorts offer shuttle services to popular attractions. For water transport, consider renting a boat or taking a guided tour to explore the lagoon and surrounding motus.

The official currency in Bora Bora is the CFP Franc (XPF). Credit cards are widely accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially when visiting smaller establishments or local markets. ATMs are available on the island, but it is wise to withdraw sufficient cash upon arrival to avoid any inconvenience.

Bora Bora is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is always prudent to take standard precautions. Avoid leaving your belongings unattended on the beach or in public places. Although crime rates are low, petty theft can occur. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it is best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Bora Bora has a medical center located in Vaitape, the main village, which can handle minor health issues. For serious medical emergencies, evacuation to Tahiti may be necessary. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation. Pharmacies are available on the island for over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress casually and comfortably, but avoid overly revealing clothing in public areas. Swimwear should be reserved for the beach and pool areas. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting religious sites, dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering. Public Transport: Do be courteous to drivers and fellow passengers. Taxis are commonly used, but sharing rides can reduce costs. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a polite 'Ia Orana' (hello). A handshake is also appropriate. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and seafood. Don't eat or drink while walking in public, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Bora Bora like a local, visit the local markets in Vaitape where you can buy fresh produce, handmade crafts, and traditional Polynesian goods. Interact with the locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share their culture and stories. Don't miss out on attending a traditional Tahitian dance show, which is a vibrant display of local culture. For an unforgettable experience, take a lagoon tour that includes snorkeling and a visit to a private motu for a traditional Polynesian feast.