Fiji vs Bora Bora, Which One is Worth Visiting?
Both of these Pacific island destinations are nothing short of stunning. Each centered around one thing, tourism. As both are worth visiting, you can only choose one, and that’s what we’ll help you do today. If you are looking for beautiful beaches, Fiji and Bora Bora are the perfect destinations. If you are looking for 5-star resorts, both are perfect for that too. And if you are looking for a getaway location far from anything or anyone else, you can also find that in both destinations. So the decision of which to visit is up to you. This article will go through every aspect of your potential trip to help you decide which one is better for you. You’re reading the Going Locations comparison, Fiji vs Bora Bora. I hope you enjoy and, as always, happy traveling!
Bora Bora Overview
I covered a lot about Bora Bora in my comparison of the Maldives vs Bora Bora, so if you’re interested in the Maldives and want to see how it fares against Bora Bora, I recommend checking that out. Bora Bora, unlike Fiji, isn’t a country but rather a group of nine islands in the territory of French Polynesia. Its geographical features include an extinct volcano, a lagoon, white sand beaches, and crystal clear waters. The people of Bora Bora have capitalized on this beautiful island. The island features several stunning resorts and is a popular secluded tourism destination, so you’ll explore the island in style.
Fiji Overview
Fiji is its own country situated in the South Pacific Ocean. As the water bottle brand suggests, Fiji’s water is crystal clear. Fiji has 330 islands; some are located less than a mile apart, while others are located 100s of miles or kilometers apart. Fiji’s main island, Viti Levu, houses over half a million people. Several resorts are situated on this island to capitalize on the tropical coastlines while having views of the mountainous interior. But don’t worry, Fiji is home to many private resort islands for that increased secludedness and has all of the attractions you’d expect in a 5-star resort. Now that you know a little about each country, let’s find out how to get to these remote destinations.
Getting to Fiji and Bora Bora
Fiji and Bora Bora are both in the South Pacific Ocean, and even though they are over 2,000 miles or 3,200 kilometers apart, they are still in relatively the same region. The two destinations are in the absolute middle of nowhere; getting to either of these destinations from Africa, Europe, Asia, or even the Americas will prove to be a long trip. The remoteness is what contributes to its paradise feeling. Not only can people not afford such a trip, but most people also aren’t willing to take a trip to a location that far away. So if you’re planning a trip to either of these destinations, you’re already ahead of most people, and you’ll wonder why more people don’t visit. Now, let’s dive into each location, Fiji vs Bora Bora.
Fiji
Fiji is located directly west of Bora Bora, so people living in Asia and Australia will find that Fiji is a more accessible destination to get to. Fiji’s main airport is Nadi International Airport, with over 2 million people passing through this airport every year. Around 97% of international passengers go through this airport, so it will likely be the one you initially land on. Nadi International Airport has flights directly to the United States, Australia, and much of East Asia, including Singapore, Tokyo, and Hong Kong. Nadi International Airport is located on the country’s main island, so if you want to get to another island, you’ll have to take a connecting flight to one of the country’s 14 other airports. Trips to Fiji can be around 10 hours from the United States and Asia and about 5 hours from Australia or other parts of Oceania. If you live in Europe, it will take much longer. Fiji has its own airline company, Fiji Airways; you’ll probably be on one of their flights if you plan to visit here.
Bora Bora
Bora Bora is in the center of the South Pacific Ocean, so even though people from the Americas get a shorter flight, people from anywhere else will have to fly a bit further. Bora Bora has only one airport, which is unfortunately not an international airport. That means anyone planning to go to Bora Bora will have to take a layover at Fa’a’ā International Airport in French Polynesia. This airport connects you to several places in the United States, pretty much all of the French Polynesian islands and New Zealand. So if you live anywhere else, you’ll probably have two stops on your way to Bora Bora; talk about a long trip. From Fa’a’ā International Airport, it’s just a 45-minute flight to Bora Bora Airport.
It’s easier to get to Fiji than to Bora Bora. Bora Bora will not be your friend if you hate long flights and multiple stops. And if you live in Europe, it’s better to go to The Maldives, as Fiji and Bora Bora are both exceptionally far away. If you don’t mind long travel days, stick around to see which place is better once you reach it.
When is the Best Time to Visit
There are so many factors when determining the best time of year. Fiji and Bora Bora are located in relatively the same area, so the weather among these islands is similar. For example, Fiji and Bora Bora’s rainy season is from November to April. At this time of year, rain is expected. For example, December can get up to 15 days of rain in parts of Fiji and 13 days for Bora Bora. On the flip side, the rainy season brings way lower prices. As you’ll see in our later sections, Bora Bora and Fiji give unbeatable discounts at this time of year. If you don’t mind staying in for a few days during your trip, the rainy season might be for you!
Temperature is not an issue in these places as they are close to the equator. Bora Bora and Fiji are both in the southern hemisphere, so their winters are from June to September. Both places have rainy seasons in the summer, but the temperatures are warm throughout the year. Fiji’s temperature ranges from a high of 78°F or 25°C in the winter to a high of 86°F or 30°C in the summer. Bora Bora is not too far off, with the same temperatures in the winter and a high of 83°F or 28°C in the summer.
As both destinations have similar weather at the same times, the answer to when to go is the same for both places. If you are okay with staying in for a few days during your trip, the rainy season might be perfect as it can save you a tremendous amount. If money is not an issue for you, then the dry season will probably be a better time. If you have a specific date you want to go but are deterred by the rain; then the Maldives could be a better choice.
Where to Stay in Fiji and Bora Bora
Fiji has more variety than Bora Bora as the country is way larger, with way more options on where to stay. Fiji also has private resort islands, which Bora Bora doesn’t have. But when staying in Bora Bora, it’s possible to see the entire territory, while in Fiji, you’ll only see a small part of the country. Vacationing in both has pros and cons, so the choice lies with you. Below, I’ll detail Going Location’s top 3 favorite hotels for each destination.
Fiji
Hilton Fiji is located on the famous Denarau Island, a resort complex that some call the tourism center of Fiji. Hilton Fiji is located just minutes from Nadi International Airport, Fiji’s main airport. The Hilton is close to a stunning 18-hole golf course and also occupies an entire peninsula giving the 5-star resort 270-degree ocean views. The resort features four restaurants, a beach, and a spectacular pool that serves as the resort’s centerpiece. You have the option to get a private villa and even a private pool if you choose. Most have ocean views and a patio/balcony. All have spacious and luxurious interiors that are sure to give you a 5-star experience.
Price: $1,000-$3,500 in peak season (Price varies depending on which size room you chose) and $500-$2,500 in off-peak season.
As the prices get higher, so does the level of luxury. The Six Senses Fiji is sure to impress; the resort is located on Malolo Island, just a short speed boat or helicopter ride away from Nadi International Airport. There are tons of experiences to be had here. Activities include snorkeling, surfing, helicopter rides, connecting with the locals, and more. Going to the rooms, you can choose from one of the 24 private villas that this resort offers; talk about exclusivity. The resort opened in 2018, meaning everything here is extremely new and fancy. Every villa features a private pool and patio. The smallest villa is over 1,000 square feet or 100 square meters. The villas can get as large as five bedrooms with a stunning outdoor space, and many villas have direct ocean views too. This resort is often fully booked; the minimum stay is five days if a room is available, so keep that in mind. In conclusion, this 5-star resort is guaranteed to provide a phenomenal time and shows the cutting edge of modern luxury.
Price: $1,300-$5,000 in peak season and $900-$3,500 in off-peak season (resort closed in February)
It just can’t get any fancier than this. Kokomo in Fiji is situated on a private island miles away from anything and anyone else. Just like Six Senses Fiji, Kokomo Fiji is also a newly opened resort; it was built in 2017. This island features 21 stunning villas with all the activities you can imagine. You can bounce on an ocean trampoline, experience almost any water sport imaginable, taste Fijian cuisine, and so much more. Each villa features ocean views, a private infinity pool, a courtyard, a patio, and an outdoor shower. The largest villa is over 6,000 square feet or 570 square meters, with a massive deck, indoor and outdoor kitchen, five bedrooms, and two floors. Kokomo Fiji is the most luxurious resort in Fiji and the fanciest resort in this blog post; the price resonates with that.
Price: $2,800-$16,000 in peak season and $2,100-$12,500 in off-peak season
Bora Bora
Since my preferences have stayed the same since my Bora Bora vs Maldives comparison, the list of resorts will remain the same. Let’s jump into it!
Bora Bora has fewer resorts to choose from because of its limited land. But even then, you can find beautiful resorts just like this one. The InterContinental Le Moana is located on the south side of Bora Bora’s main island, with views of the famous Mount Otemanu and crystal clear water. The resort’s hotel has loads of fun activities to keep you busy throughout the day. Multiple restaurants are spread out throughout the resort, and a room service option is also available. It’s also part of the IHG brand, so staying here could earn you points for future stays.
Price: $650-$1,100 in peak season and $550-$900 in off-peak season.
The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort is located east of the main island in Bora Bora, along with all the other fancy resorts, such as the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora and the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort Thalasso Spa. St. Regis, however, is the fanciest of them all and can also earn you Marriott points, the best rewards system out there. You can relax by the massive pool, the resort’s centerpiece, dine in one of the five restaurants, or swim in some of the clearest and freshest water. Even the entry-level villas are over water, with an outdoor porch, sundeck, a massive shower, and lagoon views.
Price: $1,400-$6,300 in peak season and $900-$5,000 in off-peak season.
Like Kokomo Fiji, The Conrad Bora Bora Nui is the most luxurious resort in Bora Bora that money can buy. It’s located on Bora Bora’s westernmost island but still gets views of the main island. The hotel features almost every water activity imaginable, including jet skiing, kiteboarding, scuba diving, and much more. You can walk on the white sand beaches and dive into the crystal clear water, all footsteps from your private bungalow. Hilton owns the Conrad Bora Bora Nui, so staying here could earn you points for future stays.
Price: $1,700-$8,000 in peak season and $1,147-$6,500 in off-peak season.
What to Do in Fiji and Bora Bora
It’s easy to tell that both destinations share incredibly similar characteristics. People come to both destinations for the beautiful clear water, 5-star resorts, and exclusivity that both places offer. Both locations have stunning resorts with lots of things to do within them, so your days can be filled within the resort. All that being said, here are three activities that you can take advantage of when visiting these destinations.
Fiji
Watersports: Fiji is known for its incredible watersports. Surfing, snorkeling, sailing, kayaking, jet skiing, cruising, and so much more are all here in Fiji, these are experiences that you just can’t miss. All 3 of the resorts mentioned above have these activities included, so if you stay in any of them, make sure to take advantage of what they offer.
Viti Levu: As Viti Levu is Fiji’s main island, it’s no wonder this place is a must-see. You’ll land on the island on your way to your resort, but we argue that this main island deserves a full day of exploring. A drive around the island would take 8 hours but would hit all of the best parts of the island, including the capital city of Suva and the tourism center Nadi. Alternatively, you can hike in Koroyanitu National Park, try authentic Fijian food, or golf at Denarau Island.
Island Hopping: As Fiji is full of hundreds of islands, seeing just one would mean missing out on most of what Fiji has to offer. Visiting 2-3 islands is the best as you get a taste of multiple places. Most islands are connected by speedboat, seaplane, and helicopter. It just depends on which one you prefer to take.
Bora Bora
Mount Otemanu: This is the signature piece of Bora Bora; this extinct volcano has become a popular tourist spot to see and hike. The peak of Mount Otemanu is 2,385 feet which is impressive for an island this size. Sadly, you can’t hike up to the top, but tourists can go a good way up. One tip, it’s always better to hike with a local guide.
Lagoon Tour: As I covered at the beginning of this blog post, Bora Bora is centered inside a lagoon. The best way to explore the lagoon is by taking a lagoon tour. You can sail the lagoon, eat dinner over the lagoon, go snorkeling in the lagoon, or jet ski over the lagoon, the possibilities are endless.
White Sand Beaches: You can easily do this at your resort, and it’s not something worth missing. The white sand is a significant contributor to the clearness of the water, and it’s beautiful to explore. Bora Bora has some of the best beaches in the world, so make sure not to overlook this.
These are only a few out of so many things to do in Bora Bora. Like I said, the resorts themselves have so much to do that you’ll hardly need to leave it. With that being said, I’ll link a blog post with some more things to do in this incredible territory.
Bora Bora vs Fiji: Which Costs More?
Bora Bora is way smaller with high demand, so prices are naturally higher. Fiji has a much more extensive selection of hotels and resorts and is a country beyond just tourism. With that being said, some private resort islands are so expensive that even Bora Bora can’t compete. Flights to Bora Bora are generally more costly as you have more stopovers and long-distance flights. Both places are discounted in the rainy season and most expensive during the dry season. Overall, Bora Bora is the more expensive destination and will bring more isolation, but Fiji could be more expensive depending on what resort you choose to stay at.
Fiji vs Bora Bora, Which One Should You Visit?
The short answer is that it depends on you. If you’re looking for a large island country that has a variety of hundreds of islands to choose from, then Fiji might be for you. If you want peak isolation with views of Mount Otemanu throughout, then Bora Bora might be for you. Take these factors mentioned above and make your own decision. Either way, I hope you found this blog post valuable and that it helps you in your decision.
Going Locations on Instagram
One Comment
Comments are closed.