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8 places like Bora Bora to dip your feet into

Try these destinations for the Bora Bora experience without the pricetag.

Stephanie Yip
Stephanie Yip

Updated

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We’re committed to our readers and editorial independence. We don’t compare all products in the market and may receive compensation when we refer you to our partners, but this does not influence our opinions or reviews. Learn more about Finder .

With a luxe escape to Bora Bora potentially costing you over $10,000 for accommodation per night alone (have you seen the Four Seasons Resort?! It's what postcards were MADE for!) Bora Bora may be a little beyond your budget. This doesn't mean you can't live like royalty on a pristine beach while on holiday.

There are plenty of other island paradises out there that are just as postcard-worthy for a fraction of the price.

Here are our top picks of enviable and affordable places similar to Bora Bora but cheaper. We have added deals too that could help you save.

How much does Bora Bora cost?

  • Flight time from Australia: 17 hours and 35 minutes (from Brisbane, 2 stops)
  • Average flight price from Australia: $1,743 return (cheapest departures are from Sydney where the average cost is $1,706
  • Accommodation (3-star): $343+
  • Domestic beer: $10.76
  • 3-course meal for two: $134.55
  • Package holidays can start from: $4,000 for 5 nights in 4-star accommodation including flights from Hobart or Cairns

8 dreamy places like Bora Bora

1. Seychelles

Found surrounded by the clear, turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean off the coast of West Africa, the Seychelles is home to 115 islands. The little bits of paradise host soft-sand beaches, lush tropical forests and, of course, luxurious resorts.

  • Flight time from Australia: 21 hours and 40 minutes (from Melbourne, 1+ stops)
  • Average flight price from Australia/price range: $1,672 return (cheapest flights are from Sydney where the average fare is $1564)
  • Accommodation (3-star): $115+ per night
  • Domestic beer: $6.29
  • 3-course meal for two: $62.88
  • Package holidays can start from: $2,317 for 7 night, flying out of Perth

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2. Maldives

One of the first destinations that comes to mind when you think of words like 'paradise' and 'exotic', this chain of more than 1,000 coral atolls is renowned for it's perfect blue lagoons, colourful reefs and incredible overwater bungalows.

  • Flight time from Australia: 10 hours and 55 minutes (from Perth, 1+ stops)
  • Average flight price from Australia/price range: $800 return (cheapest flights are from Perth where the average is $602)
  • Accommodation (3-star): $66+ per night
  • Domestic beer: $4.61
  • 3-course meal for two: $29.94
  • Package holidays can start from: $1,429 for 5 nights departing from Perth
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3. Cook Islands

With its similar French Polynesian heritage, turquoise waters and white beaches, you’ll be hard-pressed to find the difference between the Cook Islands and Bora Bora. One however is the flight time, which is 6-hours direct from Sydney compared to 19-hours to Bora Bora due to flight changes in New Zealand. Getting to paradise soon? #winning.

  • Flight time from Australia: 6 hours and 10 minutes (from Sydney, non-stop)
  • Average flight price from Australia/price range: $850 return (cheapest flights are from Sydney where the average fare is $588 return)
  • Accommodation (3-star): $102+ per night
  • Domestic beer: $8.59
  • 3-course meal for two: $57.27
  • Package holidays can start from: $2,569 for a 6-night stay departing from Canberra

4. Indonesia

It’s no secret that Australians have a love affair with Indonesia. What’s not to love? From its enviable beaches and its relaxed vibe to its rich history and exotic appeal. It’s also only a hop and a skip away from our shores and flights there are almost always on sale - bonus!

  • Flight time from Australia: 2 hours and 45 minutes (from Darwin, non-stop)
  • Average flight price from Australia/price range: $422 return (cheapest flights are from Perth where the average fare is $257)
  • Accommodation (3-star): $12+ per night in Bali
  • Domestic beer: $3.41
  • 3-course meal for two: $24.35
  • Package holidays can start from: $779 for 7 nights departing from Perth
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5. Panama

While not the cheapest destination on this list, Panama is very much comparable to what you’ll expect from Bora Bora. That is, it sports islands for days, soft white sands and an exotic atmosphere.

  • Flight time from Australia: 23 hours and 40 minutes (from Sydney, 2+ stops)
  • Average flight price from Australia/price range: $2176 return (cheapest flights are from Sydney where the average fare is $1979)
  • Accommodation (3-star): $43+ per night
  • Domestic beer: $3.56
  • 3-course meal for two: $42.75
  • Package holidays can start from: $1,686 for 7 nights departing from Sydney
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6. Cambodia

Seeking an exotic island escape with pristine beaches that won’t blow the budget? Try Cambodia. You can get flights cheap as chips with budget carriers like Jetstar and unlike its neighbour Thailand, it isn’t too overrun with tourists.

  • Flight time from Australia: 8 hours and 15 minutes (from Darwin, 1+ stops)
  • Average flight price from Australia/price range: $592 return (cheapest flights are from Perth where the average fare is $405)
  • Accommodation (3-star): $41+ per night in Koh Rong
  • Domestic beer: $1.42
  • 3-course meal for two: $21.37
  • Package holidays can start from: $81 for 3 nights departing from Perth
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7. Malaysia

When it comes to beach destinations, Malaysia is less likely to be the first name that flies off your tongue, but sitting so close to Indonesia it shares some of its idyllic landscape. Glam it up in Penang or save your pennies in Langkawi. For your next trip, naturally.

  • Flight time from Australia: 5 hours and 35 minutes (from Perth, non-stop)
  • Average flight price from Australia/price range: $483 return (cheapest flights are from Perth where the average fare is $285)
  • Accommodation (3-star): $27+ per night in Langkawi
  • Domestic beer: $2.04
  • 3-course meal for two: $30.55
  • Package holidays can start from: $465 for 3 nights departing from Perth
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8. Philippines

Hailed as having some of the best islands in the world (Boracay, Cebu and Palawan to name a few), the Philippines has more than 7,000 islands waiting for you to explore, each with its own highlights from crystal clear waters and powder-soft beaches to historical monuments and cultural encounters.

  • Flight time from Australia: 8 hours (from Brisbane, non-stop)
  • Average flight price from Australia/price range: $527 return (cheapest flights are from Perth where the average fare is $429)
  • Accommodation (3-star): $12+ per night in Palawan
  • Domestic beer: $1.35
  • 3-course meal for two: $21.53
  • Package holidays can start from: $899 for 3 nights from Perth

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Food, drink and hotel costs sourced from: Numbeo.com and Hotel Finder. Hotel price based on a per-night price in June-2019 quoted on 27 December 2018. Prices are based on a per-night rate for a 7-night stay at a 3-star hotel in the above destinations. We used the dates 17-24 June 2019 as a guide.

Feature image: Four Seasons Resort, Bora Bora (Expedia)

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