8 places like Bora Bora (but without the price tag) | finder.com.au
finder.com.au

8 places like Bora Bora to dip your feet into

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

Avatar
Stephanie Yip
Updated
Fact checked

We’re reader-supported and may be paid when you visit links to partner sites. We don’t compare all products in the market, but we’re working on it!

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

GVIGVI

Island conservation expedition from $2,935

Available on select dates in Seychelles. Package includes accommodation, meals, project equipment and materials, first aid and CPR training and more.

Last verified

Get deal

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
G AdventuresG Adventures

Up to 15% off classic tours and My Own Room

Available on select trips until 30 June 2022 to Australia, New Zealand, Bali, Alaska, India, Thailand, Peru, South Africa, Japan, Maldives, Canada and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

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
G AdventuresG Adventures

Up to 15% off classic tours and My Own Room

Available on select trips until 30 June 2022 to Australia, New Zealand, Bali, Alaska, India, Thailand, Peru, South Africa, Japan, Maldives, Canada and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

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

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
TourRadarTourRadar

Up to 50% off cultural tours

Available on select travel dates until 2022. Destinations include Egypt, Morocco, India, Peru, Greece, Vietnam, Cambodia, Turkey and more.

Last verified

Get deal

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
Millennium & Copthorne HotelsMillennium & Copthorne Hotels

Asia: Up to 30% off stays + kids stay free

Plus get up to 20% off dining and 2,000 Bonus My Millennium Points on stays until 31 December 2021. Destinations include Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. T&Cs apply

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

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

Searching for a deal? Here are some of the best:

G AdventuresG Adventures

Up to 15% off classic tours and My Own Room

Available on select trips until 30 June 2022 to Australia, New Zealand, Bali, Alaska, India, Thailand, Peru, South Africa, Japan, Maldives, Canada and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

Luxury EscapesLuxury Escapes

Up to 70% off holidays

Book holidays to Thailand, Bali, Fiji, Maldives, Vietnam and across Australia at up to 70% off. Earn 1 Qantas Point per $1 spent. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal
AgodaAgoda

Up to 91% off Maldives stays

Available on select travel dates. Includes free cancellation and more.

Last verified

Get deal
Titan TravelTitan Travel

GBP£49 deposit on worldwide tours

Available on tours select 2021 tours to California, Costa Rica, Australia and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

JustYouJustYou

GBP£21 deposit on worldwide tours

Available on tours departing in less than 91 days after booking. Destinations include Croatia, Sicily, USA, Australia and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

Etihad AirwaysEtihad Airways

Worldwide fights from $1,401 each way

Available on flights until 30 November 2021 to London, Beirut, Dublin, India, Turkey and more. Sample fare is Sydney-Abu Dhabi. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

Qatar AirwaysQatar Airways

Worldwide flights from $1,298 return

Available on select flight dates in 2021. Destinations include Amsterdam, London, Paris, Rome, Turkey, Athens and more. Sample fare is Melbourne-Moscow. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

G AdventuresG Adventures

Up to 15% off marine tours

Available on trips in 2021 and 2022. Destinations include Thailand, Galapagos, Cuba, Maldives, Greece, Croatia, Sri Lanka and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

Princess Cruise LinesPrincess Cruise Lines

Up to $400 OBCs on worldwide cruises

Available on select voyages from 2021 - 2023 when you book a balcony, deluxe balcony, mini-suite or suite rooms. Destinations include Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, Alaska, USA, Japan, Europe and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

Global Work and TravelGlobal Work and Travel

Get a chance to win up to $1,000 travel credits

Subscribe your email address to Global Work and Travel to receive news, deals and a chance to win travel credits. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal
Priceline.comPriceline.com

Up to 50% off worldwide flights

Available on select dates when you book Express Deals. Destination include Australia, New Zealand, Canada, USA and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal
Trafalgar ToursTrafalgar Tours

Up to 18% off worldwide tours

Available on select travel dates from 2021-2022. Destinations include Britain, Germany, Ireland, Spain, Morocco, USA, Croatia and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal
HotwireHotwire

Extra $10 off worldwide hotels

Sign up your email address and receive discounts. Destinations include Las Vegas, London, New York, Toronto, Dubai and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal
Best WesternBest Western

Free nights with Best Western Rewards points

Earn points and redeem a free night on worldwide stays. Destinations include Canada, USA and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal
AnantaraAnantara

Up to 30% off Maldives getaway with breakfast

Available on select travel dates in 2021. Minimum nights stay and T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal
TourRadarTourRadar

Up to 50% off advance purchase

Available on select dates in 2021 and 2022 when you book 90 days in advance. Destinations include Maldives, Lisbon, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand and more.

Last verified

Get deal
Priceline.comPriceline.com

Up to 50% off worldwide stays

Become a member and get up to 50% off hotels. Destinations include Australia, New Zealand and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal
IHG AMEAIHG AMEA

Up to 5% extra savings on stays

Sign up your email and become an IHG member to enjoy discounts and earn points or stays worldwide including Australia. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal
TourRadarTourRadar

Up to 50% off cultural tours

Available on select travel dates until 2022. Destinations include Egypt, Morocco, India, Peru, Greece, Vietnam, Cambodia, Turkey and more.

Last verified

Get deal
Go Airport ShuttleGo Airport Shuttle

5% off airport transfers and car hire

Valid on select dates and destinations worldwide. Destinations include USA, Canada, Europe, Mexico, the Caribbean, Sydney, and the Czech Republic. T&C's apply.

Last verified

Get deal
Rentalcars.comRentalcars.com

Compare over 800 car hire companies worldwide

Rentalcars.com can help you compare major car hire company rates for the best price. Companies it compares include Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Thrifty, Alamo, Dollar and Budget. Destinations include Australia, New Zealand, Canada and more.

Last verified

Get deal
Priceline.comPriceline.com

Up to 40% off express rental cars

Compare worldwide car hire prices with Avis, Budget, Sixt, Europcar, Hertz, Alamo and much more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal
Insight VacationsInsight Vacations

Up to $264 off worldwide tours

Available on select dates when you book 2 trips of 7 days or more. Destinations include Croatia, Iceland, Los Angeles, Canada and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal
Trip.comTrip.com

Up to 5% off tours and attractions tickets worldwide

Available in select cities in China, Japan, Thailand, Hong Kong, Singapore, Tokyo, South Korea, Macao, Dubai, Paris, Taipei and London.

Last verified

Get deal
Trip.comTrip.com

5% off hotel bookings

Available on your first Trip.com pre-paid hotel booking. Discount available worldwide including in Australia, New Zealand, Bali, Thailand, Fiji, US, UK and more.

Last verified

Get deal
GVIGVI

Worldwide volunteering programs from $2,310

Available on select dates. Programs include sea turtle and marine conservation, wild life research, volunteer with children, elephants and more. Sample price is for a volunteer on construction project in Nepal.

Last verified

Get deal
GVIGVI

Island conservation expedition from $2,935

Available on select dates in Seychelles. Package includes accommodation, meals, project equipment and materials, first aid and CPR training and more.

Last verified

Get deal
Global Work and TravelGlobal Work and Travel

Volunteer programs from $2,285

Available on select travel dates on programs such as sea turtle conservation, wildlife rescues, and rehabilitations. Destinations include Tanzania, Nepal, South Africa, Costa Rica and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal
Global Work and TravelGlobal Work and Travel

Work and travel trips from $2,595

Available on 4-24 months of experience across UK, Canada, Australia, USA and New Zealand. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal
Fairmont HotelsFairmont Hotels

Fairmont hotels stay from $249/night

Available on select stay dates. Destinations include New York, London, Singapore, Dubai, Maldives and more. Sample stay is for San Francisco. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal
TourRadarTourRadar

Up to 50% off worldwide cruises

Available on select travel dates to Croatia, Greece, Egypt, London, Turkey, Italy, France and more.

Last verified

Get deal
TourRadarTourRadar

Up to $350 off worldwide tours

Sign up your email to get extra savings on tours. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal
Hotels.comHotels.com

Earn a free night’s stay

Stay for 10 nights at any hotel worldwide to get a free night. Must be a Hotels.com Rewards members. Membership is free. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

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)

More guides on Finder

Ask an Expert

You are about to post a question on finder.com.au:

  • Do not enter personal information (eg. surname, phone number, bank details) as your question will be made public
  • finder.com.au is a financial comparison and information service, not a bank or product provider
  • We cannot provide you with personal advice or recommendations
  • Your answer might already be waiting – check previous questions below to see if yours has already been asked

Finder only provides general advice and factual information, so consider your own circumstances, or seek advice before you decide to act on our content. By submitting a question, you're accepting our Terms of Use, Disclaimer & Privacy Policy and Privacy & Cookies Policy.
Go to site