finder.com.au

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

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
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

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
OneTravelOneTravel

Up to USD$100 off business class flights

Available on booking fees on select flight dates. Destinations include Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Cook Islands, London and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Show code

Coupon code ends

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
Otel.comOtel.com

Extra 9% off hotel bookings

Valid on select hotel stays worldwide like Australia, New Zealand, Bali, Thailand, USA, Europe and more on all dates, including over holidays like Easter, Christmas and New Year's Eve. Some restrictions apply.

Last verified

Show code

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
UniworldUniworld

Up to 10% off 2022 worldwide cruises

Available on select travel dates when you pay in full within 3 days of booking. Destinations include France, Amsterdam, Paris, Egypt, Vietnam, Cambodia and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

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

Up to 60% off Malaysia stays

Available on stays until 30 June 2021 at Grand Millennium Kuala Lumpur. 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
Dusit HotelsDusit Hotels

Up to 20% off advance bookings

Valid for stays on select 2020 dates across China, Kenya, Maldives, Philippines, Thailand, UAE, USA and more. Discount applies when you book in advance on dusit.com. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

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

Accor HotelsAccor Hotels

Up to 30% off worldwide stays

Available on select dates when you stay a minimum of 3 nights. Destinations include Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Cairns, Auckland, Paris, London and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal
Otel.comOtel.com

Extra 9% off hotel bookings

Valid on select hotel stays worldwide like Australia, New Zealand, Bali, Thailand, USA, Europe and more on all dates, including over holidays like Easter, Christmas and New Year's Eve. Some restrictions apply.

Last verified

Show code
TourRadarTourRadar

Up to 75% off worldwide trips

Available on select travel dates in 2021 and 2022. Destinations include Australia, New Zealand, Greece, Egypt, Turkey, India, USA and more.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

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
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
Otel.comOtel.com

Extra 8% off hotel bookings

Valid on hotel stays worldwide on all dates, including over holidays like Easter, Christmas and New Year's Eve.

Last verified

Show code
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
MSC CruisesMSC Cruises

Up to $400 OBC + Kids sail free on worldwide cruises

Available on 3, 4 and 7 nights cruises from 2021-2022. Destinations include Bahamas, Caribbean, Spain, France and more. T&Cs apply..

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

OneTravelOneTravel

Up to USD$100 off business class flights

Available on booking fees on select flight dates. Destinations include Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Cook Islands, London and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Show code

Coupon code ends

G AdventuresG Adventures

Up to 30% off worldwide sailings

Available on select sail dates in 2021 to India, Cuba, Croatia, Maldives, Thailand, Greece and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

UniworldUniworld

Up to 10% off 2022 worldwide cruises

Available on select travel dates when you pay in full within 3 days of booking. Destinations include France, Amsterdam, Paris, Egypt, Vietnam, Cambodia and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

Trip.comTrip.com

Up to 68% off worldwide stays + guaranteed flexibility

Available on select stay dates in New Zealand, Indonesia, Thailand and Japan. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

Priceline.comPriceline.com

Up to USD$1,000 OBC on worldwide cruises

Available on select travel dates with Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises and more. Destinations include Bahamas, USA, Canada, Spain, Italy and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

Travel TalkTravel Talk

Up to 25% off South-East Asia tours

Available for travel on select dates in 2021-2022. Destinations include Vietnam, Cambodia, Sri Lanka and Myanmar. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

Travel TalkTravel Talk

2-for-1 worldwide tours

Available on select dates in 2021 and 2022. Destinations include Egypt, Morocco, Turkey, Spain, Greece, Croatia, Balkans, Jordan, Russia, India and Ski Bansko. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

Wendy Wu ToursWendy Wu Tours

Asia: Up to $500 off solo tours + Free airport lounge pass

Available for travel on select dates in 2021-2022. Destinations include Japan, China, Vietnam and Cambodia. Includes free return Australian chauffeur transfers and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

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
G AdventuresG Adventures

Up to 24% off 7-day Maldives cruise

Available for travel from January 2021 - March 2022. Package includes accommodation, meals and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

G AdventuresG Adventures

12th person free on worldwide tours

Available on select dates until 2021 when you book for 12 persons. Destinations include Peru, Croatia, Maldives, Switzerland, Greece and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

G AdventuresG Adventures

50% off 8th traveller

Available for travel on select dates in 2021 when you book for 8 persons. Destinations include Vietnam, Cambodia, Chile, Croatia, Switzerland and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

Tucan TravelTucan Travel

Up to 35% off worldwide tours + $1 deposit

Available for travel until 28 February 2022. Destinations include Dubrovnik, Lima, Tokyo, Budapest, Bangkok, Singapore, Mexico City and more.

Last verified

Get deal

Deal ends

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
AgodaAgoda

Up to 91% off Maldives stays

Available on select travel dates. 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
Dusit HotelsDusit Hotels

Up to 20% off advance bookings

Valid for stays on select 2020 dates across China, Kenya, Maldives, Philippines, Thailand, UAE, USA and more. Discount applies when you book in advance on dusit.com. T&Cs apply.

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
Priceline.comPriceline.com

Up to 50% off worldwide flights

Available on select dates when you book Express Deals. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Get deal
TopdeckTopdeck

Up to 10% off multi-trips worldwide

Available for travel on select dates in December 2020 onward. Discount applies when booking three trips at once. Extra 5% off for bookings of four trips and more. Destinations include Balkan, Ireland, Britain, Thailand, Canada, Egypt, Japan, South Africa, Athens and 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
Wendy Wu ToursWendy Wu Tours

$100 off tours for senior card holders

Valid on select dates from 15 April 2020 onward. Destinations include China, India, Vietnam, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Japan and more. T&Cs apply.

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
TourRadarTourRadar

Worldwide trips from $425 with Peregrine Adventures

Available on select travel dates. Destinations include Brazil, Africa, Vietnam, Peru, Greece and more.

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

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)

OneTravelOneTravel

Up to USD$100 off business class flights

Available on booking fees on select flight dates. Destinations include Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Cook Islands, London and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified

Show code

Coupon code ends

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