Taking the tour around the museum was a great way to learn about the years Robert Louis Stevenson spent in Samoa--his work, family, and the great relationship he had with the Samoan people. Two things a Samoan child carries around wherever she/he goes and those things are the reasons why every Samoan parent is on their childrens butt. The boat ride between Tutuila and Aunuu is also a good place to spot dolphins. Start a Travel Blog IMPORTANT INFORMATION - ENTRY REQUIREMENTS, How to Create the Best Samoa Family Holiday, The Best Samoan Themed Books To Read On Holiday, The Difference Between Samoa & American Samoa, Your Guide to the Islands of Savai'i and Upolu, The Most Stunning Waterfalls You'll Find in Samoa, Register here if you don't have an account. But if youd like a more traditional style accommodation, theres plenty on offer. Say goodbye to mega resorts and crowded beaches, and hello to undisturbed sunsets and getting to know the locals. A taxi costs $5 locally within Apia and $60 Tala to the airport. THE 10 BEST Samoa Sights & Historical Landmarks - Tripadvisor For maximum flexibility, its worth renting a car so you can squeeze as much into your visit as possible, though driving yourself always means missing out on the cultural experience of public transportation. The Mt. You might already have seen pictures of the To Sua Ocean Trench, one of the coolest and most unique swimming holes in the world, but this is just one of the many awesome things to put on your Samoa itinerary. The Sinalea Reef Resort and Spa on Upolu has just 29 beautifully appointed villas, so youre guaranteed that boutique experience. Try taro, breadfruit,palusami(young taro leaves in coconut cream),oka(raw fish in coconut cream), pork and seafood. We truly love Samoa, but feel like it is better to paint a realistic picture so people really know what to expect, than to just blow up all the good aspects, neglect the downsides and have people come back from their trip dissappointed. Find activities & tours: The culture of Samoa is heavily focused on family, community and church. The ocean trench is more of a sinkhole with stairs leading down to this amazing natural wonder. We have reviews of the best places to see in Samoa. However, with every stop whether it is a waterfall, natural landmark, or beach payment is required. Read next: Where to stay in Samoa The best accommodation. Swim with wild sea turtles in crystal clear, warm turquoise water that is also brimming with other marine wildlife that made its home in the colourful reefs surrounding the coastline. While walking, running, or driving a scooter, dogs are known to be aggressive and can bite. On Ofu, if you stay at Vaoto Lodge, you can borrow one of their bicycles. Just next to the property is a marine reserve and the coral is absolutely breathtaking and thriving in this area. World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. This old church was directly in the path of the lava flow from the massive eruption of Mt Matavanu in 1905. Without a bike, your options here are limited to walking and hitching. 1.2 Go snorkeling. Only one bus operates on Sunday to the ferry terminal and back. The oka (lime-marinated tuna, served chilled) is probably one of the most delicious seafood dishes I've ever tasted. As a Samoan. Le Pupu Puye National Park But whether itll be your first time here or youre coming back for a return visit, Samoa has so many incredible places to visit you really cant go wrong. Most countries free themselves from the influence of religion, and I believe its a good thing! Outside of Apia, most of the best places are associated with . The best things to do in the South Pacific. Your email address will not be published. Like a treasure, Samoa boasts unparalleled natural riches ready for you to discover. If you get a chance to visit, dont miss it! The brave can swim under the tubes into caves, and out to the lagoon. Its also adults-only, with a glorious day spa. Around Samoas two main islands Upolu and Savaii, you can find a few small islands that are privately owned and that you can do a day- or overnight trip to. Hike up coast-hugging peaks, explore eerie lava fields and tube caves, and weave through lush plantations filled with tropical fruit trees. At night you sleep surrounded by a mosquito net, or if you want a little extra privacy you can close the walls by dropping a woven curtain down. Many offer tarps, just in case. These bats, also called flying foxes, can be up to three feet across and feed on the fruit trees around the islands. The trail ascends through the jungle on a grassy track; at the very top, it opens up to a spectacular view over Ofu. Because American Samoa is not (yet) a super-popular destination, you will probably have great luck calling the NPS Visitors Center or Tourism board before your visit to get answers to specific questions; in our experience, these people were more than willing to take some time and help us out. Wave cars down to ask for a ride. Hey you, adventurer! First, your name, second, your familys name. Malaysia Kalofa e. As a Samoan, Im proud of my culture. Beautiful Samoa: Family-friendly and Fantastic! But if youve come all the way here, dont let your visit stop with Tutuila! Tattoos are also a part of Samoan culture. We absolutely fell in love with it and hope you love your time there! It is a country full of the most welcoming people, gorgeous palm tree-lined beaches and incredible nature. Tribes play a very important part in Samoan culture and tribal chiefs hold a lot of power over its members and decide on a lot of the major decisions that concern the tribe and their villages. Even in the smallest and poorest villages consisting of a few small wooden houses, youll find a massive church made out of stone. The array of local food on display will dazzle your tastebuds. When you see one of the colourful vehicles for the first time, youll know exactly why. American Samoa 2023: Best Places to Visit - Tripadvisor So if, when booking your international flight, you give yourself two weeks or more in-country, youll easily be able to fit a trip to Ofu within that window of time. Well, this is just a typical day in Samoa. Learn how your comment data is processed. Best Things to Do in Savai'i, Samoa #1 Explore the Salelologa Market credit: Fotu Vaai. Best Time To Visit Samoa: When To Go And When To Avoid The Tradewinds Hotel hosts a fiafiaon Friday nights. 24-443; fax 22-255). The culture is unique, the food is great, and the beaches are very accessible. Find your next incredible journey on Australian Traveller. There are many amazing places to visit in Samoa, from glorious beaches to uninhabited islands. There is no better way to feel like youre in a scene out of a tropical paradise movie like The Beach! But Samoa is also a country where conservative tribes have a lot of power, the church demands big chunks of the peoples income and there is a serious stray dog problem. Cheers. This is a great way to see the sights if youre short on time. Theres plenty to keep little ones occupied as you laze by the water with a cocktail. On Sundays, you can swim in front of Vaoto Lodge or in the park, but nowhere else. Intrepid is committed to using travel as a force for good. The Samoa Shipping Company has a ferry between Apia and Pago Pago that departs once a week. To Sua Ocean Trench 1,528 Geologic Formations By S7143EMdeborahb There are toilets, changing rooms, fales, and you can bring your lunch and swim in the beautiful sheltered rock pools. Planning a Trip in American Samoa | Frommer's Fiafia Nights You'll see lots of signs everywhere for Fiafia nights - don't leave Samoa without experiencing one at a local resort or hotel. Life in Samoa is slow and Island time is a real thing in the Pacific, and it feels like the Samoans have completely surrendered to it. There are also several AirBnB options. Content and photographs provided by Yana Kogan and Timon. We stayed in American Samoa for 8 days and really wished wed had longer. Perhaps you can get in touch with http://www.samoa.travel for more info on relocating, I will love to visit Samoa with my family, Your email address will not be published. Explore beaches galore. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Youll want to visit Samoa in the dry season which runs May to mid November, with high season being July September. The tatau is still used today as a sign of responsibility towards family and loved ones. 10 BEST Places to See Turtles in Samoa - Samoa Pocket Guide Here are a few basic Samoan words: Samoan culture is rich and proud of its Polynesian roots. Glad you agree Emma! And if you like taro youll love the food in Samoa haha! Sleepy Manono island, a 20-minute boat ride away is also a peaceful spot to visit for a few nights (or even a day trip). Piula Cave Pool in Upolu, beneath the historic Methodist chapel is also a great spot for a swim. While we werent able to do a homestay here, we did stay at family-run fales while we were in Western Samoa and were able to have the experience of being brought into a Samoan home to participate in some of their traditions. By mjayb88. The Fugalei fresh produce market is the place to shop like a local and pickup delicious fruit and other market snacks. 6. Thanks, Ron (in Florida), Your email address will not be published. Tisas Barefoot Bar runs eco-fales on Eastern Tutuila and the beach there is beautiful, so it would be a good option for a laid-back stay if its in your budget. Tutuila has a great bus system that can get you all around the island, though it might take a while to cover large distances. There are plenty of snazzy resorts in Samoa, but for an authentic experience make sure you stay in a fale a traditional open-air villa perched right on the beachfront. Samoa is an independent located in the South of the Pacific Ocean in the Western part of Polynesia, just west of American Samoa and North-East of Fiji, or about half way between New Zealand and Hawaii. Samoa Travel Guide - Everything you need to know - International Traveller This means that everyone joins the family and sits around long tables to enjoy a home cooked meal, often including at least some fish, taro (a root that somewhat resembles a potato) and dishes with coconut milk. It is a country full of the most welcoming people, gorgeous palm tree-lined beaches and incredible nature. However, it is not for everyone. Asaga Inn is right next to the bridge that connects Ofu to Olosega; its closer to Olosega village. Your photos are stunning. These little islands are the definition of isolated and the clear air makes for some of the best starry nights youll ever see. It's the best place to visit in Samoa because you can indeed have a rest here and see some of the most magnificent sunsets in your life. Seeing American Samoa as a Day Trip from Apia-- You can see American Samoa as a 1-day side trip from independent Samoa. The people are very friendly and kind, and the strong traditions and the communal culture of Samoa keep the crime rate low and the country safe. thanks for the post! Copyright 2023 Wandering Media LLC. This will give you enough time to visit the main attractions as well as spend some time on the beach. Travel. Also, If one person commit a crime, the whole family will pay. With steamy rainforests, powder-white beaches and lush waterfalls nestled in the jungle, Samoa is a paradise with a capital P. But if you think this South Pacific island country is your typical beach holiday destination, think again. One of the NPSs missions is to protect the fruit bat population that calls American Samoa home. Were big dog lovers so thats what we thought when we heard that there are a lot of dogs in Samoa, but the dogs here arent the cuddly type of furry friends that youre hoping to find. At low tide, you can walk around the entire island, which has a dramatic and rocky coastline. You can see exactly where the lava flowed past, and through, including interesting imprints of trees and other remnants of village life. Ive looked online and find nothing so far. Now this is a place that makes a mockery of Instagram filters. Make sure you have a backup option in case your camping plans fall through, and put all your Leave No Trace skills to the test. Of course theyre nice & sweet to papalagis (white people), but to their own, NOT. It is such an incredible country! I am in the early stages of planning. The lush mountains on these islands deliver some of the most majestic waterfalls youll ever see. Its an expensive flight thatll make your carbon footprint awfully big, and theres a good chance youll only make it there once in your life. The journey takes seven hours and costs $75 USD. This is just a little appetiser of what is Samoa really like. It is great for swimming and a very good site for snorkeling. If you do manage to spot a bus passing by, simply wave it down. This is one of the best places in the world to swim with turtles around the shores of Namua Island is the most popular spot for this, though many tours of the island of Savaii also stop at the wetlands sanctuary at Satoalepai village to allow guests to paddle with green turtles. Fia Fia shows are a great way to experience Samoan culture. Welcome to Samoa | Pacific Island Holiday | Official Guide Our warm, friendly culture and breathtaking scenery make Samoa the perfect Pacific Island destination for your next holiday or quick break . (We contacted several homestay families before we decided to cut our time on Tutuila so we could visit Ofu. IMPORTANT INFORMATION - ENTRY REQUIREMENTS, How to Create the Best Samoa Family Holiday, The Best Samoan Themed Books To Read On Holiday, The Difference Between Samoa & American Samoa, Your Guide to the Islands of Savai'i and Upolu, The Most Stunning Waterfalls You'll Find in Samoa, Register here if you don't have an account. Welcome to Samoa | Pacific Island Holiday | Official Guide Its remote location in the South Pacific makes this one of the most untouched parts of the world. Moto Samoarents scooters for around $60 Tala per day. If you're in downtown Apia the clock is super easy to find and close to other attractions such as the Catholic. Around the village of Vatia, the Tuafauna Trail leads through rain forest before dropping you off on a rocky beach with gorgeous views of Pola Island and its sea arches. JOIN INTREPID ON AN 8-DAY SAMOA ADVENTURE FOR LOCAL CULTURAL EXPERIENCES. The best time to visit is at the very beginning (May to mid-June) or very end (October to mid-November) of the dry season. And dont even think about sleeping outside without a reliable mosquito net! In some places, the NPS rangers can give you an idea of where to camp and who to contact for permission; in other places, youll have to ask around the village for the chief and get permission directly from him. Samoa is very hot and humid year-round, with high temperatures continuing into the night. Due to its tropical location, the waters here are teeming with life, making it perfect for snorkeling and diving. Just outside Vatia, the rocky beach at the end of Tuafauna Trail is a bit rough for swimming, but a great place to watch the surf and listen to the shores stones clicking and clattering as the waves recedeits completely lovely. And unlike some tourist traps, they actually work there every day, not just for the show. While were not trying to burst your happy holiday bubble we do feel like we need to mention these things so that you have a better understanding of what goes on in the country. Samoans are large, not only in stature but in the heart. The Ultimate Samoa Travel Guide. On Aunuu, you can follow the 4WD track around the island to see isolated sea arches, surf-pounded coves, a lake in the islands volcanic crater, a lake of quicksand and taro marshes. You must have a return ticket or onward travel, and a passport valid for at least six months. There are plenty of accommodation options on Tutuila. You can rent a kayak from Sadies or from a few other outfitters in Pago. The Samoan Islands are located in the Pacific Ocean, neighbouring Fiji, Tonga and the Cook Islands. The hole is in fact two holes that are joined by a cave. How did your trip go? If visiting for one week, it is best to stay on the main island of Upolu. Less than four hours from Auckland and about five hours from Sydney and Brisbane, Samoa is renowned for its natural beauty, genuine hospitality and stunning adventures. Tip, tricks and musings about living life on the road as a family. The more expensive accommodations often do have Wi-Fi, but they usually dont offer it for free and the data bundles that you get are very small. Join our email list to get more great family travel guides and tips. 10 Best Places To Visit In Samoa | Samoa Tourism - YouTube The evening worship like they mentioned, some villages do it, some dont. The Lower Sauma Ridge Trail will take you down to an overlook of the northeast coast of Tutuila and the archeological site of a star mound (be careful on this trail, as itll be very slippery if its been raining before your hike!) All Rights Reserved. Which historical site Everything you need to know about the Great Serengeti or Masai Mara? So, what are you waiting for? American Samoa doesn't see a lot of visitors, and most of those are visiting for the day from cruise ships. With a feast of local food, traditional singing and dancing, and a dazzling faataupati (fire knife) performance, its the perfect way to immerse yourself in Samoan culture and discover why Samoans are known as some of the warmest and most welcoming folk in the South Pacific. This isnt just a fantasy world, this is a reality in Samoa. It is best to see during mid or high tide. The NPS maintains two trails on Ofu/Olosega and one on Tau. Things to Do in Samoa, South Pacific: See Tripadvisor's 35,635 traveler reviews and photos of Samoa tourist attractions. Top 10 Things To See And Do In Samoa - WorldAtlas This island is a lot more untouched and less influenced by tourism. Samoans, like most Polynesians, are big, not just in stature but also in the size of their heart. Aunuus beach is lovely and a great way to cool down after youve spent some time exploring the island on foot. A trip to the colourful Maketi Fou, Apias local market, is a must. Traditional Samoan food is delicious and well worth a try. This wont matter and might even add to the chilled vibe if youre just there to enjoy a relaxing holiday, but when you actually need to get something done it can get quite bothersome. Best known for pristine beaches, surf, fresh seafood and lush waterfalls. This is because all of the land is owned by villages and the local people. Suicide is preferred to living in their tyrannical families of servitude, Christian fundamentalism & incest. GetYourGuide Your email address will not be published. The show usually includes dancing, singing, and a fire show. Samoas famous fish market in Apia, in particular, is worth a look. you won't regret visiting Samoa as it is a truly beautiful place. Find what to do today or anytime in July. Fresh produce is hard to come by, unless youre getting it from the fruit trees on the island. If you dont want to fly directly from the U.S., you can get to Pago from both Western Samoa and Tonga with Talofa Airlines. Or if you fear you might lose a foot or a finger to a giant clam that snaps shut as you swim by, maybe spending the day on a private island sounds better? Accommodation guides Go to Appearance > Customize > Subscribe Pop-up to set this up. When we think about what is good about Samoa, the first thing that comes to mind are the people. 1.7 Chase Waterfalls. There is also a strong emphasis on traditional arts and crafts in Samoa like wood carving, weaving, siapo the traditional Samoan tapa cloth and tattooing. There are two ferries between Savaii and Upolu that depart several times each day. Sundays have reduced ferry departures. Oh, and dont forget to experience umu the traditional Samoan way of cooking in an earth oven. Your pictures are so inviting! If you want a less nauseous, easier-to-plan option for getting to Manua, youll want to take the plane. 1.6 Hit the surf. There are several stations of traditional craftsmen and workers. A visit to the Samoa Cultural Village in the heart of Apia is a great way to experience and learn all about Samoa's rich cultural heritage and ancient customs, and entry is completely free of charge. Required fields are marked *, About | Privacy Policy | Contact On Fiafia nights you might be offered a traditional umu meal. Our warm, friendly culture and breathtaking scenery make Samoa the perfect Pacific Island destination for your next holiday or quick break. Cycling enthusiasts can hire bikes to take in the sites on two wheels(the roads here are in good condition) and keen anglers can explore one of the best gamefishing locations in the world. To swim at other spots around the island, get permission from the village chief first. Just his report of it had my jaw on the floor. The fees help support the local families and communities. I guess I could contact someone in Pago Pago and ask for referrals. It was closed when we visited, so we werent able to check it out for ourselves.) Packing guides Sunday is a holy day and on this day everyone dresses in their Sunday best and goes to church, but the churchs influence reaches much deeper. My kind of destination. Samoa does have internet but wi-fi is usually on the slow and expensive side. I wish to relocate to samoa to work and live there. Thank you Dani! Situated on the outskirts of Apia, its on the cheaper end of the spectrum, which makes it wildly popular with budget travellers. 100 tips, tricks and hacks from travel insiders, 13 best places to go wild swimming in Samoa, Explore Samoa 3 ways: for couples, families and adventurers, 6 treasures of Samoa that wont stay a secret for very long. It is fairly easy to get around both islands independently. Samoa is waiting for you to explore. The National Park consists of land on Tutuila, Ofu and Tau, but maintains trails in areas outside the park, too. Even if youre not a national park junkie, a visit to the NPS Visitors Center in Pago should be your first stop when planning your activities. If you have . The To-Sua Ocean Trench is one of the coolest natural land formations in the world. Zeen is a next generation WordPress theme. Namua Island, a short boat ride from Upolo is a great spot to visit if you really want to get away from it all. By marktS5189DV. The umu is the samoan version of the famous Polynesian ground oven. Alava Trail is more challenging and offers panoramic views of the island (or so we hear! All rights reserved. Be respectful of your hosts, pack everything out with you, and live lightly. Italy We will probably only be able to do 4-5 days on Ofu since well only have 3 weeks to do all three Pacific Island parks but damn, I could go for two weeks just in Samoa. Taking a day tour of Samoas waterfalls is a great way to discover some of Samoas most stunning landscapes, while giving you the opportunity to cool off from the heat of the day. Several car companies in Upolu are available for $90/day Tala for weekly rentals and from $120/day Tala for daily rentals. We saw them everywhere we went, but most abundantly on Ofu around the beach. If on top of that you really dont like coconut milk (like Zi), your choices for food are very limited. Because of its mountainous landscape, Samoa has plenty of waterfalls, particularly along the southern coasts of Upolu and Savaii. 1. That flight only happens once a week, so youll spend that full week in Ofu. Bali / Indo This is so interesting! Samoans are very helpful and generous; this doesnt mean theyll necessarily grant you permission to stay on their land, but youll at least be able to find someone who can help you figure out if its possible. Traditional food at fales (which usually act as restaurants too) is cheap at 10-20 tala per meal, a beer is 5-7 tala and soft drinks are in the 2.5-3.5 range. Western food and barista coffee are more costly. Every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 10:30 am, there is a free cultural show and lunch here. 10 best places to visit in samoaHello guys. The easiest way is to buy a package from Oceania Travel & Tours, at the Kitano Tusitala Hotel in Apia (tel. Cyclone season runs from December to March and is best avoided. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Thank you for buying through our links and supporting this blog. You need 7 to 10 days to visit both islands in Samoa. 1. This lead to thousands of people contracting measles over a period of 4 months, and the disease taking 83 lives. Only when I saw the needles being hammered into the skin by the artist did I start to comprehend the excruciating pain I'd heard accompanies the process. You wont have any facilities, and there are very few public toilets on the islands, so be aware. Before you set off on Aunuu, make sure to ask the driver how late the boat will be running; you dont want to miss the last one. Immerse yourself in local culture by taking part in a best gamefishing locations in the world, where youll feast on traditional food (think plenty of fresh fish grilled on coals and tropical fruits) and witness some truly magical song, dance and storytelling. The mobile reception and data access to the internet are very patchy too. Tinz. The Samoan islands were formed thousands of years ago by epic volcanic activity, giving rise to diverse scenery that promises to wow you. Samoa Two popular choices are the Tradewinds Hotel (bland, but clean and nice) and Sadies By the Sea (which we heard several unfavorable reports of from fellow travelers, but may still be worth looking into). Thats awesome Disha! Samoans are fiercely proud of their culture and way of life. Hi Sanni, thats great, Im sure youll love Samoa! With very heavy rain it could potentially be a very uncomfortable night. Samoan people will smile and wave at you as you pass, they will offer help when they see someone in need, they will freely share their food with you, even if they dont have much, and dont be surprised if youre invited into their home. Photography guides Even if you can afford the sheer luxury, we still recommend going for the beach shacks at least once. There are multiple blowholes and the main blowhole is one of the largest in the world. Contacting the NPS will probably be your best bet for arranging something here. Samoans are also very proud people. If youre not, I pray God will help you with whatever hatred you have in your heart for my people. The Samoan archipelago is a stunning tropical island paradise. Its a great spot to swim and cool off on the warmer days. The tour continues in the afternoon on the east coast of Upolu, where you visit the famous Lalomanu Beach, To Sua Ocean Trench and Sopoaga Falls. New Zealand We bought breakfast and dinner each day from Vaoto Lodge; they accommodated our vegetarianism deliciously and gave us some of the best food we had in all of Samoa (which is saying a lotwe had some excellent food there.) Samoa is a place where piglets roam freely, where everyone smiles and waves as you pass by and where island time is the only time.
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