Plan your trip to Samoa
Just five hours from Australia’s east coast and across the glistening pacific lies Samoa - the Treasured Islands of the South Pacific. Consisting of 10 islands of which only four are inhabited, the Samoan people have been blessed on these islands with over 3000 years of stunning land and seascapes. Its crystal clear waters and lush rainforests encompass what is considered the heart of Polynesia that beats Fa’a Samoa - ‘The Samoan way’. Fa’a Samoa is a traditional way of life, where family is everything and unconditional love is woven through the cultural fabric. It’s a guideline for every Samoan on how to lead their lives, celebrating and embracing traditional values, culture and visitors. There are over 362 nu’u or villages in Samoa with a total of 18,000 matais (chiefs). Churches of various denominations feature in every village while meeting houses and open fales or homes encircle the malae or village green. Fa’a Samoa’s strong focus on welcoming visitors comes from the mutual respect shared between guests and locals alike. Most villages have an evening prayer curfew between 6-7pm. Sunday is observed as a day of rest with families visiting church and enjoying Sunday lunch known as toonai. Even surfing is frowned upon on a Sunday! This may seem old fashioned but after 3,000 years of practice, Samoans have shown it’s good to slow down from time to time. Samoans are also recognised as the happiest people on earth. Proud, friendly, warm and welcoming, Samoans live in harmony with nature, ensuring the environment remains pristine, unspoiled, safe and clean, creating a place where travellers can leave their busy, noisy modern lifestyles behind and experience ‘true paradise’ in Beautiful Samoa
From relaxed adventure to the type that would raise the heartbeat, Samoa has great offerings for travellers of all types of fitness levels. Many activities are nature related involving Samoa‚ and pristine land and seascapes. The lagoons and reefs around the islands are home to some 900 species of fish and over 200 varieties of coral, so if snorkelling or diving is your passion, you will discover unique and colourful corals, fish and sea caves. Turtles are regular visitors to samba’s warm waters and you can share an amazing experience by swimming with them on Savai’i and off Namua island. With its waters teeming with marine life, Samoa has gained international acclaim for its deep sea fishing, with an international tournament held annually.
Beyond the reefs are fantastic breaks and Samoa’s un-crowded surf spots are the best-kept secret in the south pacific region. For golfers, the championship course Le Penina at Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey’s resort hosts the annual Samoa open. Designed for golfers who love a challenge, it’s built on a former us military base used in WWII and features several historical landmarks.
Much has been invested in the development of sport in Samoa and the facilities are considered one of the best in the south pacific. Housing state of the art facilities for rugby, swimming, volleyball, cricket and weight lifting to name a few, the facilities are on par with other international sporting venues and are the perfect off season training or host destination for teams. If it’s local sport you’re after, join in a village KWirikiti or cricket game and see if you can handle the fast paced bowling and triangular shaped bats!
From relaxed adventure to the type that would raise the heartbeat, Samoa has great offerings for travellers of all types of fitness levels. Many activities are nature related involving Samoa‚ and pristine land and seascapes. The lagoons and reefs around the islands are home to some 900 species of fish and over 200 varieties of coral, so if snorkelling or diving is your passion, you will discover unique and colourful corals, fish and sea caves. Turtles are regular visitors to samba’s warm waters and you can share an amazing experience by swimming with them on Savai’i and off Namua island. With its waters teeming with marine life, Samoa has gained international acclaim for its deep sea fishing, with an international tournament held annually.
Beyond the reefs are fantastic breaks and Samoa’s un-crowded surf spots are the best-kept secret in the south pacific region. For golfers, the championship course Le Penina at Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey’s resort hosts the annual Samoa open. Designed for golfers who love a challenge, it’s built on a former us military base used in WWII and features several historical landmarks.
Much has been invested in the development of sport in Samoa and the facilities are considered one of the best in the south pacific. Housing state of the art facilities for rugby, swimming, volleyball, cricket and weight lifting to name a few, the facilities are on par with other international sporting venues and are the perfect off season training or host destination for teams. If it’s local sport you’re after, join in a village KWirikiti or cricket game and see if you can handle the fast paced bowling and triangular shaped bats!
Upolu Island |
Savai'i Island |
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Upolu is the most populated of Samoa’s two main islands and home to Faleolo International Airport (APW) and the harbour capital of Apia.
Must see sites that are within easy reach of Apia include Robert Louis Stevenson’s museum, Palolo Deep Marine Reserve, Piula Cave Pools and the Papase’ea Sliding Rocks. Robert Louis Stevenson, known as ‘Tusitala’ (Samoan for ‘teller of tales’) spent his final years in samoa where he wrote most of his books. His beautiful mansion Vailima has been converted into a museum and is open to the public. Visitors can also visit his grave located at the top of Mt Vaea along a trail named by the locals as ‘the road of the loving heart’ For those more adventurous, head to the south side of the island where you will discover Lalomanu Beach, named one of the ten most beautiful beaches in the world and To Sua Ocean Trench, a 30 metre deep crater filled with sea water. The trench is surrounded by beautiful gardens and is a popular picnic spot among Samoans. |
The ’big island’ of Savai’i is reached by an inter-island ferry which takes approximately an hour or a 10 minute flight with Samoa Air. Savai’i is less populated than Upolu and is known for its gentle and traditional way of life, pristine scenery and key archaeological sites. On Savai’i, you will discover the alien-like landscape of Saleaula Lava Fields and the Virgin’s Grave,the stunning Afu Aau Waterfall and the spectacular Alofaaga Blowholes. A well-paved road encircles the island making
it easy to explore and access these sites. Overcome your fear of heights at the Falealupo Rainforest Canopy Walk. Climb the banyan tree and cross the suspension bridge for a great view of the rainforest and coastline. Through the rainforest is Cape Mulinu’u, one of the first places in the world to see the sunset |
Samoan HistoryIn 1899 after years of civil war, the Samoan islands were divided; with the Germans taking control of the islands to the west (now Samoa) and the Americans taking the islands to the east (now called American Samoa). After the outbreak of WW1, New Zealand took administrative control of Samoa from the Germans on behalf of the United Nations from 1914 up to independence day on 1 January 1962.
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Samoan ReligionChristianity has been one of the few western influences that has been accepted and integrated into Fa’a Samoa. John Williams from the London missionary society arrived in Savai’i in 1830 to spread Christianity. Today the motto on Samoa’s crest reads Fa’avae I Le Atua Samoa (Samoa is founded on god) and is proudly displayed in every village church regardless of the denomination.
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AccommodationFrom deluxe resorts with luxurious spa treatments; family resorts with kids clubs, standard and motel style properties, Samoa has something for every budget. For a truly unique Samoan experience, why not stay in a Fale?
Located on the beach right on the waterfront, open beach Fales are cost effective and the best way to experience Samoa like a local. Why sleep under 5 stars when you can sleep under a billion? Getting around is easy when you can rent a car, hop on a colourful island bus or take a taxi. |
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Information provided courtesy of the Samoa Tourism Authority