Travelling In Samoa
Beautiful scenery, amazing ocean life and lovely people are the takeaways from a few weeks spent in Samoa.
We have a thing we do for all our nieces and nephews. When they graduate year 12 instead of giving them money toward college or a car, we take them on a trip hoping to teach them how easy it is to travel and how much there is to see in the world.
when Jack our second last nephew finished his high school we were looking for something ocean based, so off to Samoa we went. Jack doesn't have any other cousins that age with him so we took his two best mates. I really think I should put ” survived two weeks in Oceania with three 18 year olds ” on to my resume . Honestly they were great but the sheer lack of organisation drove me to distraction. Samoa was the perfect place for us for that trip however. Snorkeling every day, eating amazing fresh seafood, hiking and swimming in ocean trenches – Samoa was amazing.
Samoa Travel Guides
3 Must Do's For Samoa
To-Sua Ocean Trench
This is the picture that you usually see representing Samoa. A pristine hole in the ground that goes through to the ocean which feeds in from a cave between the trench and the ocean. It is really incredible and I would thoroughly recommend it. Wear shoes you don't mind getting wet or hiking sandals as the ladder is narrow and hurts your feet without shoes. Amazing!
Savaii
Make sure you get over to Savai'i the bigger but less populated island. The ferry goes regularly (a few times a day) but it is necessary to book. Savai'i is much quieter and in my humble opinion even more beautiful than Upolo. Buses run everywhere but make sure you have a soft bag and are prepared to sit on or get sat on as they fill up quickly. Ask the driver to tell you where you need to get off. Le Legato Resort is beautiful and not too expensive. Find things to do on Savaii on this article.
Piula Cave Pool
Where can you swim through a cave pool and out the other side under a church? I don't know anywhere else you can do that with the exception of Samoa. It is 10 Thala to get in but it is a lovely spot & you can take your beach gear and lay around a Fale after your snorkel through the cave. It is like all Samoa a unique experience and we all loved it. Piula Cave Pool
More Things To Do In Samoa
- Go hiking but be prepared for MUD!
- Visit the black sand beach
- Visit the volcano lava fields
- Stay in a beach fale (I recommend Matareva Beach Fales)
- Go fishing.
- Eat the Palusami/lu'au – coconut cream and onion cooked in taro leaves
- Visit the colored Fales for a swim and lunch
- Snokel the Giant Clam beds on Upolo
- Take the ferry over to Savaii
- Snokel the Palolo Deep Marine Reserve in Apia
- Jump on a bus and spend the day beachside in a fale just anywhere
- Kayak the creeks out to the delta in Upolo
My Fave Photo From Samoa
I took this as a storm was rolling in during our few days at Matareva Beach Fale's on the mid west coast of Upolo, Samoa's main island. The boys were swimming in this natural hole surrounded by rocks and reef when the clouds rolled in and it was clear a storm was coming.
We all ended up in the water with the rain pouring down around us and it was an amazing way to spend our last afternoon in Samoa. Matareva Beach Fale's are around $50 pp per night, however, that includes breakfast and dinner with your Fale stay. The fales are slightly elevated beach huts with roofs and palm frond awnings you can pull down to block the light and rain. We stayed in December and even with no fans because you are close to the water it was definitely cool enough.
Please take into account we are Australian so are used to the heat.
Tip for Samoa
Samoa is one of the safest and most beautiful countries I've ever visited. It is pristine clean, the locals are so friendly and it's a great destination for a solo female traveller, couples, or even families. I recommend Samoa to everyone.
You need about 2 weeks to see everything and still have a relaxed holiday and you MUST stay at least one night beachside in a Fale.