Apia

Introduction

The closest thing Samoa has to a city, Apia has the feel of a lively small town. Samoan pop music blares out from the bars and the brightly painted buses, and the pace of life is a step quicker than the languid stroll encountered in the rest of Samoa. Architecturally, the city is an interesting mix of colonial, Samoan and Western, together with some synthesis of the three. This synthesis is most clearly demonstrated by the shiny new Parliament Building which dominates the seafront, at 7 storeys easily the highest building in Apia, if not all Samoa.

Sights and Activities

• Surprisingly good snorkelling just off the harbour - look out for enormous giant clams!
• Museum of Samoan Culture
• Robert Stephenson Museum
• Apia Market

Weather

Apia has a hot and humid tropical climate. Temperatures hoover around 30 degrees Celcius throughout the year and never drop much lower than 23 or 24 degrees at night. Temperatures are slightly higher during the wetter November to March period and slightly lower between April and October. This last period is the best season to visit as it rains less (but still significantly) and there is almost no chance of hurricanes, which can strik from December to March. There is always some relief of the heat by constant sea breezes.

Getting There

By Plane

International
Most travellers arrive at Faleolo Airport (APW), about 30 km from the capital Apia. The national airine is Polynesian Airlines, with flights from Apia to Tonga, Niue and American Samoa. Also, Polynesian Blue serves Samoa, mainly to and from Auckland and Sydney.
There are many flights with Pacific Blue and Air New Zealand from Australia (mainly Sydney) and New Zealand (mainly Auckland).
Domestic
Polynesian Airlines flies between Apia on Upolu and the island of Savaii several times a day.

By Boat

The only option to get to Samoa by boat is taking the MV Lady Naomi. It operates between Apia and Pago Pago in American Samoa once a week departing Apia every Wednesday at midnight returning from Pago Pago every Thursday at 4 pm, taking around 7 hours to complete the journey. Expect rough rides now and then. Although it costs about half compared to a plane ticket, it is rather basic and takes much much longer of course.

Sleep

Budget

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