Samoa

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Quick Facts

[edit]

Capital

Apia

Government

Constitutional monarchy under native chief

Nationality

Samoan

Population

188 350 ^[1]

Languages

Samoan, English

Religions

Christianity (Protestant, Catholic)

Currency

Samoan Tala (WST)

Calling Code

+685

Time Zone

UTC-11

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Introduction

Brothers?

© All Rights Reserved Sander938

The two Samoan brothers (independent and American) are twins, though not identical.
Independent Samoa (or Western Samoa as it was known as until 1997) differs from its eastern namesake in that it is a little less developed and a little less modern. It is therefore slightly less offensive to anthropologists and, we think, much more appealing to tourists. It also benefits from better beaches and more accessible swimming and snorkelling areas. Though deforestation's having its impact, inland Samoa is at times almost as attractive as aquatic Samoa.

That said, the similarities between the two nations far outweigh the differences. Many traditions are the same; both Samoas are keen to present their traditional culture to the adoring tourists who visit. So if you don't like Samoan dance and music styles, tough luck.

Brief History

Geography

Regions

Samoa is made up of two primary islands and eight small islets.

The two large islands are

• Upolu, home to the bulk of the population and the capital Apia
• Savai'i, larger, wilder and undeveloped.

Towns

• Apia
• Asau
• Mulifanua
• Lotopa

Sights and Activities

Beaches

Both of the main islands of Samoa are ringed with gentle sandy beaches sloping into the clear sea. Beaches on Upolu include popular Lalomanu and Saleapaga. Aganoa is an interesting black sand beach. The beach on the islet of Namua Island is also particularly attractive.

On Savai'i, the most popular and accessible beach is at Manase - a good beach for swimming due to its gentle gradient, low current and shallow water. Beaches towards the Western end of the island are wilder and in more dramatic settings. Falealupo can justifiably claim to be the last beach in the world - the furthest west you can stand before the international date line.

Surfing

Samoa has a number of world-class breaks. Surf tourism is a fledgeling industry - those who make the effort to get here will have the waves to themselves though there are now several small surf resorts.

Lake Lanoto'o

Nestled in the uplands in the centre of Upolu, and a short hike from the main island road, Lake Lanoto'o is an unusual lake. Deep green in colour, it's filled with thousands of goldfish. Legend also says that the lake is so deep that the bottom has never been found.

Alofa'aga Blowholes

Also known as the Taga Blowholes, by the village of Salelologa on Savi'i, these are the second most powerful blowholes known in the world. The little cafe by the rocks sells coconut shells - get your timing right and watch the force of the blowholes rocket the shells into the sky.

Waterfalls

Malololelei on Upolu, and Olumoe on Savai'i - two of the most perfect tropical waterfalls.

Falealopu Canopy Walkway

A short walkway suspended high above the canopy in a small forest reserve at Falealopu on Savaii. The walkway is strung between two fascinating trees - a tall Floribunda and a gargantuan Banyan. For a small fee, it's possible to sleep on the platform at the top of the banyan.

Salea'aula Lava Fields

A dramatically bleak area covered in black rock, once a community but covered in lava by the eruption of the Matavanu volcano in 1906. The only building still standing from the village is the church. It's possible to explore the 'lava tubes', caves formed underneath the lava.

Manono Island

Samoa's 'third island'. A large islet situated halfway between the main islands of Upolu and Savai'i, known for being an outpost of the traditional Samoan way of life. Visitors are welcome, traffic is not.

Events and Festivals

Weather

Samoa 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. Note that the interior of Samoa might be slightly cooler because of its height.

Getting There

By Plane

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).

By Boat

Samoa - American Samoa vv
The MV Lady Naomi travels between Samoa and American Samoa and operates between the respective capitals, Apia and Pago Pago once a week departing Apia every Wednesday at midnight returning from Pago Pago every Thursday at 4 pm. It takes around 7 hours to complete the journey. It's cheaper but slower than a flight and you can expect rough rides now and then.

Samoa - Tokelau vv
Although not much of an option for most travellers, it still is the only option to visit the isolated island of Tokelau. Once every 2 or 3 weeks the MV Tokelau travels from Apia in Samoa to Tokelau, which takes about 36 hours. Book in advance while many people from Tokelau use this service to visit their home country.

Otherwise, it will be a yacht, cruiseliner or cargoship if you want to visit Samoa by boat.

Getting Around

By Plane

Polynesian Airlines flies between Apia on Upolu and the island of Savaii several times a day.

By Car

You can rent cars on both the islands of Upolu and Savaii. Several agencies have offices on the aiports or in the capital Apia. Of course, it is one of the best ways to get around, although a taxi with driver comes at about the same price. Roads are twisty but generally in good shape. You need to buy a local driver license as well.

Note that from the 7th of September 2009, people have to drive on the left side of the road instead of the right. This has been changed mainly because the change will mean that 170,000 expatriate Samoans who live in Australia and New Zealand, which both drive on the left, will be able to send home cheap right-hand drive vehicles. It will also mean that inexpensive used cars can be imported from Japan, where driving is on the left as well. Most vehicles currently in Samoa are left-hand drive models imported from the United States and nearby American Samoa.
Although one-fifth of the population was against the new rule, Samoa has now been the first country ever to switch from right to left driving and the first one to change at all since Ghana in 1974.
Opponents say that there will be a higher chance of crashes, especially during the time that many cars are still lefthand steered. Also, local car dealers and bus companies will have negative financial consequences because they need to change there car/bus stock.

By Bus

Buses are a good, albeit time-consuming, way of getting around most of the main islands. There is no fixed timetable and you can get on and of the bus almost anywhere. It is cheap but unreliable but is a very great experience and gives you the opportunity to travel like the locals and have a talk with them. Maybe you will be invited! Most buses terminate and originate in Apia on the island of Upolu.

By Boat

There is a car ferry service between Upolu and Savaii. They departure from Upolu (Mulifanua Wharf) at 8am, 12pm and 4 pm from Monday to Saturday and 12pm and 4 pm on Sundays. From Savai’i (Salelologa Wharf) the departures are 6am, 10am and 2 pm on Monday to Saturday and 10am and 2 pm on Sundays. The voyage takes about 1 hour.

Red Tape

No visa or entry permit is required for stays up to one month. A valid passport and proof of return/onward transport is required. For more requirements and information check the Samoa Immigration website

Money

See also Money Matters

Work

Study

Language

Eat

Sleep

Drink

Health

See also Travel Health

Safety

See also Travel Safety

Keep Connected

Internet

Phone

See also International Telephone Calls

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