TALOFA LAVA! WELCOME TO SAMOA!
More than just tropical islands, Samoa is a very special land of extraordinary beauty; where turquoise lagoons lap onto unspoilt white sandy beaches lined with coconut palms, where cascading waterfalls, rich virgin rainforests and mist covered mountain peaks are all contained within a sparkling necklace of coral reefs.

And then there are the villages scattered throughout the islands, home to a proud people who still honour and nurture a culture rich in age-old traditions and ceremonies, offering the visitor a living culture to see and experience.

Samoa comprises two relatively large islands, Upolu and Savaii and eight smaller islands. The capital and business centre Apia is located on Upolu Island. Bustling with activity this tropical town offers a variety of shops, restaurants, bars and nightclubs. Upolu Island is where most of the local population reside and is the island on which most of the major hotels and resorts can be found.

Also popular with travellers is the largest island in the Samoa group, Savaii (largely unpopulated). Life here really has resisted change. The pace is slow and life is centred around the villages. The island features magnificent blowholes and secluded white sand beaches. Just a 15 minute flight from Upolu (or a one hour ferry trip) you can do a day trip or better still - STAY!

Samoa offers a range of accommodation options and facilities that will suit both your budget and comfort, from traditional hotels and resorts offering local and international dining and regular entertainment, to cheerful guesthouses, motels and simple Samoan beachfront fales (usually with thatched roof supported by wooden posts and generally no walls). More recently, eco-resorts have opened up on some of the more remote beaches.

"We invite you to come and discover why people have been falling in love with the "Treasured Islands of the South Pacific" since the beginning of history!"

CLICK HERE FOR THE MAP OF SAMOA

CLIMATE
A pleasantly warm climate. The temperatures are cooled by south-east trade winds from May to November, while December to April is the wet and humid season.

TEMPERATURES
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun
min	24	24	24	23	23	23
max	30	30	31	31	30	30
	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
min	23	22	23	23	23	24
max	29	29	29	30	30	30

LANGUAGE
Samoan is the national language, but English is the official language for business. Most Samoans are fluent in both languages.

DEPARTURE TAX
There is a departure tax of WST$30 per person. Children under 12 years of age are exempt.

VILLAGE PROTOCOL
Samoans are generous with their hospitality and smiles … and are generally happy to welcome you into their villages. Always ask permission before taking photo's in villages, avoid walking or driving through villages during Sa (curfew for evening prayers), leave shoes outside a Samoa house (if invited in) and sit cross-legged on the floor and remember to cover up (no skimpy clothing!!)

DUTY FREE
Each visitor to Samoa may bring in one litre of spirits and 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars duty free.

TRANSPORT
There are many ways to get around Samoa. Bus services are very economical and enjoyable but can take a lot of time and are limited on Sundays. Taxis are available in the main centres. Hiring a car is the best way to see all the sights available and you can take as much time as you like. A passenger and vehicle ferry operates between Upolu and Savaii. The trip takes one hour. Rental cars may be taken on the ferry.

CURRENCY
The Samoan unit of currency is the "Tala". Banks offer money exchange facilities at the airport for all arrivals and departures. Main hotels also offer money exchange facilities.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
No entry permit is required for visitors staying up to 30 days, however an onward or return ticket and valid passport are required.

CLOTHING
Visitors to Samoa need a light tropical wardrobe year round with perhaps a light sweater for the cooler evenings. Wearing togs is fine at the resorts but should not be worn when visiting town or villages.

DRINKING WATER
Tap water should not be consumed. It is advisable to boil drinking water. Local purified and mineral waters are available.

ELECTICITY
240 volts / AC 50 cycles. Supply can be disrupted especially in outlying areas.

MEDICAL
Samoa is free from most tropical diseases. Medical services are available at the National Hospital, Apia and from the privately operated Medcen Hospital.

There are a wide variety of activities to choose from in Samoa, to suit all moods and tastes. Several companies offer well organised tours of both islands (Upolu and Savaii) which also provide a valuable insight into Samoan customs and traditions.

ACCESS & ENTRY FEES
Most land in Samoa, and areas within a lagoon or bay, is the property of a village, family or individual. You must always ask permission and, in many cases, a small entry fee is required.

EXPLORING UPOLU (MAIN ISLAND)
ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON MUSEUM
The mansion of this famous author features many of his belongings. It's a 30-45 minute walk to his tomb at the top of Mount Vaea.

PALOLO DEEP MARINE RESERVE
An excellent snorkelling, diving and swimming spot. The reserve is just around the corner from the wharf towards Vaiala Beach. Open from 8am to 6pm with a small entry fee.

FIAFIA NIGHT
FiaFia nights (very colourful and exciting) are held during the week at the major hotels in Samoa. The special buffet style dinner and accompanying dance show are a must for any visitor. Be prepared to join in …

PAPASE'EA SLIDING ROCKS
A must see attraction within 6 kilometres of central Apia (take a bus or a taxi). An entry fee is required. There is a 5 metre rock slide down a waterfall into a deep, freshwater pool … oh, so refreshing!

PIULA CAVE POOL
Located just after Saoluafata, the pool is ideal for swimming, snorkelling and picnicking. The entrance is through the gates to the Piula Methodist Theological College. There is a fee and it's closed on Sunday.

SURFING
Surfing in Samoa is for experienced surfers only and is best at high tide. The waves break directly on coral reefs and currents are often extremely strong. In some villages surfing is not permitted on Sundays.

LALOMANU TO LOTOFAGA
This stretch of coast has plenty of swimming and snorkelling beaches. Many are associated with commercial fales, so please ask permission from fale owners and villagers.

MARKETS
The Flea Market, close to Hotel Kitano Tusitala, runs pretty much all day offering a wide range of handicrafts and imported goods. The Fish market, just behind the Flea Market is best before 11.00am, by which time most of the fish has been sold - the local markets provide an enjoyable insight into local daily life.

PEAPEA CAVE
You'll need a torch, plenty of water and some tramping or hiking experience to explore this lava tube. The track (2 ½ - 3 hours) begins at the Togitogiga Falls carpark and can be difficult to find.

EXPLORING SAVAII (THE BIG ISLAND)
HOP ON OVER TO SAVAII
Savaii, apart from its sandy beaches, has great tramping, waterfalls, lava fields and dormant volcanoes. Here the local people live life at an easy and gentle pace. Only a 15 minute flight or one hour boat trip away from Upolu.

HIRE A CAR
Explore and enjoy this sightseers paradise at leisure. A WST$10 Samoa driving license is available from the Police station in Apia. Driving is on the right-hand side of the road. Have fun!

ALOFAAGA BLOWHOLES
The entrance to the blowholes is at the village of Taga. A coastal track can be followed west for several hours to the ancient village of Fagaloa.

SALELOLOGA MARKET
This market is near the wharf.

SWIMMING BEACHES
Between the village of Lano and Salelavalu are many good swimming beaches. Ask at a nearby village.

TAFUA PENINSULA RAINFOREST PRESERVE
Near the coastal village of Tafua, the forest is ideal for birdwatching … see flying foxes and the rare Samoan tooth-billed pigeon. There are several walks to the Tafua Savaii crater.

THE TIA SEU ANCIENT MOUND
This "pyramid" is the largest ancient structure in Polynesia, at 12 metres tall.

MU PAGOA WATERFALL
Easily found, the falls tumble into the sea within 100 metres of the bridge between the villages of Puleia and Gautavai

LAVA CAVES
Caves include Peapea (Letui), which is home to the white rumped swiftlet, and Paia Dwarf's Cave (the main cave is over 1 kilometre). The latter requires a full day and a guide from Paia Village.