Samoa

DESTINATION INFORMATION

People come from around the world to experience this special place.

Tradition and faith have not only preserved a unique culture, but offer visitors genuine hospitality and high service standards. Samoans have a strong sense of history. Their nation was once the home of author Robert Louis Stevenson, who stayed believing he had found paradise.

The Samoan sense of national pride is particularly evident in its unsurpassed, traditional dance. It is easy to reach and travel around Samoa, which boasts some of the South Pacific's most inspiring beaches and lush rainforest covered mountains.
Excellent roads offer the freedom to drive and discover the villages where you can take part in feast nights and village ceremonies, or just look for the privacy of a special beach.
Upolu - home to the capital of Apia. A spectacular island that is a mix of mountainous interiors and stunning beaches.
Savai'i ‘the big island' - 75 minutes by ferry or a 20 minute flight.
Get off the beaten track & discover a Polynesia that has changed little since the first missionaries arrived.
Village life is everywhere along with the "open fale", a sleeping, eating & meeting place that is a home without walls.
Savai'i is a must for anyone wanting to experience the real Samoa.

Exotic and sunny Samoa

REGIONS

Upolu
Although the smaller of Samoa's two main islands, the sultry, verdant island of Upolu is home to more than 70 per cent of the population and the commercial centre of the country with the major town of Apia and Faleolo International Airport.

Savai'i
With its stunning wild beaches, pristine lagoon, rugged volcanic craters and lava tubes, lush tropical rain forest and traditional villages, Savai'i offers a unique glimpse of Polynesian life in a true island paradise. One of the largest islands in Polynesia (1,810 sq km), it's also among the most sparsely populated.

Samoa Fast Facts

Climate: Cooled by the gentle breezes of the South Pacific, Samoa enjoys wonderful weather. From April to September Samoa averages a pleasant 28°C. Refreshing tropical rains can occur anytime, but December to March is the hot summer wet season. The water is always warm. Pack lightweight, loose fitting cotton washables.
Time Zone: Samoa is 22 hours behind Australian EST.
Currency: Local currency is the Samoan Tala (dollar) 1AUD - 2WST.
Languages: Samoan is the national language but English is used in business and most Samoans are competent in English.
Vaccinations: No vaccinations are mandatory however consult your doctor before travelling.
Tipping: Tipping is not expected or encouraged.
Electricity: 220 volts - mostly same plug as Australia.
Departure Tax: A departure tax of S$40 is payable at the airport upon departure from Samoa.
Visa: Australian passport holders do not require a visa. Proof of onward travel is required.

The Samoan Experience

Visit Robert Louis Stevenson's (the famous Scottish writer) home - now a museum.
See the police band at 7.50am every Monday to Friday.
Experience the Papaseéa Sliding Rocks - 6kms from central Apia.
Visit the Wilex chocolate factory.
Visit the fish & food markets.
Visit Falealupo Peninsula, Savai'i - which have lovely wild beaches with a beautiful rainforest reserve. Walk through the treetops.
Pulemelei Step Pyramid & Olemoe Falls Savai'I - Polynesia's largest and most mysterious ancient monument and Samoa's most beautiful waterfall and pool.
Sala'aula Lava Field - a vast expanse of black basalt formed by flowing lava. See the remains of a buried village.
Alofa'aga Blowholes - one of the world's largest marine blowholes that will blow your mind & hurl your coconuts to the gods.

NB: Currency exchange subject to change without notice.

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