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Destination Information

Samoa

Samoa: Local in Water 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.

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.

accommodation

Samoa: Aggie Greys Beach Lagoon Resort & Spa

Aggie Grey's Lagoon, Beach Resort & Spa

A stylish new Resort nestled amongst 224 acres of tropical gardens, amidst whispering palm trees. It boasts a professionally designed International 18 Hole Championship Golf course. The Resort is stunningly located on a stretch of white sand beach with its own turquoise blue lagoon.

Aggie Grey's Hotel & Bungalows

This legendary hotel is the meeting place of the South Pacific. Rich in history founded in 1933 as the British Club, in the 1940's it became a renowned club, managed by Aggie Grey - allegedly the inspiration for James Michener's character Bloody Mary in Tales of the South Pacific - for American servicemen stationed in Samoa during World War II.

Sinalei Reef Resort

Weaving the spell of Samoa, this boutique resort is set in a landscaped paradise of coconut palms, bougainvillea, scented frangipani and exotic orchids with spectacular views.

Savai'i - Family Fale Stays

Have you ever yearned to experience a more simple life - the life of the Polynesians on their extraordinarily beautiful islands. On Savai'i your family can turn the clock back to a simpler time and experience life on a magnificent lagoon just 40 minutes drive from the airport or the wharf in Salelologa.

Coconuts Beach Club Resort & Spa

An oasis of tranquility nestled in the midst of an ancient Samoan village. About as far from high-rises, shopping malls and television as it's possible to get.

Le Lagoto

Le Lagoto Beach Resort is an easy 45 minute drive from Savaii's main centre (and port) of Salelologa, along a well paved scenic road, through villages, past beaches and across lava fields.

Safua Hotel

A fascinating insight into traditions, culture and village life as the guests of a Samoan chieftain's family.

Siufaga Beach

In spacious grounds in the village of Siufaga, 10 minutes by road from Salelologa. Accommodation in fale style bungalows overlooking a sandy beach.

Stevenson's at Manase

The sunset from the terrace of one of the beachfront fales is renowned by travellers who come here for the rustic Samoan charm, to climb the volcano, to see the turtles, to swim in the fresh-water rock pools and for one of the South Pacific's best beaches.

Boomerang Beach Bungalows

Nestled in lush tropical greenery between the side of imposing mountains with the ocean just 10 feet across the road is Boomerang Beach Bungalows, a unique Restaurant/Cafe and budget accommodation resort. Perfect island base for fishing.

Hotel Kitano

Named after Robert Louis Stephenson, whose Samoan name was "Tusitala" - the teller of tales. This hotel is the place you can mix with the locals, dance to live bands or watch spectacular traditional Samoan floorshows.

Samoan Outrigger

A popular budget hotel in Samoa, offering clean and affordable accommodation.

Sa'Moana Resort

A watersports paradise, this traditionally inspired resort has the potential to offer surf all year round, subject to swell and wind conditions. There is a vast variety of surf within proximity of Sa'Moana Resort. Surfers must be of intermediate level or higher to safely enjoy the array of reef-breaks.

Savaii Lagoon Resort

Fill your days snorkelling and swimming in the lagoon at this new absolute beachfront resort.

Samoa Specials

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.