General Samoa Brochure - Samoa Tourism Authority

General Samoa Brochure - Samoa Tourism Authority

there’s a
THE SOUTH PACIFIC
Paradise
AWAITS YOU
for everyone
Just five hours from Australia’s east coast and across
the glistening pacific lies Samoa - the Treasured
Islands of the South Pacific.
Consisting of 10 islands of which only four are
inhabited, the Samoan people have been blessed
on these islands with over 3000 years of stunning
land and seascapes. Its crystal clear waters and
lush rainforests encompass what is considered the
heart of Polynesia that beats Fa’a Samoa - ‘The
Samoan way’.
Fa’a Samoa is a traditional way of life, where family
is everything and unconditional love is woven
through the cultural fabric. It’s a guideline for every
Samoan on how to lead their lives, celebrating and
embracing traditional values, culture and visitors.
From relaxed adventure to the type that would
raise the heartbeat, Samoa has great offerings
for travelers of all types of fitness levels. Many
activities are nature related involving Samoa‚
äôs pristine land and seascapes. The lagoons
and reefs around the islands are home to some
900 species of fish and over 200 varieties of
coral, so if snorkeling or diving is your passion,
you will discover unique and colourful corals,
fish and sea caves. Turtles are regular visitors
to samba’s warm waters and you can share an
amazing experience by swimming with them
on Savai’i and off Namua island. With its waters
teeming with marine life, Samoa has gained
international acclaim for its deep sea fishing,
with an international tournament held annually.
Beautiful adventures
There are over 362 nu’u or villages in Samoa with a
total of 18,000 matais (chiefs). Churches of various
denominations feature in every village while meeting
houses and open fales or homes encircle the malae
or village green. Fa’a Samoa’s strong focus on
welcoming visitors comes from the mutual respect
shared between guests and locals alike. Most villages
have an evening prayer curfew between 6-7pm.
Beyond the reefs are fantastic breaks and
Samoa’s un-crowded surf spots are the bestkept secret in the south pacific region. For
golfers, the championship course Le Penina
at Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey’s resort hosts
the annual Samoa open. Designed for golfers
who love a challenge, it’s built on a former
us military base used in WWII and features
several historical landmarks.
Sunday is observed as a day of rest with families
visiting church and enjoying Sunday lunch known as
toonai. Even surfing is frowned upon on a Sunday!
This may seem old fashioned but after 3,000 years
of practice, Samoans have shown it’s good to slow
down from time to time.
Samoans are also recognised as the happiest people
on earth. Proud, friendly, warm and welcoming,
Samoans live in harmony with nature, ensuring the
environment remains pristine, unspoiled, safe and
clean, creating a place where travelers can leave
their busy, noisy modern lifestyles behind and
experience ‘true paradise’ in Beautiful Samoa.
Much has been invested in the development of
sport in Samoa and the facilities are considered
one of the best in the south pacific. Housing
state of the art facilities for rugby, swimming,
volleyball, cricket and weight lifting to name a few,
the facilities are on par with other international
sporting venues and are the perfect off season
training or host destination for teams. If it’s
local sport you’re after, join in a village KWirikiti
or cricket game and see if you can handle the
fast paced bowling and triangular shaped bats!
UPOLU
SAVAI’I
Upolu is the most populated of Samoa’s two
main islands and home to Faleolo International
Airport (APW) and the harbour capital of Apia.
The ‚’big island’ of Savai’i is reached by an
inter-island ferry which takes approximately
an hour or a 10 minute flight with Samoa Air.
Must see sites that are within easy reach of Apia
include Robert Louis Stevenson’s museum,
Palolo Deep Marine Reserve, Piula Cave Pools
and the Papase’ea Sliding Rocks.
Savai’i is less populated than Upolu and is
known for its gentle and traditional way of life,
pristine scenery and key archaeological sites.
On Savai’i, you will discover the alien-like
landscape of Saleaula Lava Fields and the
Virgin’s Grave,the stunning Afu Aau Waterfall
and the spectacular Alofaaga Blowholes.
Robert Louis Stevenson, known as ‘Tusitala’
(Samoan for ‘teller of tales’) spent his final years
in samoa where he wrote most of his books. His
beautiful mansion Vailima has been converted
into a museum and is open to the public.
SAVAI’I ISLAND
A well-paved road encircles the island making
it easy to explore and access these sites.
Overcome your fear of heights at the Falealupo
Rainforest Canopy Walk. Climb the banyan tree
and cross the suspension bridge for a great
view of the rainforest and coastline.
Visitors can also visit his grave located at the top
of Mt Vaea along a trail named by the locals as
‘the road of the loving heart’.
For those more adventurous, head to the south
side of the island where you will discover
Lalomanu Beach, named one of the ten most
beautiful beaches in the world and To Sua
Ocean Trench, a 30 metre deep crater filled
with sea water. The trench is surrounded by
beautiful gardens and is a popular picnic
spot among Samoans.
Through the rainforest is Cape Mulinu’u, one
of the first places in the world to see the sunset.
UPOLU ISLAND
SAMOAN HISTORY
ACCOMMODATION
In 1899 after years of civil war, the Samoan islands
were divided; with the Germans taking control
of the islands to the west (now Samoa) and the
Americans taking the islands to the east (now
called American Samoa). After the outbreak of
WW1, New Zealand took administrative control
of Samoa from the Germans on behalf of the
United Nations from 1914 up to independence
day on 1 January 1962.
From deluxe resorts with luxurious spa
treatments; family resorts with kids clubs,
standard and motel style properties, Samoa has
something for every budget. For a truly unique
Samoan experience, why not stay in a Fale?
SAMOAN RELIGION
Getting around is easy when you can rent a car,
hop on a colourful island bus or take a taxi.
Located on the beach right on the waterfront,
open beach Fales are cost effective and the best
way to experience Samoa like a local. Why sleep
under 5 stars when you can sleep under a billion?
FOOD OF
THE ISLANDS
Christianity has been one of the few western
influences that has been accepted and integrated
into Fa’a Samoa. John Williams from the London
missionary society arrived in Savai’i in 1830 to
spread christianity. Today the motto on Samoa’s
crest reads Fa’avae I Le Atua Samoa (Samoa is
founded on god) and is proudly displayed in every
village church regardless of the denomination.
In Samoa, food is a social event that brings family
and friends together. Fresh seafood, tropical fruits
and vegetables picked from the plantations are
a staple delicacies on the Samoan menu include
Palusami (young taro leaves baked in coconut
cream) and Oka (raw fish in coconut cream).
GETTING THERE
Hotels and resorts offer traditional Samoan food,
usually at their Fiafia Nights that also display
authentic Samoan entertainment witnessed by
spectacular singing and dancing. The colourful
Maketi Fou (food market) in Apia is one of the
best places to sample local fare.
Virgin Samoa, air New Zealand and Fiji Airways
operate international flights from Australia, New
Zealand and Fiji into Samoa. Polynesian Airlines
flies daily from American Samoa.
An alternative to the inter-island ferry service is
Air Travel. Flights operate mostly from Fagalii
Airport near Apia on Upolu, to Maota Airport near
Salelologa and Asau Airport on the north west
coast of Savai’i.
FAST
FACTS
TALK LIKE A LOCAL
English is widely spoken however it’s useful
to know a few Samoan words:
Hello - Talofa
Please – Fa’amolemole
Thank you – Fa’afetai
Goodbye - Tofa
BANKS
CLIMATE
CURRENCY
ELECTRICITY
ENTRY
Most of the ATM machines are
located in and around Apia.
On the island of Savai’i there
are ATMs at Salelologa and
Manase. There are also banks
at the airport and major hotels
offer money exchange facilities.
The air temperature averages
30 degrees all year round
and the ocean is a warm
25 degrees. The dry season
runs from may to October
while the wet season is
from November to April.
The samoa decimal currency
is based on the tala (dollar)
and sene (cent). All major
currencies are exchangeable in
samoa for tal and credit cards
are widely accepted in major
hotels, restaurants and stores.
240V/ac 50 cycles, but can be
converted to 100 volts in most
hotels. Powerpoints can accept
three pronged plugs as used in
Australia and NZ.
Visitors to Samoa are not required
to obtain an entry permit for stays
of less than 60 days. You must
have a return or onward ticket and
your passport must be valid for
6 months or more at the time of
entry into Samoa.
APIA ACCOMMODATION
UPOLU ACCOMMODATION
DELUXE
Tanoa Tusitala Hotel
30 33
•
• Asau
STANDARD
Amau Apartments
Apia Central Hotel
Eden’s Edge
Enne’s Lodge
Greenridge Motel
Moanalisa Hotel
Peapea Cave
P
rth
No
Mt Matavanu
t
as
Co
Rd
43
Savai’i
Lovers
Leap
South
Pacific
Ocean
Mt Silisili
47
So
ut
h
Co
tR
d
•
44
Afu Aau
Falls
Tapa Making
Demonstration
P
Alofaaga
Blowholes
•
Taga
Mu Pagoa
Waterfall
P
40
Aganoa
Beach
36
Salelologa
Wharf
Apolima Strait
• Tafua
Black Sand Beach
Passenger and
vehicle ferry
Mulifanua
Wharf
STANDARD
34 Auga Seaside
35 Bayview Resort
36 Lusia’s Lagoon Chalets
37 Savaiian Hotel
38 Stevenson’s @ Manase
39 Vaisala Beach Hotel
52
3
Manono-uta•
International Date Line
BUDGET
52 Sunset View Fales
53 The Sweet Escape
HAWAIIAN
ISLANDS
23
Papase’ea
Sliding Rocks
BRISBANE
SYDNEY
14 18
17 P
Hiking
Beach
View Points
Fishing
Diving
Swimming
P
26
Faleaseela
River Walk
4
Sou
th C
oas
Rd
P
25
10
Salamumu 29 28
•
t
2 21 8
Siumu•
Petrol
APIA
•
Palolo Deep National
Marine Reserve
9 P
11
Vailima Robert Louis
Stevenson’s Museum
Bahaii Temple
HONOLULU
AMERICAN
SAMOA
FIJI
P
Samoa Cultural
Village
15
Main
SAMOA
AUSTRALIA
P
7
Return to
Paradise Beach
PAPUA
NEW GUINEA
Waterfall
Places of Interest
Malua Turtle
Feeding
Faleolo Airport
Manono
Island
MANONO ACCOMMODATION
BUDGET & BEACH FALES
40 Aganoa Beach Resort
41 Falealupo Beach Fales
42 Jane’s Beach Fales
43 Lauiula Beach Fales
44 Le Rosalote Guest Fales
45 Regina Beach Fales
46 Salafai Backpackers Inn
47 Satuiatua Beach Fales
48 Tailua Beach Fales
49 Tanu Beach Fales
50 Vacations Beach Fales
51 Va-i-Moana Seaside Lodge
Towns/Villages
Surfing
International Date Line
SAVAI’I ACCOMMODATION
OPENING SOON
Sheraton Samoa Aggie
Grey’s Hotel & Bungalows
Taumeasina Island Resort (Apia)
Snorkelling
53
SUPERIOR
32 Jet Over Hotel
33 Savaii Lagoon Resort
STANDARD
11 Galusina Village Resort
12 Le Uaina Seaside Resort
13 Salani Surf Resort
14 Samoa Holiday Homes
37
P
P 46 32
as
DELUXE
30 Le Lagoto Resort
31 Siufaga Beach Resort
SUPERIOR
9 Orator Hotel
10 Sa’Moana Resort
31
Rd
51
Island
39
Cross
Cape
Mulinuu
Falealupo
Rainforest
Canopy Walk
Saleaula
Lava Fields
BUDGET
Aniva’s Place
Hennie’s Motel
Livingstone
Rita’s Lodge
Samoan Outrigger Hotel
Tatania Motel – Fugalei
Treasure Garden Hotel
Vaiala Beach Cottages
Valentine’s Motel
and Rd
41
34
35
Cross Isl
•
Turtle Sanctuary
Manase
P
P
38 49 42 48 50 45
Falealupo
SUPERIOR
Amanaki Hotel
Hotel Elisa
Hotel Millenia
Insel Fehmarn Hotel
Le Alaimoana Hotel
Le Manumea Hotel
Tatiana Apartments –
Apaula Heights
BUDGET & BEACH FALES
15 Airport Lodge
16 Anita’s B&B Bungalows
17 Dave Parker’s Eco-Lodge
18 Eteline’s Homestay
19 Faofao Beach Fales
20 Litia Sini Beach Fales
21 Maninoa Surf Camp
22 Manusina Beach Fales
23 Riverside Bed & Breakfast
24 Samoa Hideaway Beach Resort
25 Sataoa Beach Fales
26 Talanoa Fales
27 Taufua Beach Fales
28 The Mangrove Garden
Restaurant & Accommodation
29 Virgin Cove
DELUXE
1 Aga Reef Resort
2 Coconuts Beach Club,
Resort & Spa
3 Le Vasa Resort
4 Return to Paradise
Resort & Spa
5 Saletoga Sands Resort & Spa
6 Seabreeze Resort
7 Sheraton Samoa Aggie
Grey’s Resort
8 Sinalei Resort & Spa
Pasefika Inn
Samoa Marina Hotel
Sebrina’s Lodge
Tatiana Motel Tanugamanono
The Pacific Pearl
Vaea Hotel
Wesley Motel
Piula Cave Pool
12
Upolu
Fagaloa Bay
Le Mafa Pass
Lookout
Papapaitai Falls
Togitogiga Waterfall
Richardson
Rd
Fuipisia Waterfall
Sopoaga
Coastal
Walk
Nu’usafe’e
Island
•
Lalomanu
Waterfall 6 1 19 22 27 20 16
24 5 13
Saleapaga
To Sua
Giant
Swimming
Hole
Beach
AUCKLAND
Nuutele
Island
Nu’ulua
Island
NEW
ZEALAND
samoa
HEAD OFFICE
AUSTRALIA
NORTH AMERICA
PO Box 2272 Apia Samoa
Tel +685 63500
Fax +685 20886
Email [email protected]
Suite 1, Ground Floor 45 – 47
Scott St Liverpool, NSW 2170
Tel +61 02 9602 1967
Fax +61 02 9602 1346
Email [email protected]
6033 W. Century Blvd, Suite 900
Los Angeles, CA 90045
Tel + 1 310 649 7700
Email [email protected]
NEW ZEALAND
Level 1, Samoa House 283
Karangahape Road, Auckland
PO Box 68147 Newton, Auckland
Tel +64 9 379 6138
Fax +64 9 379 8154
Email [email protected]
Photo credit: Sean Condon
EUROPE
Unit 11 Blades Court
121 Deodar Rd London, SW15 2NU
Tel +44 208 877 4512
Fax +44 208 874 4219
Email [email protected]
For more information visit
www.samoa.travel
Namua
Island