General Samoa Brochure - Samoa Tourism Authority
Transcription
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