Journey
From Tonga, I had a brief transit in Suva after sorting out the messy Fiji Airways post Cyclone Winston schedule. The flight left on time and I was in Samoa before I knew it!
Immigration was easy with no questions asked. I got an entry stamp right over my Zambia stamp. Thanks?
Country 172 complete.
I found my transfer to the hotel, Seabreeze Resort. First impression of Samoa from the hour long car ride was that it seemed very similar to Tonga, though a bit more organized with better roads. Pigs and dogs still wandering everywhere.
At the hotel a band playing a cheerful song welcomed with along with the manager. I settled into the room which was newly touched up. I enjoyed a fish dinner at the restaurant and then planned out my visit, organizing a rental car from the hotel.
The next day I was ready for some sightseeing. I had a nice breakfast with fresh fruit followed by eggs and sausage.
Top Sights of Samoa
With two days I had a decent amount of time to explore the main sites of the island. On day one, I started with one of the most popular attractions.
To Sua Ocean Trench is a caved in lagoon with crystal clear water and tropical fish. After climbing down the harrowing wooden ladder, I enjoyed a swim in the refreshing sea water which had a surprisingly strong current. The park also has a small garden and great coastal view. Entry was ST$20.
Waterfalls
Beautiful waterfalls seem to be around every corner with some right off of the road, so take some time to check them out.
I first visited Sopaoga Falls which was right off the main road. A ST$5 entry fee grants you access to the grounds with a spectacular view of the distant falls.
Fuipisia Falls is on the same road. This park had a short walk to the viewpoint and even access to the top of the waterfall. For ST$10, you can sit at the top of this waterfall and take some scary selfies. Watch your step as the rocks are really slippery (especially in the rain!).
Togitogiga Falls is on the southern road and is actually the last sight I visited. A short walk to a public park with picnic benches overlook the steppe cascade of the waterfall. It was much smaller than the other falls but still worth a look, plus it’s free.
In the southeast of the island are some fantastic beaches and small islands. Then further east is supposedly one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Lalomanu Beach. I wasn’t overly impressed as the beach had small fales built along the length of it. A local guy covered in tattoos came up to me and asked for an entrance fee and when I said that I didn’t need to pay entrance, he asked for a photography fee. I’m surprised he forgot the parking fee. Not paying, I went to the next beach where a resort is located. This was deserted and attractive with coconut palms and crabs calling it home.
The next day I drove counter-clockwise heading north first. I came across an abandoned church which I had to stop and photograph. With no roof left, the jungle had started reclaiming his structure. Churches usually dominate the small villages as the different religions are an important part of the Samoan culture.
I drove to Piula Cave Pool. Located in a church compound, I had to wait outside the main church for the participants to finish singing. Then a man came out to collect my entrance fee of ST$5.
The cave pool was really clear and had some fish inside. I didn’t have a flashlight so I wasn’t sure how deep it went but it as fun to swim around the dark cave.
Apia
The capital city has quite a few sights to visit. Plus the coastal drive is picturesque.
In the center of town there is a large free parking area. This parking is connected to the Samoa Cultural Village which showcases the local culture with activities and demonstrations of carving, tattooing, music and dance.
A short walk west is the market which a shopkeeper told me recently burned down. The new one is currently under constructions. This is a great place to pick up souvenirs and a tourist shirt. The main bus terminal is north of the market.
Unfortunately after lunch there was a torrential downpour and I protected my valuables in a plastic bag. I was completely soaked by the time I made it back to the car as if I just jumped into a river, which most of the roads were transforming into.
South of town is the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum which is held in the late author’s mansion. The house was impressive with its colonial architecture. The rooms were full of trophies and paintings. There were even some of his first edition classics such as Treasure Island and Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.
The author’s grave is a hike up the hill but I decided to skip it with the rain.
West of the capital along the main road is the village where Malua Turtle Pond is an attraction. Here sea turtles pop their heads up and search for food. It was next to a construction site of a new church and not very pleasant.
My last stop in the south of the island was the coastal walk. There was a bit of a drive down a dirt road to get to the start of the trail but it was well worth it. This 1.8 km hike roundtrip gave views of cliff sides and huge waves crashing against them. Mangroves lined the edge of the lava rock. Some rock bridges were in the middle of the water with lots of seabirds nesting on them. The whole hike was beautiful even in the light rain.
That evening I checked out of the hotel and caught my flight my Kiribati via Nadi.
Samoa is quite well developed for tourism, but not overly developed meaning sites are uncrowded. The sense of exploration is still alive and I’d like to visit again to see the other islands and the neighboring U.S. territory, American Samoa!
For more pictures, check out the Samoa Facebook album.