GENERAL INFORMATION

ACCOMMODATIONS

STOP OVER TRAVEL IDEAS

Aggie Grey's, 4 days

ISLANDESCAPES IDEAS

Samoa Escape, Samoa , 7 days

Fun Fact

The famous Scottish writer Robert Louis Stevenson brought his family to live on Upolu in 1890 and built a large home in the foothills above Apia, where he spent the last five years of his life.

He was affectionately known as 'Tusitala', the storyteller, and he is buried on the crest of Mt Vaea. His home and tomb within the Robert Louis Stevenson Memorial Reserve can still be seen today.

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Samoa

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO!

MAJOR CENTRES

Although Savaii is the largest island of the Samoan archipelago, the capital Apia is on the more populated island of Upolu, which is also the seat of government and centre of commerce. Savaii is considerably less developed than Upolu, dotted with secluded beaches and crowned in the centre by the 609ft Mt Matavanu, whose eruptions in 1905 caused the people to migrate to neighbouring Upolu.

THE PEOPLE

Samoans are the largest group of full blooded Polynesians in the world and have retained much of their ancient tradition and culture. Traditional tattooing is an intricate ancient art of Samoa and young Samoan males are tattooed with complex symbolic designs, from the lower chest to the knees. Samoan (Polynesian) is the native language, however English is widely spoken and is the official language.

HISTORY

These islands were first settled about 3,000 years ago and are accepted as the heart of the Polynesian culture. In 1768, French navigator Louis de Bougainville sighted Samoa and called them 'The Navigator Islands', because of the many Samoans sailing small canoes far from the sight of land. During the 18th century vast plantations producing copra and cotton were developed for export and Apia became a major commercial centre in the South Pacific. Annexed by Germany from 1899-1914, and then New Zealand from 1914 (after WW1) until independence in 1962, Samoa finally gained self government in 1962.

NATURE

Beautiful fauna and flora are found on both islands. Savaii particularly, has lush tropical rainforests housing many fascinating and exotic bird species.

CLIMATE

Western Samoa has a tropical climate with temperatures ranging from 22-30 Celsius. May to November are the cooler months, while December to April is the rainy season. Relative humidity averages 80 percent yearly and there is an average of 2500 hours of sunshine annually.

CURRENCY

The Western Samoa decimal currency is "Tala" for dollar and "Sene" for cent (100Sene = WS$1). The bank of Western Samoa, Pacific Commercial Bank and the Post Office Bank are open Mon-Fri (9am to 3:30pm), the Bank of Western Samoa offers service on Saturday 8:30am to 11:30am.

SHOPPING

Duty Free shopping is available at Faleolo International Airport & downtown Apia. Samoan handcrafts have proven to be the best in the Pacific.

TRANSPORTATION

In Apia rental cars, taxis and public buses are available. Driving is on the right-hand side and road signs are in English. A local license is required for a small fee. Taxis are not metered and it is advisable to agree on a set price beforehand. Polynesian Airlines operates daily flights from Apia to the island of Savai'i.