Samoa, the vibrant and uniquely beautiful country located in the Polynesian region of the South Pacific. Featuring volcanic landscapes, pristine coastlines and tropical flora and fauna, it is an island getaway destination you’ll never forget. Surrounded by the warm, crystal blue waters of the Pacific Ocean, travelers to Samoa will find a tropical paradise where people are friendly and hospitable, and the culture treasured by all.
Comprising of 10 islands, Samoa boasts secluded beaches and warm air temperature at 30°C. Enjoy your vacation with a refreshed and relaxed state of mind.
Enjoy the pristine sandy beaches of Lalomanu Beach, take a trip to do some deep sea game fishing, hike to a hidden waterfall, explore rainforests or swim with turtles. The choice is yours.
Among all the natural beauty and pictureqsue valleys and coastline you will find villages with their churches, meeting house and open homes encircling the village green (malae).
Attractions & Activities
Samoa is known as the 'Cradle of Polynesia'. Historical sites and a wealth of historical and cultural attractions make Samoa a great place to experience authentic Polynesian culture. The natural beauty of Samoa is equally fascinating. Spectacular blowholes, amazing waterfalls, picturesque coastlines and mountain lookouts are some of the many natural attractions of the country.
The two major islands of Upolu and Savai'I, and two of the eight outer islands are inhabited (Manono and Apolima). Upolu, with the country's capital of Apia, offers a wide range of activities and attractions. Among the sights not to be missed are the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum, the sacred burial grounds at Mulinu'u, and the Papase'ea Sliding Rocks, which are all within close proximity of Apia. The Falemata'aga Museum of Samoa is located in a historical old government building and offers information about the culture, history and environment of Samoa and the Pacific. The Piula Caves are a perfect spot to enjoy nature's beauty. The natural pool here is ideal for swimming, snorkeling and picnicking. The eastern tip of Upolu also offers great snorkeling areas such as Lalomanu beach.
Savaii is Samoa's largest island. Here visitors can experience the faaSamoa, the Samoan way of life, which takes place at an easy and gentle pace. A well-paved road encircles the island and connects many attractions such as the Tia Seu Ancient Mound, the largest ancient structure in Polynesia; the Alofaaga Blowholes; the Aopo Conservations Area; the Lava Caves; the Aula Green Turtle Conservations; and the Falealupo Rainforest Preserve with its forest canopy walkway.
Culture & Events
Samoa is a traditional society with a distinctive Polynesian cultural heritage. A fully independent state with a parliamentary system of government, Samoa is the largest full-blooded Polynesian country in the world. Over 90% of the country's population of 177,000 people are full Samoan.
First inhabited by humans over 3,000 years ago, Samoa has a long history that includes everything from island invasions to territorial squabbles between Germany, the US, and Britain. Samoans are believed to have migrated from the West, (the East Indies, the Malay Peninsula, or the Philippines). The oldest known site of human occupation in Samoa is Mulifanua on Upolu dating back to about 1,000 BC. By far the most important agents of change in Samoa were the Western missionaries. The missionary influence on Samoan life was so strong Samoans are now devoutly religious people. Between 1962 and 1997, Samoa was known as the Independent State of Western Samoa (or more simply Western Samoa), but has since dropped the 'Western' from its name.
Samoa is famous for faa-Samoa. This Samoan way of life runs at its own pace and culture and tradition are an integral part of the society. Despite centuries of European influence, Samoa maintains its historical customs, social and political systems, and the Samoan language.
There are over 362 villages in Samoa with a total of 18,000 matai (chiefs). The land of the villages are owned by extended family units called aiga, which are headed by matais. The two main structures in a typical Samoa village are the Fale Fono central structure of in each village is the church as well as the Fale Fono, where the matais meet to discuss village matters.
The traditional Samoan dance is the Siva. This dance is similar to the Hawaiian hula, telling a story with gentle movements of the hands and feet. Traditional Samoan medicine is often practised as a first-line before hospital medicine. This is a type of alternative medicine using plant leaves to massage the affected area. The traditional women's clothing is the puletasi which is a matching skirt and tunic with Samoan designs. Some men have intricate and geometrical patterns tattooed onto their lower body and upper legs.
The highlights of the Samoan event calendar are the Independence Celebration the beginning of June and the Teuila Festival (www.teuila.ws) the second week of September.
The Independence Celebrations feature parades by various schools, associations, clubs and organizations, the raising of the National flag, traditional singing and dancing, boat races, and a marching girls competition.
In August 2007, Samoa will host the South Pacific Games. This multi-sports event takes place every four years and includes athletic events that are synonymous with the Pacific.
