Samoa
The islands of Samoa lie in the heart of the Pacific, about half way between Hawaii and New Zealand. The islands are split between larger Independent Samoa (since 1962) and American Samoa. The two groups are separated by a 100 km channel but although westernisation is much more visible in American Samoa, traditions bridge the gap and flourish in all the islands - more so than anywhere else in the Pacific.
The islands are full of colour and packed full of incredible scenery, there is no mass tourism although there are excellent resorts and facilities. Putting this together with the warm welcome given to visitors and you will see that Samoa is recognised as one of the top tourist destinations in the Pacific.
There are four inhabited and five uninhabited islands, clustered fairly closely together. Upolu is most developed and highly populated and contains the capital Apia. Savai'i a broad island is the next most developed. The islands are volcanic in origin and ancient, domant volcanoes are clearly visible forming the dominant landscape. Fringing reefs which surround the islands provide a wonderful beach environment.
Independent Samoa:
The mountains contain wonderful rainforest environments - now sadly at risk from logging in some areas - which are home to many unique birds and other creatures. It is hailed as the eco tourism centre of the Pacific.
One of the main attractions of a holiday in Samoa is to sleep in a traditional fale, an open sided thatched hut and many resorts have been developed around the coast to give visitors that experience. Imagine how relaxing it would be to fall asleep on your traditional fale mat listening to the sound of the ocean only feet from your door and the rustling of the breeze through the thatched roof.
Surfing is extremely popular - the north beaches are best for this. Cycling is another fantastic way to get around the islands and kayaking, snorkelling, diving and hiking are also very popular. Just travelling by local bus can be an adventure and give you fabulous views of the islands.
Tattoos are a very traditional art form in Samoa - perhaps you could bring back a unique souvenir!!!
If you fall in love with Samoa, you won't be the first. Robert Louis Stephenson was so entranced with Samoa when he visited, that he bought a house and plantation on Opolu and ended his days on the island. He is buried - with his wife - on Mount Vaea and it is an interesting, though strenuous, trek to their tombs. He wrote his own epitaph:
Under the wide and starry sky
Dig the grave and let me lie,
Glad did I live and gladly die
And I laid me down with a will.
This be the verse you grave for me.
Here he lies where he longed to be.
Home is the sailor, home from the sea.
And the hunter home from the hill.
Stephenson's plantation home is now a museum and can also be visited.
Weather:
The weather is more hot and humid than in more southerly island groups like the Cook Islands or Fiji. The average temperature is around 79°F, 26°C. There is no cool season but it is driest between April and September and the hurricane season runs from December through March. The northern sides of islands are more sheltered and much drier than the south eastern sides.
Costs:
Independent Samoa is amazingly cheap to visit (once you are there). There are many small resorts dotted around where you can stay very cheaply and food and drink are not expensive.
Worldwise:
The Samoans have a very strong traditional culture based on the family unit , village law and the role of the chiefs. Once you are outside of the capital, Apia, traditional law is dominant. As a visitor you should acquaint yourself with local customs before your visit because you will gain so much more from the experience this way and avoid giving unmeaning offence. Because Samoan culture is based on "the group", people may appear to be overly friendly at times and unwilling to leave you alone. On the other hand, in very rural locations, you may be viewed, initially, with suspicion. By understanding local customs you can easily diffuse any such situation with a friendly smile, a wave and by saying "hello".
American Samoa
American Samoa is an "unincorporated" territory of the United States, a relic from colonial times. U.S. laws do not apply in an "unincorporated" territory although American Samoans are full U.S. Citizens except they cannot vote in U.S. elections.
American Samoa is a fascinating blend of the traditional Samoan culture with American consumerism. You will see people driving American SUVs, eating fast food, shops are full of U.S. goods and yet the traditional beliefs and culture remains in place. Family life and the rule of the chiefs are strong and clearly visible.
The main island Tutuila is spectacularly beautiful with mountainous scenery and plenty of tourist opportunities for hiking and sightseeing. Everyone should try and fit in a visit to the Manu'a group of islands which are spectacular with green mountains falling down to white sand beaches. The fringing reef south of Ofu is now part of the national park and protected.
Prices of hotels and food and drink are higher here than in Independent Samoa but the cost of consumer goods is much lower and most sightseeing attractions are free.
Worldwise:
As for Independent Samoa, it is important to acquaint yourself with local customs. You can travel by ferry between the two island groups - they run about twice weekly and for less than half of the air fare. However, the ferry is extremely basic and the crossing can be rough.
Diving:
Samoa scuba diving sites and facilities are slowly being opened up. There are of course some very good reefs for scuba diving but these are limited to the south coast of Upolu and the north east coast of Savai'i. The main attractions are pinnacles and marine life - with spinner dolphins and large turtles common on the south coast of Upolu.
Diving here is in its infancy, you can be amongst the first to explore.
|
BSAC TRAVEL CLUB BOOKSHOP SELECTION
in association with amazon.co.uk
|
|
 |
Samoa by Richard Scarsbrook
Time Travellers in the Pacific
Independent Samoa Tourist Board
American Samoa Tourist Board
|
