EXPLORE SAMOA
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About Samoa
The country comprises two main islands – Upolu, which houses the capital, Apia; and Savaii. The country has a population of about 200,000 and Samoan and English are the official languages.
Samoa has a hot and humid weather. The wet season is from October to March, with January being the wettest. The dry season is between May and September, and the temperature is slightly cooler.
Lightweight clothing is advised as the weather is hot and humid all year. A raincoat is also recommended and a sweater may come in handy on cool evenings. Samoa has a very conservative culture, and clothing showing much skin is frowned upon. Swimwear is only appropriate for the beach.
You can visit Samoa all year round as it experiences a great amount of sunshine yearly. However, due to lower rainfall in the dry season, this period may be preferred.
Transportation is cheap in Samoa, and there’s bus service on the two main islands. Taxis are also available and you can also drive yourself by hiring a car from one of the local car rentals. There are short flights and ferries between Savaii and Upolu.
There are a plethora of dining places in Samoa that serve both local and international cuisine. Make sure to try Palusami, a dessert made from coconut and taro.
Samoans are proud of their culture and traditional ways are still prevalent. There is a range of festivals and events that showcase Samoan culture and heritage, some of them are:
- Apia Arts and Crafts Festival, here you can get some souvenirs of Samoan traditional handicrafts.
- Samoa International Game Fishing Tournament.
- Fautasi Outrigger Canoe, a big sporting event featuring a water race.
- Tafesilafa’i Festival, a celebration of Pacific Island culture.
- Teuila Festival, you can learn about Samoan culture and heritage at the Teuila Festival.
- Apia Jazz Festival, featuring performances from acclaimed jazz musicians
Samoa’s natural beauty engages travellers. It has spectacular destinations perfect for hiking; diving spots and breath-taking beaches and waters great for fishing. There are also a number of golf courses on the islands of Samoa.
There lots of places to see and things to do in Samoa. Some interesting places are:
- Tafua Peninsula Rainforest Reserve: a natural rainforest on the island of Ulopu, it is popular among bird lover and it is home to the Tafua Crater. Carry along binoculars when visiting here.
- Dwarves Cave: a mysterious cave in the village of Paia. It is named after a clan of people who are said to still live inside. You can explore the cave with a guide.
- Alofaaga Blowholes: volcanic plug holes that expel water at high speed and power.
- Falealupo Rainforest Preserve: a rainforest preserve that features a treetop canopy walk.
- Lake Lanoto’o National Park: a swampland filled with wildlife.
- Le Pupu-Pui National Park: has some fantastic hiking trails including the highest point on the island, Mt. Fito. It also features a beautiful waterfall – Togitogiga Falls.
- Papapapai-Tai Falls: a breath-taking landscape with astonishing views. You can enjoy a swim near the waterfall.
Samoa has a lot of resorts where you’ll enjoy views of the most beautiful landscapes. There are also a plethora of comfortable hotels in the country.
Facts about Samoa
Capital:
Apia
Languages Spoken:
Samoan,English
Demonym:
Samoan
Currency Name:
Samoan tālā
Currency Code:
WST
Currency Symbol:
T
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How do I travel out of Samoa?
Get Visa from SamoaFor Samoans looking to travel out of the country. You can check out the list of destinations, how to Get Samoa visa to those countries, Embassies in Samoa and Visa Free Countries for Samoan passport holders
Common Questions Travellers Ask About Samoa
Is Samoa safe?
Samoa has low crimes rates and no terrorist activity. Samoans are also friendly people. However it is possible to contact dengue fever through mosquito bites, so bring along some insect repellents.
What is the best time of year to go to Samoa?
You can visit Samoa all year round. The dry season – May to September – is generally the best time to visit.
Can you drink the water in Samoa?
Although the water is safe to drink, it is preferable to take bottled water.
What kind of food do they eat in Samoa?
Both traditional and international dishes are available in Samoa. Coconut is a common ingredient in some traditional meal. There are a variety of fine dining places on the islands of Samoa, and you can make enquiries about what goes into each dish.
What language do they speak in Samoa?
Samoan is the most widely spoken language. English is the second language with varying levels of proficiency.
What type of currency is used in Samoa?
The official currency is the Samoan tala, which can be exchanged at airports, banks and exchange bureaus in hotels. It is recommended that you use the Samoan tala as credit cards and foreign currencies are not accepted in most places.