Pacific islands. Images of coconut palms swaying in the breeze while turquoise waters lap upon golden beaches come to mind. Names like Fiji, Tahiti, and Vanuatu go along with those images. But what about Samoa? Itās a Pacific island too, but you never hear much about it. I think they have a good rugby team and the islands are about in the middle, but thatās it. Well, hereās a secret, Samoa has those swaying palm trees and golden beaches, and it has much more to offer too. So what really is Samoa like?
Samoa is comprised of two main islands, and they are big by Pacific standards. They come in behind New Zealand and Hawaii in size, but, you can still drive around either one in a day. Okay, so still pretty small, but must be filled with people then. Well, no. Apia is the only city (think medium size town) with the rest of the population scattered gently around the coastlines. The centre of both islands seems to be mainly inhabited by extinct volcanos and tropical lushness.
That gives a bit of an overview, but what is Samoa really like? Well the people are really nice. Like a lot of Pacific Islands, they breed them big, friendly, and laid back here. You will always be greeted with a smile and things tend to run on island time.
So, lush, tropical, beautiful people, what more do we need to know? Well, it is also pleasant and easy to get around and you most certainly wonāt be falling over bus loads of tourists. It really is off the tourist radar. For me, that is enough right there to get me digging out my passport. But, to give you a better idea, here is a guide as to an easy way to spend a week or two.
From Australia it is an easy flight into Apia and it is good to spend a couple of days here to check it out and get your bearings. Not a stunning city, but definitely interesting with some good things to check out. Then, grab a hire car and check out those coastlines. Some people use the local buses to get around instead and this can be easily done if you want to really take your trip back to island speed. Either way, travel is slow as it is wise to cruise at a very sedate pace. Not only does this allow you to take in the stunning views, it allows you to avoid the kids or chickens or pigs or dogs that might just happen to be wandering across your path.
For the real Samoan experience, you want to stay in a beach fale. A fale is a traditional small open sided thatched hut. Most come pretty basic with often just a bed and shared bathroom facilities. But the location is what a fale is really about. Perched on the beach, a casual stroll followed by a flop is usually sufficient to submerge you in the clear, tropical Pacific Ocean. Take your mask and snorkel, both islands have a fringing coral reef that can mesmerise for hours. Fales tend to come with breakfast and dinner included in the price. This is not to limit your adventurous spirit, it is because the closest restaurant might be half an island away. (Did I mention it is quiet and not highly populated here?)
Travel slowly around both islands, and make many stops along the way. Check out that coastal cave or tangled banyan tree. Take a wander over the bare harsh rocks of an old lava flow or photograph one of the magnificent churches that seems obligatory to every village. Jump on the ferry between the islands, itās cheap and quick and another of the experiences to be had.
So, take your time, laze on a beach, read a book, or go for a swim. You will not find night clubs and theme parks here, but you will find that thing I didnāt realize still existed. You will find that waving coconut palm by the turquoise ocean, set amongst a quiet village of friendly people going about their daily business... with a pig wandering past your fale.
