Samoa travel guide

These gorgeous waterfalls are considered to be the most beautiful on Savai'i. There severel smaller ones, which drops into different pools, but it's the highest one that will delight you. Water plunge straight from the jungle into a big clear pool below. It doesn't get more picturesque than this. You can jump in and swim around in the refreshingly cold water. Remember to visit the neighbouring Pulemelei Mound too (ask for directions).

The southern coastline of Savai'i Island is pretty spectacular with sea-smashed black volcanic cliffs and dense lush jungle and occasional coconut palms. But at the village Taga, it gets a little more spectacular with blowhole after blowhole. At high tide seawater is blasted through lava tunnels and send 10-15 metres into the air in big sprays. Stay behind the painted white line, as freak waves occasionally break over the rocks.

Apia is certainly not the reason why travellers come to Samoa. The capital is by all means alright in terms of facilities, but it's not pretty nor interesting. The few colonial buildings are mixed with "modern" complexes along with a lot of shabbiness. The waterfront is nice and the fish market next to the bus station is also worth a look, particularly on Sunday mornings.

Namua Island is a small hilly island, which has the most beautiful beach at low tide. It's perfect for a daytrip from Lalomanu, though you can also stay overnight in the open fales. There is a steep trail which leads to the top of the island. From here you have a perfect view over a colony of bats, which sleeps in the top branches. It's quite a sight when the whole colony takes off or arrive back from a food raid.

Riding a traditional Samoan bus is always great fun. The buses are colourful painted with often cryptic slogans written on the back. All windows are pushed down so bystanders also get to enjoy the loud music. The driver's seat is usually covered in decorations ranging in theme from Bob Marley to Jesus, or even both. Everyone is friendly and polite, so when the bus get jampacked passanger takes turn on sitting on each other's lap. Don't be surprised if you end up with a stranger's kid on your lap for the entire journey.

Part of the remote Falealupo Peninsula is a lush rainforest preserve, which protects some of Samoa's unique vegetation as well as fruit bats and a variety of birds. There is a wobbly walkway, which is strung 9m above the jungle floor and leads up into a gigant banyan tree (look hard for the small people in the picture). You can then climb to the top of the jungle canopy via a narrow stairway. The entrance ticket also covers two other sights on the peninsula; namely Moso's Footprint (a lava formation) and Rock House (two lava tubes).

This smallish waterfall lies right next to the road. There are grounds which charge the usually small entrance fee, but the view is almost better from the bridge (which is free), because you can see the river flows into the sea further down.

Several villages have a freshwater spring pool. The cool water comes from underground springs and the pools are normally connected to the sea or a lagoon. The pool are used for everything from clothes washing, showering, and kids playing around. If there are people in the pool, announce your entrance as there might be semi-naked people washing themselves.

A five minutes hike through a plantation brings you to these two dramatic waterfalls. If the look over the unfenced edge isn't thrilling enough for you, then follow the short trail through the jungle untill you reach the top of the falls (no elavation). One wrong step and you will fall into the river and go over the waterfall. The rocks are slippery, so be extra careful.

You can be lucky to see giant clams when snorkeling in Samoa, but the Giant Clams Sanctuary at Savaia Village has them for sure. You pay the fee and snorkel out into the lagoon. It can be hard to find the clams based on the locals description, but they are straight out from stairs and beyond (not within) the enclosed area, about 10 metres further out. There are some metal traps to look for at the bottom.