Related Independant State of Samoa Favorites Tips

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Favorite thing: You don't find a lot of independent information on the web about (Western/Independent) Samoa. We didn't know really what to expect. What we got was pure relaxation amongst people who were as nice as any we met on our round the world trip. Our favourite part of the trip was spending time in lovely beach huts called fales on white, quite superb beaches like Lalomanu and Manase. Fringed with coral reefs they make for great snorkelling just off shore. Wonderful photos and Samoa information on my website http://www.labellevie.org.uk and follow the Samoa links.

Fondest memory: People in Samoa are so friendly. Stay in beachfront fales (huts) and relax and enjoy family hositality at its best. Everyone sits around for meals and you meet so many travellers. The relaxed Samoan lifestyle is the thing we miss most.

Favorite thing: Waterfalls are one of Samoa's biggest natural gift. They differ so greatly and yet is everyone astonishingly beautiful! One of the most beautiful is probably Falefa Falls. It is close to the villiage of Lalomauga, shortly after Matautu Point, when coming from Apia.
In cause you can't find it, simply ask a friendly local. They'll know where it is and might show you it.

Fondest memory: The main road passes the waterfall, but it's almost impossible to get a good picture from that side. So you have to cross the river: For that there's a wooden bridge. Me and my friends drove over it with a car and we managed it, otherwise I couldn't write about it right now. Well, the bridge didn't look like it was that stable and safe. So everyone was like, "Hmm, will we make it". But we made it and there is no problem with the bridge.
(Don't bother following the road after the bridge as it is a dead end. The road is long, narrow and there are a lots of serpentines. Every now and then pigs, hens, dogs and even people appear in front of you or are blocking the way. In the end you'll find yourself in a remote village.)

Fondest memory: Meet the friendliest and most hospitable people ever. If you are staying in one of the resorts make sure you get some time outside as well. I highly recomend staying in one of the more informal beach fales run by a family, where you probably will be treated as a long lost friend. Look at my people of Samoa travelogue for more.

Favorite thing: Stand, run, play and swim in the rain....the rain in Samoa is so heavy it brings back childhood memories of having fun and dealing with the flu when it's over..lol..the people in the village may look at you funny but it's worth a laugh lol. On a serious note - You must see the beautiful beaches Samoa has to offer - some villages may charge at point of entry from 2 - 10 tala depending on how you enter eg walking, by car or bike etc
Photo: Cousin Tala (Jocelyn), Kurene and Lole

Fondest memory: The children of samoa and the fresh water rock pool at the back of KURENE'S MINIMART.

Favorite thing: Stroll along the seawall, day or night! Located in Upolu the main road of Apia you can walk\jog or just sit there, you meet so many people doing the same thing, great place to meet other people or simply sit and watch cars drive up and down Beach Rd.

Fondest memory: Being among the most friendly people in the world, swimming at white sand clear water beaches, hiking up Mt Vaea to visit Robert Louis Stevenson and get a spectacular view of the island.