Fun things to do in Independant State of Samoa

The word 'trench' doesn't really describe this geographic feature that well. I'm guessing that this feature is a collapsed sea cave. Basically it's a big hole in the ground (up a cliff on the south coast), which has a pool of magnificent blue-green water in it. The pool is linked to the sea through an unseen tunnel, and so the pool is salt water. There is a second 'trench', further in land and you can swim through a high tunnel to it from the To Sua pool. The second trench is dry and its walls are clad in green ferns. The climb down into the To Sua pool is not for the faint hearted or less mobile. The ladder is about ten metres. The entire vertical descent is closer to 20m. There is a noticebale surge in and out of the water in the pool, but after getting used to it, there's nothing to worry about.
The family that live here maintain a manicured garden that is well worth a stroll in. There a clean toilets, but no changing facilities. The wife of Samoa's first primeminister is also buried on the cliff here, and from her grave there are spectacular views west along the south coast.
Carparking available and entrance fee (Oct 2011) was WST$15 per adult.

2 more images

Aggie Grey's Hotel in Apia is part of South Pacific history. I guess it could be likened to Raffles of Singapore, with many stories linked to its past. Today, you can opt to stay here or just call in for a coffee and a chance to sit in the front lobby or cafe. There is a certain Edwardian feeling to the decor in there. If you're interested in the relatively young European history of this part of the world, Aggie's is worth a stop while walking around Apia.

In all my trips to the Pacific, I had never gone to a church on a Sunday morning to hear the sublime singing it seems every Pacific Islander is blessed with. While staying at Lalomanu, on U'polu, I finally had this chance. The singing was magnificent. The dress code at Lalomanu wasn't too strict, but if you are planning on visiting one of the larger north coast churches, it would pay to check with the locals.

1 more image

On the Main East Coast Road, you'll find the Piula Cave Pool, a natural pool of sea water with an adjacent picnic area, changing block and toilets and showers. Reached through the grounds of a methodist college, there is a WST$5 parking and access fee. The pool would be a great place to while away a sunny afternoon with a picnic. It is closed on Sundays.
Look for the sign on the left if you are heading east.

1 more image

The Robert Louis Stevenson Museum at Vailima, in the hills above Apia, is a well-preserved and presented piece of literary history and Samoan heritage. The great 19th century author of the well known "Treasure Island" and "Kidnapped", lived here for the last four years of his life. The building has been added to over the years, but the old photogrpahs, period style rooms and displays, and the informative guides, make this a definite must do while you are in Apia. Entrance is WST$15 and this includes your guide. Sit on the great verandah of this classical 19th century wooden villa and let the heritage and history seep into you!
Unfortunately it was very wet the day I visited, so I didn't climb up to see the 'tomb' of RLS up the hill.
I drove to Vailima from Apia. Parking is available and the place is easy to find. Taxis and organised tours from your hotel are other options for getting here.

About half way along The Cross Island Road between Apia and the south coast is the Papapapai-tai falls. The pull-in is clearly signposted and the viewing area is in the carpark. You need a good telephoto lense though to take a decent picture! There is no charge to park and view the falls.

2 more images

There are some photogenic churches around U'polu. On the road from the airport to Apia are some of the grandest churches (none of which I got photos of sadly). Here some pictures from villages in the eastern end of U'polu.

3 more images

Having a hire car is great in Samoa. I did a little bit of exploring along the south coast of U'polu on two separate occasions. On the first trip I turned right at the end of The Cross Island Road and drove out to have a little look at the accommodation at Virgin Cove. On my second little expedition I started in Lalomanu and went as far as the Sopo'aga Falls.
When I returned to Apia at the end of my five days in Lalomanu, I re-traced that trip and continued on to The Cross Island Road to get back to Apia.
Much of the south coast was once picture-postcard-perfect tropical beaches and swaying palm trees, but the terrible 2009 Tsunami destroyed much of that. The coast is clearly recovering, but before and now shots of beaches like Saleapaga clearly show there is a long way to go before the scars of 2009 will heal.