Savai'i, SAMOA
Airing Date: Feb 28th, 2005
Savai'i is the largest island in Samoa. Even so, you can drive around it is less than four hours. Despite its size there's plenty for visitors to see.
On the southern end of the island you'll find the stunning Alofaaga Blowholes. The coastal walk around the area is one of the best in Samoa and it's easily accessible. You can just sit at the blowholes for hours watching the waves burst through the blowholes and rising 30 metres in the air.
From the blowholes, head west along the rocks. The rocks weave in and out across little canyons and up over small coastal cliffs. In parts, small blowholes explode over the rocks, causing temporary waterfalls as the water retreats back to the sea. You'll find small rock pools, lots of crabs, sea birds, sea arches and secluded beaches at every corner.
Falealupo Rain Forest Reserve is an area of outstanding natural beauty on the remote western tip of Savai'i. It offers a unique rainforest canopy walk with spectacular views. The walkway winds its way up to a suspension bridge spanning a 30-metre gap to a large tropical banyan tree.
Crossing the canopy over a swing bridge is an unforgettable experience. This is a conservation project established to encourage the local villagers to maintain the lowland forest in its natural state, by opening up the region to tourism.
Samoan beach fale accommodation is a big attraction. These fales can be found in some of the most beautiful and secluded parts of Samoa, alongside breathtaking beaches and within traditional village environments. Tanu's Fales at Manase village offers a unique insight into fa'a samoa, the traditional way of life.
If you want to try a traditional Samoan feast, an umu is the traditional Samoan cooking method. A fire is built and stones placed on it. When the fire is down to the embers green bananas, breadfruit, taro, fish, and lu'au are placed on the stones. The food is placed on the umu, covered with banana fronds and left to cook. Umus generally take around three hours to prepare and cook.
Further Information
Air New Zealand fly to Apia, Samoa from $952 ex Melbourne, $954 ex Brisbane, $969 ex Sydney, $1588 ex Perth. Includes taxes / charges. Subject to exchange rates. Conditions apply.
Air New Zealand
Telephone: 13 24 76
Website: www.airnewzealand.com.au
Ferry from Apia to Savai'i from $50 one way, including car & driver. Based on two door car.
Samoa Shipping Corporation
Telephone: 0011 685 20 935
Fales from $25 a night, including breakfast & dinner.
Tanu's Beach Fales
Telephone: 0011 685 54050
Samoa Tourism Authority
Telephone: 0011 685 63516
Website: www.visitsamoa.ws
Prices correct at 21/11/05
