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| Western Samoa Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Lalomanu Beach Lalomanu Beach Crystal Ibarra The Samoan groups of islands comprise Western Samoa and American Samoa. Both groups of islands were discovered by the same explorer Jacon Roggeveen and share one culture. The islands are known for white sand beaches, rugged forested mountains, steep gorges, numerous waterfalls, lava fields, blowholes, dormant volcanoes and coconut plantations. Many many people think of Samoa thanks to the works of the Scottish author Robert L. Stevenson and his book on the "Treasure Island." |
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Actually Samoa consists of two major islands and seven smaller
ones. Upolu is the most densely populated of the two main islands of Samoa.
The Capital of Samoa is Apia , which is located in the north. Also the
international airport is located here. The other island named Savaii is a
fascinating island and the local people live life at an easy and gentle
pace. Total land area is 2934 square km. There is an exclusive marine
economic zone covering some 130,000 sq km. The islands are volcanic and
dominated by rugged mountain ranges with a 4-5 km skirt of gently sloping
fertile land to which is attached a fringe of coral reefs and lagoons that
surround the islands. Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: wikipidia.com |
| _________History Edit This Archaeological evidence suggests that Western Samoa was inhabited as early as 1000 B.C. but Polynesian oral histories and traditions do not go back beyond A.D. 1250. Samoan contact with Europe began with the visit by Dutch navigator Jacob Roggeveen but contacts did not become intensive until the arrival of English missionaries under John Williams in 1830. Between 1847 and 1861 the United Kingdom the United States and Germany established consular representation at Apia. Intrigues and jealousies among these representatives and the Samoan royal families reached a climax in 1889 when the signing of the Final Act of the Berlin Conference on Samoan Affairs brought Samoan independence and neutrality. Malietoa Laupepa was recognized as king. After the death of King Laupepa in 1898 a dispute over succession to the throne led to adoption in 1900 of a series of conventions whereby the United States annexed Eastern Samoa and Germany took Western Samoa. The United Kingdom withdrew its claims in return for recognition of its rights in other Pacific islands. In 1914 following the outbreak of war in Europe New Zealand's armed forces occupied Western Samoa. In 1919 New Zealand was granted a League of Nations mandate over the territory. By the Samoa Act of 1921 New Zealand made provisions for a civil administration and progress was made in education health and economic development. However some of the New Zealand Government's measures were unpopular with the conservative Samoans and a resistance movement based on civil disobedience lasted until 1936. Steps taken by New Zealand toward a more effectively representative Samoan administration were interrupted by World War II. In December 1946 Western Samoa was placed under a UN trusteeship with New Zealand as administering authority. The Samoans asked that they be granted self-government but this was not accepted by the United Nations at the time. From 1947 to 1961 a series of constitutional advances assisted by visits from UN missions brought Western Samoa from dependent status to self-government and finally to independence. In 1947 a Legislative Assembly was established in Western Samoa. In March 1953 New Zealand proposed a quickened pace of political and economic development and a constitutional convention representing all sections of the Samoan community met in 1954 to study proposals for political development. Most of its recommendations were adopted by New Zealand and governed the territory's evolution toward cabinet government. In January 1959 a working committee of self-government empowered to work out a draft constitution was established with New Zealand's approval. Cabinet government was inaugurated in October 1959 and Fiame Mataafa F.M. II became the first prime minister. In August 1960 a second constitutional convention produced the constitution adopted in October 1960 and other important recommendations. At the request of the United Nations a plebiscite was held in May 1961 and an overwhelming majority of the Samoan people voted for independence. In November 1961 the UN General Assembly voted unanimously to end the trusteeship agreement and the New Zealand Parliament passed the Independent State of Western Samoa Act formally ending New Zealand's powers over the country on January 1 1962. ________Practical Information Edit This The new 18 hole par 72 championship Penina golf course (http://www.peninaresortandgolfclub.com) is now open at Faleolo. The course is built on a former US military base used in World War II and is adjacent to the airport and Aggie Grey’s resort. The course can play from 6300 to 7500 yards and will provide a challenge for all. The course is a genuine par 72 course with real sand bunkers. Players will be treated to beautiful views of the coast line, mountain, and Savaii island. The course features all modern conveniences: driving range, new Club Car golf carts, new Cobra rental clubs. _______Getting Around Edit This Intra-island ferry service is available as well as ferry service to American Samoa. Taxis buses and rental cars are also available. All tourist facilities can be reached by car or within walking distance of access roads. [Add Local transport mode] By Bus Edit This Taking a bus in Samoa is quite an experience. Not only because of the music that is normally blasting out of the speakers...you'll get anything from Lambada to Samoan rap. There is a hierarchy on Samoan buses. Most of the time it seems as if every seed is taken by more than 2 people. Boys sit on men's lap, school boys in their uniforms on the lap of their mothers and tourists can find themselves sitting on a completely stranger's lap. If you want to get in contact with what Samoa is about, take a local bus... Note: Local buses do most of the time not run on a more.. World66 rating: [ra ______Economy Edit This Western Samoa remains predominantly agricultural and village communities maintain an economy base on farming and fishing. Much of the cultivated land is devoted to subsistence crops such as yams bananas breadfruit and pawpaws. More than half of the land is too rugged for agricultural use. Pigs and poultry are the principal livestock. There is little diversification in agricultural exports with coconut products accounting for over 70 percent of total exports production. The islands have few resources and no deposits of commercially valuable minerals. Back-to-back cyclones devastated the country in 1991 and 1992. In addition a fungus blight in 1993 destroyed Western Samoa's major export crop taro root. Various methods to overcome the blight have mostly met with failure. In 1991 the Japanese company Yazaki set up an auto wiring component assembly plant in Apia which now employs 2700 Samoans. Other than this plant however no other large-scale manufacturing concern has established in Western Samoa. On a smaller scale there are two regional soft drink and beer bottling plants. The first McDonald's Restaurant in this South Pacific region opened in Apia in 1996. Import payments have risen steadily in response to growing public demand for consumer products. Due to limited export production the 1995 import to export dollar ration was over 10 to 1. Large-scale developmental aid is received from New Zealand Australia Japan PRC and the EU. The internal transportation system depends largely on roads and island- to-island ferries. Daily intra-island ferry service is available as well as once-weekly ferry service to American Samoa. The principal port is located at Apia Harbor. Savaii and Upolu island each has a small airport which services Twin Otter flights between the two islands and to American Samoa. Faleolo International Airport located on Upolu receives international flights from the U.S. (Hawaii & Los Angeles) Australia New Zealand Fiji and Tonga. In 1995 the Western Samoan Government designated tourism as its top economic objective. ________Government Edit This The 1960 constitution (which formally came into force with independence on January 1 1962) is based on the British pattern of parliamentary democracy modified to take Samoan customs into account. The present head of state Malietoa Tanumafili II the scion of a traditional royal line holds his position for life. Future heads of state will be elected by the Legislative Assembly for 5-year terms. The head of state appoints the prime minister (head of government) and with the advice of the prime minister the members of the Cabinet. Cabinet ministers hold office as long as they command the confidence of the Legislative Assembly. The Parliament consists of the Legislative Assembly and the head of state. The Legislative Assembly has 49 members of whom 47 are elected by universal adult suffrage on a territorial basis. Only matais can stand for these 47 seats in the Legislative Assembly. Two remaining two members are non-matais of foreign heritage who are elected by members registered on an Individual Voters Roll. All terms of office are 5 years. The Supreme Court is the superior court of record and has full jurisdiction in civil criminal and constitutional matters. Its chief justice is appointed by the head of state on the recommendation of the prime minister. Western Samoa is divided into districts for purposes of government service in health education police and agriculture. The only district officer is the administrator on Savai'i. :::::::::Apia Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see i Well, Apia is like many other "cities" in the pacific. A bit run down, small and shabbylooking. Nevertheless, it has it's charm and the people are like all samoans: Full of hospitality and rather large. You've got movies, McDonalds and polynesian-themed hotels. Accommodation exists in all price ranges. It's small enough to walk around in the heat, but if you don't like swetting, taxis are cheap. The walk along the seawall is pleasant, and here, you'll also find restaurants and bars. The pace is a little bit faster in Apia compared to the rest of the country, but it's still very laidback. There is a small golf course on the southwest end of town. Sights Palolo deep marine reserve. Excellent snorkling. There is equipment for rent, but not very good. Preferable bring your own. Robert Louis Stevenson museum. Good views of the city. Papasee sliding rocks. A couple of kilometres outside Apia. Natural waterslides and a good place to cool off. Samoan museum. Samoan culture and history. Interesting pictures. Free. Nuisances It tends to get a bit crazy outside the bars around closingtime. Remember: Never ever pick a fight with a samoan. Don't be a jerk and you wont be bothered. There is one hustler in town. He's from Lalomanu and quite big. Runs different scams on all the tourist. Suffers from memory-loss and might try different scams on you from day to day. One day his daughter needs medical care, the next day he's a minister from Tonga who has missed his phone and needs money for taxi. Rather amusing. Dogs A nightmare. Everywhere and never on a leash. Might be nice ones might be bad ones. All in all it's not a place for those who enjoy bigcity-holidays, but it's certainly charming and worth a few days. Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: Matthew Lawrence ::::::::::Manono island and apolima island Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see SUNSET VIEW beach fale SUNSET VIEW beach fale Manono is a small island that takes only about 15-20 minutes on a boat. The island is small, no roads, no cars- you can walk around the whole island in about 1 and a half hours. People are very friendly, as long as you are respectful of their property and land. There are no restaurants on this island,so eat beforehand, or bring a meal. There are a few shops if you wish to buy snacks. You can get a ferry from the main island to the island of Manono (the ferry piont is just 30 minutes from the airport and airport pickups can be aranged), a beautiful unspoiled tropical island surrounded by a blue lagoon, where no cars or dogs are alowed, so incredably peaceful too. It takes just a few hours to walk around the whole island on the grass-covered footpath that goes all around the island, passing through the small brightly coloured villages where the friendly people still have a traditional relaxed somoan lifestyle. You can wander around the island in just a few hours or climb to the top to a monumental site where an anciet warrior is supposed to be buried standing upright to keep guard. There, you'll also have a wonderful view of the whole island and the ones nearby which is fairly spectacular with the hot sunshine iluminating the tropical blue waters with waves breaking on the outer reef and lush green rainforest that covers the islands. __________Things to do Edit This SUNSET VIEW beach fale SUNSET VIEW beach fale SUNSET VIEW beach fale on the west side of Manono offers 5 sheltered beach fales directly at the water front with verandah and a beautifull view to Apolima island and Savai'i, especially at sunset. It is a perfect place to stay for leisure away from the beaten track - away from everything noisy or with wheels on it - and to catch up with Yourself. Even if Manono is a small island it comprises quite a diversity. Take a walk around the island or a guided tour to the top of the island - everywhere people are happy to chat with You - and show You - Samoan way of Life. SUNSET VIEW beach fale is run by Leota Tini and his wife Sau in a friendly, laid back family athmosphere and offers accomodation (max 2 pers/fale) at a rate of ST90/day, including breakfast, lunch and dinner. The food is delicious! Once or twice a week - depending on weather - Leota will prepare You an umu, and anytime he is happy to tell You about Manono and Samoa. Snorkelling is excellent in front of the beach fales, but Leota can also take You out on the reef or round the island (at a small fee). '' this is one of the most amazing reefs to snorkel on! amazing colours and loads off beautiful tropical fish darting around! better thant he great barrier reef!'' Fishing trips outside the reef can also be arranged. In the evenings, you can sit just off the jetty on the edge of the lagoon and look at the most amazing stars while Leota or one of his sons plays somoan songs on the guitar and the waves gently lap at the shore. its a real paradise experience, and the have some of the clearest skies in the world! you can see the milkyway stretch across the whole sky. Alternatly, if your there as a couple you could take advantage of the warm blamy nights and sit on yuor own private verandah of your fale and watch the stars together. Transfer to and from Manono is free. Just call Leota (ph +685 45640), and he will pick You up at Manono-Uta on Upolu. Location (right by the sea, amazing island), atmosphere (such a friendly welcome, so relaxed and happy), value for money (includes delicious meals and lots for little extras), cultural experience (see a traditonal umu, eat bananas or cocoa fresh from the tree, see fine mat weaviing in the local village, and general village life), activities (amazing snorkeling and fishing, canoeing, possibly surfing although i forgot my board, walks around or to the top of the island, or perfect place to relax) This was one of my most amazing stays in my round-the -world travels! All inclusive, you get a ferry from the main island to the island of Manono (the ferry piont is just 30 minutes from the airport and airport pickups can be aranged), a beautiful unspioled island surrounded by a lagoon, where no cars or dogs are alowed, so incredably peaceful too. It takes just a few hours to walk around the whole island on the grass-covered footpath that goes all around the island, passing through the small brightly coloured villages where the friendly people still have a traditional relaxed somoan lifestyle. Once you arrive you are greeted by five brighly coloured thatched fales with their individual verandahs, and the main family house biult in the traditonal stlye with no walls to let the fresh sea breezes straight off the lagoon blow in. You are greeted by Leota's smilling face and given biscuits and freshly made lemon juice and so starts an excelent Somoan holiday. The price of ST90 a per person per night is for a two person fale withy our own verandah literally 4 meters fron the sea, and includes all meals, which are truely amazing with all the cluinary delights of traditional somoan food, including a traditonal umu (fire pit), an experience not to be missed or tasted! Also included , which is where it becomes such good value for money, is the activities which include fishing and snorkelling on the reef, which i have to say was more colourful and full of fish that the great barrier reef in australia! this includes equipment and a boat ride to the reef and watching Leota try to catch dinner spear fishing! Also they have an outrigger canoe which your more than welcome to use while your statignt here. Onland, you can wander around the island or climb to the top to a monumental site where an anciet warrior is supposed to be buried standing upright to keep guard. You also have a wonderful view of the whole island and the ones nearby which is fairly spectacular with the hot sunshine iluminating the tropical blue waters and lush green rainforest that covers the island! and if you like, Leo, or another other Leota's family can acompany you as guide. And after after a delicous evening meal, you are very wlecome to join Leota and his family as they sit beaneath the stars by the edge of the lagoon and play songs on the guitar or listen to Leota's stories which include a large collection of somoan myths and folk tales, such as howthe world was created. This was my best experience, sitting in the balmy air with a cooling breeze blowing off the lagoon, the sound of Leota's singing and the lapping of waves on the shore, the frangipani perfume drifting in the air, looking up at one of the clearest skies i've ever seen witht he whole milky way spread acorss the sky, and later a moon shining down on the small island reflecting in the deep blue waters and lighting the breakers on the outer reef!! it was truely amazing! And the atmospere of the place is great too! Leota is a happy welcoming man with a great sense of humour who goes to great efforts to make your stay enjoyable, including organising for you to get to the airport at 5am and gettign up to say goodbye! As it is a small place, with jsut 5 fales, which incidently, Leota and his familly have built thereselves, you really feel welcomed into the family and as a lone traveler i really apreciated that. Alternatly, you have your own fale and verandah and if traveling as part of a couple can easily have time to yourself. And although this place is proving already very popular, Leota has no plans to enlarge or overdevelop it into a resort. However, as a smaller setup, facilities are a bit more basic, such as a shared bathroom facilities, although for Smoma they are fairly modern and it adds to the feel of getting away from it all. Also, there is no airconditioning in any of the fales although you can pay a little extra for fan cooling, and there its so close to the sea there is always a breeze. also, beds must be covered with the misguitoe nets provide, but are very comfortable. My favorite facility was the main fale, which had a large 'room' without walls to let the breeze in with a tv and stereo, surounded by sofa beds where you can lounge around and read or listen to music, or even have a mid day siesta which i luxuriated in! Definatly much bette rhtan any hostel common room. And all meals are cooked for you so there are no kitchen facilities. For anyone a bit closed-minded or unadventurous, this may be a little basic or off the beaten track for you, but for a budget travelr like me i found it quite a luxury, and to the explorative traveller it may even be a little tame! however, the atmoshere and the cultural experience more than make up for share toilet facilities and it is definatly a place i shall be returing to hen im in that nck off the woods, and would recomend to everyone!! ::::::::::Savai'i Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Lusia's Lagoon Chalets Lusia's Lagoon Chalets Sonja Klages Savai'i is the biggest but less developed island of Western Samoa. All but one village are located right on the coast line. Salelologa is the main village with the harbour and a mall, a market (where you can find good and cheap local handicraft and colorful lavalavas) and a couple hotels. The most "touristy" area, if you can call it that, is Manase on the North coast. The beach stretches as far as you can see and the accommodation there is good value for money. The most spectacular sight and a must see are the blowholes in Taga. They get as high as 20 metres on high tide and they are truly stunning. For a couple extra bucks locals will throw coconuts in the blowholes and out flying they come. In Savai'i you can still find really untouched beaches. Other highlights you shouldn't miss while you are there: the turtle rescue station, the lava fields, the Ancient Mounts, O le moe waterfalls, guavai waterfalls (run right into the ocean) and the Falealupo Rainforest Canopy walk close to the end of this world. ::::::::::Upolu Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Local Bus of the Tulaele Village on Upolu Island Local Bus of the Tulaele Village on Upolu Island Crystal Ibarra Western-Samoa comprises nine major islands, volcanic Upolu and Savai?i being the two largest ones. Upolu is a fertile island with beautiful scenery and excellent swimming opportunities (check out Lefaga Bay but be aware of the reefs). The island’s capital (and also of Western Samoa) is Apia, where you can visit the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum. The museum is housed in a plantation home once built by the author of ‘Treasure Island’. Several shops will mark your stay with island handicrafts or maybe even an Samoan tattoo? You can make some excellent daytrips to rubber plantations, banana trees and the tallest mountain of Western Samoa. |