Wonders of the world: Samoa

Polynesia is still a blank spot on the map for many people, and considering that it contains over a thousand islands, some of which formed their own nation states, it is not that surprising. Samoa is one such Polynesian island that is not often talked about in the mainstream, but unlike many of its virtually unknown cousins, Samoa is gradually being acknowledged as a very attractive tourist destination.

The rich culture of the country, its natural and man-made attractions and its lush, tropical atmosphere are incredibly powerful tourist magnets. Here’s a short guide to one of the wonders of the world: Samoa.

Getting in and getting around

Samoa consists of two large-ish islands, Savai’i and Upolu, plus eight tiny islets. The two main islands are of volcanic origin and are mostly covered with thick, verdant forests. If you travel by plane to Samoa, you can either land at Faleolo International Airport or at the smaller Fagalii Airport, used by the Polynesian Airlines.

Once you’re in Samoa, you you can hardly go anywhere without seeing some picturesque sights, thanks to the heavy vegetation. Bus rides in Samoa are actually a very pleasant experience, and bus tickets are very cheap too.

For a somewhat pricier alternative (though still very affordable), take a taxi, which can be found in large numbers. Cycling is a great way to see the islands, although Upolu has some steeper sections that might necessitate a bit of muscle effort.

Things to see and things to do

If you are an outdoorsy type, Samoa is an incredible place, with so much natural beauty that you will instantly fall in love with it. The natural parks of the islands showcase the most beautiful spots in Samoa – Falealupo Rainforest Preserve on Savai’i has great canopy walks, while Lake Lanoto’o National Park on Upolu has a very interesting lake with huge goldfishes.

Waterfalls are quite common on both island, and often they are pretty spectacular, with drops of over 100 meters. Papase’ea Sliding Rock is great for some natural watersliding. Samoa is a great destination if you are looking for beaches of any kind, lively and full of fun loving people or quiet and deserted.

However, if you are interested in the country’s culture as well as its attractions, you might want to visit some of the smaller villages, where you can see plenty of examples of traditional Samoan architecture, and you might even be invited to play a game of kilikiti, a Samoan game similar to cricket. A good way of getting acquainted with Samoan culture is to visit the museums, especially those in Apia.

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