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Island in Samoa
Photo: Stephen Glauser uploaded to Wikimedia Commons by Teinesavaii, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Upolu is the most important of Samoa's islands. The Region of Upolu also includes all other islands of the country apart from the so-called "big" island of Savaii. Upolu was formed by a massive volcano, but there have been no recent eruptions. The island is 75 km long and contains Samoa's capital, Apia, which is in the middle of the north coast and Faleolo International Airport, which is towards the western end of the island. The island is fringed by reefs and has some beautiful beaches. Inland is hilly, with tropical vegetation and numerous waterfalls.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Contains a rare and important swamp forest ecosystem. The lake is full of goldfish, which have thrived since being introduced by expatriate residents. You can take a guided tour to the Lake with Manoa Tours or Samoan Island Adventures.
An area in the South East with beautiful beaches and sights of small idyllic islands.
It has Samoa's highest mountain, Mt. Fito at 1100 m, Togitogiga Falls the Ma Tree and Coastal Lava Cliff Walk. Some good hiking trails.
A 100-m drop makes these spectacular falls.
6 km southwest of Apia, these water falls are a major attraction. A soft vegetation under the water makes it possible to easily slide down the falls into the pool below. Better in the rainy season. Fun for all ages.
Manono Island is a low-lying island that has no cars or roads. There is a footpath that follows the coast. Dogs and horses are banned for environmental reasons. Things to see include a prehistoric Mound temple. This is one of the most traditional parts of Samoa and a very pleasant place to visit. Beach fales are available.
Beautiful secluded island for day trips, off the eastern tip of Upolu, within the reef. Often turtles spotted on the short boat trip.
Fatumea Pool
Attractive spring-fed freshwater pool by the sea for swimming and exploring of the caves.
A renovated property with fantastic meals. It is well off the main road, quiet and great for relaxing. Surrounded by a lot of bush and next to a freshwater mangrove which is great for kayaking along. The coast is coral-free, but shallow and easy for swimming.
A real family-run set-up with several basic wooden beach fales right on the waterfront. It peaceful and great for relaxing. Close to surf spots, some good coral and underwater sights and a nearby blackwater sand beach to check out.
Standard fales but with reality tv advertising tarpaulins instead of traditional blinds. The service is lacklustre, the food is bland and basic, and the facilities are of poor quality. Run like a camp by a few disinterested teens.
Very close to the airport, but should only be considered if you're desperate or have a particularly early flight. The rooms are small, stuffy, and sounds carry through the walls.
Was destroyed by the tsunami, FaoFao has been attractively restored. Eight fales.
Includes meals and launch transfer. This place should definitely be included in your itinerary.
Basic fales, but in good shape and are on the great beach. The reef inside the lagoon was badly damaged by the Sept 2009 tsunami, but there are still heaps of beautiful fish. There is a dive shop on premises that can also organize snorkeling and surfing trips. It's social but also quiet, other than the pounding of the surf out on the reef. Meals are served long table style and are a mix of western, eastern and traditional Samoan food. Bar on premises. Internet access available.
Unique mountain-top lodge with rainforest immediately below.
Resort by the sea with a small beach. Good restaurant.
Tranquil Manono island: no vehicles, no roads, no dogs. 5 fales on the waters edge. Free launch transfer from 'Upolu. All meals included. Boat trips to reef. Outrigger canoe. Samoan family environment. Ferry wharf phone: +685 46177
A small, private and unpretentious resort with white sandy beach and lava rock infinity pool. Accommodation options include beach front bungalows, beach house and dorm style all inclusive surf package. Bungalows and beach house have outdoor lava rock showers. Restaurant, bar, children's activities and tours on-site. Excellent snorkelling directly in front of resort.
Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey’s Resort
Started as a beach bar and has grown from there. Set up by two Amercian lawyers, the resort has very spacious fales and consistently gets high ratings.
Attractive location. For the price charged you would expect to be on the beach but here there is a strip of volcanic rock between the fales and the sea.
Beautiful and upmarket development on the south coast.
Most visitors arrive by plane at Faleolo International Airport, which has flights from various countries.
Read in the guideBy car rental
You can hire cars from Apia, sometimes for less than WS$50 a day. Rental companies include:
By scooter rental
Scooter rentals are around WST$65 per day.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Apia · International · APW
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