8 Reasons to Visit Samoa
Imagine a holiday spent lazing on warm golden sands, exploring breathtaking swimming holes and waterfalls, and trekking through lush rainforests and volcanic plateaus, all with hardly any other tourists in sight. Welcome to Samoa, a true unspoilt paradise in the vast South Pacific.
Known for its warm culture, breathtaking scenery and beautiful resorts, Samoa offers an authentic island experience. Plus, it’s only a five-hour flight from the east coast of Australia!
Need further convincing? Here are eight reasons why we think you need to visit Samoa.
Samoa has a fascinating history and culture
Samoa has a long and fascinating history that spans thousands of years. Despite being controlled by foreign powers like Germany and New Zealand throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, the people today still live with a focus on the Fa’a Samoa (the Samoan way) – a communal way of life reflected in most aspects of Samoan culture and society.
To learn more about Samoa’s 3,000-year-old culture and traditions in a fun and interactive way, be sure to visit the Samoan Cultural Village. And don’t miss fiafia night (held weekly at most Samoan resorts), which offers a chance to immerse yourself in Samoa’s culture through traditional dance, music and a buffet of umu-cooked food.
Samoa has plenty of unspoilt beaches to laze on
Let’s be real, most holiday goers head to the South Pacific for a tropical beach escape, and Samoa is no different. Here, you’ll find dozens of unspoilt white sand beaches, each lined with palm trees and azure fringing reefs, perfect for snorkelling. Perhaps the most famous beach in Samoa is Lalomanu Beach, voted by Lonely Planet as one of the best beach destinations in the world.
While none of Samoa’s beaches are overly busy, those seeking a more secluded experience should head to Manono Island. Accessible from the main island of Upolu, this car-free island is brimming with some of the best beaches in the South Pacific.
There are breathtaking inland swimming holes
When you need a break from the tropical sun, Samoa has plenty of cool swimming holes to dive into. The nation is perhaps best known for the spectacular To-Sua Ocean Trench, a 30-metre deep trench filled with glistening sapphire waters and surrounded by lush emerald jungle. Accessible via a long ladder, the To-Sua Ocean Trench is an absolute must-visit on any trip to Samoa.
Just 30 minutes north of To-Sua Ocean Trench, you’ll find the Piula Cave Pool, which consists of two spring-fed freshwater grottos, each filled with vibrantly-coloured fish. Considered one of Samoa’s hidden gems, the brave can even swim between the two caves via a three-metre underwater passage!
You can swim with green sea turtles
On the island of Savai’i, you’ll find the Satoalepai Turtle Sanctuary, where juvenile turtles are raised from infancy by villagers before being released into the wild. For just a few dollars, you can jump into the water and swim with these mesmerising creatures.
Of course, you don’t have to venture to Savai’i to have an intimate turtle encounter, as the reefs of Samoa are teeming with spectacular marine life. Simply grab a snorkel mask and dive into the azure blue water – odds are good that you’ll spot a green sea turtle. If you do, we’re pretty certain that it will be a highlight of your Samoa holiday.
You can chase cascading waterfalls
Thanks to its mountainous landscape, Samoa is home to some spectacular waterfalls. While many of these waterfalls can only be viewed from afar, others offer some superb swimming areas and picnic spots. We recommend heading out on a waterfall day tour to visit as many as possible.
If you only have enough time to visit one waterfall, make it Fuipisia Falls on the eastern end of Upolu. Hidden amongst the jungle, this towering 55-metre waterfall is a true sight to behold. We also recommend the Falease’ela River Walk, which offers an adventure-filled trek in a rainforest setting.
Bathe atop the 55-metre Fuipisia Falls, hidden amongst the jungle of Eastern Upolu, for panoramic views.
You can stay in an authentic beach resort
Despite being a lesser-visited destination, Samoa offers a stunning range of accommodation, with something to suit every kind of traveller. We recommend staying in a beachfront fale (traditional Samoan hut) for a more authentic experience.
Whether you opt for a secluded five-star resort or a more budget-friendly hotel, expect accommodation in Samoa to be less built up when compared to other popular holiday destinations, with local staff who will make you feel right at home. Here at My Samoa, we partner with only the best resorts in Samoa.
Samoa has world-class surf breaks
With its prime waves, warm clear waters and idyllic tropical island backdrop, Samoa is a surfer’s paradise. In fact, there are more than 30 world-class surf breaks across Samoa, all without the crowds that can be found at other top surfing destinations.
The best surf spots in Samoa can be found from Apia to Cape Utumauu on the north shore, and from Matautu to Matatufu on the south shore. Regardless of where you choose to surf, we recommend getting advice from locals who have an understanding of the local breaks – you can never be too safe.
The Samoan locals are incredibly warm and welcoming
Expect to be treated like royalty when visiting Samoa – the local people are warm, welcoming and immensely proud of their rich and colourful traditions. We implore that you get to know the locals, who are always willing to share stories about their everyday life.
Visitors to Samoa are often invited to join in with the local way of life. The Samoan people will greet you as you pass by, always offer a helping hand and freely share their food with you – you may even be invited into their home! The kind and generous spirit of the local Samoan people is sure to stay with you long after you return to Australia.
Discover beautiful Samoa with My Samoa
Beautifully secluded and beautifully authentic, Samoa offers a holiday experience unlike anywhere else in the South Pacific. Discover this island paradise for yourself with an exclusive My Samoa holiday.
Carefully crafted by the My Samoa Experts, our captivating holiday packages include flights, stays at Samoa’s best resorts and exclusive bonus extras, like room upgrades, resort credits, local experiences and so much more. It’s all part of the My Samoa difference, which simply can’t be found anywhere else.
Browse our selection of beautiful Samoa escapes here.
