Samoa’s island nation has always been safe, secure and secluded. With Summer just around the corner, a trip to the island nation may be in the cards for many Aussies. Many tourists can start planning their trip to the pristine shores of Samoa, feeling a world away without venturing too far from their own backyard.
Since COVID-19 kept international travellers from visiting Samoa for two years, people have been itching to get back to travelling. Samoa is the ultimate destination for those wanting to travel overseas, try something new, and experience the best of a tropical island escape without breaking the bank. Whether it’s exploring secluded scenic spots, soaking up some sun, catching some epic waves, or wandering through the farmer’s markets laden with delicious local produce, Samoa has something for every traveller!
Visit the best of the island nation’s natural wonders by travelling around on a traditional bus for only a few Tala per journey, which is an experience in itself! Something to note before travelling to Samoa is that some beaches, waterholes and waterfalls fall on locals’ property, and come with a minimal charge under $10 AUD, which directly goes to supporting the local families who own the land.
We’ve handpicked 10 epic Samoan experiences to tick off your bucket list when visiting on a budget. Fiafia! (Enjoy!)
- Saleaula Lava Fields, Savai’i: Discover Samoa’s diverse landscapes without breaking the bank by visiting the historic Saleaula Lava Fields, taking you from sand to hardened molten rock in a short walk for only 5 Tala per adult. Main features of the lava field include the Virgin’s grave, the LMS Church and stretches of lava rocks which are evidence of the destructive eruption in 1905. Molten lava from the 1905-1911 Mt Matavanu eruption buried five villages under this wide barren lava flow. Half buried churches, a virgin grave and lava mounds (imprints of tree etc) can still be found as you walk over this fascinating geological expanse.
- Glide down the Papase’ea Sliding Rocks, Upolu: Brave Mother Nature’s waterslides and slide down these naturally formed rock slides that only require a 5 Tala per adult entry fee, worn down by thousands of years of running water. There’s something for everyone with one five-metre slide and three smaller ones at the base of the steps for sliding and swimming. One of the most picturesque and affordable sites in Samoa, Papase’ea is ideal for cooling off on a hot day.
Photo credit: Samoa Tourism Authority (STA)
- Snorkelling at Lalomanu, Upolu: You can’t visit Samoa and not have a crack at snorkelling! Voted by Lonely Planet as one of the top 10 beach destinations in the world, the crystal clear waters of Lalomanu make for the perfect snorkelling adventure. By swimming just a few metres from shore, you will be welcomed by pristine reefs, and you might even be lucky enough to spot a turtle! Snorkelling is free if you bring your own gear with you, otherwise equipment is available for hire from accommodation providers, which are sometimes free if you are staying there.
Photo credit: Samoa Tourism Authority (STA)
- Indulge in Samoa’s fresh food, Savai’i and Upolu: Samoa is full of some of the most beautiful fresh and local produce for a great price – a food lover’s dream! Try out the Fugalei Fresh Produce Market (Upolu) for a huge variety of tropical fruits and vegetables, sold by local families. You’ll find everything from bananas to coconuts and taro (tropical root vegetable), as well as cooked Samoan food and icy cold nui (drinking coconut) to sip while you explore. Otherwise, on your travels around the island, stop off at a roadside stall to pick up some snacks for your adventures.
Photo credit: Samoa Tourism Authority (STA)
- Catch a wave at some of Samoa’s best surf spots, Savai’i and Upolu: In short, Samoa may just be one of surfing’s last great undiscovered paradises. Don’t spend a cent and catch some epic waves across the island – you’ll be sure to get your surfing fix. Samoa’s two main islands of Upolu and Savai’i offer a range of waves so diverse that every surfer will find one they want to gorge on – think long-zippering walls, rippable A-frame peaks and draining barrels.
Photo credit: Samoa Tourism Authority (STA)
- Embark on the Coastal Walk, Upolu: You don’t need to spend a cent to get this priceless view! Get the perfect shot for the ‘gram on the breathtakingly beautiful Coastal Walk. The walk is part of the O Le Pupu-Pu’e National Park. From the car park, the first view-point takes about three minutes, and there you’ll find waves crashing against the cliffs. The walk then takes you through the magnificent Pandanus forest. While in the Pandanus forest, you can see two small islands, and at the end of the Coastal Walk lies a huge lava field from which you can see Nu’usafe’e, Nu’utele and the islands around Aleipata.
Photo credit: Samoa Tourism Authority (STA)
- Go for a dip in Lake Lanoto’o, Upolu: Set amongst tropical rainforest, the lake offers stunning views and is great for a freshwater dip! The incredible volcanic crater lake is found after a hike through ancient Samoan vegetation and lush views of green volcanic gorges.
Photo credit: Samoa Tourism Authority (STA)
- Take in 360º views at Lover’s Leap, Savai’i: A cliff-top vantage point offers a birds-eye view of the foaming waters surging into this small cove, which is steeped in legend. This rest area is found in a dramatic and romantic setting amidst sea cliffs in the village of Falelima, along the southwestern coast of Savai’i. This beautiful cliff reaches approximately 300 metres high from the sea point, making for the ultimate travel photo.
Photo credit: Samoa Tourism Authority (STA)
- Immerse yourself in contemporary art at The Vanya Taule’alo Gallery, Upolu: Experience some of the Pacific’s best contemporary art within a short five-minute drive from Apia. The Vanya Taule’alo Gallery showcases the works of Samoan and other Pacific Island artists, with everything from quality prints, paintings, woodcarvings, jewellery, and other handicrafts. With free entry and affordable local art available to purchase, we guarantee you’ll find an affordable and authentic travel memento here.
Photo credit: Samoa Tourism Authority (STA)
- End the day with a sunset at Falealupo Beach, Savai’i: Boasting pinkish sand and palm trees graciously leaning over the water, unwind after a busy day of exploring at the stunning Falealupo Beach. Park up to watch an unobstructed view of the sunset, watching the sun drop into the sea.
Photo credit: Samoa Tourism Authority (STA)
