Samoa

Famous for being the setting of the 2004 Gary Cooper film "Return to Paradise", Lefaga Beach is a lovely beach where to relax and sunbath. For those who likes to snorkel, this is a great place to search for giant clams in the crystal clear water or why not take a kayak and explore the shoreline? There is a nearby resort providing toilets, showers, a restaurant and other conveniences.

Swim with green turtles with guides that can show you these ancient mariners before they are released back into the wild. The Satoalepai Wetlands sanctuary is the ideal place to bring your family. The kids will love feeding these gentle giants and swimming among them will be a memorable experience.

A must-do adventure for all the tourists in Samoa is the To Sua Ocean Trench: climb down the steep ladder leading to a natural pool of crystal clear, serene waters, and enjoy the unique experience of swimming in a grotto!

Due to the tropical climate and fertile soils, the rainforests of Samoa are a lush and vibrant paradise. Native wildlife such as seabirds, skinks, flying foxes, geckos, as well as a plethora of unique flora call the forests home. Le Pupu-Pue National Park on Upolu is one of the best with extensive walking tracks and a listed 42 bird species. Tafua Peninsula Rainforest Reserve, in the southeast, is another bird watchers haven where you may see the rare Samoan tooth-billed pigeon. In the Falealupo Rainforest Reserve, take the treetop canopy walkway built about 40 metres above the ground among giant Banyan trees!

To get an insight into the customs and traditions of the indigenous population, save some time to visit the Samoa Cultural Village where ceremonies, rituals, songs, dances and workshops will be performed. Although participation is free, donations are accepted.

Under the waters surrounding the islands of Samoa, beautiful coral gardens are teeming with an astonishing 900 species of fishes and 200 varieties of corals. The coast from Lalomanu to Lotofaga has plenty of swimming and snorkelling beaches. Samoan Island Adventures organises snorkelling trips as well as tours and scooter rentals.

At the Togitogiga Waterfalls, in the village of Salailua, enjoy a swim in one of the delightful swimming holes. There is no entry fee here and toilets and changing rooms are always available.

If you are feeling more energetic, take the hike to the top of the 55m high Fuipisia falls. You will find this spectacular jungle waterfall off the pass road in the village of Lotofaga. This is also a great place for bird watching.

The Mu Pagoa Falls, mark the point where Samoa’s largest river tumbles into the sea. This is for sure an excellent place to take pictures and experience local villagers as they are engage in using this natural resource in their daily life activities.

Upolu is the main and most populated of the islands in Samoa. The nation’s capital Apia is located here, the perfect place to familiarise yourself with the island life, pick some souvenirs and get to know the cultural heritage and history.

A beautiful spot to explore, Piula Cave Pool is a crystal clear freshwater spring pool and cave that was originally formed by a lava tube. There are lot of small-middle sized fish to swim with and the amazing setting with the beach view just enhances the experience. A good advice is to bring your own food with you since there are no restaurant nearby. Also, there is a entrance fee.