This island nation is often overlooked, but it shouldn’t be

It’s time to discover the peaceful, unspoiled lands of Samoa.

From the moment travellers step off the plane, Samoa envelops them with a warm, welcoming embrace. It’s impossible not to join the locals on island time and relax in the ocean breeze. While most Aussies have been to Fiji or Bali, they don’t seem to have Samoa on their radar – and they should! From peaceful sparkling beaches to one of the friendliest living cultures in the world (and all in one of the safest bubbles for travellers), Samoa is an island nation in a league of its own. It’s definitely time to discover Samoa.

Friendly locals and gorgeous scenery make Samoa a must.

Samoa’s unrivalled nature

Exploring Samoa’s rich nature might give the impression that it remains untouched. That’s thanks to the government’s efforts to keep the country clean and tidy, plus the locals’ respect for their land.

For a relatively small country, Samoa boasts a large variety of terrains. Spend time in tropical rainforest-covered mountains, towering over the beaches. Adventure through O Le Pupu-Pui National Park on Upolu to reach the peak of Mt Fito. Gaze on the land below from about 1100 metres high. Or take the more challenging path on Savai’i with a two- to three-day hike to the top of Mt Silisili.

For something different, visit the fascinating Saleaula Lava Fields on Savai’i. Five villages were buried under molten lava in the 1905–1911 Mt Matavanu eruption, and today the ebbs and flows are frozen forever into lava mounds, leaving behind half-buried churches and the gravesite of a chief’s daughter.

Explore Samoa’s pristine nature.

Wild swimming in Samoa

Waterfalls, the world’s most beautiful beaches and unique ocean trenches all invite you to spend the day in cozzies on a trip to Samoa. Not to mention waters warm enough to dive right into.

Samoa boasts some of the world’s most beautiful beaches spread amongst its 10 islands – in fact, they’re the very picture of a tropical island getaway. But if you head a little inland, you’ll find unique natural pools and incredible waterfalls just begging you to take a dip.

To Sua Ocean Trench must be top of your list; climb down the steep ladder into two caves that are joined by an ancient lava tube and fed by the ocean. Piula Cave Pool offers an easy ocean-fed pool alternative for anyone who isn’t ready to tackle the height of To Sua’s wooden ladder.

Sauniatu, Afu A’au and Togitogiga Falls are all popular swimming spots for a cool dip surrounded by Samoa’s lush green rainforest.

While white-sand beaches are just about everywhere, my personal favourites were Lalomanu (once voted in the top 10 best beaches of the world by Lonely Planet), as well as just about any section of beach on the quieter Savai’i. A natural sea wall around the island means easy swimming without any worries of being buffeted by waves, and the clear waters make coral and fish easy to spot.

Discover breathtaking waterways.

Discovering Samoa’s living culture

Samoans are (rightly) very proud that theirs is still a lived culture. Discover what this entails at the Samoa Cultural Village in Apia. Witness a welcome ceremony, learn about traditional cooking practices (and try the tasty results), discover traditional tattoo methods and their meanings, and more.

It will help you appreciate the fiafia nights held by many hotels around the country, usually open to walk-ins as well as guests. Watch traditional dancing, singing and music, all while munching on hearty Samoan cuisine served up buffet-style.

Samoan culture is one of family and inclusion. This will be clear after a fiafia night, but is also exemplified by the many falas (large, open huts) dotted around the beaches, villages and towns. Samoans typically live in family compounds, their homes side by side on one property with a large fala in the centre of it all, where they come together to socialise or escape the heat. It’s a sign of welcome and community.

Of course, there’s a more modern culture to Samoa as well. The famous author of Treasure Island and Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Robert Louis Stevenson, lived out the final years of his life in a grand but secluded home in the mountains above Apia. Guests can still visit the house and the Scottish author’s gravesite.

For those who love classic films, book a room at Return to Paradise Resort for a chance to swim at the beach made famous by the 1952 movie of the same name.

Head along to a fiafia night.

Tasting Samoan cuisine

Speaking of Samoan cuisine, expect a rich and hearty spread of home-raised meats, root vegetables like talo (taro) and ulu (breadfruit) and plenty of fresh fruits for dessert. Typically, these will be cooked on the umu, an above-ground earth oven that uses heated rocks and banana leaves to cook meals to perfection.

You don’t have to search to find these options around, and they’re all good (although Bistro Tatau is worth a booking).

For those looking for more variety, the best place to find it is in and around Apia, on Upolu. Try Nourish Cafe for delicious dishes and fresh sushi. Scalinis not only looks inviting, with its cute decor, busy bookshelves and tasty pantry staples to take home, but also makes delicious Italian food. And the eclectic menu at Paddles Restaurant is so delicious that it was voted as one of TripAdvisor’s top restaurants.

Taste local dishes, cooked in an umu.

Start planning your Samoan adventure at samoa.travel.