Lava fields and natural springs in Samoa!
Savaii island in Samoa, South Pacific
Savaii is the biggest island of tropical Samoa but still a tiny dot on the map in the South Pacific. With dozens of colorful churches, a handful of resorts and natural springs everywhere - this is a beautiful spot on earth! White rocks decorate the grass along the ringroad and every single garden is colorful and well-kept. IF you see people working, they mainly work on the green along the side of the roads.
Fales are everywhere, many have a border of
flowery fabric decorating the roof. Some fales even have a sheet of fabric
instead of a wall for a breeze and protection against the sun.
It looks like a year-round birthday celebration and makes it very lively and
tropical.
In front of the house people often have a grave with colorful fresh or plastic flowers
around it, sometimes a little house. Some look like Maya temples with all the
layers of rocks. The closer to 'heaven' the more important people seem to be. Family
connections are very strong in Samoa!
Washing clothes often happens in the fresh water spring pools and rivers around the house.
Afterwards the clothes, mainly lavalavas (sarongs), are spread along the lava
rocks making the landscape even more colorful.
Relax and enjoy yourself, the laid-back vibe of Samoa is all around. Go slow, enjoy the
surroundings and drink a fresh coconuts during your trip. Coconuts are sold along the road, sometimes even chilled. It is super healthy, hydrating and refreshing! An average family in Samoa consumes 7 coconuts a day!
Things to love about Savaii in Samoa!
The lava fields!
At the North-Eastern part of Savaii there are lava fields and hot pools! It
is beautiful to see and what we really loved was sleeping right on top of a
lava field at Bayview Resort. We stayed in a fale-style bungalow with ocean
and lava field view! The best part was the natural pool next to the ocean.
Refreshing and so much more 'local' than a swimming pool, the children from
the neighborhood came to swim here as well. This family owned resort is
great, it has Samoan style combined with western hospitality. No waterfront
dining or sunset drinks here but the huge included breakfast and especially
the natural surroundings makes it well worth a stay.
Alofaaga Blowholes
One of the other highlights of Savaii are the Alofaaga Blowholes! Depending
on the conditions of the ocean, tides and wind, you can see a massive water
fountain coming out of the lava rocks. You can hear the water moving
forcefully underneath you and you will get splashed if you are standing too
close (be careful). You pay an entrance fee to the family that owns the
land, enjoy a fresh coconut here as well!
Sunset drinks at Savai'i Lagoon Resort
Ask for a coconut cocktail and enjoy a lovely sunset along the beach. The
water is so clear here! Live Samoan songs were played while we were there.
It was so 'busy' they ran out of dinner supplies. :) Luckily the fancy Le
Lagoto Resort next door offered a la carte dining (see lessons learned).
Lessons learned on Savaii in Samoa!
It is remote! Plan your fuel and drinks
During a road trip in a place like this it is great to stop and enjoy the
view every now and then. Savaii is so remote you will not find many places
for a coffee break, but we found one for you! Next to MotoSamoa Savaii
there is a cake shop that serves drinks and sweets.
There is a sit-down garden area. Fuel-up around the harbor because
there are not so many gas stations around the island. The same goes for
cash, you might need to drive an hour for the closest ATM.
Pre-order your food in the afternoon
Especially the smaller resorts will ask what you want to eat for dinner in the
afternoon so they can start preparing. I am not sure if this more beneficial
for the cooks or for the customers, but it looks like a solution for slower
island life compared to customers being used to being served food within
the hour... At least this way they have enough time to start preparing.
Things we skipped but you might love!
Falealupo Canopy Walk
There are not so many things to do on Savaii so the family that owns this land
must be pretty smart. They made a hanging bridge and it is a 'major'
attraction. We skipped it since we have seen quite a lot, it felt like a
tourist trap and I am a little afraid of heights! :).
Afu Aau Waterfall
If you have never seen one or need something to do, go for it!
The facts!
Bars & Restaurants
| Strip with bars | In the harbor area there are a few places to sit down, no proper bars |
| Spots we loved | The waterfront bar/restaurant Savai'i Lagoon Resort + Le Lagoto Resort next door |
| Beer in a bar | 7 WST |
| Glass of wine in a bar | 8 WST |
| Club Sandwich/Pizza Margarita | 8 WST |
| Cup of coffee | 5 WST |
| Meal | Resort restaurants have mains starting at 30 WST |
| Restaurants open | Fixed meal times in most resorts. Snacks and light meals might be ordered all-day at the resorts |
| Number of restaurants and bars in top-area | There is no top area but the high-end resorts have good restaurants/bars. |
| Quality of local food | Most resorts have some local dishes on the menu, not the same but very tasty! |
Transportation
| Scooter rental | 50 WST / day (From MotoSamoa |
| Local transport | There are some buses that drive around, but do not count on it. |
| Taxi | No taxis. Have your own transportation or you end up with guided trips! |
| Uber | No Uber |
| Boat | To get to Savaii from Upolu/Apia there is a big ferry (Lady!) running almost every 2 hours. There are two companies, take the MV Lady Samoa to have an air-conditioned seating area and a little coffee shop. The small ones goes slower and there is not enough place to sit for everybody, not even shade. Visit Samoa Shipping for the schedule |
Sleeping
| Resort | Bayview Resort at Fagomalo, 50 USD including breakfast, hot shower and fan. |
| Resort | The Savaiian Hotel at Lalomalava costed 50 USD including breakfast, cold showers and fan. |
| Hotel score price-quality | High prices for basic accommodation |
Internet access
| Local SIM card | Digicel, they block WhatsApp calls and VPN's unfortunately. Skype works for calling |
| UMTS | It works pretty good for a remote island Country, price is about 10USD for 1 Gb. |
| WIFI Hot spot | Nowhere to be found, UMTS is cheaper than a DSL line so the only thing restaurants offer is very expensive paid internet |
Other essentials
| Beaches | All around the island you will find beaches. Nice sandy beaches and clear waters can be found at Savai'i Lagoon Resort and Le Lagoto Resort. |
| Supermarket | Stock-up in Apia or right at the harbor in Savaii. |
Like a local!
Breakfast with sweet rice soup and black beans... Lot of sugar, 'different' taste but very local!
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Marlies
Crazy Dutch Abroad
Let's travel the world in a crazy way!
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