Samoa is divided into two separate countries: Western Samoa and American Samoa. Western Samoa travel is the most developped with a distinct focus on its glorious beach fales, sightseeing and exploring its rich culture. Tourism is low key and you won't find any of the large international hotels here. You'll find plenty of small beach bungalows (fales) with thatch roofs, some quite luxurious but others very basic. Surfing is excellent and scuba diving good in places although sailing is limited as there are not many islands in the group. This is the cheapest destination for travelling in the South Pacific making it the ideal choice for backpackers and discerning travellers wanting to escape the more commercial South Pacific neighbours.

American Samoa, a tropical island paradise in the heart of Polynesia, has succeeded in keeping the traditional values of old Samoa. It is made up of seven islands, including Ta'u, Olosega and Ofu, known as the Manu'a group, which are volcanic in origin and dominated by high peaks.

The islands’ volcanoes, inactive since 1911, have left an intriguing land formation, including lava tubes to explore. Most people live in villages along the narrow coastal plains, living off the sea and cultivating agriculture in the plains and nearby hills. Half the island chain is still covered with tropical forests and woodlands that are home to wildlife and birds.

Traditional Samoan society is based on a chieftain system of hereditary rank, and is known as the Samoan way or fa'a Samoa. Despite the inroads of modern, Western civilisation, local cultural institutions are the strongest single influence in American Samoa.

CLIMATE IN SAMOA

The climate in Samoa is very warm and tropical climate. The heaviest rainfalls are usually between December and April. The climate is best during the winter months, May to September, when there are moderate southeast trade winds. There is a local cyclone season from November to April.

Required Clothing
Lightweight cottons and linens throughout the year with warm wrap forcooler winter evenings, and rainwear for the wet season (December toApril).

VISA INFORMATION FOR TOURISTS (AMERICAN SAMOA)

Passport Note
All nationals must be in possession of a valid passport, documentation for onward travel, sufficient funds to cover their stay and a confirmed accommodation reservation. Advance hotel reservations are required in the absence of a local sponsor.

Passports
Passport should valid for at least 60 days beyond period of stay required by all except nationals of the USA holding passport or other valid proof of identity (bearing a photograph), a valid onward or return ticket for stays of up to 30 days and proof of sufficient funds for the duration of stay.

Note: Under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (introduced 23 January 2007), US citizens returning directly from a US territory do not need to present a passport to re-enter the USA. For further details about the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, visit the website of the US Department of State:  http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html.

Visas
Depends on individual case. Advance permission must be obtained from the immigration authorities. Some nationals may be able to enter visa-free.

Nationals of other countries are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements.

Western Samoa Travel Guide

The main island in Western Samoa is Upolu Island with its picturesque capital Apia overlooking the harbour and tropical hills. Apia has an excellent selection of hotels and restaurants making this a popular base for sightseeing. Mountains, traditional villages and gorgeous beaches are found along the entire southern coastline with refreshing waterfalls in the interior. Upolu can be driven around in a day (driving is on the right) although at least four days are needed to explore its hidden attractions and experience its lifestyle.

The largest island is neighbouring Savaii Island, an hour by ferry from Upolu. Savaii has an even more traditional village society and has some beautiful natural attractions including blowholes, virgin forests canopy walks, some lovely beaches and active volcanoes (the last eruption was in 1911) making this a geologists haven. Between the two main islands are several smaller islands with traditional villages and interesting archaeological sites.

Organised day tours are a good way to get a feel for the country and offer by far the most convenient way of getting about the islands (public buses are very unreliable and self-driving can prove difficult to get around.

American Samoa Travel Guide

American Samoa (77sq km), is a totally different travelling experience. The main island of Tutuila lies less than 100km to the east of Upolu, and the glorious Manu'a Islands another 100km to the east. Tiny Rose and Swains atolls lie a further 100km east of Manu'a island.

American Samoa travel has a reputation as being rather dull and overly Americanized - nothing could be further from the truth. True, there are few picturesque beaches lined with coconut trees and no up-market beach resorts. What it does have is stunning tropical mountains with wild and remote coastlines, protected National Parks and hiking trails and several impressive archaeological sites including star mounds and ancient stone quarries.

There is virtually no tourism on American Samoa and the hotels in the main town of Pago Pago and along the south coast of Tutuila cater mostly to businessmen and the occasional discerning travellers in search of the islands' pristine and hidden environment. The best beaches in American Samoa are found on the three outer islands of the Manu'a Group about 60 miles from Tutuila. These islands are serviced by two daily flights and there are a few small basic guest house as accommodation.

TRAVEL ATTRACTIONS AND THINGS TO DO IN SAMOA

Savaii
Samoa’s largest island is known for its traditional way of life, pristine scenery, spectacular blowholes and archaeological sites. A well paved road encircles the island.

Upolu Island
Upolu is home to Samoa’s capital Apia, and the former home of author Robert Louis Stevenson. Highlights include the sacred burial grounds at Mulinuu and the Papaseea Sliding Rocks.

Shopping 
Samoa is famous for its fine mats (toga). These are woven from strips of decorated bark cloth (known as siapo or tapa), which is harvested from the inner bark of the paper mulberry tree.

Surfing 
Surfing is for experienced surfers only as waves break directly onto the coral reefs and currents are often very strong.  There are several dedicated surf resorts and some challenging breaks to test your skills.

Diving & Snorkelling
Samoa is blessed with a rich marine life. The surrounding reefs are home to some 900 fish species and more than 200 varieties of coral, and the warm clear waters provide excellent visibility.

Watersports
A host of watersports includes swimming, sailing and windsurfing (many resorts hire out boats and boards).

Fishing
There are plenty of fish for anglers and holidaymakers to enjoy, with blue and black marlin, sailfish, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, masi masi, dog tooth tuna and giant trevally available all year round. An experienced, professional charter fleet is based in the capital of Apia, and for more adventurous anglers, there are long range, live aboard charters to more remote locations. You can find out more information by visiting the Samoa International Game Fishing Association’s clubhouse and wharf in the eastern corner of Apia Harbour. 

Cruising
Samoa’s islands are some of the most beautiful in the Pacific, with isolated coral keys, turquoise lagoons, long sandy beaches and towering cliffs rising from the deep blue sea. Cruising is an ideal way to enjoy the stunning scenery – there are sunset and day cruises, plus night cruises for couples, groups and corporate functions. Or take a live aboard adventure where you can swim and snorkel, before sampling freshly caught seafood cooked on the ship barbecue. 

Fiafia Nights
A performance of traditional Samoan dancing and singing which usually includes a buffet dinner. Dancers are accompanied by drummers using a wooden mallet.

Kayaking
Most of Samoa's coastline is ringed with reefs, making it ideal for kayaking. Several adventure companies offer tours around the main islands and uninhabited offshore islands.

Caving 
Between 1905 and 1911, the eruptions of Mount Matavanu buried a great deal of Savaii’s fertile land and today there are volcanic craters and old lava tubes to explore. The tubes are home to the native white-rumped swiftlet (Aerodramus Spodiopygius).

Biking
Biking is a great way to explore and there are good sealed roads on Upolu, plus several dirt tracks for mountain bike enthusiasts to tackle.