Apia : A Paradise Lost in The Middle of Oceania

The capital is ideal for soaking up the culture of the country. You can stroll in the covered market in the morning, to find some souvenirs to put in your suitcases. And if you are a little hungry, you can also eat there, there are plenty of small street food stalls, and you eat very well for really cheap. If you are more of a Museum person, you have the Samoa Museum, where they have preserved their cultural heritage. There is also the “Samoa Cultural Village”, which offers an opportunity to discover a little more culture, through dances, demonstrations and meals (3 days a week). Apia will also allow you to admire the contrasts in the landscapes. You will go from the lush mountain, covered with forests cut by beautiful waterfalls, to the beautiful beaches of the Pacific that you will not want to leave. Let us look into the top 10 places that are worth paying a visit when in Apia:

1. Sua Ocean Trench in Lotofaga

In Lotofaga, you cannot miss this incredible natural pool. A whole 30 meters deep and turquoise blue water! All lined with incredible lush vegetation. A very beautiful contrast. The entrance fee, but frankly it's the place not to be missed. You will have to go down the ladder to bathe. Remember to take your masks and snorkels. If there is one small downside then it is a very touristic place, so we must hope not to arrive at the same time as a horde of tourists!

2. Namua Island

Photo by Andrew Moore

Want a new experience? Namua is a small uninhabited wild island, where you can go to sleep. It is accessible only by "boat". It's a Samoan family that takes care of some falés and will bring you food and drink. When someone says that the island is uninhabited, not really! There are two guards (2 dogs) very nice, which will serve as an alert in case of attack (kidding of course!). It's still a little paradise. You can walk around the island (it is better at low tide). Or if you are a little more exploring, there is a small hike through the jungle (besides the path is not too easy to find), and you will have a nice view of the island - Upolu. And as a bonus, if you're lucky, you can even meet giant bats! Yes, giant and very impressive! Otherwise, you can bask on the beach and snorkel. With a little luck, you may come across turtles!

3. Saleapaga Beach (or Lalomanu Beach)

If you are in love with the beach, then Lalomanu's beautiful white sand stretch to Lotofaga will certainly impress you. It is a great place to swim and snorkel or just relax all day. Encounters with animals are more than likely at Satoalepai village in Savaii. At the special sanctuary of this village, a troop of impressive green turtles are taken care of until adulthood, then put back in the ocean. Take the opportunity to feed them! It will certainly be an unforgettable experience.

4. Pupu-Pue National Park

If you are a nature lover, Apia, Samoa has several sites that will make you forget everything else. After exploring the surrounding sea, it's time to go to the mainland and discover what the "Pupu-Pue National Park" has to offer! The park covers 29 sq km of lush tropical forest. There is a plethora of trails with beautiful sites like the Papaseea cave and the Togitogiga waterfalls.

5. Palolo Marine Reserve

Of course, a vacation to Samoa is incomplete without the discovery of its surrounding water. Near Apia is the Palolo Marine Reserve. Palolo offers many opportunities for sports activities such as diving, snorkeling and swimming. If you want to get a closer look at a wide range of tropical fish and corals, snorkel or dive into the famous blue hole of the reserve, you will not be disappointed!

6. Maketi Fou

One of the main points to visit is Maketi Fou. It is the largest food market in the city and located on Fugalei Street. It's the perfect place to sample street foods and fresh products like baby bananas with a very sweet flavor, also known as Finger, Ladyfinger, Lady Finger or Nino Banana. Walk about 10 minutes from Maketi Fou, and you will meet the flea market, where you can find all kinds of souvenir items such as bowls of kava, jewels and Samoan sarong (or Lavas lava: volcanic lava).

7. Papapapaitai Falls

Photo by Johnny Giese/shutterstock.com

It is the highest waterfall in Apia, Samoa (waterfall about 100m). It is visible from the road that crosses the island. A wonderful waterfall in the middle of the jungle that surrounds it. It would almost make you want to lose yourselves. It is better to go in good weather if you want to have enough visibility because it is quite far from the road.

8. Vavau Beach

Photo by commons.wikimedia.org

Another paradise and desert beach. It stands out from the others because there are small islets of greenery next to the beach. This is what makes it so unique and so beautiful! You can also snorkel there. Beware, however; entry is not free.

9. Sopoaga Falls

Photo by Michaela Mazurkova/shutterstock.com

Another beautiful waterfall, lower than the first, but it is nonetheless breath-taking. The entrance fee and to access you cross a tropical garden is very well maintained, with beautiful flowers. It remains more accessible than Papapapaitai falls.

10. Manase Beach

Photo by Radoslav Cajkovic/shutterstock.com

Here the beaches are all more beautiful than the others! This one is on the island of Savaii. This tropical beach is a true beauty of nature! With a little luck again, you can rub shoulders with turtles. It is still quite difficult to choose the most beautiful place in Apia, Samoa. Besides if you know others who are not on this list, do not hesitate to leave a little comment, we would love to discover other spots next time!

◎ Closing

Finally, a trip to Apia ensures a total change of scenery and a wide variety of experiences. It is the destination of contrasts: the contrast between modernity and tradition, a contrast between the developed and organized capital, and the charm of the typical villages that you can find all around the island.

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