Lake Samoa's Great Blue Hole. Great Blue Hole Lake in Samoa - a natural reservoir in the crater of a volcano

Samoa, or more precisely the Independent State of Samoa, is 10 islands in Polynesia, in the western part of the Samoan archipelago. This country will leave an indelible mark on surfers, newlyweds, and those looking for a secluded holiday without the risk of meeting our compatriots. The originality of Samoa, the cradle of Polynesian culture, will attract travelers interested in the culture and customs of other peoples. The leisurely way of life here will allow you to be alone with yourself and nature and, perhaps, discover something new in life. This island nation (Independent State of Samoa) is located in the South Pacific Ocean. Occupies the western part of the Samoan archipelago. The capital of Samoa is the city of Apia. It is located on the island of Upolu, one of the two largest islands in Samoa.

Visa and customs.

A Samoan visa is issued free of charge upon arrival. To do this, you need a passport valid for 6 months from the date of departure from the country, and return tickets. All children are required to have their own passport.
At customs you may be asked to provide proof of having enough money for the period of your stay in the country. Therefore, it is recommended to have a bank statement or credit card statement with you.
The visa is valid for 60 days. If necessary, it can be extended on site for another 60 days.
It is allowed to import without duties 1 liter of alcohol, 200 cigarettes or 250 g of tobacco (persons over 16 years old), things for personal use worth up to 250 tala. Gold and jewelry must be declared. The import and export of drugs and drug-containing medicines, weapons and pesticides is prohibited. There are no restrictions on the transportation of currency. The export of items of historical and artistic value, non-canned meat products, coral products, sea turtle shells, tropical bird feathers and animal skins is prohibited without special permission.

Climate.

Tropical sea, trade wind. Quite hot and humid, Samoa's climate is characterized by constantly windy weather. From May to October (local winter), southeast trade winds dominate over the islands, changing their direction to northwest from November to April (summer). Powerful tropical typhoons are also common (Samoa is located in the “cyclone belt”), bringing hurricane-force winds and storms to the islands. Quite irregular previously, they have recently become noticeably more frequent, and during the period of cyclones (usually from November to April) destructive hurricanes hit Samoa, causing considerable damage to the local economy. The air temperature stays around +26 C all year round, in July (the coldest month of the year) the average temperature is about +25 C, and in December - January - about +27 C. At the same time, a characteristic feature of the local climate is a significantly greater difference temperatures between day and night than between winter and summer. The sea water temperature also rarely drops below +24 C. Precipitation averages 3000 mm per year (from 2500 mm in the northwestern parts of the large islands to 5000 mm in the central mountainous regions). There are two seasons - a relatively cool and dry "winter" (from April - May to September - October) and a hotter and more humid "summer" (from November to April). The greatest amount of rain falls between December and April.

Beaches and hotels.

White spacious sandy beaches, framed by mangrove forests, stretch for many kilometers. There is no feeling of your neighbor’s elbow and you can fully enjoy freedom. Sometimes the coastline consists of sheer cliffs leading into the Pacific Ocean. The coral reef protects the Samoan islands from storms.
On Upolu, the best beach for swimming is on the southeastern shore in the Lalomanu area, on Savaii - Manas, Salelolonga. The depth there is small. The To Sua ocean basin on Upolu is a very unusual place for swimming: a 30-meter staircase descends into the water.
The vast majority of the islands belong to families or communities, so you usually have to pay 2-5 tala for a beach holiday. This rule also applies to surfers and fishermen.
Accommodation is offered in comfortable luxury hotels, high-quality hotels, and budget accommodation. The hotels are small, mainly focused on a relaxing romantic getaway. There is no InterContinental level on the Samoan Islands. At the same time, hotels of the “standard” category consisting of 3-4 small bungalows in a secluded part of the island appeal to discerning tourists: exotic and romantic. A number of hotels offer wedding ceremonies. The specialty of Samoa is the traditional oval fale huts, which have no walls, only mosquito netting and a roof made of coconut palm leaves. Most local residents live in these “apartments”. Tourists also have the opportunity to experience Samoan flavor and freedom by staying in a fale on the beach. Shower and toilet, kitchen in the form of a separate building are located near the fale. In the fale, 2 and 3 meals a day are possible. There are no problems with safety in the halyard.
Many hotels both in Samoa and other Polynesian islands do not welcome children. The mains voltage is 230 V, frequency is 50 Hz. Sockets with three flat pins.
Most resorts have their own generators, but in other areas the power supply is irregular, often on a scheduled basis.

Money and time.

Tala (international designation - WST, domestically - C), or Samoan dollar (WS$, SAT$), equal to 100 sene. In circulation there are banknotes in denominations of 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 2 tala, coins in 1 tala and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 sen. Tala is considered the only legal tender in the country, but many private establishments, especially on Upolu, readily accept US dollars as payment.
Tala Samoa (WST) / Ruble (RUB) 100 RUB = 6.67 WST 1 WST = 15.00 RUB
Tala Samoa (WST) / American dollar (USD)1 USD = 2.27 WST 10 WST = 4.41 USD
Western Samoa Tala (WST) / Euro (EUR) 1 EUR = 3.09 WST 10 WST = 3.24 EUR
Time difference: ahead of Moscow by 10 (+10)

Excursions and attractions.

Inhabited by Austronesian tribes approximately 2,000 years ago, the Samoan Islands served as one of the centers of formation of Polynesian culture, from where the development of numerous islands and atolls of the central Pacific Ocean began. By the middle of the 17th century, these exotic islands turned into a large trading center connecting the Polynesians who settled the entire region and European explorers actively penetrating the Great Ocean. Much of the early contact degenerated into bloody clashes between the newcomers and the islanders, and the Samoans earned a reputation as hostile and aggressive warriors. However, Christian missionaries who arrived on the islands discovered amazing loyalty and tolerance of the islanders, which they themselves explained by the fact that local sacred texts predicted the emergence of a new religion that would be more powerful and stronger than the old gods. The power and wealth of the “palagi” (literally “arsonists of the skies”, as the Samoans nicknamed the Europeans) were quite obvious, and Christianity quickly took root in the souls of the local residents. Even today, the Samoan Islands carry the unofficial title of the "Bible Belt of the Pacific." By the end of the 19th century, Great Britain, the USA and Germany made considerable efforts to gain control of these strategically important islands. However, at the same time, the warships of the three sides gathered in the harbor of Apia were hit by a powerful typhoon, whose waves simply sank them all, except for the British frigate Calliope. As a result of the subsequent negotiations, the archipelago was divided into two parts - its western part - modern Independent Samoa - went to Germany, Eastern Samoa came under US rule, and the British, oddly enough, returned home empty-handed. Germany made the classic colonial mistake of ignoring local customs and the authority of tribal leaders, and soon the local people formed a powerful resistance movement, the Mau, whose ideology was not political independence, but the preservation of traditional culture and way of life. The outbreak of the First World War gave Germany many other problems besides the unruly islands, and after its defeat Western Samoa came under the control of New Zealand. The change of home country meant little to the Mau movement and the majority of Western Polynesians who continued to fight for independence. Finally, in 1961, the islands came under the trusteeship of the UN, and on January 1, 1962 they received full independence. Unlike its neighbor, American Samoa, which remained under US protectorate, Independent (Western) Samoa is a corner of the Earth little touched by civilization. Here, among the high mountains and small reefs, you can find first-class beaches, see colorful Polynesian villages and get acquainted with many ancient traditions. It is not for nothing that the film “Return to Paradise” was filmed on the so-called “Paradise Beach”, and R. L. Stevenson, the author of the immortal “Treasure Island”, already a great writer, left civilization to spend the rest of his years in Samoa.
The capital of Independent Samoa, its largest port and the only place on the islands that can be called a city, Apia lies on the shores of the harbor of the same name on the northern coast of the island of Upolu, at the mouth of the Vaisigano River. From the south, the city limits are supported by Mount Vaea (472 m) and two mountain ranges on both sides of the river valley, and from the north, a long cape protrudes into the waters of the bay, built up with quite modern shopping complexes and offices. For all its modern features, such as banks, offices and American-style eateries, the city still clearly retains the charm of its long history. Mulinuu, the old ceremonial capital of the islands, still occupies the western part of the modern city. It is home to Fale Fono (Parliament House) and the old observatory, which today serves as the office of the local weather station. The clock tower in the center of Apia, a memorial to the victims of World War II, is considered a landmark for all walks in the city center. To the west of the tower is the large Flea Market, which sells all sorts of goods from around the world, from cheap clothing and electronics to traditional local "siapo" (leaf and bark-dyed fabrics), precious shells and coconuts. Directly opposite it, at the very coastline, stretches a small Fish Market, where fishermen bring their catch, and to the southwest, among the city blocks, lies the Fruit Market, whose specialization is also clear from the name. The new Maketi Phou market is located in the inland region of Fugalei, where it is believed to be much more protected from typhoon impacts than the old markets located near the coast. The center of Apia is built up with one- and two-story European-style houses, above which church bell towers rise. The city has three hotels, many small businesses, numerous offices of foreign companies and banks, as well as government agencies of the country, which, by the way, look quite modest. One of the traditions of the capital is the morning Police Parade, which precedes the ceremony of raising the national flag on government buildings. Almost all traffic on the streets at this moment freezes, since Samoans take their sovereignty quite seriously, and many of them line up along the side of Beach Road and sing the anthem (however, this often happens in homes or right at their workplaces). There are many old colonial buildings scattered throughout the city, but the most colorful of them is the courthouse, which today houses a good historical museum on its top floor. Apia's main street is Beach Road, which follows the quaint curves of the wide, tidy harbour. The Little Samoan Museum on Beach Road contains a collection dedicated to Samoan culture and relics of the past. There are a large number of churches scattered throughout the city and around it, the largest of which is considered to be the Catholic Church, located right on the city shore. The Anglican Church, although smaller, has beautiful stained glass windows, and the Congregational Christian Church contains the relics of the Reverend John Williams, one of the first missionaries to come to the islands. In 1977-1983, another religious object was erected in the historical center of the capital, which is the legitimate pride of the islanders - the Apia Samoa Temple complex. The capital's only beach area lies 200 meters from the city center in Vaiala. There is also a small marine reserve called Palolo Deep Marine Reserve, within which snorkeling is permitted. Its main attraction is a deep blue cave between two coral reefs inhabited by countless tropical fish. Also worth a visit is the oval pond and the spring that feeds it with water at the Piula Cave, which lies on the territory of the Theological College and Methodist Church in Fatoumea. From the center of the capital to the west stretches a series of neat villages of the coastal region, rising up the valleys and hillsides. Just 4 km from the city center along Beach Road lies the suburb of Vailima ("wallima" or "vailima" is the Samoan name for one of the varieties of jumping spiders), which houses a local shrine - the estate of the famous English writer Robert Louis Stevenson, who lived on the island for the rest of his life. of your days. Lying at the rear of the estate, almost at the top of Mount Vaea, the tombstone of the famous writer looks out over the town, the white edge of the reef and the distant horizon. After the writer's death, the islanders worked 24 hours non-stop to cut a path to the top of the hill so that the body of their beloved "tusital" ("storyteller", as they respectfully called Stevenson) could be buried the next day with full ceremonial honors. Stevenson’s elegy is engraved on the tombstone, his favorite two lines: “The sailor’s home is in the sea... And the hunter’s home is in the hills.”
Upolu Island (1120 sq. km) is located 13 km southeast of Savaii Island, on the other side of the Apolima Strait. The island is quite mountainous; the Upolu ridge, formed by the slopes of numerous extinct volcanoes, stretches along its entire length. The northern and eastern parts of the island are elevated and strongly dissected by numerous mountain ridges and gorges, while wide plains extend to the northwest. Exploring Upolu is quite easy, since its entire coastline is surrounded by a good road, and several others radiate through the center of the island, connecting Apia with the southern coast (the entire island can be driven around in just 4-5 hours). Here you can visit the Stevenson Museum, numerous centers of traditional Polynesian art and the Samoan Village Museum, relax on the famous "Paradise Beach", scuba dive, take part in ocean fishing or get to know the nature of the island's interior. The road along the northern coast runs along numerous bays and mountain ranges. The area's many valleys and waterfalls form a breathtaking landscape, and there are even some nice coastlines and beaches. The spectacular and remote Fagaloa Bay region, with its tiny Albatross Island, isolated valleys and traditional villages, is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the local culture. After the picturesque Falefa Falls (65 km from the capital), the road again reaches the coast at Utuloa Point, considered one of the most beautiful places on the Samoan Islands, passes through the colorful villages of Taelefaga and Uafato and ends in the no less pretty village of Salele. Uafato Forest Reserve is considered one of the last areas of natural rainforest in Independent Samoa and one of the best places for bird watching. The region is also famous for its woodcarvers, so the village of Loi in Sinas Beach Fales is worth a visit. The main highway bypasses this remote area and heads inland through the chaos of mountains around La Mafa Pass, offering superb mountain and coastal views. Lake Lanotoo (or Goldfish Lake), located near the capital, is currently quite little known, although this was not always the case. During the German occupation of the Samoan Islands, the lake was a popular place for picnics and entertainment. Entire processions of young women, covered in the fashion of the time with beach umbrellas, were escorted to the lake by German officers or sophisticated European gentlemen - Lanotoo was something of a promenade, a favorite place for relaxation and flirtation for many wealthy Europeans. Today, the lake's waters are a strange green color and filled with wild goldfish, which still gather around the lake's shores, still waiting for handouts from people. The lake has a strange charm, partly due to its amazing green color and hordes of goldfish, partly due to the fact that no one has ever been able to reach the bottom of the lake, despite numerous attempts. The Baha'i Temple rises nearby, serving as a landmark when driving to the lake - the old road is almost overgrown, and these days you can only get here on foot. And 2 km to the south you can see the hundred-meter waterfall Papapapai-Uta, or Tiavi Falls.
The southeastern shore of Upolu is one of the most popular tourist spots on the island. Here you can find numerous beaches with excellent swimming and snorkeling conditions, framed by the jagged mountains of the surrounding mountains. Rising off the coast are the four uninhabited islands of Aleipata, with protected seabird nesting areas and rich marine life. The village of Lalomanu, opposite Nuutele Island, is worth a stop, famous for its breathtakingly beautiful white sand beach and shallow turquoise lagoon where you can snorkel (the area is considered the best snorkeling spot on the island, so is often crowded with holidaymakers on weekends). There is a whole series of small resorts and restaurants here, and each of the beaches (there are four in the area around Lalomanu) differs from its neighbor only in size. Nearby is the Fuipisia waterfall, 55 meters high. The coast between Lalomanu and Saleapaga is considered one of the most beautiful parts of the island, replete with magnificent panoramas of mountain ranges and isolated wild beaches. Particularly good are the beach areas near Boomerang Creek, the sandy Faofao beach in the village of Saleapaga, and the isolated and somewhat unusually designed beach in Vava'u (traditional Polynesian houses with leaf-covered roofs here have replaced structures made of corrugated iron and wood, which are quite urban by local standards, but neither the beach itself and the service were not affected by this). From the walls of the Lalomanu hospital, a short path begins to a long-extinct volcanic crater, within which a large colony of flying foxes lives.
The main highway immediately after the beach area turns inland and after a few kilometers comes out to the picturesque Sopoaga waterfalls, falling from a height of 60 meters into a small green valley. Another natural monument of these places with the funny name Papassea Sliding Rock (“Papassea moving the rock”) is also interesting - a cascade of five-meter waterfalls rolling directly into a common reservoir, lost along the banks in the intricacy of the jungle. The southern coast of Upolu Island is a string of sparkling beaches surrounded by palm trees where you can lie and enjoy the tranquility of life in this idyllic place. This is one of the most breathtaking areas of Independent Samoa with beautiful reefs, turquoise blue water and stunning beaches all around. In the very heart of the southern coast you can find many remote and quite “wild” shores, among which the popular resort area of ​​Maninoa Beach stands out in contrast with an elegant shallow sandy lagoon, on the territory of which there are two luxury resorts and several quite affordable private beaches. A string of traditional Samoan villages stretches along the road - a good place to get acquainted with local customs and way of life. Returning to the coast from Sopoaga Falls, the main road passes numerous traditional villages. One of the most popular tourist areas here is the village of Lliili, around which you can visit the O-Le-Pupu-Pue National Park with many hiking trails passing through a small rainforest, the cozy and isolated Mativa Treehouse opposite the tiny coral island of Nuusafee, which can be reached by boat (the strait between the island and Utola is considered an excellent place for surfing), Togitogiga waterfalls (the reservoirs located here are one of the few places on the island where you can swim in fresh water, there is even a shower, which is unusual by local standards) and nearby Peapea Cave and two nature reserves, as well as the black volcanic sand beach at Aganoa, which can only be reached on foot or by jeep. Nearby, in the village of Siumu, you can see an unusual beach with red sand. The most picturesque area of ​​long isolated coastlines stretches along the southwestern coast from Saanapu to Lefaga. 6 km from Saanapu is the famous Paradise Beach ("Paradise Beach") - one of the most beautiful beaches in the South Pacific Ocean, and around the village itself stretches a long strip of protected mangrove forests of Saanapu Wetlands Retreat, which can only be explored by boat , hired in any of the local villages. Also noteworthy are the picturesque Virgin Cove Bay with its isolated beach (however, there are several traditional restaurants and cafes), the resort areas around the village of Salamumu, the popular surf resort of Samoana (it is believed that the best instructors in this sport work here), and Matareva Beach is also quiet.
The west coast of Upolu may offer a huge number of quiet fishing villages, luxurious trekking and windsurfing conditions, but there are almost no coastlines and tourist infrastructure. The northwestern coast of Upolu between Falealo Airport and Apia is the most densely populated area of ​​the country, with an almost endless string of villages and plantations. Here you can find many picturesque churches or natural pools right next to the rocky coastline, explore several ancient volcanic calderas "tafua", sail along the coast on a traditional Samoan catamaran canoe, watch everyday village life or get a tattoo so characteristic of this place, but no There are no accommodation facilities or beach areas here.
Savaii is one of the largest and one of the least populated islands in Polynesia. This virtually untouched and ancient island, little exposed to the influence of modern civilization, has long been considered a real reserve of Polynesian culture - the inhabitants of Savaii have retained their way of life even more traditional than on Upolu. Here you can find a huge number of first-class beaches that are good for swimming, snorkeling or other types of sea recreation, but most of them do not have any maintenance facilities and are in almost pristine condition.
The main attractions of the island are: the ancient mound of Tia Seu - the largest ancient structure in all of Polynesia (its height exceeds 12 meters), the Mu Pagoa waterfall between the villages of Puleia and Gautavai, the lava caves of Peapea (Letui) and Paia Dwarfs near the village of Paia ( the total length of each cave exceeds a kilometer), several good beaches and an ancient star-shaped ritual mound near Cape Mulinuu, the picturesque cone of Mount Silisili and the protected Aopo Cave at its foot, the famous volcanic cavern of Alofaaga near the village of Taga, the ancient village of Fagaloa (the local population believes that they are direct descendants of the first settlers of the island), the Falealupo lava tubes, located to the west of the reserve of the same name, can be compared in size with similar natural phenomena of the Hawaiian Islands, as well as the excellent Satihuatua beach with its colorful village church. Tafua Rainforest Reserve, located near the coastal village of the same name, is considered one of the most beautiful and accessible rainforest reserves on the island. Situated on a stretch of coastline with the Matawanu lava fields, formed in the early 1900s when the Tafua volcano spewed lava almost continuously for nearly six years, it is replete with caves and grottoes. The impressive lunar landscape of the reserve is one of the “calling cards” of the island, and a walk around the crater of the volcano is one of the most attractive excursions in Samoa, since here you can not only see this riot of elements with your own eyes, but also take a couple of lava “souvenirs” with you on your trip. memory.
Another tropical forest reserve on Savaii, Falealupo has a unique natural feature - a green canopy over a gallery passage between majestic banyan trees, woven from thousands of tree branches. For a few extra tala here you can feel like Robinson and stop for the night right in one of the huge hollow trees that these places are rich in. An unusual local way of fighting for the protection of wildlife is the Aula program, organized by the local Women's Committee, during which wounded or weakened sea turtles are collected from the beaches of the island, carefully nursed and then released back into the sea.
The small volcanic island of Manono, lying in the Apolima Strait between Upolu and Savai'i, is almost unknown outside the country. On an island only 3 km across there are five small villages (about a thousand inhabitants, most of whom live here irregularly), there are absolutely no dogs, roads or vehicles, which completely guarantees absolute silence, broken only by the rustle of the wind in the crowns of palm trees and the measured roar of the waves . This is such a quiet and peaceful place that many residents of the rather noisy capital of the islands come here on weekends to relax. People here still live only in traditional "fales" (leaf-covered canopy roof on pillars, walls missing or replaced with wicker mats) and enjoy a "semi-wild" lifestyle and an abundance of pure nature. The main historical monuments of the island are the so-called “Star Mound” on the top of Mount Tulimanuiva (110 m) and the ancient “Tomb of 99 Stones”, created, according to archaeological data, approximately in the 9th-11th centuries. n. e., during the era of mass settlement of Polynesians throughout the region. There are many small cozy beaches on the island, many of which are framed along the shores by palm groves and equipped with small “fales” with carved balconies and steps. Most of them, like the famous Vaotuua Lagoon, are located on the western side of Manono. On the far side of the island, in the village of Apai, there is one of the most picturesque places on the islands - from the top of the nearest hill there is a unique panorama of the islands lined up - Manono itself, tiny Nuulop, the slightly larger Apolim and the high peaks of Savaii, as if framed by the blue waters of the strait and the azure of the sky. The government of Western Samoa is also working hard to preserve Manono's fragile ecosystem and support environmentally friendly activities among its communities.
Apolima Island is even more remote and inaccessible than Manono. It is located in the Apolima Strait, west of Manono, outside the barrier reef surrounding Manono and Upolu. Apolima is almost entirely composed of volcanic rocks from fossilized ancient lava flows - in fact, the entire island is a destroyed volcanic crater with steep cliffs of the outer ring and a small, relatively flat “patch” of the caldera. From the sea to the only village on the island, where only 150 people live (of which only 50-60 islanders live here permanently), there is only one narrow and rather difficult path, almost a pass. This is one of the most untouched (how many times is this word used in relation to Samoa?!) places in Polynesia. The island lies off the main tourist roads, so to get here it is best to get an invitation from one of the villagers and then arrange a special yacht or boat charter from Upolu. But in the end, all the work will be more than rewarded - those who had a chance to visit Apolim claim that none of them have ever experienced a greater feeling of isolation from the world in their lives. And in combination with beautiful nature, coastal waters full of life and a healthy climate, this is worth a lot for a modern person who is tired of the “bounty of civilization.”
Other islands
Lying within the Upolu Reef, the islet of Namua offers a good sandy beach and good snorkeling conditions. Fanuatapu is one of the uninhabited islands off the eastern tip of Upolu. It's a popular day trip destination for a casual picnic on the shore or a swim among the rocky reefs. The uninhabited island of Nuulopa is located on the western side of Manono and is sometimes used for picnics, snorkeling and easy outdoor recreation. The spectacular island of Nuutele, with its dramatic cliffs, rises from the waters off Lalomanu, off the south-eastern cape of Upolu. The island is uninhabited, but is famous for its wild beach, where sea turtles regularly lay their eggs. Nearby lies the tiny island of Nuulua, where seabirds nest. And the relatively large and uninhabited island of Nuusafee, off the southern coast of Upolu, is a popular destination for day trips and weddings.

How often do Russian people want to take a break from the frosts and dull spring sun, to find a heavenly warm place with blue water and evergreen trees... You can only find it several thousand kilometers from Moscow, say, in the vast Pacific Ocean. An example is a small archipelago called Samoa. Its unique and fascinating nature attracts tourists from all over the world. It seems that everything here is created for rest and relaxation.

Location

Those who decided to visit the archipelago for the first time will be interested in learning detailed information about it, about the traditions of the local people, as well as about the attractions of this lost corner, the features of flora and fauna.

The Samoan Islands are located in the South Pacific Ocean and are part of the Polynesia subregion. The population of this area has always been famous for their sea voyages; even at the beginning of the new millennium, the natives successfully explored neighboring territories: the coasts of New Zealand, Hawaii, and the islands of Samoa. The ocean became their home and source of food.

The total area of ​​the archipelago is 3030 km, more than 250 thousand people live here. It is divided into two states, commonly referred to as Western and Eastern Samoa. Both of these territories differ in ideological, cultural and political ideas. If the first state has an independent character, then the second belongs to the United States, and the local population gravitates towards the lifestyle adopted there.

Islands of the archipelago

Even before the discovery by Europeans, Samoa was the center of Polynesian culture; it was from here that the development of neighboring atolls and distant lands of the Pacific Ocean began. The archipelago consists of two largest islands - Savaii and Upolu and two small ones - Manono and Apolima, the rest are practically uninhabited.

The government structure of the American part of the earth is not entirely ordinary: the region is under the authority of the US Department of the Interior and under the tutelage of the president. The country is led by a governor and eighteen deputies from among local leaders. People here adhere to the American way of life and often emigrate to Hawaii or the mainland.

Tourism development

The Samoan Islands have recently become a tourist destination, although this only applies to the western part. Previously, the economy of a small state was completely dependent on foreign subsidies, but today the share of tourism in GDP is 30 percent. In 2012, the archipelago was visited by a total of 250 thousand people from all over the world.

As you can see, tours here are very popular. In particular, one of the most famous travel agencies specializing in the sale of tours, including to Guam (island) is “Byzantium”. Both the western (Samoa, as we remember, is divided into several parts) part of the archipelago we are considering, and its entire territory as a whole, by and large, have good potential for the development of tourism, you can still find wild places and deserted beaches here, and the population is friendly and not intrusive. This archipelago amazes with its unique beauty from the first second. These islands are of volcanic origin, so the entire territory is covered with picturesque hills, immersed in the greenery of the tropical forest.

The country's leadership, together with the New Zealand authorities, have invested heavily in the construction of hotels and other related infrastructure, so there are all the conditions for a relaxing holiday.

Attractions

The main thing that the Samoan islands are famous for is the ocean. Stunning blue lagoons and a mild, warm climate make your stay here as comfortable as possible. It is because of the beautiful nature that many rich Europeans come here; the famous writer Robert Louis Stevenson also spent the last years of his life here. His house now houses a museum, located a few kilometers from the capital of the western part of the Alia archipelago.

Particularly good beaches on the southern side are “Matareva”, “Salamuma” and “Agaona”; nearby are the coral reefs of Aleipat with rich marine life, so there are all conditions for lovers of underwater tourism. On the islands of Upolu and Savaii there are stunningly beautiful waterfalls hidden in forests and between small mountains. Surfing enthusiasts often come here, however, this type of active recreation in the local coastal waters is quite extreme due to the wind and underwater currents.

For those who want to take a break from the ocean and learn more about the Samoans, their culture and history, there are also activities and attractions available. To get to know them, you need to travel the length and breadth of Samoa. Photos taken by people who have already been here once confirm that this country has something to be proud of besides the beaches. In the only city of the eastern state - Alia - you can walk through the old capital of the state of Mulinuu, there are several interesting buildings, such as the observatory and the Parliament House.

Visitors traditionally visit the Fleya Market, where they can not only look at very colorful representatives of the local population, but also buy inexpensive goods from the mainland, as well as products of folk craftsmen. There are many Catholic and Christian churches on the island of Samoa; the temple complex deserves special attention.

The pristine nature of this corner is amazingly beautiful; it is incomparable to any other place on earth. Isolation from Western civilization and the correct policy of resource use make this resort one of the most interesting and pleasant places to relax. The tourism industry here is still developing, but it is very active; the government has relied on attracting tourists from all over the world to the country.

Among all the resorts in the South Pacific region, the Samoan Islands are among the cheapest; here you can rent a room for 50-100 dollars; individual houses built in the national style are slightly more expensive. You will be lucky if your trip coincides with one of the Samoan holidays: on these days, stunning performances are held on the ocean shore in honor of a fishing tournament, a surfing festival, or an international rugby competition.

Shops and supermarkets in the country are open from 8:00 to 16:30, but some private traders keep the doors of their shops open until the evening. The capital is home to the country's largest port, from where ships depart daily to New Zealand and America. Samoa is considered one of the safest resorts in Oceania, but, as in any unfamiliar place, you should not neglect the basic rules of personal safety.

A stunningly beautiful lake formed in the crater of an extinct volcano. Difficult to access, surrounded by an impregnable wall of tropical forest, this lake nevertheless attracts lovers of picturesque landscapes and panoramas.

This lake is called the “Big Blue Hole” - not too poetic, but it reflects the whole essence. It really looks more like a strange-looking hole in the ground than anything else. Swimming is allowed in this lake, so if you like a challenge and an active holiday, welcome to the most unforgettable swim of your life. There won’t be too many lucky people like you - after all, not everyone is ready to overcome such a difficult path for the sake of the Big Blue Hole. A long wooden staircase descends into the lake, so you won’t have to jump into it from a height - fortunately or unfortunately, decide for yourself.
This wonderful place is located on the island of Upolu, Samoa. The lake has become the main attraction of the island, which many tourists and travelers dream of seeing.

Official name : Independent State of Samoa, Independent State of Samoa (English), Malo Sa "oloto Tuto" atasi o Samoa (Samoan)

Former name : Western Samoa (1962-1997)

Island nation in the southwest Pacific Ocean, Oceania . Includes 2 large islands - Savaii and Upolu - and 8 small islands of the Samoan archipelago. Closest neighbors: to the east - American Samoa, to the north - Tokelau, to the east - the Cook Islands, to the south - Niue Island, and to the southwest - Tafahi Island (Tonga).

Capital- Apia

Square: 2841.76 km²

Population- 189.4 thousand people. (2008), 22.7% are city residents.

Major peoples: Samoans 92.6%, Euronesians (from marriages of Europeans with Polynesians) 7%, Europeans 0.4%

Official languages : English, Samoan

Political system - parliamentary democracy

Head of State - "O le Ao o le Malo" - a title meaning "Leader of the Government." Elected by the Legislative Assembly for a term of 5 years, without limitation of renewal (since June 18, 2007 - Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi)

Head of the government - Prime Minister, leader of the parliamentary majority, appointed by the leader and confirmed by the Legislative Assembly (since November 23, 1998 - Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi)

Parliament- unicameral Legislative Assembly (49 deputies for a 5-year term: 47 from traditional village constituencies, 2 from independents)

Time difference with Moscow : -15 hours during summer time in Russia, -14 hours during winter time

Currency unit : tala

From the history

Inhabited by Austronesian tribes approximately 2,000 years ago, the Samoan Islands served as one of the centers of formation of Polynesian culture, from where the development of numerous islands and atolls of the central Pacific Ocean began. Towards the middle XVII century, these exotic islands turned into a large trading center connecting the Polynesians who settled the entire region and European explorers actively penetrating the Great Ocean. Much of the early contact degenerated into bloody clashes between the newcomers and the islanders, and the Samoans earned a reputation as hostile and aggressive warriors. However, Christian missionaries who arrived on the islands discovered amazing loyalty and tolerance of the islanders, which they themselves explained by the fact that local sacred texts predicted the emergence of a new religion that would be more powerful and stronger than the old gods. The power and wealth of the “palagi” (literally “arsonists of the skies”, as the Samoans nicknamed the Europeans) were quite obvious, and Christianity quickly took root in the souls of the local residents. Even today, the Samoan Islands carry the unofficial title of the "Bible Belt of the Pacific."

By the end of the XIX centuries, Great Britain, the USA and Germany made considerable efforts to gain control of these strategically important islands. However, at the same time, the warships of the three sides gathered in the harbor of Apia were hit by a powerful typhoon, whose waves simply sank them all, except for the British frigate Calliope. As a result of the subsequent negotiations, the archipelago was divided into two parts - its western part - modern Independent Samoa - went to Germany, Eastern Samoa came under US rule, and the British, oddly enough, returned home empty-handed.

Germany made the classic colonial mistake of ignoring local customs and the authority of tribal leaders, and soon the local people formed a powerful resistance movement, the Mau, whose ideology was not political independence, but the preservation of traditional culture and way of life. The outbreak of the First World War gave Germany many other problems besides the unruly islands, and after its defeat Western Samoa came under the control of New Zealand. Finally, in 1961, the islands came under the trusteeship of the UN, and on January 1, 1962 they received full independence.

Attractions

The capital of Independent Samoa, its largest port and the only place on the islands that can be called a city, Apia lies on the shore of the harbor of the same name on the northern coast of the island of Upolu, at the mouth of the Vaisigano River. From the south, the city limits are supported by Mount Vaea (472 m) and two mountain ranges on both sides of the river valley, and from the north, a long cape protrudes into the waters of the bay, built up with quite modern shopping complexes and offices. Mulinuu, the old ceremonial capital of the islands, still occupies the western part of the modern city. It is home to Fale Fono (Parliament House) and the old observatory, which today serves as the office of the local weather station. The clock tower in the center of Apia, a memorial to the victims of World War II, is considered a landmark for all walks in the city center. To the west of the tower is the large Flea Market, which sells all sorts of goods from around the world, from cheap clothing and electronics to traditional local "siapo" (leaf and bark-dyed fabrics), precious shells and coconuts.

There are many old colonial buildings scattered throughout the city, but the most colorful of them is the courthouse, which today houses a good historical museum on its top floor. There are a large number of churches scattered throughout the city and around it, the largest of which is considered to be the Catholic Church, located right on the city shore. In 1977-1983, another religious object was erected in the historical center of the capital, which is the legitimate pride of the islanders - the Apia Samoa Temple complex.

From the center of the capital to the west stretches a series of neat villages of the coastal region, rising up the valleys and hillsides. Just 4 km from the city center along Beach Road lies the suburb Vailima(“wallima” or “vailima” is the Samoan name for one of the varieties of jumping spiders), which houses a local shrine - the estate of the famous English writer Robert Louis Stevenson, who lived the rest of his days on the island.

Lying at the rear of the estate, almost at the top of Mount Vaea, the tombstone of the famous writer looks out over the town, the white edge of the reef and the distant horizon. After the writer's death, the islanders worked 24 hours non-stop to cut a path to the top of the hill so that the body of their beloved "tusital" ("storyteller", as they respectfully called Stevenson) could be buried the next day with full ceremonial honors. Stevenson’s elegy is engraved on the tombstone, his favorite two lines: “The sailor’s home is in the sea... And the hunter’s home is in the hills.”

Upolu Island(1120 sq. km) is located 13 km southeast of the island of Savaii, on the other side of the Apolima Strait. The island is quite mountainous; the Upolu ridge, formed by the slopes of numerous extinct volcanoes, stretches along its entire length. The northern and eastern parts of the island are elevated and strongly dissected by numerous mountain ridges and gorges, while wide plains extend to the northwest. Exploring Upolu is quite easy, since its entire coastline is surrounded by a good road, and several others radiate through the center of the island, connecting Apia with the southern coast (the entire island can be driven around in just 4-5 hours). Here you can visit the Stevenson Museum, numerous centers of traditional Polynesian art and the Samoan Village Museum, relax on the famous "Paradise Beach", scuba dive, take part in ocean fishing or get to know the nature of the island's interior.

The road along the northern coast runs along numerous bays and mountain ranges. The area's many valleys and waterfalls form a breathtaking landscape, and there are even some nice coastlines and beaches. The spectacular and remote Fagaloa Bay region, with its tiny Albatross Island, isolated valleys and traditional villages, is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the local culture. After the picturesque Falefa Falls (65 km from the capital), the road again reaches the coast at Utuloa Point, considered one of the most beautiful places on the Samoan Islands, passes through the colorful villages of Taelefaga and Uafato and ends in the no less pretty village of Salele.

Lake Lanoto o(or Goldfish Lake), located near the capital, is currently quite little known, although this was not always the case. Today, the lake's waters are a strange green color and filled with wild goldfish, which still gather around the lake's shores, still waiting for handouts from people. The lake has a strange charm, partly due to its amazing green color and hordes of goldfish, partly due to the fact that no one has ever been able to reach the bottom of the lake, despite numerous attempts. The Baha'i Temple rises nearby, serving as a landmark when driving to the lake - the old road is almost overgrown, and these days you can only get here on foot. And 2 km to the south you can see a hundred-meter waterfall Papapapai-Uta, or Tiavi Falls.

The southeastern shore of Upolu is one of the most popular tourist spots on the island. Here you can find numerous beaches with excellent swimming and snorkeling conditions, framed by the jagged mountains of the surrounding mountains. Four uninhabited islands rise off the coast Aleipata with protected seabird nesting areas and rich marine life. The village deserves a stop Lalomanu opposite the island of Nuutele, famous for its breathtakingly beautiful white sand beach and shallow turquoise lagoon. Nearby is a waterfall Fuipisia 55 meters high.

The main highway immediately after the beach area turns inland and after a few kilometers comes out to the picturesque Sopoaga waterfalls, falling from a height of 60 meters into a small green valley. Another natural monument of these places with a funny name is also interesting. Papassea Sliding Rock(“Papassea moving the rock”) is a cascade of five-meter waterfalls that roll straight into a common reservoir, lost along the banks in the intricacy of the jungle.

The southern coast of Upolu Island is a string of sparkling beaches surrounded by palm trees where you can lie and enjoy the tranquility of life in this idyllic place. This is one of the most breathtaking areas of Independent Samoa with beautiful reefs, turquoise blue water and stunning beaches all around.

The most picturesque area of ​​long isolated coastlines stretches along the southwestern coast from Saanapu to Lefaga. 6 km from Saanapu is the famous Paradise Beach("Paradise Beach") is one of the most beautiful beaches in the South Pacific, and around the village itself there is a long strip of protected mangrove forests, Saanapu Wetlands Retreat, which can only be explored by boat hired from any of the local villages

Savaii- one of the largest and one of the least populated islands of Polynesia. This virtually untouched and ancient island, little exposed to the influence of modern civilization, has long been considered a real reserve of Polynesian culture - the inhabitants of Savaii have retained their way of life even more traditional than on Upolu. The main attractions of the island are: the ancient mound Tia Seu- the largest ancient structure in all of Polynesia (its height exceeds 12 meters), the Mu Pagoa waterfall between the villages of Puleia and Gautavai,

the lava caves of Peapea (Letui) and Paia Dwarfs near the village of Paia (the total length of each cave exceeds a kilometer), several good beaches and an ancient star-shaped ritual mound near Cape Mulinuu, the picturesque cone of Mount Silisili and the protected Aopo Cave at its foot, the famous volcanic cavern of Alofaaga near the village of Taga, the ancient village of Fagaloa (the local population believes that they are direct descendants of the first settlers of the island), the Falealupo lava tubes located to the west of the reserve of the same name, which can be compared in size with similar natural phenomena of the Hawaiian Islands, as well as the excellent Satiuatua beach with its colorful village church.

Little Volcanic Manono Island, lying in the Apolima Strait between Upolu and Savaii, is almost unknown outside the country. On an island only 3 km across there are five small villages (about a thousand inhabitants, most of whom live here irregularly), there are absolutely no dogs, roads or vehicles, which completely guarantees absolute silence, broken only by the rustle of the wind in the crowns of palm trees and the measured roar of the waves . This is such a quiet and peaceful place that many residents of the rather noisy capital of the islands come here on weekends to relax. People here still live only in traditional "fale"(a canopy roof covered with leaves on pillars, walls missing or replaced with wicker mats) and enjoy a “semi-wild” lifestyle and an abundance of pure nature. The main historical monuments of the island are the so-called “Mound of the Star” on the top of Mount Tulimanuiva (110 m) and the ancient “Tomb of 99 Stones”, created, according to archaeological data, approximately in IX - XI centuries n. e., during the era of mass settlement of Polynesians throughout the region.

Unlike its neighbor, American Samoa, Western Samoa is a beautiful corner of the Earth, little touched by civilization. It is not for nothing that the film “Return to Paradise” was filmed on the so-called “Paradise Beach”, and R. L. Stevenson, the author of the immortal “Treasure Island”, already a great writer, left civilization to spend the rest of his years in Samoa. The islands' idyllic landscape, stunning coastline, lush rainforests and volcanic landscapes make Western Samoa one of the best destinations for hiking and outdoor activities. An excellent way to explore the islands is by boat or canoe, and in some cases this is the easiest and only way to access uninhabited islands and atolls. Another fairly popular way to travel around the islands is by bicycle. Cycling around Savai'i in particular is undoubtedly a worthwhile pastime. Fishing leases belong to the villages, so this type of recreation is also easily accessible (albeit very expensive).
On the main island of the archipelago - Upolu, you can visit the Stevenson Museum, a center for traditional Polynesian art, the Samoan village museum, Paradise Beach, scuba diving, take part in ocean fishing or get to know the nature of the island's interior. Apia is the capital of Independent Samoa and the only place on the islands that can be called a city. For all its modern features, such as banks, modern offices and American-style eateries, the city still retains the charm of its history. All the traders, pirates, whalers and missionaries who were brought to the shores of Apia still seem to live in the clean air of Apia and the old pula trees that line the streets of the capital. The city center clock tower, a memorial to the victims of World War II, is a landmark for all walks in the city center. To the west of the tower is the large Flea Market, which sells everything from cheap clothing and electronics, traditional local "siapo" (leaf and bark-dyed fabrics), to precious shells and coconuts. A large number of churches are scattered around Apia, the largest of which is the Catholic Church on the town's shore. The Anglican Church, although smaller, has beautiful stained glass windows, and the Congregational Christian Church contains the relics of the Reverend John Williams, one of the first missionaries to come to the islands.
Apia's main street is Beach Road, which follows the quaint curves of the wide, tidy harbour. The center of Apia is built up with one- and two-story European-style houses, above which church bell towers rise. The city has an observatory, three hotels, many small businesses, offices of foreign companies, as well as government agencies of the country, which, by the way, look quite modest. From the city center to the west of the capital stretches a string of neat coastal villages, rising up the valleys and along the hillsides.
On the outskirts of Apia - Wallima (4 km along Beach Road) is the estate of the famous English writer R. L. Stevenson. Lying at the rear of the estate, the tombstone of the famous writer seems to look out over the town, the snow-white edge of the reef and the distant horizon. After the writer's death, the islanders worked 24 hours non-stop to cut a path to the top of the hill so that the body of their beloved "tusital" ("storyteller", as they respectfully called Stevenson) could be buried the next day with full ceremonial honors. Stevenson’s elegy is engraved on the tombstone, his favorite two lines: “The sailor’s home is in the sea / And the hunter’s home is in the hills.” The southern coast of Upolu Island is a string of sparkling beaches surrounded by palm trees where you can lie and enjoy the tranquility of life in this idyllic place. The best beaches - Reten tou Paradise ("Return to Paradise"), Matareva and others - are a number of safe bays and small ponds surrounded by rocks that are excellent for snorkeling. Further east of the capital lie the beautiful shores of Salamum and Aganoa Black Sand Beach, where you will find the best swimming and diving spots, while at the end of the bay lies a large number of reefs, excellent for diving and boating. If you continue around the coast you will eventually reach the eastern tip of Upolu, where the beautiful reefs of the Aleipata area are located. This is one of the most breathtaking areas of Independent Samoa with beautiful reefs, turquoise blue water and stunning beaches all around. Lake Lanoto (or Goldfish Lake) is currently quite little known, although this was not always the case. During the period of the German occupation of the Samoan Islands, the lake was a popular place for picnics and entertainment. Entire processions of young women, covered in the fashion of the time with beach umbrellas, were accompanied to lake by German officers or sophisticated European gentlemen - Lanoto was something like a Promenade, a favorite place of relaxation and flirtation for many wealthy Europeans. Today, the lake's waters are a strange green color and full of wild goldfish, which still gather around the lake's shores, still waiting for handouts from people. The lake has a strange charm, partly due to its amazing green color and hordes of goldfish, and partly due to the fact that no one has ever been able to reach the bottom of the lake, despite numerous attempts. Another natural monument of Upolu with the funny name Papassea Sliding Rock ("Papassea Moving Rock") is also interesting - 5-meter waterfalls cascading directly into a common reservoir, lost along the banks in the intricacy of the jungle. The island of Savai'i is one of the largest islands in Polynesia, but also one of the least populated. It is an unspoiled and ancient island that has undergone few Western influences, and the people of Savai'i have maintained a way of life that is even more traditional than that of Upolu. There are a huge number of first-class beaches that are good for swimming and are considered the most perfect for snorkeling and other underwater sports.
Tafua Rainforest Reserve is one of the most beautiful and accessible rainforest reserves, located on a stretch of coastline with lava fields, caves and grottoes. The local lava fields, Matawanu, were formed when the volcano erupted lava almost continuously for nearly six years in the early 1900s. Now they represent an impressive lunar landscape, and a walk around the volcano's crater is one of the most attractive excursions on the islands, and here you can take a couple of lava souvenirs with you as a souvenir.
Another tropical forest reserve on Savaii, Falealupo, has a unique natural feature - a green canopy over a gallery passage between majestic banyan trees, woven from thousands of tree branches. For a few extra tala you can feel like Robinson and stop for the night right in one of the huge hollow trees that these places are rich in. Manono Island, located in the strait between Upolu and Savai'i, is also almost completely untouched by modern society. There are no dogs, no roads, no vehicles and no noise. It is such a quiet and peaceful place that many residents from the bustling capital come here on weekends to relax. People live only in the “fala” (a roof-canopy covered with leaves on pillars, there are no walls) and enjoy a “semi-wild” lifestyle and an abundance of pure nature. The government of Western Samoa is also working hard to preserve Manono's fragile ecosystem and support environmentally friendly activities among its communities. Apolima Island is even more remote and inaccessible than Manono. It is in the Apolima Strait, west of Manono, just outside the barrier reef surrounding Manono and Upolu. Apolima consists of petrified volcanic flows and has only one tiny and rather difficult passage from the sea to a single village of only 150 inhabitants. This is one of the most untouched (how many times is this word used in relation to Samoa!!) places in Polynesia. The island lies off the main tourist roads, so to get here it is best to get an invitation from one of the island's villagers and then arrange a special yacht or boat charter from Upolu. But in the end, all the work will be more than rewarded - those who had a chance to visit Apolim claim that none of them have ever experienced a feeling more isolated from the world in their lives. And in combination with beautiful nature, coastal waters full of life and a healthy climate, this is worth a lot for a modern person who is tired of the “bounty of civilization.” The biggest cultural celebration in Western Samoa is the Teuila Festival in September, when choirs, fire dances, siwa (traditional Samoan dance) and fautasi long boat races take place on almost all the islands of the archipelago.
A month before the Teuila Festival, the Polynesian Diving Festival is held, providing opportunities for both professionals and amateurs to try their hand at a variety of underwater explorations in the waters around some of Samoa's islands, in some of the best areas. One of the most spectacular natural phenomena on the islands is the Rising of the Palolo. Palolo are green sea worms that appear in incredible numbers in the waters around coral reefs just after midnight on the seventh day of the full moon (their first appearance occurs in October, the second in November). And since for local residents, palolo serves as both a delicacy and a symbol of the ever-renewing nature, everyone, young and old, gathers to celebrate the appearance of palolo.
No visit to Western Samoa would be complete without visiting the Magri Tas Beer Garden or the Argungu Cultural and Fishing Festival (mid to late February) on the Sokoto River Shoals. This is an international festival dedicated to fishing, the exchange of experiences on various methods and methods of fishing, which involves all its participants in fishing, duck hunting, swimming and other water competitions. An even grander celebration on the water takes place in August during the Pategi Regatta between Ibadan and Kaduna, with the highlight of the regatta being a rowing competition in long traditional canoes, in which all the men of one kind or another often occupy the oars, turning the competition into an arena serious passions and competition between different clans and gives special urgency to the fight at a distance.