Page 147 - Pacifia Paradises - 2020

UPOLU

The gateway to Samoa, Upolu is home to the international Apia is the perfect place to acclimatise to island life, pick up some
airport, the capital city, Apia, and the bulk of the country’s souvenirs, and immerse yourself in the cultural heritage and proud
population. history of Samoa.

Upolu’s coast is surrounded by white sand beaches and blue The colourful Maketi Fou (food market) on Apia’s Fugalei Street, is
lagoons. One of Samoa’s most pristine beaches, Lalomanu Beach a good place to stock up on fresh fruit like pawpaws or a bunch of
on the southeastern tip of the island with its translucent lagoon, is a sweet little ladyfinger bananas. About a 10-minute walk from the food
protected marine reserve, teeming with a magnitude of tropical fish market is the flea market, the perfect souvenir haunt where you’ll
species and marine life. find everything from clubs and kava bowls to lava lavas (the Samoan
sarong), baskets, jewellery and authentic Samoan music.
Just a little further north, head off to Namua Island and swim with the
endangered green turtle in its natural ocean environment. South of The famous Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson, famed for
Lalomanu there’s even more fauna to explore, including the seabird classic books such as Treasure Island and Strange Case of Dr Jekyll
nesting grounds on Nuutele Island. From behind the hospital at and Mr Hyde, spent his final years in Samoa. He was known by the
Lalomanu you can take a short guided walk to an extinct volcanic local people as Tusitala, Samoan for ‘teller of tales’. His beautiful
crater, which happens to be home to a whole army of flying foxes. mansion Vailima has been converted into a museum set within lush
gardens and is open to the public.
Upolu’s interior exudes a very special and mystic charm. There are
numerous tracks that lead deep through lush rainforests to a number Visitors can also visit his grave located at the top of Mt. Vaea, along a
or rivers and dramatically beautiful waterfalls. trail named by the locals as “The Road of the Loving Heart”.
O Le Pupu-Pui National Park contains Samoa’s highest mountain, Mt. The locals are famously hospitable and the city is easily explored by
Fito at 1100 metres as well as Togitogiga Falls and some good hiking foot. Apia has a great nightlife, everything from busy pubs, nightclubs
trails. Papapapai-Tai Falls, with a 100 metre drop makes these very to cultural shows and excellent restaurants, where you can sing,
spectacular falls. The Papase’ea Sliding Rocks are just six kilometres dance and enjoy fresh Samoan cuisine.
southwest of Apia. Soft vegetation under the water makes it possible In addition to hotels in Apia there are some good resorts, guest
to easily slide down the falls into the natural pool below. The idyllic houses and fales on the island.
To Sua Ocean Trench attracts those keen to enjoy a surreal swim in a
giant swimming hole.
Samoa’s capital, Apia is home to 38,000 inhabitants. Situated on a
natural harbour, just 40 kilometres from Faleolo International Airport,

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