Sam McClymont explores Samoa's largest island, Savai'i, known for untouched natural beauty
The South Pacific paradise of Samoa lies north-east of Australia, and while most visitors stay on the main island of Upolu, Sam McClymont explored the larger island of Savai'i, for untouched natural beauty and authentic Polynesian culture.
Location:
Savai'i, Samoa
Costs:
Samoa Shipping Corporation www.ssc.ws
Return ferry trips between Upolu and Savai'i start at $10 for adults & $5 for kids (2-12 years)
Salelologa Markets www.samoa.travel/experience/foodies/markets-to-visit
Open daily from 5am
Alofaaga Blowholes www.samoa.travel
Entry costs $2.50 for adults & 1.50 for kids
Open Monday - Saturday
Siapo Demonstration, Palauli www.instagram.com/siapodemonstrationvp
1 hour demonstration costs $10 for adults & $5 for kids (13 and under)
Afu Aau Waterfall www.samoa.travel
Entry costs $5 for adults & $2.50 for kids (5-11 years)
Open Monday - Saturday, 8am - 5pm
For more travel inspiration visit www.samoa.travel
Info correct at 23.05.26
Highlights:
Sam's adventure began on the water, catching a ferry from Mulifanua Wharf on Upolu. Being the only means of travel to Savai'i, the ferries are loaded with cars and trucks in a seemingly chaotic but highly organised manner, leaving centimetres between them, a fun spectacle to be part of! A bit over an hour later the ferry disembarked at Salelologa, Savai'i's main hub.
The first stop was the local market, a vibrant, one-stop shop for local families selling household goods, groceries and fresh produce. It's also a great place to pick up genuine Samoan crafts, such as wood carvings, hand printed lavalava, coconut jewellery and decorative siapo cloth.
An hour's drive away on the southwest coast, Sam and local guide Ado visited one of the island's most dramatic natural features: the Alofaaga Blowholes. Formed by lava tunnels, these blowholes are a spectacular, noisy display of nature's power, a sight that truly defines Savai'i's unique and different landscape.
From the raw power of the coast, they took a detour inland to visit a family of siapo cloth artisans. After a traditional Samoan welcome of koko tea and fresh bananas, Sam got hands-on in the long process of turning the bark of a mulberry tree into delicate cloth through stretching and beating. After it has dried over many days, the cloth is then hand painted with natural dyes. The highly valued cloth is used in ceremonial gowns, given as prized gifts, or treasured as a piece of art.
Not far from there Sam found one of Savai'i's best swimming spots. The picturesque Afu Aau Waterfall cascades from the lush rainforest into a clear and refreshing freshwater pool, a great way to escape the humidity and relax at the end of a busy day. No wonder the Samoans are such a happy bunch!
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