Few people come to a Pacific paradise to hang around in a small city with not much in the way of beaches. But it’s worth taking some time to explore Apia: with an excellent cultural centre, three buzzy markets and an eclectic collection of local eateries and nightspots, the capital offers an immersive introduction to island life. Plentiful accommodation, facilities galore and proximity to some fascinating natural and historic attractions – and, given the island’s small size, pretty much everything else on Upolu – makes Apia a handy base for visitors.
Day Tours
Half Day Apia Township Tour
Enjoy a half day tour visiting all the major attractions of Samoa. Explore Mulinu’u, the sacred burial grounds of the chiefly families of Samoa. Visit Parliament House and Independence Memorial. Continue to the Moamoa Cathedral to admire the exquisite stained glass windows. Visit Vailima the former home of author, Robert Louis Stevenson.
Includes:
• Parliament House
• Independence Memorial
• Robert Louis Stevenson Museum
• Light refreshments
• Bottled water
• All admission fees
• Return transfers from Apia accommodation
Operates: From selected Apia accommodation
From $67 per adult / $34 per child (5-11 years)
Aleipata Districts & To Sua Ocean Trench
This full day tour takes you on a drive through the Falefa basin and villages to stop at the famous To Sua Trench, where you can enjoy a swim. A plated sandwich lunch is served at Faofao beach, a beautiful white sand beach great for swimming & snorkelling before the return trip back Apia. via Papapapaiata Falls, and the Bahai Temple.
From $180 per adult / $90 per child (4-11 years)
Wine & Dine
Paddles Restaurant:
Italian cuisines influenced from the northern regions of Italy and selected local favourites from Samoa, make Paddles restaurant a must visit while on the island. Offering lunch and dinner and a full bar/cafe/Wi-Fi service Paddles is a must do. Open daily.
Scalinis Restaurant:
The award winning Scalinis began in Auckland before relocating to Apia in 2009. Located just outside Apia town with a variety of delicacy’s to tempt your taste buds. Open for lunch from 12pm and dinner from 5.30pm.
Roko’s Restaurant:
Offering delicious international cuisine with Polynesian influences. Relax and dine over a glass of wine.
Giordaons Wood-Fire Pizza & Garden Restaurant:
Quaint courtyard restaurant serving amazing pizza and pasta. Open for dinners from 3-10pm daily.
Must see & do
• Go to the markets – Hit the colourful Maketi Fou (food market) on Apia’s Fugalei street, stock up on fresh fruit like pawpaws or a bunch of sinfully sweet little ladyfinger bananas. From there and about a 10 minute walk, head to the flea market, this is the perfect souvenir hunt where you’ll find everything from clubs and kava bowls to lava lavas (the Samoan Sarong), baskets, jewelry and authentic Samoan music.
• Cool down at the Papaseea Sliding Rocks – With only a 10 minute drive from Apia town you can refresh yourself in the cooling waters or alternatively enjoy one of the many beautiful waterfalls dotted around Upolu.
• Visit the Rober Louis Stevenson Botanical Garden & Museum – Enrich yourself in the history of Rober Louis Stevenson as you wander around his home and learn about the life and works of this very talented writer.
• Go to a Fia Fia Night – Watch a traditional cultural performance of singing and dancing.
• Church – Samoans are devoted Christians and Sunday is a day of worship and spending time with family. Churches are found in all towns and villages and are spectacular buildings, make sure you take time out to visit one and mix with the locals.
Travel Tips
• Climate – A pleasantly warm climate. The temperatures are cooled by south-east trade winds from May to October, while November to April is the wet and humid season.
• Currency – The Samoan unit of currency is the “Tala”. Banks offer money exchange facilities at the airport for arrivals and departures. Main hotels also offer money exchange facilities.
• Language – Samoan is the national language, but English is the official language for business. Most Samoans are fluent in both languages.
• Clothing – Visitors to Samoa need a light tropical wardrobe year round with perhaps a light sweater for the cooler evenings. Wearing togs is fine at the resorts but should not be worn when visiting town or villages.
• Transport – There are many ways you can get around Apia. Taxis are available as well as the option to hire a car, which is the best way to see all the sights available at your own pace.
• Visa – is not required for visitors staying up to 60 days, however you must have an onward or return ticket and a valid passport.
