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Samoa is an island nation steeped in beauty and natural attractions. It’s the perfect destination to immerse yourself in a unique culture, and relax and unwind.Samoa is comprised of ten islands, with Upolu and Savai'i being the largest in the nation. Apia on Upolu is the capital of Samoa, and the official languages of the nation are Samoan, a polynesian language, and English in business affairs.

Migratory patterns suggest that the first Samoans migrated from south-east Asia around 3,000 years ago. Proud people with an equally proud culture, the only outside influence that has informed Samoan culture is the arrival of missionaries in the 1800s. As a result, Fa'a Samoa - "the Samoan Way" - is centred around the matai (chiefs), the family and church life.

In the 1890s, renowned author Robert Louis Stevenson settled his family in Samoa. When the author died, his death was commemorated extensively. In Vailima today, you can visit Stevenson's plantation home, which is now a museum.

During World War I, New Zealand became adminstators of German Samoa in a military occupation driven by Britain. In 1927, the League of Samoa was founded in response to Samoans wanting independence. Samoa finally gained independence as a nation in 1962.

Today, Samoa is a place that graciously welcomes visitors. It is a place where people are met with smiling faces, and food and music are central to the Samoan way of life. The Samoan Siva is an elegant dance that shouldn't be missed during your visit.

Samoa's laid back lifestyle is a drawcard for visitors wanting to relax and unwind in a tropical paradise. Rich in natural beauty, Samoa boasts pristine beaches, picturesque waterfalls, lush rainforests and fascinating marine life.

Whether you want to be active or do nothing at all, you can do it all here in Samoa.

Samoa has a number of exotic

and interesting attractions on offer so

be sure to take full advantage of this

tropical oasis.

Welcome to

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Apia is the capital of Samoa and boasts around 35,000 residents that call this paradise home. It's the perfect base to explore this tranquil island nation.

Exploring Apia

Apia, located on the island of Upolu, is a mixture of traditional housing and modern architecture, and is a bustling hub that offers plenty of shopping, fantastic eateries and a number of entertainment options. Catch one of the cultural nights in town for a wonderful night of food, singing and dancing, which is at the very heart of Samoan culture.

The Apia markets are well worth a visit. There's a local produce market, which offers an array of fresh fruit and vegetables, and a flea market. The fish market is best visited on a Sunday in the early hours to find a great selection of seafood and to avoid the heat.

Along Beach Road in the CBD, you can learn all about Samoan culture, namely Fa’a Samoa, at the Samoa Cultural Village. Cultural Tours are available Monday to Friday at 10:30am-12:30pm. For more information, please call 63 520.

Not too far from the town centre, lies the Palolo Deep Marine Reserve. A popular spot for swimming, snorkelling and diving, this blue hole showcases some of the remarkable marine life and coral evident in the region. The reserve has shower amenities and snorkelling hire is available.

For history buffs, get down to the Museum of Samoa to view its displays of historical and cultural artefacts. Housed in a colonial-style building, the museum is open Monday to Friday, 10am-4:30pm, and entry is free. Be sure to check out the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum in Vailima, just 5kms from Apia.

While you're in Vailima, it's well worth checking out the Vailima Botanical Gardens. The gardens comprise 12 hectares of lush tropical f lora, boasting indigenous and introduced species. For more information, drop into the visitor centre in the gardens. There’s a natural water hole that visitors can use after a treck up to Robert Louis Stevenson’s tomb at the peak of Mt Veaa.

• ExploretheSuaOceanTrench(swimminghole)andthemagnificentwaterfallsonbothUpoluandSavai'i.

• VisitRobertLouisStevenson'splantationhomeinVailima

which is now a museum.

• HeadtotheeastcoasttoLalomanuBeachforswimming,snorkellinganddiving.

• EmbarkonafishingtourtoexplorethebestfishingthatSamoahastooffer.

• SeetheSaleaulaLavaFieldsonSavai'i,afascinatinglandscapemouldedbypastvolcaniceruptions.

• CheckouttheAlofaagaBlowholesonSavai'itoexperiencethesheerforceofnature.

• TaketheCanopyWalkthroughthepristineFalealupo

RainforestPreserveandimmerseyourselfinnature.

• CatchaculturalnighttoindulgeyourtastebudsandexperienceSamoanculturefirsthand.

• Forarefreshingale,dropintotheVailimaBrewerytotasteSamoa'sveryownVailimabrew.

• Don'tmisstheApiaMarketsforfreshlocalproduceandSamoanhandicrafts.

Things to see & do in Samoa

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Cemetery

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German Memorial

New Government Building

Flea Market

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Tupua Tamasese MeaoleNational Hospital

Central Bank of SamoaLibrary

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Palolo Deep Marine Reserve

Vaiala Beach

Le Papaigalagala -National University of Samoa

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MalliafouCollege

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PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE MAP FROM ROOM.

Getting AroundYou can travel around Samoa by car, bus, bike, taxi or ferry.The main islands of Samoa boast some truly picturesque drives and so rental cars are plentiful in Samoa. Drivers just need to make sure they get their foreign driver’s licence validated at the Land Transport Authority, which costs ST$12. Taxis are also readily available to get from A to B, and it’s a good idea to agree on a price before you depart for your destination. Short trips around Apia will cost between ST$3-$4.

An inter-island ferry travels between the Mulifanua Wharf on Upolu and Salelologa Wharf on Savai’i. A one way trip between the islands takes a little over an hour. For information on fares and times, please visit www.samoashipping.com. To

explore Samoa by bus, simply f lag down one of the

colourful buses and to alight pull the cord

where you want the bus to stop.

Payment is required on departing.

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Food & DanceFood and dance are central to Samoan culture and are celebrated daily.Food is integral to the Samoan way of life and every event is cause for celebration for locals. Family members will harvest produce from plantations, while other members will paddle out to sea to catch fresh seafood. If you’re fortunate enough to eat with a family in the villages, you’ll experience the gastronomical wonders of the region’s food as well as Samoan hospitality first-hand.

Many restaurants have FiaFia Nights which showcase Samoan dances and songs along with sumptuous Samoan cuisine. The Siva Afi, a fire knife dance performed by males, and the Siva, performed by females, are both wonderful dances not to be missed. Be sure to try some Samoan delicacies such as oka, which is raw fish and coconut cream, and palusami – taro leaves and coconut cream.

Amanaki RestaurantBeach Road, Apia • Ph: 27 889

Aunty Helen's RestaurantJet Over Hotel, Salelologa, Saviai'i • Ph: 51 565

Ava | Toga RestaurantSouth Coast of Upolu • Ph: 25 191

Le Alaimoana Hotel RestaurantMain East Coast Road, Apia • Ph: 20 392

Le Manumea Hotel Vailima, Apia • Ph: 27 755

Le Taupou Restaurant Orator Hotel, Alafa'alava Road, Aleisa • Ph: 29 136

KokoBanana Bar & GrillCross Island Road, Apia • Ph: 26 880

Paddles Restaurant Main Beach Road, Apia • Ph: 21 819

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Dining Guide

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Fa'a Samoa is a way of life for Samoans today. With a focus on traditional customs, family and the church, it informs every aspect of the Samoan culture.Fa'a Samoa, meaning the Samoan Way, is centred around village life which is overseen by matai (chiefs). Across 362 villages in Samoa, approximately 18,000 chiefs advise regularly on family and local matters. The chiefs congregrate at the village meeting place, known as a Fale Fono.

In the 1800s, missionary John Williams arrived in Samoa spruiking Christian values. Readily absorbing Williams' teachings, the locals integrated religion into their culture. Today 98% of Samoans are devout Christians falling into a number of different denominations. As a result, the church is central to village life in Samoa with most Samoans attending church on Sundays and physical work being halted on the day.

With religion close to their hearts, Samoans are modest people. Visitors are advised against walking around villages during the prayer curfew, which usually occurs between 6pm-7pm. Sunday is a day of rest so travel quietly through villages. Revealing clothing is not appropriate in villages and nude swimming or sunbathing is not acceptable. Please remove your shoes before going into a fale. Be sure to ask your host about protocols before entering any villages.

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Sopoaga WaterfallsTogitogigaWaterfall

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Upolu and Savai'i are the two largest islands in Samoa among eight other smaller islands. Both Upolu and Savai'i offer plenty of things to see and do.

UPOLUThe island of Upolu is a tropical haven just waiting to be explored. The Coastal Walk within the Pupu Pu'e National Park is a wonderful trek along the coastline and through the Pandanus Forest. The walk takes around an hour to complete and it's recommended hikers wear proper walking shoes and pack water for the journey.

For swimming, snorkelling and diving, head to the east coast's picturesque Lalomanu Beach. An entry fee of around ST$30 applies as most land in Samoa is owned by the locals. Shower amenities and fales for shelter from the sun are available here.

The interior of Upolu boasts fertile rainforests and a number of stunning waterfalls. Visit Sapoaga Waterfall, Fuipisia Falls, Felefa Falls or Papapapaitai (Tiavi) Falls for awe-inspiring vistas. Entry fees apply. Piula Cave Pool is the perfect place to picnic and cool off while you snorkel through the underwater caves.

SAVAI'ITake a ferry from Mulifanua Wharf across to Savai'i, the third largest island in Polynesia. Savai'i provides its own natural wonders to explore. Afu Aau Falls is a beautiful waterfall with a swimming pool at the base. The Canopy Walk that weaves through the Falealupo Rainforest Preserve is also well worth a visit. The Alofaaga Blowholes, accessed via Taga Village, demonstrates the sheer power of nature as sea water rockets hundreds of feet upward.

In the early twentieth century, Mt Matavanu erupted leaving five villages in its wake. The Saleaula Lava Fields can be visited today to view the fascinating remnants of the eruption. For intrepid hikers, Mount Silisili is a memorable hike through stunning tropical rainforest with panoramic views of the island.

For more information on things to see and do in Upolu and Savai'i, please visit www.samoa.travel.

NationAn Island

http://avisrentacar.ws

Essential ServicesEMERGENCY

Police 995 Ambulance 999

MEDICAL

Tupua Tamasese Meaole II National Hospital,Apia 21 212

Savai'i Hospital, Savai'i 53 511

Apia Medical Clinic,Wesley Arcade, Apia 20 942

Le Fomai Medical Clinic, Maluafou 32 196

DENTAL

Leavai Dental Surgery, Lalovaea 20 172

PHARMACIES

Niu Pharmacy, Saleufi Mall, Apia 758 2410

Apia Pharmacy, Matafele 22 703

INTERNETACCESS

Samoa boasts an array of internet cafes with major accommodation establishments offering access to the internet.

BANKATM'S are found throughout both Upolu and Savai'i.

SAMOATOURISMAUTHORITY 63 523

Airport CustomsIt’s important to know some facts about customs in regards to taking artefacts back home to Australia and New Zealand.It's advised that all items made from plant material are inspected prior to leaving Samoa, otherwise goods may be confiscated on arrival back home.

Take your item to the Quarantine Office, which is located next to the marina in Apia, 24 hours prior to your departure or earlier if you're leaving on the weekend. Quarantine will advise as to whether your item needs to be fumigated or not. If it needs to be fumigated, the cost is ST$240 per person. When items from other visitors are waiting for fumigation, this cost is then divided between individual owners. On completion, a Phytosanitary Certificate is provided. The Quarantine Office is open 9am-5pm, weekdays, and you can phone them on 20 924.

On arrival to Australia, you need to declare certain items. For a full list of those items and other useful information, please visit www.daff.gov.au/biosecurity/travel/cant-take. On arrival to New Zealand, you will be required to declare items as outlined on your Passenger Arrival Card. For a full list of items to declare, visit www.biosecurity.govt.nz/enter/declare.

ConsulatesMinistryofForeignAffairsSamoa 21 171 W: www.mfat.gov.wsAustralianHighCommission 23 411 W: www.samoa.embassy.gov.auNew Zealand High Commission 21 711 W: www.nzembassy.com/samoaEmbassy of United States 21 631 W: samoa.usembassy.gov Chinese Embassy 22 474 W: ws.mofcom.gov.cnEmbassy of France 25 540 E: zita@polynesianxplorer.comHonorary Consulate of Sweden 20 036 E: smsagencies@ipasifika.net

FEBRUARY Vailima Marist Samoa 7s, Lotopa

APRILSamoa International Game Fishing, Late April - May

MAYSamoa Swim Festival, Manase, Savai'i

JUNE Independence Swim, Apia Harbour

JULY Manu Samoa vs All Blacks, Apia

AUGUST Warrior Race Samoa, Apia Samoa Ocean Swim, SamoaSEPTEMBERTeuila Festival, Apia Miss Samoa Pageant, Apia Commonwealth Youth Games 2015, Apia

OCTOBERWhite Sunday, Samoa

Events

Apia MarketsFUGALEI FRESH PRODUCE MARKET Open daily and offering a diverse range of fantastic regional produce. Make sure you try a cool refreshing niu (coconut milk). Located on Fugalei Street, it's recommended to visit the market during daylight hours.

SAVALALO FLEA MARKET Open Monday to Saturday, the flea market is a great place to buy a souvenir to bring back home with you. The intricately made handicrafts found here are colourful and reflective of the Samoan culture with its unique emblems. The market is located at Savalalo.

APIA FISH MARKET It's recommended you visit the fish market on Sunday between the hours of 5am to 9am to get the best choice of produce. The market boasts a hugh array of seafood at incredibly low prices.

JUST BRILLIANT

GUIDES

This guest services room publication is compiled and produced by John Batman Group – The Hospitality Supermarket, publishers of specialist room directories and magazines.

John Batman Group – The Hospitality Supermarket, and Just Brilliant Guides are trademarks of Binders Compendiums Menu Covers Pty Ltd. © Copyright all rights reserved. JBG–O

John Batman Group – The Hospitality Supermarket. PO Box 726, Ringwood, Victoria, 3134, Australia. Tel: +61 3 9879 8588 Fax: +61 3 9879 8688 Email: info@johnbatman.com.au Web: www.johnbatman.com.au

Images courtesy of Outdoors Samoa and The Samoan Photographer.

Managing DirectorJarrod La Canna

Advertising Sales Chris BoyleGraphic DesignCarolyn Tellus

Design Assistance Teresa Prowse Leeanne Lisle

Studio EditorKarla Dondio

Operations ManagerEleanor White

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The information contained in this publication is provided as a guide only. Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, John Batman Group disclaims any liability or responsibility for the accuracy of the information contained herein. Advertising material appearing in this publication is supplied by the operator or service provider and John Batman Group is not responsible for the accuracy of advertising content.

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