Samoa’s growing attraction to Kiwis ...... p2 Getting around in Samoa; staying in fales ...... p3 Exploring Savaii: Lava and locals ...... p4 Getting out on Upolu; Samoan delicacies ...... p5 Sporting, cultural events boost Samoa’s appeal ...... p6 TRAVEL TODAY FEATURE Teuila Festival brings plenty of entertainment ...... p7 Star-spotting at Samoa’s first Raggamuffin ...... p8

Travel Today Destinational Feature Published by Tabs on Travel Ltd © Copyright Samoan Sundays Travel Today Feature P2 Growing Kiwi Appeal Life comes to a halt on Sun in Samoa, but not before everyone Samoa Air Back has been to church, and visitors The growth in demand for Samoa are welcome to join in at one of saw the re-launch of domestic air the many churches on the islands. services in Jun. Samoa Air operates Most resorts will arrange to take a fleet of BN2A Islanders and offers guests to a nearby church on a Sun five daily return services between morning. The service is mainly in Upolu and Savaii. The carrier is also Samoan (although our priest ad- about to launch direct services from dressed us a few times in English), Savaii to Pago Pago in American Sa- but you don’t have to understand moa, and offers charter services. the language to appreciate the Kiwis’ love of Samoa is growing and grave of one of the world’s most fa- worshippers’ beautiful white out- in Samoa, it’s impossible to wander mous authors. fits, singing or performances by around a resort without hearing the tiny children. If clients attend that unmistakeable Kiwi twang. . . . Growing Attraction a service they need to have their Samoa’s white sand beaches, blue New Zealand travel to Samoa has shoulders and knees covered, and water and year-round average tem- been up each month this year, thanks if their outfit is white, even better. perature of 29C mean it’s a popular in part to the country celebrating the Afterwards everyone spends the fly and flop holiday destination, and 50th anniversary of its independence, afternoon eating and napping— it certainly has the resorts to cater to and in the year to Jul the number of definitely a good time to do like Kiwis looking for a relaxing holiday in departures were up by 4.7% to 45,220. the locals do. the sun. However clients who are will- This was the biggest increase by per- ing to be a little adventurous are going centage in the Pacific, and in Jul Samoa Fia Fia Nights to get the most out of Samoa—and it was one of the only countries to see an Most resorts in Samoa will hold has seen an increase in independent increase of Kiwi visitor numbers. Fia Fia nights one night a week, travellers who are looking to explore. Year-to-date, the numbers are even up where locals and staff members Hidden in the lush green tropics are on pre-tsunami figures, and in Samoa will perform traditional music, watering holes, natural waterslides itself there is little evidence of the dancing, and spectacular fireknife made of rock, beautiful waterfalls, devastating wave other than a modern dancing. Clients should expect to walkways among the treetops, caves, new flair at rebuilt properties and at- get involved! lava tubes, volcanic fields and the tractions. Travel Today Feature P3 Self Driving Samoa Self-drive is a great way to explore 40kph speed limit in town and 56kph Overwater Fales Back Samoa—the colourful houses and out of town, as they are used as walk- Coconuts Beach Resort and Spa has beautiful vegetation provide plen- ways by animals and people. Petrol started rebuilding the overwater fales ty to look at and it’s difficult to get costs about the same, or slightly less, which were destroyed in the 2009 lost with one main road around as it does in New Zealand. tsunami, and the resort hopes to have Upolu and Savaii, and a few that Drivers need to get their license them completed for the New Year. cross Upolu. validated (WST12) with many rental Coconuts was the only property It takes around two to three hours to agencies able to do this. The Fale Experience on Upolu’s South Coast to offer the drive around Upolu, the most popu- For those after a true local experi- For those happy to experience a popular overwater fales. lated island and home to capital Apia, ence, there are brightly coloured more traditional (and cheaper) Six ‘bigger and better’ fales have and three to four hours to cicrum- buses which are an experience in stay, Samoa’s beach fales are ideal. been designed, building work is navigate Savaii, the largest island. themselves. There are no bus stops— They are a platform on stilts with well underway. However, the prop- There are plenty of car rental places, travellers hail a bus when they see it, a thatched roof, woven blinds that erty is promising that the building and the roads are in pretty good con- ask the driver if they’re on the right can be pulled down to enclose it, a process will have little impact on its dition. They are quite narrow though one, let them know where they want mattress on the floor and little else. resort guests. and it’s a good idea to stick to the to go and then pay the fare (anything The (usually beachfront) fales are from WST1 to WST7) when they are open to let the breeze in, and they Teuila Festival Begins dropped off. definitely inspire afternoon naps. On Mon, the annual Teuila Festival On Savaii, the terminal is at the mar- Wholesalers have noted increased kicked off in Samoa with a speech ket in Salelologa, and on Upolu it’s demand for the fales, which usu- from the Prime Minister and sev- next to the food market in Fugalei. ally costs $30-$50pp pn, including eral song and dance performances. breakfast and dinner. Held on the first week of Sep every Roadside Snacks “There’s certainly a growing inter- year, the festival was created to keep Clients exploring the destination, est in the traditional fale-style of Samoa’s traditions alive, includ- especially those self-driving, should accommodation,” says GO Holi- ing art, music and tattooing. The keep some change on them to buy days’ Wayne Deed. celebrations traditionally close with produce at roadside stalls along the Bedding is included but clients Miss Samoa but this year will finish way. Villagers sell their excess pro- will usually need their own towel. with Ragamuffin—keep an eye on duce, such as coconuts, pawpaw and Bathrooms are shared, and every- upcoming issues of Travel Today to pineapple, very cheaply and it’s guar- one dines together on traditional catch the action. anteed to be fresh. The stalls are often Samoan food at mealtimes. manned by children. E/ART JO: 7001 On Yer Bike Travel Today Feature P4 Discovering Savaii Cycling around Savaii is becoming an increasingly popular option, especially There are several stories around with older couples, says local resident why the lava which destroyed five Warren Jopling. Clients can hire a bike villages on Savaii, Samoa’s largest in Upolu and bring it over, or rent one island, failed to damage the grave in Savaii. It takes seven to 11 days to of a pure virgin nun—and like cycle around the island with plenty of any, the local legend is the best. stops to see everything. The last eruption on the volcanic island (home to over 400 volcanic cones) lasted from 1905 to 1911, and left a unique field of solidified lava, the likes of which can only be found in a few places in the world. At the only village to be rebuilt, Sa- leaula, visitors can pay WST5 to visit the Virgin’s Grave, where the lava has Island’s Hidden Charm crumbled to reveal her final resting Savaii is one of the largest islands place, then throw in a flower and in the Pacific, after New Zealand make a wish. the lava crust is thin), and up Tafua Blowholes and Hawaii, but is sparsely popu- They can also visit the church which where they can view a volcanic crater Samoa’s blowholes are a must see. lated. Clients travelling the isle will was abandoned after being filled (and try to spot rare flying foxes). A strong swell and no wind are the still find villages to call at and spot with the lava, although its impressive Most hotels offer day tours or clients perfect conditions for checking out locals working, resting, weaving structure still stands. could book with Jopling, who is full the famous Alofaaga Blowholes or playing sports like volleyball or Our guide, an older Aussie gentleman of interesting facts about how and (WST5 entry)—and on a good cricket. It pays to keep a lavalava named Warren Jopling with a passion why the lava has formed the way it day, coconuts thrown into the holes handy to cover up with in villag- for geology, has a scientific reason for has. Jopling, who moved to Samoa by a local lady can shoot 70m back es, and even if they’re shy of ap- why the virgin’s grave is uncovered, nearly 30 years ago, takes the tours into the air. On a calm day and at proaching adults, the children are but we’ll stick to the romantic legend. as a retirement hobby and relies on the right time of year, humpback always keen to meet visitors (and The island’s volcanic legacy is also word of mouth for customers (ph whales can also be spotted off- won’t expect anything in return evident in lava fields along the north +685 750 6448). shore—apparently drawn by the except maybe a peek at themselves coast, which clients can wander over l For more photos see our Travel sound of the blowholes. on camera). for free (but be aware, in some places Today NZ facebook page. All About Apia Travel Today Feature P5 Apia is a ‘city’ but not overly touristy. Rustic Adventures Clients looking for souvenirs can head Dining in Samoa to the flea market near Hotel Kitano Dining in Samoa is always the most Tusitala, which runs daily and behind delicious (and cheapest) if clients is the fish market, best before 1100. opt for local ingredients—think There’s also a marine reserve near fish, chicken and fruit. Aggie’s called the Palolo Deep Marine At resorts mains are around WST20- Reserve, where clients can snorkel, WST70, while supermarkets are ob- dive and swim (visitors are advised to viously cheaper—a bottle of water plan snorkel trips for high tide), and is around WST2 and a Vailima (Sa- For more photos, see the waterfront is beautiful for walking our Facebook page moa’s local beer and not a bad drop) >>CLICK HERE<< along but not really for swimming. is about WST3. Cigarettes are just WST8.50 for a 20-pack of Pall Mall. Samoa’s still finding its feet will expect a fee for entering, even if Lalomanu Beach In Apia there’s a McDonalds but it’s tourism wise, so clients shouldn’t it is just WST5 each. pretty costly. come expecting flashy water The best restaurant we found was parks—they’re more likely to find . . . Wild Water Paddles, down from Aggie Grey’s, themselves sliding down natural One of the most popular tourist sites where an enormous plate of fresh water slides made of rocks. on Upolu is the To Sua trench (pic- tuna sashimi was around WST25, This doesn’t mean the attractions are tured), a giant swimming hole which and next door is the Y Not bar, ap- any less fun though, and for many feeds to the ocean and a steep lad- parently the best place to party. people the lack of development and der descending to the water. It costs On Savaii, the restaurant at Kiwi- crowds (except the odd fellow Kiwi) WST15 adults, WST12 for kids. run Savaii on the Lagoon serves makes it all the more special. Other popular attractions include the Lalomanu, one of Upolo’s most delicious fresh reasonably-priced On Upolu, Samoa’s most populated Papase’ea Sliding Rocks, around 6km easily accessible beaches, was meals. island and home to capital Apia and from Apia where visitors can slide one of those most affected in the When staying at fales, clients will get the iconic Aggie Grey’s Resort and down rocks into a deep pool; Piula tsunami. Three years on and the a chance to try true Samoan fare— Hotel, there are plenty of lesser- Cave Pool, great for swimming, snor- beach is idyllic as ever, with fales we recommend Oka (Samoa’s version known attractions waiting for in- kelling and picnics; and Peapea Cave, lined up along the ocean and a of raw fish salad), palusami (baby trepid Kiwis. a lava tube beginning at Togitogiga small restaurant. If clients are interested in seeing evidence of taro leaves cooked in coconut cream) Clients should be aware though that Falls. Clients will need a torch, water the wave’s devastation however, the and for breakfast, banana ‘pancakes’ the majority of land in Samoa is and tramping experience for the surrounding area still bears scars. (more like deep-fried donuts). owned by its people, and often they 2 ½ - 3 hour track. E/ART JO: 7001 Sporting Challenges Travel Today Feature P6 Events Add Appeal Samoa has introduced new sporting Samoa, the island, has been This week the destination staged its events and enhanced existing ones Family Fia Fia stepping up its cultural and sport- annual Teuila Festival, and for the this year. The island nation also has Hanging with the locals is a highlight ing events in a bid to give Kiwis first time this year it will culminate big plans to continue building its in Samoa. At Tanu Beach Fales we ate more reasons to visit—and this not with the ever-popular Miss Sa- sporting credentials. a delicious communal dinner of tra- year even attracted some special moa pageant (which is on tonight) This year the Samoa Swim Series ditional food, watched an enthusiastic guests, including UB40 and New but the first annual Raggamuffin saw three swims held over three and very funny fia fia performance by Zealand’s own Savage. concert. days, including the Falefa Falls and the family and joined them for an im- The island nation celebrated the The reggae music festival, a favou- Mulivai-Sinalei, and was so popular promptu dance party. Apparently fia 50th anniversary of its indepen- rite in New Zealand, has crossed that next year it will include a long fia nights at smaller family-run prop- dence this year, a milestone which the ocean, bringing with it artists course. erties are often like this, and although saw UB40 play in Apia (and drew including Savage, Swiss and Spawn- For 2013 the organisers plan to tack the performances aren’t as polished thousands of people to Samoa’s breezie. on a triathlon, meaning next 01-10 they’re definitely as entertaining. sunny shores). Samoa Tourism Authority’s Peter Aug will see nearly two weeks of Sereno says the festival marks Sa- action. moa as the ‘cultural centre of the According to the ‘Action Capital South Pacific’. of the Pacific’ plan for the next “Samoa is regarded as the cradle three years by Samoa International of Polynesia and we celebrate our Events’ SetiAfoa, the destination cultural roots every year during the can also look forward to the Samoa Teuila Festival. Raggamuffin is an Iron Series, International Marathon, excellent way to mark the end of Ultra Adventure Race, International our festivities—what better way to Paddle Board competition and Upo- finish off the celebrations than some lu—Savaii Swim Relay. Aggie Grey’s For Kids, Golf And More serious island beats from the world’s In the near future, the nation is also Aggie Grey’s Resort and Spa is building a new golf club and convention centre best reggae, hip hop, funk, dub and hosting the 2012 ICC World Cricket to go with its PGA-approved 18-hole golf course. The resort remains a favou- soul talent?” League Division Eight; SIFA Samoa rite with Kiwis, and is one of the only resorts in Samoa to offer a kids club. Open; InselFehmarn Food and Wine Both the resort and hotel have stay seven, pay five or stay five, pay four at the For more photos, see Fair; and Samoa vs Scotland Netball resort; and stay five, pay three at the hotel, for sales to 30 Sep and travel by our Facebook page Series. 31 Mar. The deals include breakfast and airport transfers, and the resort has >>CLICK HERE<< To keep an eye on Samoa’s calendar, akids stay, play and eat free for under 12s. see samoa.travel/events.aspx Cool Evenings Travel Today Feature P7 Festive Samoa In the evenings when the weather cools down, the entertainment Treasure Island begins on Teuila’s main stage, One of Samoa’s unique claims to including a variety show. fame is its link to famous Scottish au- Like watching an episode of Sa- thor Robert Louis Stevenson (think moa’s Got Talent, the show brings Treasure Island, Kidnapped and Dr together talented dancers (both Jekyll and Mr Hyde). Stevenson lived modern and traditional), sing- out his days in Samoa, and clients can ers and, while we were watching, visit the mansion he lived in with his some very funny fafafinis (pic- wife (now a museum), and learn the tured). story of his family. Entry is WST15 The square is packed and there adult, WST5 under 12s. Stevenson is is a great atmosphere with the buried nearby on Mt Vaea and while local Samoans cheering on their it doesn’t cost anything to walk the favourites—and there’s plenty of 30-45 minutes to his grave it won’t be English translations so the jokes the same without the moving story of Each year Samoa puts on a week- of the Scotsman’s Challenge (a race aren’t lost on the tourists. his funeral (especially if it’s told by long show of culture, sports and en- up Mt Vaea where Robert Louis Ste- the lovely Margaret). Those wanting tertainment for tourists and locals phenson is buried) and riggamuffin to climb up to his grave are advised alike at the annual Teuila Festival. (outrigger) competition. to do so early in the morning or late Held on the first week of Sep, the festi- A highlight is the fiercely-contested in the afternoon, when it is cooler. val was started by the Samoa Tourism fautasi (longboat) race, which sees Authority to help keep Samoa’s tradi- teams of locals race each other on tions and culture alive. waka-like canoes along the waterfront Apia comes over all festive with dem- and makes for a fairly nail-biting onstrations of carving, tatau (tattoo) watch (especially if clients hop aboard and weaving, while market stalls sell a boat and watch from the water). Samoan food as well as souvenirs Meanwhile a local favourite is Miss such as fans, lavalavas and jewellery. Samoa, where visitors can join the There are games, umu demonstra- crowds as they cheer for their favou- tions, cocktail competitions, swim- rite beauty (it gets pretty warm so tell ming races and this year the launch clients to bring a fan). E/ART JO: 7001 Star-Spotting At Aggies Travel Today Feature P8 Samoa Gets Its Staying at Aggie Grey’s Hotel at the end of last week was a little Own Raggamuffin like being in a music video—in Kiwis were given another reason to Festival are expected to continue fact, as we ate lunch we watched head over to Samoa this year—the attracting more New Zealanders. Swiss serenading Miss Samoa as Teuila Festival concluded not with “The Teuila is a growing annual event he filmed the video for his latest Miss Samoa, but with the coun- and is becoming a popular festival single. Savage could be spotted most try’s first staging of the popular amongst Kiwis. I had a chance to days lounging by the pool with a Raggamuffin festival. talk to a few tourists and they all ex- beer, and the presenters from New The reggae music festival brought to- pressed that they enjoyed the festival Zealand television shows I AM TV gether stars including Spawnbreezie, and the Raggamuffin—and they said and Tangata Whenua were usually Savage, Swiss, Monsta G and Joe Cof- they will return next year.” somewhere nearby. fee, and as well as being a big hit with local Samoans it drew a few Kiwis Travelling In Style over too. Infinity packaged up holidays and it Transport to the Raggamuffin was ‘great to have something differ- Beach Party may look as if it ent to promote’, says South Pacific was designed just for the day, product manager Melissa Bramley. but in fact this is how locals get “We’ve noticed an increase in cus- around every day in Samoa—on tomers travelling for specific events,” brightly coloured, creatively- she says. “Raggamuffin has a large named buses. The insides are following domestically so would be often as decorated as the outside great to see this flow onto the inter- (think fairy lights and feathers), national stage.” and clients may want to bring The Samoa Tourism Authority (STA) Mingle With The Stars At The Beach Party a cushion to sit on. There are has entered into a three-year con- The day before the concert was the Raggamuffin Beach Party, a very chilled no bus stops—clients can hail tract with Raggamuffin organisers, out affair with a huge Samoan lunch, very cheap cocktails (think a long a bus from the road, check it’s so clients will get another chance to island iced tea for WST10—and Samoans don’t skimp on the alcohol) and the right one and let the driver mingle with the stars next year. lots of stars wandering around who were more than happy to take photos know where they want to be Local STA manager Fasitau Ula says with fans. Tickets to the party were included in Infinity packages, and also dropped off. both Raggamuffin and the Teuila available individually for WST80 including transport and food.