| | Jul 26, 2006 - Savai'i, Samoa - Traditional and Beautiful | (click to enlarge)
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 | Boarding the ferry to Savai'i
| | On the ferry from Upolu to Savai'i
| | View from our beach fale at Vacations
| | Eric on the beach at Manase
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 | Carl playing in the river with his new Danish friends
| | Our beach fale at Manase - Vacations
| | Manase Beach
| | Lounging in our beach fale
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 | Drinks with fellow travellers
| | Boarding the local bus
| | Reunited with Belle and Carmen
| | Incredible lagoon at Siufaaga Beach Resort
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 | Gorgeous water outside our bungalow
| | Paradise lagoon
| | View from the restaurant at Siufaaga Beach Resort
| | Beautiful Samoa
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 | Night time entertainment
| | Vibrant sunrise
| | Splashing around in the clear, warm waters
| | Driving across the river in search of the waterfalls
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 | Beautiful Afu Anu Waterfalls
| | Taking a dip at the falls
| | Coastal scenery of Savai'i
| | The Powerful Alofaaga Blowholes
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 | Crashing surf at the Alofaaga Blowholes
| | Tapa Cloth
| | Ochre for painting the tapa cloth
| | National flower of Samoa
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| Savai'i, Samoa - Traditional and Beautiful
Travelling from the main island of 'Upolu to Savai'i is easy and cheap on the local ferry. In just over an hour, we sailed across the blue water and rolling swells where we hopped on a local bus with blaring music that took us to our next stop - Manase Beach. Although the accommodations were basic, our traditional open fale was perched right on the beach where we slept with views of the stars, sounds of the ocean waves and the salty sea breeze keeping us cool.
After a couple days of enjoying the basic accommodations and beach we moved a bit more upscale to share a bungalow and a ton of laughs with our new Aussie friends Carmen and Belle we had just met on 'Upolu at Lalomanu Beach. With a car rented for two days, we set off to tour the island and see the sites - Alofaaga Blowholes - perhaps the largest blowholes in the world; a Tapa demonstration - that unexpectedly cost us a small fortune but nevertheless was incredibly interesting, and our favourite, the secluded Olemoe Falls.
Olemoe Falls is one of the most beautiful settings in the world. The crashing water tumbled down through the lush vegetation from above as we took a refreshing dip in the clear waters. Of course, we will never forget the hysterical drive to the isolated falls as a combination of Carmen and Eric navigated the pot-holed muddy track and drove us across the rushing riverbed trying to keep our little 4x4 from being washed away. Okay, that is a little bit of an exaggeration but with the excitement in the car, it did feel like we were crossing a set of level five rapids!
Savai'i was gorgeous, untouched and still very traditional compared to most tourist destination. If you are planning a trip to Samoa it is a great idea to try to incorporate both islands of 'Upolu and Savai'i - you won't be disappointed!
Travel Tips for Savai'i
1. Savai'i has even less tourism infrastructure than neighbouring 'Upolu. The best way to see the island is to take one of the few organized tours, rent a vehicle or hire a taxi and driver for a full day.
2. If renting a vehicle in Savai'i, some of the attractions can be very hard to find, as they are not marked with signs and sometimes off dirt tracks. Stop and ask the locals along the way for directions so you don't miss some of the beautiful sights to see.
3. Be sure to take a local bus somewhere in Samoa for the unique experience. Built like an upside down wooden boat on wheels, with music blaring and what feels like half the population of Samoa and their bags sitting on your lap, this jam packed ride is one that won't be forgotten.
4. Although Faaga Beach is not the best stretch of beach on the island, is does have the nicest clear, tourquoise lagoon making it some of the best swimming on the island.
5. While on Savai'i, visit Alofaaga Blowholes and the Olemoe Waterfalls. Both are beautiful creations by Mother Nature that you don't want to miss out.
www.carlhenderson.ca
www.imagestoframe.com
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