Samoa Resource for US3727 Version 6 only

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1 SAMOA ATTRACTIONS 1. Robert Louis Stevenson Museum & Vailima Botanical Gardens Despite his stories of swashbuckling adventure, Robert Louis Stevenson had been a sickly man and had contracted tuberculosis. It was while he was in his twenties someone suggested he find a South Pacific island to live on, to ease his poor health. But it was 10 years after that advice that he and his wife sailed to the Pacific and settled in Samoa. TB-ridden Stevenson and his family lived in Samoa for the five years prior to his death. Known to the Samoans as the Teller of Tales; the author was intensely involved in the lives of the local folk and their plight to. The informative forty-minute guided tour of the mansion and Tusitala s many authentic personal belongings is highly recommended, especially of the library where he penned 14 tomes in just four years. You don t have to be a literary groupie to enjoy the scenic walk through lush rainforest up to the top of Mt Vaea where the famous Scottish writer Robert Louis Stevenson rests in peace. Just outside of Apia, the panoramic views over the city and bay are will give you another perspective of the capital of Samoa. You have the choice of two routes to the top of the hill a 45-minute track or, take the shorter but more strenuous half-hour trail. Whichever way you chose, go early in the morning or late afternoon, as the midday heat can be stifling, especially in the height of summer. This is the kind of place you won t want to leave in a hurry, so pack a picnic and don t forget your insect repellent and water bottle. The Vailima Botanical Garden encompasses about 12 ha (30a) and protects a variety of species - native, introduced and naturalized - representative of the flora of the archipelago and the Pacific basin. It is an excellent place for a day visit to relax and enjoy nature and its tranquilities. The walk to Robert Louis Stevenson's Tomb atop Mt Veaa takes about 30mins going the short way though the terrain is quite steep and can be very slippery when wet. The other option to the top is a 50min walk weaving through dense tropical rainforest and passing a magnificent Banyan tree. Either way water and good footware is recommended. Within the gardens near the carpark there is also a visitors center and a natural swimming hole that was once Robert Louis Stevenson's pool but is now available for any visitors to relax and cool off after a strenuous walk up the mountain.

2 2. To Sua Ocean Trench To Sua Ocean Trench is one of the idyllic sites that is located in Lotofaga village. A few sites are situated in the same area, including blowholes, and an incredible small beach on the western side. The name means a giant swimming hole and definitely serves as such. To get into a 30 meters deep pool in a lava field the swimmers use ladder: water is crystal clear, refreshing and not too deep. Fed by the ocean the pool indeed provides a unique swimming experience. Be careful climbing the ladder, which might be slippery. This site is surrounded with beautiful colourful gardens. The site is for swimming and nature photography. There is a fee upon entrance. Getting Here: To Lotofaga Village. There is a faded sign on the main road though it is only visible when heading east. Hours: Prices: Monday-Sunday : 7:00am 6:00pm Adults: $15 Children(7-15): $6.00 Under 7: FREE

3 Savaii - Alofaaga Blowholes These impressive blowholes in the village of Taga on south-west Savaii are wave power in its purest form, as they propel a roaring jet of water hundreds of feet up into the air. They are particularly worth watching when locals throw coconuts into the holes and these are blasted into the air as well. Another site of interest here at the blowholes is Pa Sopo ia Cave. It is believed that this cave is an ancient pathway where the ancestor s spirits travel to reach the Devil s Haden at Cape Mulinu u, the final meeting place before they enter the Spirit World known to Samoans as Pulotu. Ask the local Matais to show you the way. The site is still the same, no change has occurred over the years. The entrance to the blowholes is at the village of Taga. A coastal track can be followed west for several hours to the ancient village of Fagaloa. An entrance fee is charged. Details Getting There: Prices: Hours: Entrance to the Alofaaga Blowholes is at the village of Taga, about ten minutes drive from the main road on the southern coast of Savaii $5 per person village entrance. A parking fee is also charged when using private car park and fale on site Monday Saturday

4 Samoan Activities from the Go Holidays Samoa Brochure (2016 to 2017)

5 Samoan Activities from the Infinity Holidays South Pacific Brochure (2016 to 2017)

6 SAMOAN EVENTS 1. Teuila Festival The celebrations continue in the heart of the South Pacific as Samoa hosts the biggest celebration of Polynesian culture -the annual Teuila Festival. Named after the national flower of Samoa, a species of ginger flower, the Teuila Festival is a celebration of all things Samoan and Polynesian and is celebrated annually on the first week of September Since it was established in 1991, Samoa's Teuila Festival has grown to become one of Samoa's most celebrated annual events, and one of the South Pacific's biggest cultural festivals marks the 27th annual Teuila Festival. The exciting variety ensures there is something for everyone with activities including a choral exhibition, traditional Siva Samoa and contemporary dance competitions, Chief's Fiafia Polynesian spectacular, Ailao Afi/Fire Knife dancing, Umu (Samoan ground oven), tattooing and carving demonstrations, Miss Samoa Pageant and much, much more.

7 2. Samoa Swim Festival 29 May to 4 June 2017 Stevensons at Manase Resort, Manase, Savaii Looking for an exciting new event with a relaxing holiday to boot? We have the event for you! Samoa Swim gives you the opportunity to swim over coral reefs, with spectacular fish in water temperatures of 30 degrees Celsius. Functions include: cocktail evening, sponsors lunches, Carbo Evening & Guest Speakers, Saturday night BBQ & Cultural Show, Samoan Traditional Umu Lunch & Prizegiving. Race Information - Each event will be limited to 25 swimmers of any swimming ability Open: Friday 5km Swim, Saturday 3km Swim, and Sunday 10km Swim. Trophies awarded to winners over the three races. Recreational: Spot prizes and free entry. Saturday 1.5km Swim. Kids: Spot prizes and free entry. Saturday - 500m and 1km. Race Rules - Please note the following: Non wetsuit swims, because of the warm water severe dehydration can be caused by people wearing wetsuits (we expect Degrees Celsius) You must be confident of swimming the distances you have entered as we will have time limits ( very generous but necessary for the tides) Feeding stations will be at the end of each lap, you can supply your own product or use ours which will be High 5 If you have a medical condition please check with your Doctor prior to entry. Medical facilities in Samoa are not to NZ standards. Medical staff will be present for the event.

8 Google Results for International Flight Times Domestic Flights from Samoa Air Maota Three Letter Code - MXS

9 Airport Transfers

10 Samoa Auto Rental

11 Accommodation from Go Holidays Samoa Brochure (2016 to 2017)

12 Accommodation from Infinity Holidays South Pacific Brochure (2016 to 2017)