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The South Pacific
Destination Guides:
Exclusive Resorts:
Samoan Natural Attractions
Two kinds of people are drawn to a Samoan holiday – those who want a vacation full of plenty of peace and quiet and those looking for a land bursting with a myriad of natural beauty and unique eco-systems. If you’re in the latter group, you won’t be disappointed at the number of natural attractions that make Samoa a growing destination for eco-tourism.
Indeed, Samoans are very concerned with maintaining an agreeable balance of nature and tourism. The beauty and sacredness of the land is important to those who live on these islands, and great care has been taken to promote responsible, sustainable tourism. More and more companies are offering eco-tours that educate guests as to the uniqueness of the country’s natural environment while also treating visitors to some of the most stunning works of nature in the South Pacific.
Be sure to visit...
• Falealupo Rainforest Preserve – Sitting on the west tip of Savai’i, the Falealupo Rainforest Preserve is a photo opportunity waiting to happen. Organized to encourage the local villagers to maintain the lowland forest in its natural state, the favorite attraction here in the preserve is the canopy walkway, a 30-meter suspension bridge high up in the trees of this tropical rainforest, suspended from two trees. A climb to the top provides spectacular views of the rugged coast of Savai’i.
• Lake Lanotoo – In the middle of the Upolu highlands, you’ll find a refreshing body of water in the crater of an extinct volcano. Decidedly green in color, many visitors stop here after a long trek through the jungle and enjoy a dip in the cool waters. Gold fish fill the lake and many endemic birds can be found in the surrounding trees. Good walking shoes are necessary to make the hike to the lake and it’s usually advisable to hire a guide or participate in a guided tour with others. The view makes the walk well worth it!
• Le Pupu-Pue National Park – The only national park in Upolu, Le Pupu-Pue is considered the finest remaining patch of tropical rain forest in Samoa and a haven for bird watchers. Guests will find more than 50 species of wildlife – including about 40 bird species – in this park, situated on the south coast of the island. Make a stop at adjacent Togitogiga Scenic Reserve for more amazing sites.
• Alofaaga Blowholes – Blowholes are a unique natural phenomenon found quite often in the South Pacific. Technically speaking, the ones at Alofaaga, on the island of Savai’i were formed from lava flows, which have created tubes that connect flat lava rock with the ocean below. Water is forced through the holes, creating an extraordinary sight. The Alofaaga blowholes are often photographed due to their unique beauty, but visitors should maintain their distance as they can be dangerous.
• Peapea Cave – Experienced hikers can make their way to this dark but fun-to-explore cave on Upolu, which is actually a lava tube and not a cave in the traditional sense of the word. It’s best to go with a guide, boots, and a reliable flashlight. The cave is home to the white-rumped swiftlet, a bird most-often associated with the wet tropics, similar to the swallow.