Backpacker in Samoa

sussie12:18 UTC10 Sep 2008

Hi there

I am going to Samoa as part of my NZ and Oz trip in Nov. I only have 11 nights there so would be grateful if someone would be so kind to share any good ideas of what to see and do. I have ordered a copy of the lonely planet guide but just could not wait for it to arrive.

Need ideas of decent cheap accommodation, good beach, good activities, how to get around, what to see and do and of course what not to do and where not to go.

I know that in some of the pacific islands you need to prebook all accommodation, is that the case for Samoa too?

Any ideas of what budget to expect? I am not a very strict one but would like to get an idea.

Also, as I have never been in this part of the world before, is it safe-ish (I mean where can anyone say it is completely safe these days?) to be a girl on her own?

Really, any info at all is soooo welcome!!!

islandboi32100:18 UTC12 Sep 2008

www.visitsamoa.ws

islandboi32100:26 UTC12 Sep 2008

You may want to narrow down your questions to some specific ones...

Since you can't wait for your lonely planet guide, I would suggest going to your local library and getting a copy there... There are many South Pacific travel guides available, too.

You are looking for a lot of specific information that only a guidebook could give... There you will find all the accommodation, sites, beaches, transportation... Everything you want.

Hope this is helpful.

silvanocat01:27 UTC12 Sep 2008

Unfortunately the Lonelyplanet does not have much good information about (Independent) Samoa. It seems like they hardly spent any time there. (They are adequate on American Samoa.) You can get maps and brochures at the tourist office right in the airport

I would suggest reading all the past threads on Samoa (and the other countries that you are interested in visiting).

Try Tripadvisor also, they have a lot of reviews of even the budget fales and people often post good tips.

burgla02:23 UTC21 Sep 2008

for chilling out have a couple of days at dave parkers cloud 9 ecolodge - really good
for swimming etc maninoa surf camp is pretty laid back
see web site for samoa hotels at http://www.samoa-hotels.ws/ nynette sass is really helpful

Edited by: burgla

nieghorn20:30 UTC21 Sep 2008

Stayed at Bertie's B&B my first and last nights. Airport pickup/dropoff and evening stay, w. solid breakfast was $99 ST - combo for one night and trip.

They're not that close to Apia, but it's a good place to start and finish and were fine with me leaving my luggage there. Air conditioned as well. Owner's really friendly and has lots of practical advice on Upolu.

stayday09:37 UTC25 Sep 2008

I would recommend the Robert Louis Stevenson museum and the Piula Cave Pools

Backpacker in Samoa Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea / Samoa
sussie12:18 UTC10 Sep 2008	Hi there I am going to Samoa as part of my NZ and Oz trip in Nov. I only have 11 nights there so would be grateful if someone would be so kind to share any good ideas of what to see and do. I have ordered a copy of the lonely planet guide but just could not wait for it to arrive. Need ideas of decent cheap accommodation, good beach, good activities, how to get around, what to see and do and of course what not to do and where not to go. I know that in some of the pacific islands you need to prebook all accommodation, is that the case for Samoa too? Any ideas of what budget to expect? I am not a very strict one but would like to get an idea. Also, as I have never been in this part of the world before, is it safe-ish (I mean where can anyone say it is completely safe these days?) to be a girl on her own? Really, any info at all is soooo welcome!!!
islandboi32100:18 UTC12 Sep 2008	www.visitsamoa.ws	1
islandboi32100:26 UTC12 Sep 2008	You may want to narrow down your questions to some specific ones... Since you can't wait for your lonely planet guide, I would suggest going to your local library and getting a copy there... There are many South Pacific travel guides available, too. You are looking for a lot of specific information that only a guidebook could give... There you will find all the accommodation, sites, beaches, transportation... Everything you want. Hope this is helpful.	2
silvanocat01:27 UTC12 Sep 2008	Unfortunately the Lonelyplanet does not have much good information about (Independent) Samoa. It seems like they hardly spent any time there. (They are adequate on American Samoa.) You can get maps and brochures at the tourist office right in the airport I would suggest reading all the past threads on Samoa (and the other countries that you are interested in visiting). Try Tripadvisor also, they have a lot of reviews of even the budget fales and people often post good tips.	3
burgla02:23 UTC21 Sep 2008	for chilling out have a couple of days at dave parkers cloud 9 ecolodge - really good for swimming etc maninoa surf camp is pretty laid back see web site for samoa hotels at http://www.samoa-hotels.ws/ nynette sass is really helpful Edited by: burgla	4
nieghorn20:30 UTC21 Sep 2008	Stayed at Bertie's B&B my first and last nights. Airport pickup/dropoff and evening stay, w. solid breakfast was $99 ST - combo for one night and trip. They're not that close to Apia, but it's a good place to start and finish and were fine with me leaving my luggage there. Air conditioned as well. Owner's really friendly and has lots of practical advice on Upolu.	5
stayday09:37 UTC25 Sep 2008	I would recommend the Robert Louis Stevenson museum and the Piula Cave Pools	6