Falealupo Fales - WARNING for FEMALE travelers!!

Sisters beware, PEEPING TOM at Falealupo Fales!

So unfortunate that this beautiful location on the westernmost point of Savaii is tainted by a sex offender (countries' laws vary, but it is an offense in several countries).

There IS a reason why these fales have a high stone wall. Read between the lines in the Lonely Planet guide.

I personally was victim to an EMPLOYEE who worked at the fales who snuck a peek from the adjacent stall while I was in the shower. Enraged, I confronted him and the on-site managers (who are lovely, and unfortunately tainted by this incident). They were more concerned about losing business and getting a bad reputation. Oh well, too late. Yay for the internet.

On my way out I notified the other lone female guest who admitted she'd been peeped on TWICE but had wanted to give everyone the benefit of doubt. To her credit, the location is fantastic and I was loathe to leave, but couldn't stand the thought of spending another night there knowing the offender was ON SITE.

Worse, after we left, the managers told us the offender would be forced to leave, but he wasn't. We heard that the offender later was caught stealing from the managers so was being judged by the village chiefs on this other charge of theft.

If you're female and staying at these fales, keep your guard up. Which is a drag, because isn't the reason we visit a place like Samoa to relax? [http://falealupobeachfales.ws/index.htm]

I have heard of a problem in Falealupo Village and know that at least one issue has been taken to the Village Council. One thing to bear in mind about Samoa though, it is conservative Christian and modesty is highly prized. Local women wear loose t-shirts over lavalavas while "swimming" (most Samoans don't actually swim). Swimming on a Sunday is banned in some villages. The behaviour of some female tourists is seen as immodest.

This is not to excuse what happened to you. Samoan men live in a society where they are powerful and women are not - take a peek at who is eating leftovers in the kitchen outhouse. As a society there are problems with paedophilia and sex crimes.

When something like this perving happens, ask to speak with the pastor/priest or the Pulenu'u - the village "mayor" (not the Chief. ) Ask assertively for something to be done. Action is likely to depend on the relationship of the business owner (in this case the Fales) to the Village Council, which may reflect the business contribution (jobs etc) made by the business to the village, but you at least will be heard.