Real culture and a holiday too

We have just returned from a lovely week in Samoa. It was a very special holiday. Aside from touring around Savaii which is great, we went to one of the most remote places in the country, Uafato. This little village of 200 people is at the very Northeastern end of Upolu. You take the road to Fagaloa Bay and then go another ten miles on a dirt road and land in a place that hasn't changed much in 30 years. This is one of the most traditional spots and is known for its wood carving and pandanus weaving. Loi and Sina Letonga have a few beach fales for rent. They recently constructed a toilet and shower block for guest use. It is an amazing place and a chance to get up close and personal with the Samoan way of life while hanging out in a tropical paradise. You can get to the village via public transport (a pickup truck belonging to one of the residents) or you can drive. We went with a little car and made it ok, but it would be better with a four-wheel drive. There is a web link from the Samoan Tourist Authority. http://www.samoa-hotels.com/sinas/Index.html Enjoy!

Did they provide meals and how much was the cost? How did you contact them or the pickup truck ride? Sounds like a great new altenative.....beautiful bay and valley. Thanks and Aloha

Oh....duh! You did put a web site up for us but I jumped over it. Thanks for the new info.

Wow! I am really impressed that you went to Fagaloa Bay! My husband wanted to take me there back in May but he neglected to tell me about the crazy road that veers off from the mountain pass. I'm not a wimp but I do have a fear of heights and had to ask him turn around about 1/4 of the way down the road while I shut my eyes. The thought of doing that treck in our little rental jeep (do the brakes really work?) scared me and no guard rails (although I'm not sure they would have been any use)! I'm sure I missed out on a lot by not seeing the area as I've heard it's really beautiful and we did in fact buy an ava bowl and some other things that were made in Fagaloa.

teine

For some added adventure when in Fagaloa, ask Loi to guide you up to the adjacent ridges, where the terraced remains of fortified villages can still be seen from the days when the Samoans retreated to those types of spots during the wars with Tonga.