Here’s an interesting stat we just learned.
The number of Australian visitors to Samoa has surged by 23 per cent, since figures were last recorded by the Australian Bureau of Statistics in 2019.
It seems more and more Aussies are realising that this string of idyllic islands has a lot to offer.
Here are 8 reasons Samoa is so hot right now.
1. The natural beauty is something else
The archipelago of nine islands that makes up the nation of Samoa has lush vegetation that includes inland rainforests, cloud forests, and volcanic, rocky rugged mountains.
You will also find some amazing waterfalls to hike to, such as Afu Aau Falls and Fuipisia Falls. The Papaseea Sliding Rocks are also a good adventure (essentially natural water slides made of rock … heaps of fun!)
There is a huge variety of birdlife, whales, and loads of turtles that will thrill nature-lovers.
2. It also has some of the world’s most stunning natural swimming holes
The To-Sua Ocean Trench on the island of Upolu is one of the nation’s most popular tourist attractions.
3. You’ll eat well, for a pittance
As Escape’s Dilvin Yasa says, “even the fussiest of eaters will enjoy Samoa’s traditional cuisine: a melange of root vegetables and chicken, fish or pork cooked with coconut cream, or for the more adventurous, raw fish marinated in coconut cream, lemon juice and spices.”
As Kirk Owers reports, the traditional cooking method in Samoa is an Umu, an above ground oven utilising hot volcanic rocks covered by banana leaves or coconut fronds. The food is placed directly on the rocks or wrapped in banana leaf and marinated in coconut cream. Chicken, pork and fish are used alongside starchy staples like breadfruit, banana and taro.
4. There is some great value accommodation to be found
Exhibit A is pictured above: oceanfront bungalows at Le Vasa Resort in Samoa, where rooms start at $142 a night.
