'''Savaii''' (Savai'i) is the larger of the two main islands of Samoa.

Regions

Other destinations

Understand

Many people say that Savaii is the 'real' Samoa. It is certainly less developed, with no real towns as such, just a series of small villages with people living in traditional huts. You don't have to worry about getting lost on Savaii if you're driving - only one (well pathed) road runs around the island. Every few hundred meters you will likely pass a colonial style church, while by the coast you will see volcanic black sand beaches, pristine white sand beaches, or dramatic cliffs depending on the side of the island you're at.

Overall, come here if you want a more authentic and unspoiled Samoan experience away from the Internet cafes and McDonalds of Apia.

Talk

Get in

Most people reach Savaii by small car ferry. The journey takes 1 hour 15 minutes from Mulifanua Port (towards the most western edge of Upolu). The ferry schedule can be found here [http://www.samoashipping.com/domesticsailing_schedule.htm].

Even though several government travel warnings have been issued about the safety of this ferry - relating specifically to overloading and the threat of heavy vehicles moving during the voyage, traveling on the ferry feels fairly safe and comfortable.

It is very likely that the friendly locals will strike up a conversation. Don't be concerned - this is almost always innocent and driven through sheer intrigue about foreigners.

If you are planning a day trip to Savai'i then you will find it awkward dragging a suitcase onto the ferry, around Savai'i and back, so you're best bet is to leave your suitcase with the Travellers Lounge in Apia, or with a hotel you're returning to and take only what you need in a rucksack or backpack.

Get around

Bus

The main means of getting around in Savaii are the brightly colored, pop-music blaring local buses. One way fare costs 4 WST or less, depending on distance traveled, and is paid to the driver at the end of the journey. Most them depart from the markets in Salelonga. There are also some buses which meet the ferry at the Salelonga wharf. Buses in Savai'i tend to fill up quickly and you might find yourself sitting on the lap of a local! They are quite an experience for westerners.

Taxi

Generally your best bet. They are cheap and plentiful. Do agree on a price ahead of time, none of the taxis have meters!

Car Rental

You need to obtain a local license which is very easy to get from the police station in Apia (international licenses are not accepted) and the easiest place for this is just next to the exit from customs at the airport. Renting a car is possible but not economical unless you will be driving it a lot every day. They are particularly handy if you plan to visit the Falealupo peninsular, which does not have good public transport.

Cycling

Possible and quite enjoyable. Most of the island is flat and there is only one main road that circumnavigates the island. So there is no chance of getting lost. There are a few small small steep sections near A'apo and Asau.

Hitch Hiking

Hitch hiking is not very common, but can be a fun and entertaining way to travel like the locals at the back of a UTE. Almost all locals will stop if you request a ride and many of them will go out of the way to drop you at your destination.

See

  • Taga blowholes
  • Canopy walkway
  • The little people's cave
  • Saleaula Lavafeilds. aleaula. 0minute drive eastward from ferry. Lava fields from eruptions 100yrs ago

    Itineraries

    Do

    Circumnavigate the entire island over a few days or a week (although it is possible to do in day) and admire the wonderful lush scenery and contrasting coastline. Head to the most westerly point of the island, which is only a few hundred miles from the international date line - and drop off the edge of the map!

  • Satoalepai turtle reserve. atoalepai. 5 minute drive eastward from ferry. rare experience of swimming with turtles rescued from fishermans nets.

    Eat

  • Le Sogaimiti Bar and Resturaunt. alomalava, savaii. ocated in the Savaiian hotel grounds. h 068551296. ww.thesavaiianhotel.com. am-late. ains from ST15. LeSogaimiti, meaning the Samoan tattoo, is a new and exciting resturaunt which is part of the Savaiian hotel. Being only 7minutes drive from town it is one of only a few resturaunts which offer both local and international cusisine.It Boasts Beautiful oceanfront views where one can see the neighbouring islands of Manono, Apolima and Upolu.The Name is a tribute to the local tradition of tattooing which is carried on in the owners family.

    Drink

    Sleep

  • The Savaiian Hotel. alomalava , Savaii. minute drive east from ferry. 1296. ww.thesavaiianhotel.com. /a. /a. rom ST65. The Savaiian Hotel is a family owned and run hotel, which has been in operation for over 15yrs. They offer comfortable affordable accomadation in stand alone units with airconditioning,hot water ensuite and kitchen facilities. Kayaks and snorkelling available. Waterfront resturaunt with international and local cuisine. Doctor on site.
  • The Savaiian Hotel. alomalava. min drive east from ferry. h 51296. ww.thesavaiianhotel.com. a. a. rom ST65. Family owned and run Hotel, been in operation for over 15yrs. Offers comfortable affordable accomadation in standalone units with ensuite,hotwater,kitchenette and airconditioning as well as budget styled fales, similar but with ceiling fans. Beautiful waterfront resturaunt and bar (Le Sogaimiti) offers international and local cuisine as well as breathtaking views of neighbouring islands

    Stay safe

    Savai'i is a safe destination. Crime rates are low and people very helpful and friendly. With some commonsense precautions, one should encounter few problems.

    Get out