TOURIST ATTRACTIONS: WHAT TO VISIT IN SAVAII SAVAII, SAMOA

On a clear day in Upolu you can see the not-too-distant island of Savaii, the “big island” of the Samoan Archipelago. Althought it is the biggest island it is considerably less populated and developed than Upolu. The island is dotted with secluded beaches and crowned in the centre by the 6094 feet Mount Matavanu whose eruption in 1905 caused some migration to the island of Upolu where the capital Apia and centre of commerce are located.

Today the lava formations that resulted are one of the most striking features of the island, with barren landscapes reaching inland and overhanging the edge of the cliffs. Villages in some areas have cut away lava blocks to make foundations for theirs houses. The interior of the island provides some of the most stark scenary in Samoa: ruined villages, streams and volcanoes.

Savaii is about one hour's boat ride between Mulifanua an western side of Upolu Island and Salelologa on the south-east coast of Savaii. The vehicular ferry would take one and half hours.

Savaii also offers good accommodation for travellers (resort style or typical Samoa village style), outstanding white beaches and crystal clear lagoons. The villagers still fish in the lagoons, using the same techniques Samoans adopted 200 years ago.

Attractions around the north coast include the idyllic villages of Falealupo and Papa, the large timber mills at Asau, the Mata o le Alelo bathing pool at Safune, the Virgins Grave and large lava fields at Saleaula. On the south coast visitors would see the blowholes et Cape Asuisui, Lovers Leap at Fagafau and the beautiful villages of Palauli, Sagone, Foalalo end Faoluga.

To the north of Salelologa wharf, is the Rev. John Williams Memorial, a tribute to the first Christian Missionary who arrived in the Samoas in 1830, and also the beautiful lagoon for swimming at Lano village. At the western end of Savaii there are many fine swimming beaches, some of them very secluded.

Sightseeing in Savaii is a leisurely affairwith hardly any traffic and which could be done either by mini-bus tours provided by the guest houses or by public buses, as this is the main means of transportation on that island. There are only a few taxis available but transportation could be arranged in advance.