How to Explore Samoa's Visa-Free Paradise (Apia Edition) 🇼🇸

Samoa consists of two main islands (Upolu and Savai'i) and seven smaller ones. While most short-term visitors stick to Upolu where the capital Apia is located 🏝️, Savai'i offers a more pristine and rewarding experience for deeper exploration. Though my planned 4-day trip got shortened to just 2 nights due to Typhoon Gita ⚡, I wasn't about to let this journey go to waste. I arranged a private car with Sara, my hostel owner, for 200 Tala (~¥500) per day - pricey but worth it for the convenience 🚗💨. The next morning after Sara's delicious breakfast ☕, we set off. Born in Savai'i to a Kiwi father and local mother, Sara's infectious energy had me forgetting all about the typhoon - singing and dancing along the way 🎶. First stop: Mulivai Catholic Cathedral ⛪. Empty on this non-service day, its quiet halls were perfect for photography 📸. Though the planned cultural show got canceled due to the typhoon, Sara made sure we stopped at every church we passed - my personal obsession 😅. As we left the city, the landscapes opened up to reveal untouched beaches with impossibly blue waters 🌊. At Piula Cave Pool, a volcanic swimming hole (5 Tala entry), locals swam fully clothed, their joy contagious despite the limited modern amenities 😊. The highlight was undoubtedly To Sua Ocean Trench 🌋 - a 30m deep volcanic sinkhole (15 Tala). Though we opted not to swim, the view from the wooden platform was breathtaking. Sometimes the best travel moments come from simply observing beauty rather than participating 🤳. Other memorable stops: A roadside charging station 🔋 (free for villagers post-typhoon) Meeting a local student fluent in Mandarin after studying in Beijing 🇨🇳 Seeing China-aided government buildings 🏗️ Pro Tips: Book Savai'i ferries early! We got stuck with 6AM departure 🚢 Allow 3 days for Upolu: 1 to drive around, 1 for museums/villages, 1 for shopping 🛍️ All shopping must be done in Apia - Savai'i has few commercial facilities #SamoaTravel #HiddenParadise #IslandVibes