Apia Samoa i Sisifo

Apia is the capital of the nation of Western Samoa and it is located on the island of Upolu.

The port is located in the busy Apia harbor at the mouth of the Vaisigano River. Polynesian music and performing traditional native dances will greet you.

Only about a 20 minutes pleasant walk to town. Plenty taxis are available to take tours of the area or just to ride into town.

Printable map to take along

Apia is the capital of Samoa and part of the Tuamasaga district. The city is located on the northern coast of Upolu Island. It is the nation's major port and only city. It is a little run down but there are good bars and restaurants and a walk along the beachfront is beautiful.

Robert Louis Stevenson was so smitten with Samoa that he spent his last years there. His stately house, Vailima, is now a museum. A 45-minute climb leads visitors to the author's tomb, located below the summit of Mount Vaea. Don't miss snorkeling during high tide at the Palolo Deep Marine Reserve, a shallow reef with a blue hole surrounded by walls of coral and amazing marine life.

A taxi ride to Aggie Grey's Hotel, immortalized by James A Michener, takes about five minutes. Most passengers walk there for a Bloody Mary.

Things to see and do

* Falefa falls, Mafa pass and Fuipisia falls * Vailima museum built in honor of writer Robert Louis Stevenson * Papasee sliding rocks * Samoan museum * Snorkeling at Palolo marine reserve

Taxis are cheap and plentiful. The Samoa Visitor's Bureau has a price list for Apia. Do agree on a price ahead of time, if they think you look rich they may try to overcharge you. You can get one for a whole day for about the same price as a rental car. An approximate cost of US$50-75 per hour is a fair rate.

A walk along the sea wall is enjoyable. But only on a milder day (i.e. 25 degrees).

Free roaming dogs can be a safety problem in the capital Apia. The Government of Samoa (GoS) passed the Canine Control Act in 2013 as an initial step toward addressing dog management. Most dogs ignore you and don't see you as a threat if you ignore them.

Good Beaches: Return to Paradise Beach, 1hr drive one way from pier

Lalomanu Beach 1hr drive one way.

Lotofaga Beach 1 hr drive one way

Apia Public Market. Great place to buy Siapo (tapas cloth), 'ava (kava), hand carved kava bowls, produce, donuts, etc. Most of the trinkets are made in China it seems, they're the same ones seen everywhere in the world. The action goes on here 24 hours a day.

Tala (WST) Tala per US Dollar - approx: 2.60.

Samoa has a decimal currency based on the Tala (dollar) and Sene (cent). 100 Sene = $1Tala. All major currencies are exchangeable in Samoa for Tala. Banking hours in Samoa are Monday to Friday from 9am to 3pm. Many shops in Apia and most hotels have EFTPOS access which accepts Visa, MasterCard, JCB, AMEX and Cirrus. Some retailers will also take US, Australian, and New Zealand dollars but you will need local currency at the markets and smaller shops including most petrol stations.

ATMs are located in and around Apia and on the island of Savaii. Travelers can use credit cards in the machines but you are required to have a PIN number to withdraw cash.

Language Samoan (Polynesian), English

Staying connected with family and friends via the internet is easy with numerous cafes which offer free WiFi for customers around Samoa. Major hotels, resorts, and cafes also offer internet terminals for guest use or WiFi.

Shops and department stores: 8am - 4.30pm Monday to Friday 8am - 1pm Saturday Closed on Sundays and