WORLD ▫ OCEANIA ▫ SAMOA
▫ APIA
Apia is the capital of Samoa. It is on Upolu.
Understand
As with most Pacific Island capitals, Apia is a little shabby and run down.
Reasonably small in size and lacking in obvious attractions, it is very useful as an initial stop off point for first time visitors to get their bearings, organise tours and accomodation, and recover from jet lag. The vast majority of Samoa's highlights can be found outside this town.
Get In
By Plane
Apia is approximatly 20 miles from Faleolo Airport. Outside the tiny terminal are the normal stream of taxis (especially when an international flight arrives, as it's not a frequent occurance) which will normally cost in the region of 30-50 tala for a ride into Apia. Some hotels, such as Aggie Greys, operate shuttle buses for guests. Arrange this in advance, as the scrum of arriving passengers and eager taxi drivers can be confusing when a whole plane load of tourists step outside to the small drop off/pick up point.
By Boat
Occassional cargo ships dock at Apia port on their way around the world. A twice monthly ferry sails to Tokelau.
Get around
Much of Apia is within walking distance. Although this may not be a comfortable experience on a hot and humid Samoan Day. Another thing to consider is the congregation of aggressive dogs towards dusk and in the evening. A walk from the suburbs into the centre is best avoided at any time for the above reason. Most households have a dog, and even an innocent walk past their driveway could encourage an attack. Taxis are cheap, safe and easy to hail down.
Do
A walk along the seafront is enjoyable. But only on a milder day (i.e. 25 degrees), and not after dusk because of dogs.
Buy
The market towards the west of town is host to many interesting stalls and locally made souveniers.
Eat
If you are absolutely stuck for a place to eat, the most westerly and remote McDonalds in the world can be found in central Apia. More importantly, it is air conditioned and a place to escape the unwavering heat.
Sleep
The Princess Tui Inn is ideal for budget travellers and only 2 minutes by taxi out of town.
Aggie Greys is the traditional choice and offers the ultimate South Pacific experience.
Stay Safe
Samoa is a safe destination. Which isn't to say one should become complacent. Unlike other destinations, locals who strike up a conversation with you are unlikely to have alterior motives. However, the occassional one might, so dont take anything for granted.
Nearly all of Samoa's nightlife is centered in Apia, and so, like anywhere in the world around closing time - it can get a bit rowdy. If you stay out of trouble, you will surely not get into any. Samoan's are, on the whole, extremely friendly and despite their size, remarkably relaxed and gentle people. This does not mean you should let your guard down.
One final noteworthy point is the concept on ownership in Samoa. Locals believe in sharing everything, and while many westerners see this as merely an excuse to take tourists stuff, it does mean that clothes or shoes can get swiped. Do not leave anything of value lieing around.
Get out
Take a local bus, tour or car out and around the Island. Take the ferry to Savaii and spend a week or two staying in beach fale's around each island.
:"Apia" redirects here. For other uses of Apia, see Apia (disambiguation).
Apia, population 38,800 (2001), is the capital of Samoa. The city is located on the northern coast of Upolu Island. It is the nation's major port and only city. Fish and copra are the country's major exports, and cotton goods, motor vehicles, meats, and sugar are the major imports.
Location
Apia () is situated on a natural harbour at the mouth of the Vaisigano River. It is on a narrow coastal plain with Mount Vaea (elev. 472 m) directly to its south. Two main ridges run south on either side of the Vaisigano River, with roads on each. The more western of these is Cross Island Road, one of the few roads crossing to the south coast of Upolu.
Administration
Apia is part of the Tuamasaga political district and of election district Vaimauga West. There is no city administration for Apia. Apia consists of some 45 individual, independent villages. Apia proper is just a small village between the mouths of the Vaisigano (east) and Mulivai (west) rivers, and is framed by Vaisigano and Mulivai villages, all "Downtown Apia".
City features
Mulinu'u, the old ceremonial capital, lies at the city's western end, and is the location of the Parliament House (Fale Fono) and the historic observatory, which is now the meteorology office.
An area of reclaimed land jutting into the harbour is the site of the multistorey government offices and the Central Bank of Samoa. In the center of the city is a clock tower erected as a war memorial. Apia has a number of multistorey buildings of recent origin, but some of the early, wooden, colonial buildings remain scattered around the town, most notably the courthouse, with a museum on the upper floor. The new market (maketi fou) is inland a bit at Fugalei, where it is more protected from the effects of cyclones.
Writer Robert Louis Stevenson spent the last four years of his life here, and is buried on Mt. Vaea, overlooking both the city and the home he built, Vailima, which is now a museum in his honour.
Transport
Apia Harbour is by far the largest and busiest harbour in Samoa. International shipping with containers, LPG gas, and fuels all dock here. Ferries to Tokelau and American Samoa depart from here. Apia is served by a good road network, which is generally kept reasonably well maintained. Most of the main roads are sealed; the unsealed roads have lower use. Vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road. Speed limits are 25 mph near the centre of town and 35 mph in the rest of the country with a 15 mph limit in special circumstances. The country has no trains or trams, but is served with an extensive bus service. People commonly walk around the town, or even for some distances outside it. There are few bicycles and motorcycles, but increasing numbers of privately owned cars. Taxis are a common form of transport. Apia has a small airstrip (Fagali'i), which is used for internal flights and some international flights to Pago Pago in American Samoa. The main international airport, Faleolo International Airport, is a 40-minute drive west of the city.
Housing
This is a mixture of old colonial houses and more modern Western-style houses, interspersed with some traditional Samoan houses.
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