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Cultural Secrets of Samoa

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Trip Valid:1 Sep 2009 to 31 Dec 2010
Also runs from:1 Jan 2011 to 31 Dec 2011
Duration:5 hours
Pickup location:

Samoa Tourism Authority information Fale, Apia

Pickup time:9.00 AM
Drop-off location:

Samoa Tourism Authority information Fale, Apia

Drop-off time:2.00 PM
Highlights:

Drive past lush forests and tropical plantations, visit a traditional Samoan village, try ceremonial kava, Learn about the use of plants as medicine, housing and food, Gain an insight into the local culture

Trip Code:WSUA
Group size:Minimum 1, Maximum 12
Price:USD 49.00
Style:Local Life & Culture, Educational

Itinerary

After departing Apia at 9 am, we will head for the South coast of Upolu Island and the village Saanapu. During the one hour trip we will pass through lush forests and plantations of taro and bananas. Drive through traditional villages and see the Samoan people starting their day. Try to count how many churches there are on the way to the south coast, you will probably loose track half way!

 

After arriving at Saanapu village we will be greeted by our local guide, Faatupu, and his family. Faatupu’s knowledge and love for the Samoan culture is endless and you will have plenty of opportunity to get to know him, his family and their daily village life. Faatupu will prepare a traditional ceremonial Kava drink in the open Fale (house) used by the chiefs for village meetings. You will soon understand how important and complex this ritual is.

 

Learn how to weave coconut leaf baskets, plates and much more. This knowledge has been developed over thousands of years.

 

Enjoy a light and healthy Samoan meal together with fresh drinking coconut. Refreshed and with new energy head to the beach where to begin a nature walk. Join a local guide with extensive knowledge about native plants. Learn how Samoans used to write before they had ink and what plant they used to cure headaches before aspirin. The area you will explore is one of the most beautiful in Samoa.

 

If the nature walk is unavailable due to bad weather your guide will teach you how to husk and open a coconut and make coconut cream. This is used daily in Samoan cooking.

 

Return to Apia with your new treasures collected in your own handmade coconut leaf basket. The trip will end at the office of Samoa Tourism Authority in Apia.

Inclusion

English speaking guide, Entrance fees and transportation as indicated, light Samoan lunch.

Exclusion

Items of a personal nature, Drinks, Gratuities and tips for drivers and guides.

Voucher Exchange details

Please present your voucher to the local guide at the beginning of the trip.

Confirmation of booking

Please contact the local supplier to confirm your trip 24 hours prior to departure.

Your trip

This trip is offered on a "join-in" basis. Maximum group size is 12.

Tipping

If you are happy with the services provided by your local guides and drivers a tip - though not compulsory - is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Intrepid Urban Adventures destinations. Please consider this when budgeting for your extra expenses on this trip.

Children policy

Children must be 6 years of age to 11 years inclusive.

Language

English

26°C
Feels like: 28°C
Passing clouds. Warm.

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Responsible Traveller

Wherever we go in the world, we take a responsible attitude with us. That means travelling in a way which both respects and benefits local people, their culture and the environment.  Please read on for more information on our Responsible Travel policy and how you can be a responsible traveller for your entire journey. 

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