Apia Samoa - Lalomanu Beach, Upolu,Samoa. Devastated by Tsunami

You are here: Member pages

Login


Forgot password?

Top 3 members

wojtekd

	krisek	84174
	wojtekd	74860
	mistybl.	53340

Member snaps

Apia - A travel report by robyn

about me

my friends

pictures

albums

reports

travel log

travel tips

guestbook

activities

contact

Apia, Samoa	2999 readers		robynallen's travel reports
Lalomanu Beach, Upolu,Samoa. Devastated by Tsunami	10 votes

The best beach in Samoa is located roughly two hours drive around the island of Upolu. Samoa is a set of two main islands and several smaller islands three hours flight north east of New Zealand.
30th September 2009 a Earthquake triggered a tsunami....




	Lolamanu Beach at dusk

Lalomanu Beach is a true paradise in all ways. My family and I decided to come and stay at this hideaway from life for my sisters 30th birthday. When choosing our holiday location we had to take into account many peoples needs with the youngest member of our ten person party being four (and sporting a compound fracture to one arm!) and the eldest being sixtyish!
This beach is supported by a traditional samoan village and several Fales run by locals.
The water is very clear and full of beautiful tropical fish and coral within the reef. Outside the reef many larger fish, dolphins, whales and turtles are to be seen.
The sand on the beach is clean, white and very soft. Do you know what the best part was? Only a handful of people( tourists) around and many friendly Samoan people to talk to and share information with...

Favourite spots:




	View from our room

The reef directly off this beach at high tide has a myriad of amazing things to look at ( But not touch!) Black and white striped fish streaking past as they are chased by other bigger parrot like fish. Hundreds of tiny beautiful electric blue fish swarming around coral flowers. Basically a snorklers paradise. Many an hour just drifting around. Like being in another world!

What's really great:

The people off Samoa are so friendly and laid back in life. Many of them live well below the poverty line with no running water or power but all live in a simple way off the land where they need no more. They have each other and family and church are most important in their communities.

My husband and I had taken a few bags from home of used clothing from our children and we found no trouble finding suitable homes for these clothes. If you ever travel here childrens summer weight clothes make good gifts to families who have only the clothes they are wearing! Also blankets and towels are a good donation.

Sights:




	Waterfall to refresh your senses

Waterfalls on this island are numerous and we did our fare share of seeing most of them. Of note a great waterfall that we swam in. We drove one hour inland and found this waterfall in a national park that was public and was totally empty of any soul and was free to enter! The water was refreshing and a real treat. Locals swim here in the late afternoon and will give you directions to get there.

Accommodations:




	Our room for the stay

We chose to stay at Lolamanu beach at a place called Taufua Beach Fales. The staff here are amazingly friendly and very polite. We picked to stay right on the beach in fales which are thatched roofed wooden huts with no walls. If you are a person in need of mod cons such as air conditioning then this place is not for you. We chise to d as the Samaon do and use the sea breeze as ventilation. To get in touch with Taufua email: reservations@taufuabachfales.ws or google: Lalomanu.

AFTER THE DEVASTION OF THIS AMAZING PLACE WE ARE SO SAD THAT THE TSUNAMI HAS CLAIMED SO MANY LIVES OF THE FAMILIES WE CAME TO KNOW HERE. tHE LADY THAT RUNS THE DAY TO DAY OFFICE AND EMAILS HAS LOST ALL THREE CHILDREN( INCLUDING A BABY) AND IS CRITICALLY INJURED IN A LOCAL HOSPITAL. OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH THEIR FAMILY. PLEASE DONATE TO REDCROSS CHARITY OR OXFAM TO HELP REBUILD THIS AMAZING PLACE....

Other recommendations:




	The trench

A huge chasm with a ladder that can be climbed down to access the water. If you are game a swim into the underwater cave is recommended. At this spot there is also a blow hole that is spectular when the sea is at high tide.