Apia Travel Guide.

1. Preparation: - Documents: Ensure you have a valid passport. It is recommended to check Samoa's visa policy in advance. Currently, Samoa offers visa-free entry for Chinese passport holders, but this policy may change. - Clothing: Apia has a tropical climate, which is hot year-round. Pack light and breathable summer clothes, such as shorts, short-sleeved shirts, and skirts. Also, bring sunscreen, a sun hat, sunglasses, and insect repellent. You may also want to pack one or two thin jackets in case the air conditioning is too cold indoors. - Cash and Payment Methods: It is recommended to bring some US dollars in cash, which can be exchanged for Samoan tala locally. Some large shopping malls, hotels, and restaurants may accept credit card payments, but some small shops and markets may only accept cash. - Medicines: Pack some commonly used medicines, such as cold medicine, fever reducer, anti-inflammatory drugs, gastrointestinal medicine, and mosquito repellent, to deal with any potential health issues. - Other Items: Bring a camera, charger, adapter, toiletries, swimsuit, and diving equipment (if you have any related activity plans). 2. Transportation Guide: - External Transportation: - Airplane: Apia has an international airport with flights from Fiji, New Zealand, and other countries. If you are traveling from China, you can first fly to Nadi in Fiji and then transfer to Apia. - Ship: Samoa has a port, and you can take a ship from surrounding countries or islands. However, this mode of transportation may not be very common, and the journey time is longer. - Internal Transportation: - Bus: The bus is a common mode of transportation in Apia, with relatively low prices. However, the bus frequency may not be very high, and the facilities inside the bus are relatively simple. - Taxi: You can take a taxi in Apia. However, please note that taxi fares may be high. It is recommended to negotiate the price with the driver before getting in the car. - Car Rental: If you want to explore Apia and its surrounding areas freely, renting a car is a good option. There are several car rental companies in the area, but you need to have an international driver's license. 3. Recommended Attractions: - Beach Road: This is the main street in Apia, running east to west through the entire city. The street is clean and lined with trees. Along Beach Road, there are white buildings such as the West Samoa Bank, brown buildings such as the National Post Office, and red buildings such as the Polynesian Airlines. It has a unique style. Here you can enjoy beautiful ocean views and experience the city atmosphere of Apia. - New Parliament House: The New Parliament House in Apia is one of the city's landmarks. The architectural style is unique and has high artistic value. You can visit the interior of the building and its decorations to learn about Samoan political culture. - Baha'i House of Worship: Located 8 kilometers outside of Apia, it was built in 1984 and is 30 meters high. It is the Mother Temple of the Pacific Islands and one of the seven Houses of Worship in the world. The church has a unique shape, and the cone-shaped building is very sacred against the blue sky and green trees. The interior decoration is simple and solemn. - Robert Louis Stevenson Museum: Stevenson is a famous writer who lived in Samoa for a period of time. The museum displays his life story, works, and historical materials related to Samoa. It is important for understanding Stevenson and Samoan cultural history. - Cultural Village: Here you can experience Samoan traditional culture, such as traditional dance, music, and handicraft making. You can also taste local food and learn about the lifestyle and customs of Samoans. - Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary: It is an important religious building in Apia, with high historical and cultural value. The church has a magnificent architectural style and exquisite interior decoration, where you can feel a strong religious atmosphere. - Piula Cave Pool: It is a natural cave pool with crystal clear water surrounded by green trees. You can swim, dive, and enjoy the unique landscape inside the cave. - Fish Market: The fish market in Apia is very lively, where you can buy various fresh seafood, such as fish, shrimp, and crab. You can also learn about the local fishing culture. 4. Recommended Food: - Seafood: Samoa is located in the South Pacific and has abundant seafood resources. You can taste various fresh seafood dishes, such as grilled fish, grilled shrimp, and seafood soup. - Roast Pork: This is one of Samoa's traditional dishes. It is roasted using the "umu" method, which involves wrapping the pork in banana leaves and placing it in an underground oven. The roasted pork is fragrant and has a tender texture. - Potato Pie: Potato mash and meat filling are wrapped in a dough and then fried. The outer skin is crispy, and the inner filling is delicious. - Polynesian Roll: A Polynesian-style dish that wraps various ingredients such as meat, vegetables, and sauces in a thin pancake. The taste is rich. - Tropical Fruits: Samoa's climate is suitable for growing various delicious tropical fruits, such as coconut, mango, banana, and cassava. You can taste fresh fruit or juice. 5. Accommodation Options: - City Hotels: If you want to conveniently visit Apia's attractions, you can choose a city hotel. There are many types of city hotels, including star-rated hotels, budget hotels, and guesthouses. You can choose according to your budget and needs. - Beach Resorts: There are some beach resorts around Apia, with beautiful environments and complete facilities. You can enjoy the beach, sunshine, and ocean views. However, these resorts may be far from the city center, and transportation is not very convenient. 6. Shopping Recommendations: - Local Market: Apia's market is a good place to buy local specialties, such as handicrafts, wood carvings, shell ornaments, and traditional clothing. You can bargain with local vendors and experience the local shopping culture. - Shopping Center: There are some shopping centers in the city center, with supermarkets, shops, and restaurants. You can buy daily necessities and some international brand products. 7. Notes: - Cultural Customs: Samoa is a country with unique cultural customs. When visiting temples, churches, and other religious places, pay attention to your attire and observe local religious etiquette. Respect local customs and do not touch or damage local cultural relics and buildings. - Safety Issues: When traveling in Apia, pay attention to your personal belongings and avoid carrying large amounts of cash or valuables in crowded places. When swimming, diving, or participating in other water activities, pay attention to safety and follow relevant regulations and instructions. - Health Issues: Samoa's climate is hot, which can easily lead to heatstroke and other health problems. Be sure to drink plenty of water and avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Also, pay attention to food hygiene and avoid eating unclean food or drinking raw water.