Plizio Visual Lab
Samatau
ℹ️Practical info — Samatau
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Respect the evening village curfew (Sa), a time for prayer and quiet often marked by the blowing of a conch shell.
- Bring enough cash in Samoan Tala, as ATMs are not available in this traditional fishing village.
- Always ask for permission before taking photographs of the locals or their traditional fales (houses).
- Women should wear a lavalava (sarong) over their swimwear when leaving the beach and walking through the village.
🍽 Food
Raw fish salad - Ask local fishermen or at small village eateries for this fresh specialty.
Young taro leaves baked in coconut cream, usually prepared in an umu (earth oven).
Often grilled or pan-fried straight from the morning catch.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
Look for handmade bark cloth from local artisans in the village.
Buy papayas and bananas directly from small roadside tables.
A peaceful stretch of sand first-rate for a quiet afternoon stroll.
Walk towards the western edges of the village for memorable sunset views over the ocean.
Water temperature…
Samatau is a traditional coastal village located at the western tip of Upolu in the Aana district. Positioned away from the major transportation arteries, it has largely preserved its original and tranquil character. The village is well-known for its strong connection to the sea, with fishing serving as the primary livelihood for its residents. Historically, Samatau often acted as a place of refuge and strategic planning during regional conflicts. The architecture consists predominantly of traditional 'fale' homes arranged around a central green common, the Malae. The Samatau community is renowned for its hospitality and the preservation of ancient crafts, particularly the weaving of traditional mats. Agriculturally, the surrounding lands are utilized for cultivating taro and coconuts, mostly through family-run farms. The village church is a prominent structure and forms the social heart for religious festivals and community meetings. The area's seclusion features unspoiled natural beauty and an insight into authentic Samoan village life far from urban centers. Protecting natural resources, especially the reef ecosystem, is a high priority for the village leadership.
- Location: Samoa
- Top sights: Siufaga Congregational Christian Church · Siufaga Catholic Church · Samatau Church of Jesus Christ & the Latter-day Saints
- Nearby: Falelatai (6 km)
- Population: ~939 (2012)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 28 |
| Rain mm | 258 | 241 | 165 | 169 | 128 | 91 | 75 | 56 | 92 | 141 | 213 | 229 |
Geography
Facts
- Samatau is located at the far southwestern edge of Upolu island.
- The settlement is part of the Aana Alofi No. 3 electoral constituency.
- Samatau is famous for its high-quality hand-woven 'Ie Toga' mats.
- The village is situated near the scenic Falelatai Bay area.
- The population relies primarily on subsistence farming and fishing.
- Samatau maintains a historic landing site for local fishing boats.
Explore nearby
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Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Samatau (4)
Siufaga Church of Jesus Christ & the Latter-Day Saints
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Siufaga area.
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