Samoa Cultural Village
Samoa Cultural Village
5
About
Discover Samoa's age-old culture and traditions in a fun and interactive way at the Samoa Cultural Village on Beach Road in the heart of Apia. Fa'a Samoa - the Samoan Way! Samoa is a traditional Polynesian society with Fa'a Samoa playing a vital role in village and community life. Samoans are proud of their strong Fa'a Samoa - which means 'the Samoan Way'. It is the essence of the Samoan culture and dictates how Samoans are meant to behave and their obligations to their elders, superiors, family, community, church and the environment. There are over 362 nu'u or villages in Samoa with a total of 18,00 matais (chiefs). Churches of various denominations feature in every village while meeting houses and open fales or homes encircle the malae or village green. Fa'a Samoa has a strong focus on welcoming visitors making Samoans friendly and hospitable hosts. However, Samoans expect their guests to observe and respect local customs. For a quick insight into Samoa's culture and traditions, visit the Samoa Cultural Village today.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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- OzDiCastle Hill, Australia253 contributionsA surprising find!Well worth a visit. Our free shuttle bus from Taumeasina Resort dropped us outside so we wandered in to look. We were invited to a 3 hour show of music, dance, cooking, tapa cloth making and other crafts. It was a great experience which finished with us trying the foods that were cooked in the fire. The show is free but bring cash for a donation at the end.Visited January 2020Written 25 January 2020
- travelbob1New Windsor, New York1,131 contributionsA MUST SEEWhat a wonderful find! The best of the best for out reach, friendliness, culture and food. The small US$5 fee was way too little for this hour+ event of dance, song and lunch. had to leave a tip for the excellent effort made by the Samoans. Also, there is a small village behind the stage where you can witness Samoan crafts and life.Visited January 2023Written 20 February 2023
- KRMSydney, Australia37 contributionsUNFORGETTABLE experience! A MUST!We came across this as we were not sure what else do as it had been raining. What an amaaazing showcase of Samoan culture and its for FREE! (Please do make sure to donate at the end of their show, though, to show your appreciation) They show you how traditional tattoo is done (after this, we looked at Samoan tattoos with much more respect)... we saw how they carve wood.. they cooked a traditional Samoan ‘umu’ for us (and my goodness, it was delicious!) ... we saw how a ‘tapa’ was made - very impressive! The people are so beautiful, well-spoken & welcoming. Must put this on your ‘Must check out’ list. Oh and try buy your souveneirs here to support these guys.Visited January 2020Travelled with familyWritten 26 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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5.0
356 reviews
Excellent
298
Very good
41
Average
9
Poor
8
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onefang2015
Christchurch, New Zealand26 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
We thought the cultural show would be ‘sit and watch this’, but it was so much more! It started with actually weaving our own plates, and then toured the fales in the garden, explaining cooking, carving, tattooing, and fabric stamping. Interactive and educational. A fun two hours.
Written 19 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GDBNanjing
Whangarei, New Zealand48 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Very interesting show covering dancing, food preparation, carving, tattooing and making your own plate from palm fronds. Friendly and informative guides. You get to sample some island food and I think the price of admission at 20 tala per person very reasonable.
Written 13 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alec
Reikorangi, New Zealand70 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Far exceeded our expectations. Warm friendly greeting, taught to weave our own dinner plate from coconut palm fronds. Demonstrating fabric printing, constructing an Umu, de-husking coconuts, making coconut cream, carving and finally traditional tattoos. Eating food from the Umu, served on our handmade plates, before a concert of dancing and singing, culminating in a fabulous fire dance. All for only 20 WST per head, fantastic value
Written 6 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Crayeater
Hamilton, New Zealand88 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
This is a must do introduction to Samoa! It's an absolute bargain at WST$10 per adult for over 2 hours of entertainingly presented song, dance, history, and cultural sharing. We started with weaving our plates, then the experience moved onto the interesting umu demo followed by carving. The history and culture behind traditional tattoo gave me new respect for Samoans with traditional tattoos we saw on the rest of our holiday. Only improvement I would suggest is that they encourage someone to sell drinking coconuts, or water, onsite for those of us that forgot to bring a drink!
Written 22 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brisollies
Brisbane, Australia121 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
We wouldn’t normally go to something like this, but it was part of our tour and I’m so pleased it was. An unexpected morning of learning. We learnt to weave a plate and were honoured to witness a man getting his traditional tattoo. Plus some traditional dancers and a sample of local food. The staff were really lovely and informative. Worth going to.
Written 1 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marlene K
8 contributions
May 2023 • Friends
Picked up by local tour guide Robert of Samoa Holidays. Very knowledgeable on all aspects of Samoan culture. Went to Cultural Village and learnt a whole heap more. Can't recommend them enought. Had a fantastic time.
Written 4 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jagbm
Nowra, Australia47 contributions
Apr 2023 • Solo
Loved this. The experience is one I will remember about my time in Samoa.
Humour and culture hand in hand. Music, dance, smiles and the chance to try local food on a plate you made yourself. Very informative and enjoyable. Would definitely recommend
Humour and culture hand in hand. Music, dance, smiles and the chance to try local food on a plate you made yourself. Very informative and enjoyable. Would definitely recommend
Written 27 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cathy T
Tauranga, New Zealand67 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
This was well worth a visit, we got to spend a couple of hours learning about the Samoan culture. We made a plate, watched the uma preparation and then ate the result which was very tasty! We we also had a great host and we’re entertained by a group of incredible singers and dancers. A very memorable experience
Written 29 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
travelbob1
New Windsor, NY1,131 contributions
Jan 2023
What a wonderful find! The best of the best for out reach, friendliness, culture and food. The small US$5 fee was way too little for this hour+ event of dance, song and lunch. had to leave a tip for the excellent effort made by the Samoans.
Also, there is a small village behind the stage where you can witness Samoan crafts and life.
Also, there is a small village behind the stage where you can witness Samoan crafts and life.
Written 20 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Linda-wanderer
Sedona, AZ338 contributions
Jan 2023
What a wonderful visit = singing, dancing, cooking, food, watching tattoo artist, even a spectacular fire dance - all for the equivalent of $5US. The people there were friendly and enthusiastic about the Samoan way of life. Very much recommend this attraction.
Written 30 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jayne2609
Adelaide, Australia15 contributions
How much is it and does this include lunch and do you have to book? We’re flying in on a Wednesday in a couple of weeks and would like to do this and RLS home
Belinda A
Waipawa, New Zealand35 contributions
There is no cost and yes you get to eat the food that they cook.
It is only open certain days, i think tuesday to thursday. We didnt book we just turned up
ethjones2000
1 contribution
IS the Samoa Cultural Village open on saturdays?
KT and AL Tours
Apia, Samoa13 contributions
Yes the village is open Saturdays not Sundays, best to check with your Hotel for any up to date changes - its a great collection of local wares and the only income for some families
yoursaturday
Seoul, South Korea22 contributions
Hello everyone! I'm wondering that this village open on tue/wed/thu? I'll visit Samoa island on 13~16 Aug. Thank you for any information!
tashamac2016
Palmerston North, New Zealand36 contributions
We wish to visit on a Thursday but the ferry from Savaii doesn't get in until just before 10am. With a start time of 10.30am, Is it ok to join in part way through or do you need to be there from the start?
Chris L
Papakura, New Zealand112 contributions
It should be okay, note by the you the time you get through from the Savai'i ferry to Apia it would take up to 40 minutes to get there.
Elke R
2 contributions
What is the best day to visit? Specially interested in weaving and tapa cloth. Went to cultural centre in noumea and was so disappointed as there was no demonstration
June G
Whitsunday Islands, Australia35 contributions
Not really sure as we didn't get to do much because of the weather but I understood that they try and do everything each day they are open.
Hello Duncan. I am very impressed with the reviews and will be visiting Apia on a Cruise ship in August. Will the centre be open and is it really free? Is it easy to get there from the ship? I am very much looking forward to learning about the culture. Thank you Jenny
kiwisc0t
Auckland Central, New Zealand245 contributions
Yes it is free, and you get lunch!
Hi just wondering if there are certain days that the shows are on? How long the shows are? What times? And also are there different shows depending on the day e.g. show about dancing, tattoos, climbing coconut trees etc? Thanks
Dwayne B
Apia4 contributions
The shows are on Tue/Wed/Thu. They start at 10:30am and run for about 2 hours.
callkm
Narre Warren, Australia110 contributions
Hi We are stopping in Apia on our cruise next month. Is the cultural village in walking distance from the port? Sorry, l have no idea where we will be docking as haven't been there before.
How did you get to the cultural village? If walking distance, can you give some direction please? Cheers
VictorH459
Sydney, Australia46 contributions
I didn't go to Apia on a cruise so not sure. But the port is quite large so if you are elderly it might be advisable to catch a taxi - but remember to get fee upfront should cost more than 7-10 USA dollars - Samoans are lovely people and unlikely to over charge
Paula W
Vancouver, WA1 contribution
Thanks for the good description of your experience. How do you book this tour? Are they at the pier where the cruise ships dock? Is there any other experiences you might recommend for mature travelers?
Thanks
Richard J
Omaha173 contributions
As I recall, cultural village is either near the pier or where ship shuttle bus drops u off. No need to buy a tour. They put on separate demos of cooking, dancing, craft- making, etc. and you can either put tips in a box or buy one of the crafts . The whole thing is obviously a little touristy but well done. You can check TripAdvisor as to whether there is anything else that appeals to you.
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Claim your listingSAMOA CULTURAL VILLAGE: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Samoa Cultural Village
- Samoa Cultural Village is open:
- Tue - Thu 10:30 - 12:30
- Hotels near Samoa Cultural Village:
- (0.29 km) Lava Hotel Apia
- (0.81 km) Tanoa Tusitala Hotel
- (1.00 km) Amanaki Hotel
- (0.62 km) Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey's Hotel & Bungalows
- (0.47 km) Talofa Inn
- Restaurants near Samoa Cultural Village:
- (0.25 km) Nourish Cafe
- (0.42 km) Milani Caffe
- (0.27 km) Italiano Pizza Bar
- (0.27 km) Bella's Kitchen
- (0.71 km) Paddles Restaurant