Upolu

Upolu is the most important of Samoa's islands. The Region of Upolu also includes all other islands of the nation apart from the so-called "big" island of Savaii. Upolu was formed by a massive volcano, but there have been no recent eruptions. The island is 75 kilometers long and contains Samoa's capital, Apia, which is in the middle of the north coast and Faleolo International Airport, which is towards the western end of the island. The island is fringed by reefs and has some beautiful beaches. Inland is hilly, with tropical vegetation and numerous waterfalls.

Upolu was affected by a major tsunami on 29 September 2009. Twenty villages in its eastern, southeastern and southern sides were destroyed or badly damaged. Deaths exceeded 100 and more than 3000 people were made homeless. Considerable tourism infrastructure was affected but several facilities have already been rebuilt. In addition to its impact on land and the tsunami also had considerable impact on the area's coral.

Other Muslim Friendly Cities in Upolu

• Apia GPS -13.8359,-171.7689 - the capital of Upolu, situated on the north coast. This is a rapidly modernising city, backed up with considerable history. The population is close to 40,000.

More Destinations in Upolu

There are many attractive villages throughout the island and on Manono island. Upolu also has some interesting natural reserves, lovely waterfalls, good diving and snorkelling and fantastic beaches. For more information see SEE, below.

Upolu Halal Travel Guide

Be respectful whilst traveling around the villages and the quiet outskirts of Upolu. Samoa is a very traditional society and it is important to respect Fa'a Samoa and the "Samoan Way". See Samoa.

Local Language in Upolu

The Samoan language is the official language, but many Samoans speak English fluently.

Travel as a Muslim to Upolu

Most visitors arrive by plane at Faleolo International Airport, which has Flights from various countries. The other options are Fagalii Airport, with Flights from American Samoa, and boat service from Tokelau and American Samoa. For more information, see Samoa.

How to get around in Upolu

Buses

Old traditional buses are a must do. They are quite cheap, but can be uncomfortable. Buses leave from two locations in Apia: behind the flea market on the waterfront and next to the produce market "Marketi Fou". Ask the drivers for information on which buses to catch to your planned destination.

Car rental

You can hire cars from Apia, sometimes for less than 50 Tala a day. Rental companies include: Samoan water slide upolu - Papaseea Sliding Rocks

• Alby Rentals | ☎ +685 21271 +685 23181
• Apia Rentals | ☎ +685 24244 +685 26193
• Blue Pacific Car Hire | ☎ +685 22668 +685 25887
• Budget | ☎ +685 20561 +685 22284

• Discovery Rentals | ☎ +685 29230 +685 32032

• Funway Rentals | ☎ +685 22045

Fill the tank in Apia as opportunities for refills are limited elsewhere.

What to see in Upolu

• Lake Lanoto'o National Park | - GPS: Take the cross-island road that goes south from Apia. Turn off is 2km after the Bahai temple. 4WD plus good walking shoes needed from there. - Contains a rare and important swamp forest ecosystem. The lake is full of goldfish, which have thrived since being first introduced by expatriate residents.

• Lalomanu (Aliepata) in the east has beautiful beaches and sights of small idyllic islands. Nearby is a beautiful waterfall named Tiave'a.

• O Le Pupu-Pui National Park. | - GPS: - Contains Samoa's highest mountain, Mt. Fito at 1100m. as well as Togitogiga Falls. Some good hiking trails.
• Papapapai-Tai Falls | - GPS: near the north-south road, 2km south of the turn off to Lanoto'o. A 100m drop makes these very spectacular falls.
• Papase'ea Sliding Rocks | - GPS: - SAT2 Just six kilometers southwest of Apia and these water falls are a major attraction. A soft vegetation under the water makes it feasible to easily slide down the falls into the swimmingpool below. Better in the rainy season. Fun for all ages.
• Manono Island | - GPS: A 20-minutes ferry ride from Manono-uta on the western tip of Upolu island. - Manono Island is a low-lying island that has no cars or roads. There is a footpath that follows the coast. Dogs and horses are banned for environmental reasons. Things to see include a prehistoric Mound temple. This is one of the most traditional parts of Samoa and a very pleasant place to visit. Beach fales are available.
• Namua Island | - GPS: off the eastern tip of Upolu, within the reef.

Piula Cave Pool, Upolu island, Samoa - Piula Cave Pool

• Piula Cave Pool - Fatumea Pool | - GPS: east of Apia on the north cost, near Saoluafata. Entrance via the Piula Theological College. Opening Hours: In the grounds of a church and closed on Sundays small fee Attractive spring-fed freshwater swimmingpool by the sea for swimming and exploring of the caves.

• Return to Paradise Beach | - GPS: Southwest coast near Lefaga A beautiful beach, but particularly interesting for those old enough to remember the 1953 film starring Gary Cooper and written by James Mitchener, which was filmed here.
• Vailima | - GPS: - Home and grave of Robert Louis Stevenson. See Apia for more info.

What to do in Upolu

• Surfing. There is good surfing in many locations but it is only for the experienced as the reef can be dangerous. Several resorts specialise in surfing, including Sa'Moana Resort, who operate two ocean going fibreglass boats with experienced guides and skippers, safety and back to base radio equipment . Check the web before committing to a surf tour operator as one or two do not have good reputations.
• Fishing. There is an abundance of fish in Samoa's waters. Charter companies mainly operate out of Apia#Do|Apia's harbour, and one operating from Sinalei Resort on the South Coast.
• Golf. Two courses are close to Apia: the Royal Samoan Country Club, for a long time Samoa's only golf course, and a more recent development and the Faleata Country Club, which is close to the sports complex constructed for the South Pacific Games. On the south coast the Sinalei Reef Resort has a nine-hole pitch and putt course.
• Diving. There are some 900 fish species and 200 types of coral in Samoa's waters. The only confirmed dive company on Upolu at the beginning of 2015 was:

• Aquasamoa - GPS: Based at Aggie Greys Resort ☎ +685 45662 Organizes diving trips and is a qualified PADI instructor.

• Beaches. Upolu has lengthy stretches of beautiful beaches. Note that all beaches are Customary Land (owned by a village) and you may be asked to pay a small fee for their use. It would not be appreciated if you tried to argue.

Halal Restaurants in Upolu

To be updated

See Samoa for more information.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Upolu

Upolu - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Upolu, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Upolu. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Upolu and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Upolu. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Upolu. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inUpolu: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Upolu.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Upolu: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Upolu, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Upolu.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Upolu, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Upolu, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Upolu and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Upolu, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Upolu, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Upolu without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Upolu is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Upolu.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Upolu is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Upolu, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Upolu Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Upolu

eHalal Group Upolu is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Upolu. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Upolu.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Upolu ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Upolu. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Upolu, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Upolu are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at realestate@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly hotels in Upolu

In addition to hotels in Apia there are some good resorts, guest houses and fales on other parts of the main island and outer islands. Some hotels damaged by the tsunami are still recovering and are not listed here.

• FaoFao Beach Fales | Saleapaga on southeast of the island ☎ +685 772-6693 - WS$80 inc. breakfast and dinner Totally destroyed by the Tsunami, FaoFao has been attractively restored. Eight fales.
• Namua Beach Fales | Namu'a Island GPS: 70 tala Includes meals and launch transfer. This place should definitely be included in your itinerary.
• Taufua Beach Fales | Lalomanu Take the cross island rd or the shore Road, it's about the same either way. ☎ +685 41051 +685 41347 Arguably the best place to stay on Upolu with the best beach on the island. The reef inside the lagoon was badly damaged by the Sept 2009 tsunami. There are still heaps of beautiful fish but the reef itself is stark and has no color. Also, as a result of the tsunami when snorkeling you will see pieces of lino, clothes, building debris, etc. which are a very sad and heartwrenching reminder of what the people have been through. There is a dive shop on premises that can also organize snorkeling and surfing trips. The fales are basic but in good shape and are right on the beach. It's social but also quiet (except for the constant pounding of the surf out on the reef). Meals are served long table style and are a mix of western, eastern, and traditional Samoan food. Bar on premises. Internet access available. Bodega 5 minutes walk away for organic juice and basic food. There's a couple other places to eat and drink on this beach if you feel like some variety but there's nothing fancy.

Mid-range

• Airport Lodge | Lalovi Village ☎ +685 45584 +685 45582 WS$180 for a villa sleeping two Check-in: 11.00 / Check-out: Eight villas in a garden setting, a short walk from the sea. Ten minutes from the airport and three minutes from the Savaii ferry.
• Dave Parker Eco Lodge | cloud9@ Tapatapao 15 min. from Apia, in the hills ☎ +685 28899 +685 23102 WS$75+ Unique mountain-top lodge with rainforest right below you.
• Le Uaina Seaside resort | Faleapuna village, Northeastern Upolu, 14km from Apia ☎ +685 40272 or +685 40270 +685 40273 WS$175+ Resort by the sea with a small beach. Good restaurant.
• Sunset View Fales - Lepuia'I Village, Manono Island ☎ +685 7596240 - 100 tala Tranquil Manono island - no vehicles - no roads - no dogs. Free launch transfer from 'Upolu. All meals included. Boat trips to reef. Outrigger canoe. 5 fales on the waters edge. Samoan family environment. Ferry wharf phone: +685 46177

• Sa'Moana Resort - Salamumu GPS: -14.00432, -171.91216 from Apia via the cross island Road, turn left in Salamumu or the Aleisa Road, turn right in Salamumu. 6km from the turn off to the resort ☎ +685 842 8880 Checkin - 2PM / Check-out: 11AM A small, private and unpretentious resort with white sandy beach and lava rock infinity pool. Accommodation options include Beach Front Bungalows, Beach House and Dorm Style all inclusive surf package. Bungalows and Beach House have outdoor lava rock showers. Restaurant, bar, children's' activities and lal-tours/ tours on-site. Excellent snorkelling directly in front of resort.

• Aggie Grey's Lagoon, Beach Resort and Spa - Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey’s Resort | 2 min from the international airport ☎ +685 45611 +685 45626 US$200 for large beachfront double. Aggie Grey's Hotel (in Apia) and Aggie Grey's Resort are now both under the management of Starwood and have been re-branded as Sheraton Resorts.
• Coconuts Beach Club and Resort - Maninoa Village On south coast, just to the west of the cross-island road. ☎ +685 24849 +685 20071 Start at US$270. Over-water fales for US$400 Coconuts started as a beach and has grown from there. Set up by two Californian lawyers and the resort has very spacious fales and consistently gets high ratings.
• Le Vasa Resort | Cape Fatuosofia far west of the island, six miles from the airport and three miles from the Savaii ferry ☎ +685 46028 +685 46098 Fales from WS$500 to WS1500 a night plus tax, but discounts may be available on the web site Attractive location. For the price charged you would expect to be right on the beach but here there is a strip of volcanic rock between the fales and the sea.
• Sinalei Reef Resort | ☎ +685 25191 +685 20285 Rates start at US$245 a night for a garden fale. Beachside fales start at $500 a night. Beautiful, but very upmarket development on the south coast.

Stay safe as a Muslim in Upolu

Do not walk alone at night, and stay with people you know and trust. Free roaming dogs can be a safety problem in the capital Apia. The Government of Samoa (GoS) passed the Canine Control Act in 2013 as an initial step toward addressing dog management. Most dogs ignore you and don't see you as a threat if you ignore them.

Explore more Halal friendly Destinations from Upolu

No visit to Samoa is complete without a visit to Savaii. This is the larger but less developed of the two main islands.

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