Best things to do in Apia

Bring your snorkeling gear and a sense of curiosity to Palolo Deep Marine Reserve, a protected area for coral and marine life. Try to plan your visit during high tide, and float above a vibrant world teeming with tropical fish and coral carpets. If you are lucky, you may even spot sea turtles and sharks. It's possible to visit during low tide, but there's a higher chance of damaging the coral or hurting yourself. The attraction provides toilets, showers, and changing rooms.

The interior of Immaculate Conception Cathedral will transport you to another world with its architectural beauty and a decor that blends Samoan culture and Catholicism. View the icons, paintings, marble floors, carvings, stained-glass windows, and carved wooden ceiling with a painted dome. Visitors are welcome to join the services. Before you leave, take a walk around the exterior gardens and admire the statues.

Experience the thrill of a natural water slide at Papaseea Sliding Rock, where centuries of erosion have worn down the rock to create a smooth chute. In addition to the tallest slide, three smaller slides are located at the base of the waterfall, and all slides empty into a refreshing swimming hole. Watch out for the strong current, wear shorts on the slides, and expect some bumps and scratches. Toilets and changing rooms are available on site. If you visit during the dry season, make sure to check the depth of the pool before jumping in.

Delve into Samoa's culture at Samoa Cultural Village, an interactive settlement where visitors can learn about Fa'a Samoa, or the Samoan way. With an emphasis on community and respect, customs include welcoming guests with open and friendly arms. Visitors are expected to respect the village, and in return are treated to demonstrations and lessons on traditional weaving, tattooing, and carvings. Do not miss the musical performances, which feature traditional dancers.

Explore the home of Robert Louis Stevenson at Robert Louis Stevenson Museum, a museum dedicated to the Scottish author of works such as "Treasure Island" and "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde." The house's perfectly restored rooms show the man's lifestyle in the 19th century. Everything from furniture to decor was meticulously chosen. You'll need to join a guided tour to enter the attraction. When the visit is over, stop by the gift shop for books, Samoan crafts, clothing, music, and more.

Marvel at the splendor of To Sua Ocean Trench, a massive swimming hole filled with blue water and surrounded by lush vegetation. The swimming hole is set deep in the ground, so a ladder is required to enter and exit. The water fills the hole via an ancient lava tube connected to the ocean, which creates a current. Weak swimmers can take hold of a rope across the center of the hole. Bring something to cover up with when you're not swimming, as conservative dress is requested out of the water. A few picnic tables are available, so consider packing some refreshments.

View one of the longest waterfalls in Samoa at Papapapaitai Falls. Visitors can't actually reach the falls--this grand cascade is only viewable from afar, at a viewpoint next to the road. However, on a sunny day, it's a beautiful sight even from a distance. If you visit the viewpoint after a rainfall, when the waterfall is at its strongest, you may even hear a distant thundering.

Located beneath a Methodist chapel, Piula Cave Pool is a natural freshwater swimming hole fed by a spring. The crystal-clear water extends outside the cave as well, so claustrophobic visitors can still enjoy a dip. However, if you are feeling adventurous, explore farther in and find a second attached cave. Take your snorkeling gear and try to spot the tropical fish. Changing rooms and toilets are available.

Relax in paradise at Lalomanu Beach, a piece of white sand coastline next to a blue lagoon full of marine life. Because of its status as a marine reserve, the lagoon teems with fish, turtles, crabs, and possibly even some harmless sharks--don't forget your snorkeling gear. Get out of the water and explore the land by hiking into an extinct volcano crater. Keep your eyes peeled for flying foxes.

Find the perfect souvenir or taste local produce at Old Apia Market, a collection of produce, flea, and fish markets. Find dinner ingredients among the massive selection of fruits and vegetables, including coconuts and taro. If the day is very hot, pick up an ice-cold niu (a drinking coconut). Head to the fish market for the catch of the day and choose between yellowfin tuna, octopus, moray eels, and more unusual options like sea-cucumber gizzards. When you just need gifts to take home, browse the traditional, locally made crafts. Wood carvings, kava bowls, and woven mats make great souvenirs, or pick up a brightly colored, versatile sarong. Bartering is allowed.

Featuring white sand and turquoise water, Tafa Tafa Beach is a great location for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling. Wear reef shoes when exploring the water, and scour the beach after the tide goes out for gorgeous shells and natural souvenirs. Fales (thatched beach huts) line the sand and provide simple, budget accommodation for travelers. This accommodation is a travel experience in itself, allowing you to wake up directly on the beach. Shower and toilet facilities are available.

Ravaged by the 2009 earthquake and tsunami, Lefaga Beach has since rebuilt its infrastructure and thrives again as a tropical paradise. This beach is great for relaxing and sunbathing on the white sand. Grab your snorkeling gear and search for giant clams in the clear waters, or take a kayak out and explore the shoreline. A nearby resort offers toilets, showers, a restaurant, and other convenient facilities. This attraction is famous for being the setting of the 2004 Gary Cooper film "Return to Paradise."