Meet first time visitor to Samoa, Mike Beale.

Mike is from New Zealand and has been super excited about his trip to the island. 

The Sunday Samoan met the lone traveler on his last day in Apia before he departs. 

Some of the reasons he chose Samoa is to take up the opportunity to snorkel, enjoy the warm weather and have a relaxing time.

It’s not his first time in the Pacific region. He has been to Tonga and Fiji.

Compared to his previous experiences in the region, Mike highlighted the affordable products available in Samoa and the beautiful scenery. 

Mike stayed at the Tanoa Tusitala Hotel and he said this allowed him to have a very good experience and the opportunity to go out and explore Apia by myself.

 “There are always things to do around Apia. I think it isn’t hard to get in touch with locals and meet people when you are travelling alone, but you have to do a little bit as well by yourself,” he said.

Taking the bus was, according to him, one of the ways he met most locals, who are very friendly and interactive.

 “I could see the nice view and didn’t have to worry about where to go. Mostly I have been the only non-Samoan, which has been a positive experience,” Mike said.

 “For me the Palolo Deep Marine Reserve in town was very good to get out of the hotel and see something different, which I enjoyed. The good thing was as well that I have been right next to the Teuila Festival.”

He voiced his frustrations of some taxi drivers not knowing where to go or being given wrong information about movie schedules in the cinema, which he experienced arriving 30 minutes late to the movie.

 “You are not stacked or ruled by time here, you are not so much under pressure all the time, which I think is the positive side, when we from New Zealand or Europe aren’t used to those little issues. Most things are really not a problem when you come in with an acceptance and understanding,” Mike said.

He plans to revisit Samoa when he has the opportunity to escape his work schedules.