Samoa is not a destination for rushing; it is a place for relaxation, rhythm and connection. Sam McClymont uncovered the true soul of this tropical paradise on two wheels, cycling along the beautiful coastline and through welcoming villages.
Location:
Upolu, Samoa
Costs:
Cycle Journeys Outdoor Samoa www.cyclejourneys.co.nz
Guided tours and self-guided itineraries available
For more travel inspiration visit www.samoa.travel
Info correct at 25.07.26
Highlights:
Tucked away in the South Pacific, northeast of Fiji, the Samoan island of Upolu invites visitors to step out of the car and onto two wheels.
Cycling while on holiday provides an intimate exploration of culture and community, and a cool breeze on a humid day!
A full loop of Upolu covers approximately 200 kilometres of lush, coastal scenery.
With Cycle Journeys Outdoor Samoa, travellers can choose an e-bike day trip or a more comprehensive self-guided, multi-day adventure, the pace remains entirely in their hands.
Guided by local expert Lulu, Sam discovered that the cycling experience is less about physical endurance and more about cultural immersion.
Whether it is stopping to hear the beautiful singing from a village church, waving at local children with a call of “Talofa”, or observing the relaxed, daily rhythm of village life.
Throughout the ride, there were frequent opportunities to connect with locals: stopping at roadside stalls, chatting with residents, or being welcomed into private homes to learn about traditional customs.
One such highlight was the process of preparing the traditional drink koko Samoa. This involves hours of roasting cacao beans over an open fire, hand-peeling them, and grinding them down to a paste.
Finally, the paste is mixed with sugar and boiling water creating a rich hot chocolate with a coffee-like bitterness.
Sam’s bike trip concluded at a beach fale, a traditional thatched hut. The open-air structures are a unique choice for accommodation, where visitors will be provided with mat, mattress, pillow, mosquito nets, and sometimes a meal by the local family.
A cycling trip around Upolu is all about slowing down and engaging with a simpler, warm-hearted way of life.
The reward for every kilometre pedalled is a deeper appreciation for the stunning landscape and the genuine hospitality of the Samoan people.