Beauty of Savai’i impresses couple

By Ioana Tupa'i 19 January 2018, 12:00AM

The Batelaan couple from New Zealand are in love with Samoa’s surrounding, especially the ocean.

Dear Tourist met Koos, 62, and his lovely wife Tissy, 61, while they were enjoying a swim at the Vaisala Hotel in Savai’i.

The big island has somehow drawn them close to the white sandy beaches and the crystal clear blue ocean.

“It’s a lovely place to be, it’s fantastic,” said Mrs. Batelaan.

“What’s disappointing is the amount of litter, not so much here in Savai’i, but in Upolu.

“There are so many beautiful gardens and beautiful edges along the road and then you see rubbish and then you think what a pity. People weed and they just leave the rubbish without picking them up.”

They also suggested more sign posts on roadsides to help direct tourists.

Despite this, Mrs. Batelaan says they have been to so many different places in Upolu, such as Papaseea Sliding Rock and they loved it.

“We have been to the market and To Sua trench in Aleipata, it was lovely,” says Mr. Batelaan.

Mr. Batelaan also shared his concern in relation to our marine life.

“Two and a half years ago we went snorkelling around the Marine Centre, we have seen the lovely beautiful marine life but for some reason it got a lot less, I don’t know what happened in that area, but it wasn’t the same amount of colour and coral and fish like two years ago.

“I do not know if it is seasonal or what.”

Mr. Batelaan adds Samoa is a lovely spot, easy going, stress free and it’s not too touristy.

“For me it’s a real holiday, people don’t care if you’re here and it’s nice. They live their lives and then they leave you to live your life. They are not all over you, trying to get their tourist dollar,” she said.

“They are not pushy,” said Mr. Batelaan.

“Savai’i is more natural and has a beautiful environment.” 

Samoa’s beauty has captivated their hearts, and no doubt they’ll be visiting our shores again.

By Ioana Tupa'i 19 January 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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