Satapuala
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Satapuala is a main village located on the western end of the main island of Upolu. It is located around 35 to 40 kilometres away form the Capital City of Apia, about 40 minutes away by car. The population of this village is around 2,000. Practically all Samoans and tourists have stood in this village since this is where the main international airport of Samoa, Faleolo International Airport, stands. Only one aircraft disaster was recorded back in the 50s–70s[citation needed], when a small domestic Polynesian Airlines plane from Pago Pago crashed on the shores of Satapuala.
The village is separated into two sections, as aremost villages in Samoa. Satapuala-I-Tai, is the end of the village nearest to the lagoon shoreline. Satapuala-I-Uta is the end where most of the village people live, and also the place where the village road ends.
The village of Satapuala is famous for having the historic Lapita Site. In the early 20th century this village fought against the New Zealand (Early Samoan) government, since they wanted to put an airport on the village grounds. Through time they were given permission.
There is only one narrow and roughly paved road which connects the two ends of Satapuala-I-Uta, although in Satapuala-I-Tai the road is unpaved. The main Upolu Highway is accessible from the main village junction, or also known as the Magafa
There are a few schools in Satapuala, including district college called Satapuala College. Many children from the village attend and so do those from places as far as Leulumoega to Falelatai.
Sightseeing is great in Satapuala. There is a large coconut plantation, where coconuts are used to make the famous Samoan Brand Coconut Cream which is sold worldwide.
Plus, not far from the airport is the Mulifanua Wharf. Here you can catch an Inter-Island Ferry to Salelologa, Savai'i. However, if you would like to catch a ferry to Manono or Apolima Islands, then you will need to go to Manono Uta and Apolima Uta.
Two of the events from the 2007 South Pacific Games were held here. Sailing and the Triathlon took place in Satapuala and due to the event, Satapuala became a busy area of the Island of Upolu too, besides Apia and Tuna'imato.
There are preferably 10 family-owned shops in the village and there are around 3 family-owned billiard gaming areas. A petrol station will be built and ready to go in the village, in late 2008.
The traditional 'Sa' is played throughout the village, since this village is out of the suburban zone of Apia. The 'Sa' goes for about 30 minutes. The 'Sa' is a Prayer Curfew, played throughout most of Samoa, except for Apia.
The village is vibrant in colour and culture. A lot of vicious stray dogs roam the area, so be careful. Horses can also be spotted, tied amongst the breadfruit and coconut trees.
This village is abundant in crops and flowers. Just watch out for the plant known as the vao fefe since it is very prickly. Satapuala is a very clean village, rubbish is hardly noticeable. When visiting remember to also place your rubbish in a bin. Keep Samoa Clean!
Everyday besides Sunday, everyone would pump their hit songs on radio. TV is perfectly broadcasted throughout Satapuala, although only SBC ONE is recahed into the village. Radio however is broadcasted throughout Satapuala very clearly.
A few pay phones are found around Satapuala's Main Village Shops, but the majority of pay phones are found at the airport. You can also browse the Internet there at the Go Mobile Internet Cafe.
Mobile Phones are widely used and acceptable in Satapuala. Digicel and Go Mobile (SamoaTel) controls a good reception rate in Satapuala. Topping Up, Credit Recharges and SIM Cards can be purchased from all family-owned stores in Satapuala.
At the airport as well, you can cash out or deposit money at the ANZ and Westpac Banks. Satapuala (Faleolo) is a major Bank and ATM hub, and this is an advantage for the people of Satapuala. Instead of going to Apia to cash out or deposit money, they can simply just pop down to the airport.
Sadly to say, there are no public facilities such as toilets, unless you pop down to the airport. At the airport you can also get some refreshments from the cafes there.
Church is highly respected in the village of Satapuala, especially Sunday, like most of Samoa. All the Christian churches are located in Satapuala including the, Catholic Church of 'Sagato Atonio' and the LDS church, which is located across the narrow village road from the Catholic Church.
To get to Satapuala from Apia, you would need to catch a bus. You can also catch the bus which goes to Matautu Falelatai. Fares to and from Satapuala are only 2 dollars for adults and 1 dollar for children under 12. Taxis however are very expensive. From Apia to Satapuala the cost of a 40 minute taxi ride would be around 40 to 50 dollars.
The roads throughout Samoa are not the best. When driving, always remember to keep driving safely, and when you're in Satapuala and in any other village always slow your speed down to 40-50 km/h, since people especially children cross the road without knowing or without caring.
Volleyball, cricket and rugby union are always played by many young folks down at the malae or in the front of their own fale. Many play in packs. If lucky, you might even spot the Manu Samoa Team practising before leaving on their flight to play a test or match elsewhere in the world.
