What makes Samoa so special? At first glance, the country appears to be another tropical paradise in the South Pacific, complete with beaches and swaying coconut palms. However, those who go further, i.e. locate our list of the most unique things to do in Samoa, will learn that there are even more unique and strange activities to partake in. From watching the local police force transform into a brass band marching through the streets of the capital every morning to seeing birds that act like cave bats, there are some truly unusual and different experiences to be enjoyed. This collection includes some of the most unusual items!

Spend the Night at a Beach Fale.

Beach fales are not unique to Samoa, as they account for almost one-third of all accommodations, yet they are iconically and distinctively Samoan. Beach fales, which are elevated on the sand and traditionally built with woven blinds and palm frond roofs, provide a unique beach camping and cultural experience. Furthermore, they are owned by local families, who serve home-cooked meals.

See a bird that thinks it's a bat.

Samoa is home to several rare bird species, the most distinctive being the pe'ape'a, or white-rumped swiftlet, which dwells in almost every cave in Samoa and uses echolocation to fly around in the dark.

Walk Among Lava Ruins in Saleaula Lava Field.

The stunning Saleaula Lava Field has traces of the devastating Mt Matavanua eruption from 1905 to 1911. It's a short walk to the lava field's most notable feature, the LMS Church, which is in ruins with a lava flow hardened directly through its arched doors. Walk about 300 meters (328 yards) west, following the sign, and you'll come across the intriguing and odd "Virgin's Grave," where the lava flow is reported to have avoided the grave of a little girl. An lovely wetland viewpoint is located behind the church ruins. Return to the trail and go northeast for roughly 900 m (984 yards) over an exposed lava flow to the dramatic lava cliffs.

Watch the Royal Samoan Police Marching Band every morning in Apia.

Every weekday morning at roughly 8:45 a.m., the Royal Samoa Police Band marches along Beach Road from the Police Station Headquarters, bringing Apia's streets to life with trumpets, trombones, and drums. At 9 a.m., they raise the Samoan flag on the lawns of the Government Building before marching back to the Police Station. Some may call it a one-of-a-kind sight that should not be missed!

Scratch Moso's Footprint

Moso's Footprint is an interesting attraction that requires a significant amount of time to visit. It is an easy hop-out-of-the-car stop on the way to Falealupo Beach. The 2 m (6.6 ft)-long foot-shaped depression is accompanied with an interpretative panel that describes the mythology of Moso, who stepped his right foot onto Savai'i before extending his left foot over the Pacific to Suva in Fiji.

Experience Samoa's Natural Waterpark, Papase'ea Sliding Rocks.

That's correct, Samoa doesn't require waterslides or log flumes because it has its own natural waterpark just outside of the city! After traveling down an alarmingly high number of stairs, knowing that you'll have to climb them again, you'll come across the first and largest slide of the Papase'ea Sliding Rocks, which locals refer to as the "men's slide"; an almost vertical 5 m (16 ft) slope! The "kids' slide" is further down, a considerably less dangerous slope with a small drop at the end for added excitement.

Visit Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, one of the eight Bahá'í temples.

Mashriqu'l-Adhkár is not only an amazing piece of architecture set in exquisite gardens, but it is also one of just eight Baha'i Houses of Worship in the globe, making it one of Samoa's most unique attractions! The temple has nine symmetrical sides and a dome that stands 28 meters (92 feet) high. The towering edifice is surrounded by 20 acres of manicured grass, approximately 60 varieties of flowers, and various native plants and trees. The tourist center contains information displays about the history of the Baha'i Faith, the various Houses of Worship around the world, and more. The home is open everyday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., and there is a public interfaith ceremony with a Samoan choir and refreshments every Sunday at 10 a.m.

Jump between freshwater and saltwater in a matter of minutes.

Crudely concreted walls can be found all throughout Samoa's coastline. This is not an erosion protection measure, but they are typically located where subsurface freshwater emerges at the sea, making them great for a refreshing plunge! So you can have a dip in the ocean and then refresh and rinse off the salty in a freshwater pool in a few minutes!

Experience Palolo Rising.

"Palolo Rising" is a natural and cultural phenomena that occurs only once or twice a year, at the same time and phase of the moon, when reef worms basically behead themselves in order to release their tails and reproductive organs to the water's surface in order to procreate. Pretty strange, isn't it? Furthermore, locals come to the reefs before sunrise to catch this seafood delicacy!

Find Samoa's Smallest Church.

Sure, there are many huge churches and cathedrals that take up all of the attention in Samoa, but show some love to one of Christianity's more basic institutions. The First Samoan Full Gospel Pentecostal Church in Satupaitea, Savai'i, is Samoa's tiniest church! For further churches to examine