Sharmila Melissa Yogalingam travels to the largely unexplored Christmas and Cocos Islands, nestled between Indonesia and Australia.
Christmas Island
WHY GO Christmas Island is the world's largest coral atoll. With its numerous salt flats and lagoons, Christmas Island is secluded and almost desolate. Located just 360 kilometres from Java in Indonesia, and 2,600 kilometres north-west of Perth in Western Australia, this tiny island is a playground for those who love nature, or who simply want to bask in the sun.
One of the most well known and unique features of Christmas Island is the annual crossing of the Red Crabs. These red-coloured crustaceans pile the forest floor throughout the island from October to December, during the wet season. Typically scared of humans, these crabs will flee at the sight of people. However just once a year, they participate in an annual mass migration, which has become Christmas Island's main claim to fame.
Sea activities are a must, particularly fishing and SCUBA diving. Given that Christmas Island has some of the richest and most diverse marine life, it's certainly a place to try your hand at fly flishing or go swimming amongst the prolific marine life as well as turtles. Interested anglers should contact Shorefire Fishing Charters (www.shorefire.com.au) or Hollywood Charters (Tel: +61 437 780 618/08 9164 7307). While SCUBA fanatics should touch base with Christmas Island Divers (http://www.christmasislanddivers.com/) or the Singapore-based Eco Adventures Worldwide (Tel: 6538 4441).
For those who prefer to laze on the beach, Christmas Island offers several options. Dolly Beach is one of the most secluded on the island. Sandy with shallow rock pools and fringed by swaying coconut palms, this is the perfect spot for a picnic. Other beaches include West White Beach, which can be a bit of a trek, and the great-for-snorkelling Winifred Beach.
Other natural formations on Christmas Island well worth a visit are the blowholes. Located on the western side of the island, they're certainly a spectacular display of nature. Watch as the ocean's swell forces seawater to spray through rock formations and be prepared to get wet!
EAT & DRINK There are quite a few places to eat on Christmas Island. A popular destination is Emayson's Café (+61 8 9164 8106), which serves both Western and Asian dishes. Longs Bakery is closed on Saturdays, but on other days, it serves sandwiches, rolls, buns and other pastries. If you fancy watching the sun set over the Indian Ocean as you dine, head to Rumah Tinggi Tavern and Restaurant (Tel: +61 8 9164 7667) for modern Australian cuisine and fine wines.
WHY GO Cocos Islands - also known as Keeling Islands - is a tiny horseshoe-shaped jewel atoll located 2,750 kilometres north-west of Perth and 900 kilometres south-west of Christmas Island, and is an absolute sanctuary and haven for those looking for respite from a hectic life. Unlike most island destinations, the Cocos Islands do not offer luxury resorts, extensive shopping malls, restaurants or gift shops, but what you will find is a simple and uncomplicated getaway - the perfect place just to sit and laze in the sun.
TO DO If you're keen to try some active pursuits go snorkelling, SCUBA diving and fishing, or take a boat ride and island hop. Expect to see a plethora of turtles, manta rays, dolphins, live coral, crustaceans and fish, among other marine life and sea birds found all over the island. For diving and snorkelling, contact Cocos Dive (http://www.cocosdive.com/) and for fishing be sure to touch base with the Cocos Islands Tourism office (www.cocos-tourism.cc/water.htm, Email: info@cocos-tourism.cc). For fish feeding, angling, glass bottomed boats and island hopping, speak to Geof Christie (Tel: +61 8 9162 6579, www.karenwillshaw.com/geof). Additional activities include kite flying (www.zephyrkitetours.com) and sail boarding (http://www.2ndwind.com.au/), as well as canoeing (Email: info@cocos-tourism.cc)
EAT & DRINK There are only two restaurants and one coffee shop on the island. Dory's of Cocos (Tel: +61 8 9162 7646), offers stunning views of the Indian Ocean served up with their muffins, cakes, sandwiches and sausage rolls. If your party is large enough, Dory's can also rustle up an evening meal. The other restaurant is Tropika (Tel: +61 8 9162 6672) which requires reservations. If you want to dine, simply write your name on the chalkboard out front and someone will get back to you! Another option is Bunga Melati (Tel: +61 8 9162 7633), open by request only.
GETTING THERE From Singapore, Qantas (www.qantas.com.au), Cathay Pacific (http://www.cathaypacific.com/) and Singapore Airlines (www.singaporeair.com) all fly daily to Perth. From Perth, National Jet Systems (www.nationaljet.com.au) flies twice weekly to both the Christmas and Cocos Islands.
VISAS Required for all nationalities excluding those with an Australian passport. Visit www.immi.gov.au for more information and online applications.
Posted Jan 09
