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Christmas Islands
TopGeneral Information
Christmas Island was once an erupting volcano below the sea floor. After millions of years it has emerged on the edge of the Java trench as a constant reminder to it’s past. With volcanic like rock surrounding its coastal edges and cliff faces, the difference from its partner Cocos Keeling Islands (900km to the west), is astonishing!
While Cocos is flat and display’s the typical ‘island’ look, Christmas Island stands over 350 metres above sea level and plunges steeply to a depth of 5000 metres, all with in 5km of the islands shore. The island has several plateaus all of different altitudes with five small villages located on each distinctive level. The lower section consists of the Settlement and Kampong areas, joined by the steep Murray Road towards Poon Saan, Silver City and Drumsite areas.
The National Park takes up to sixty three percent of the 135 km square island, leaving plenty of room to explore the many natural wonders. The most obvious and popular being the Red Crab migration. After the onset of the first rains, usually some time from late October to November, male crabs lead the migration and are joined by the females as they head towards the closest shore. The sight is a sprawling sea of moving red carpet. Some road s are closed temporarily in the National Park during this time to allow the crabs the best possible chance of survival.
Accommodation
TopVQ3
Located with the heart of the Settlement area, close to restaurants and shops and with in walking distance to the islands main supermarket, bank and post office. The VQ3 offers affordable and comfortable standard and ocean view motel style rooms. All rooms are non-smoking, air-conditioned and fan cooled, with private en-suite and have TV, refrigerator, radio/alarm, telephone, tea/coffee facilities, hair dryer available in each room. A shared fully equipped kitchen with full size fridge, stove and microwave is also available for guest convenience. Interconnecting rooms are available on request and ocean views are available from all front balcony rooms. Free Honeymoon benefit, credit card facilities, use of swimming pool at sister property, the Sunset. Cots / cribs and children’s high chairs are available on request and are charged direct to hotel. A coined washing machine is also available on site. The maximum persons in a room are two adults, with one extra bed (charged) for a child. Serviced Bi-weekly.
Christmas Island Lodge
Located close with in the Chinese community and restaurants in the Poon Sann district, the Christmas Island Lodge is affordable accommodation while over looking sweeping views of the Indian Ocean in the distance. Although not all rooms have views, these motel style rooms with two story capacity, are pleasantly air-conditioned and contain en-suites with either double or twin beds. A small TV, bar size refrigerator, tea and coffee making facilities are also available. The properties facilities include a large communal fully equipped kitchen and it is located next to a laundry mat. Rooms are serviced 3 times per week and offer a maximum of two adults and one child per room. Extra beds are additional.
Christmas Island Lodge Studio
Extended from the second story of the CI Lodge, this fully self contained apartment has a brand new fully equipped kitchen, queen size bed and lounge area with outdoor BBQ Facilities. With views over looking the ocean from the balcony ensuring a relaxing stay.
The Sunsets
Offering uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean, this is the only hotel situated on the cliffs edge. Offering hotel style accommodation with standard, ocean view and Superior ocean view rooms. All rooms are non-smoking, air-conditioned and fan cooled for your comfort with en-suite, TV, bar size refrigerator, radio/alarm, telephone, tea/coffee facilities and hair dryer. Properties facilities include a swimming pool with lounge chairs and use of shared fully equipped kitchen and coined washing machine at its sister property, VQ3. Interconnecting rooms are available on request and full ocean views are available from all Ocean View and Superior Ocean View rooms. Ocean View rooms have a shared balcony while the Superior Ocean View rooms have a private balcony. The hotel also offers guests a massage service, honeymoon benefit, credit card facilities, and cots / cribs and children’s high chairs are available on request and are charged direct to hotel. The maximum persons in a room are two adults, with one extra bed (charged) for a child. Serviced Bi-weekly.
Captains Last Resort
Self contained villa on the cliffs edge with uninterrupted ocean views and Smith’s Point. Offering a king size bed, dining table and chairs, air-conditioned and fan cooled for your comfort. TV, microwave, full size fridge and cooking facilities available. Maximum of 2 adults. Serviced weekly.
Captain’s Cabin
Self contained apartment with 4 seat outdoor timber setting on verandah with direct ocean views. Air-conditioned and fan cooled with 1 queen size bed and 1 double sofa bed. Full size fridge and complete cooking facilities including oven and microwave. TV, radio, washing machine and clothes line. Non smoking. Maximum in the cabin is four persons. Serviced weekly.
Captain’s Retreat
Self contained apartment with six seater outdoor timber table and chairs and BBQ on verandah with direct ocean views. Air-conditioned and fan cooled with two queen size beds and one double size bed. Full size fridge and complete cooking facilities including oven and microwave. TV, radio and stereo, washing machine, dryer and clothes line. Non smoking. Maximum in the retreat is six persons. Serviced weekly.
Rumah Biru
Comfortable renovated cottage located in tranquil surroundings within walking distance from restaurants and shops. This self contained villa has an equipped kitchen with full size stove, oven and microwave with fridge, TV, all linen and en-suite.
Mango Tree
Welcoming and stylish hotel conveniently located in the Settlement area, beautifully positioned between lush rainforest and the Indian Ocean. The Mango Tree Lodge ensures privacy amongst quiet and tranquil surroundings, offering a choice of Superior rooms or Business Suites with ocean and or garden views. All rooms are non-smoking with air-conditioning and fan cooled for your comfort, with a king size bed, en-suite and private balcony with comfortable furniture, TV, radio and alarm, phone and internet access, tea and coffee making facilities and licensed mini bar. All rooms are serviced daily with a maximum of 2 persons per room. The properties facilities include an outdoor Jacuzzi and sun lounges in a stunning tropical landscaped garden setting, Balinese style Gazebo with gas BBQ for guest use, lounge room with mini library and continental and or cooked breakfast available on request.
The Sanctuary
Is a gorgeous private bungalow with Balinese style furniture, fixture and fittings and gardens. With private swimming pool ensuring the ultimate in luxury and 4 posted queen size bed in main bedroom including walk in robe. The second bedroom has a queen size bed and wardrobe for at home comfort. Air-conditioned and fan cooled with TV, stereo, radio, CD and DVD player the lounge area. Offering a fully equipped kitchen including oven, microwave, electric fry pan and full size fridge. The laundry room has a washing machine, dryer and ironing board. With telephone and internet connections, computer, printer and fax machine for use. The under-covered outdoor area has views of the landscaped garden and swimming pool and has use of BBQ for entertaining outside. Recommended for all adults over 15 years of age and ideally suited to one or two couples.
Rumah Tinggi Apartments ~ Opening 2007
Gorgeous completely renovated and re-furnished this 1950’s apartments with private balcony’s overlooking the ocean. Offering a fully equipped kitchen and queen size bed with fold out lounge and combined bathroom and laundry, ensures any couple or family a comfortable holiday home. Located next to the Rumah Tinggi Restaurant and grassed area in settlement.
Christmas Island Resort ~ Opening 2007/08
Currently closed, the former hotel casino is being repaired and is expected to open in 2007 with up to 40 rooms, a café restaurant and pool facility. Offering large rooms attractively decorated each with balcony and outdoor seating. The hotel plans to continue its refurbishment during 2007/08 until all 150 rooms and marble reception area are opened. Although the actual resort closed, the interior of all buildings and rooms have been kept in exceptional quality. After a few cosmetic upgrades to the exterior and the initial reopening of one block of rooms, the pool, restaurant café and marble reception area is scheduled for re-opening in 2007/08
Things to Do
There are many isolated beaches and look outs to choose from. More information can be obtained on arrival from the Visitor Information centre. A selection of our favorites include:
TopBlowholes
Are located to the south of the island as the full brunt on the Indian Ocean forces it self up through the caverns underneath spurting showers of spray meters into the air. A wooden walk way and platform has been put in place to ensure the safety of on lookers and photographers.
Hugh’s Dale Waterfall
Is located in “The Dales”, a region to the west. Consisting of streams, mangrove swamps and abundant crab life. It is best seen after the wet season from February, later in the year, towards October the flow will be lighter. Enjoy a cool shower in this pristine jungle environment.
Temples
There are many temples located all over the island from the Settlement area to South Point and out to LB4 lookout. Generally Chinese in origin it is recommended to take off shoes before entering and please do not remove any gifts or offerings with in the temples.
Martin Point
Is popular with locals for a romantic secluded sunset. Located on the west side of the island, visitors can witness the sun setting over the ocean. Watch out for another amazing array of colour in the local ‘Robber Crabs’. Growing up to a foot in size they will steal your food and any thing else they find on the ground. Don’t worry they are harmless, unless provoked!
The Grotto
Is a cavern between the jungle floor and the impending ocean. The current can be unpredictable and the climb out is steep and over sharp rocks. We recommend viewing only.
Nursery Look Out
Is located near the National Parks office on the main road to Drumsite. Drive or walk down to the platform and take in the steep decline of the island and overlook Flying Fish Cove and settlement areas. Great photography opportunity! Watch out for the Frigate Birds!
Lily Beach
Is covered in tiny shells instead of sand and is easily accessible in a two wheel drive car. Permanente gazebos have been built and a water tank is on hand for your convenience. There is also a board walk through the jungle to Ethel beach, where swimming is also accessible.
Diving
Extremely popular due to the drop off and isolation in the Indian Ocean. Whale Shark season is annually from late November to January. The islands design offers divers extraordinary views of the cliff face, underwater caves and enormous species of fish and sharks.
Snorkeling
View the beautiful corals and abundant marine life available on Christmas. Snorkelling is most accessible from the cove however depending on season other isolated beaches have access during certain times of year.
Swimming
Relax in the warm waters with temperatures ranging from 23oC to 27oC.
Rock Pools
Most of the islands beaches are surrounded by reef and offer beautiful rock pools to explore. Discover the micro organisms and marine life that reside in these delicate environments.
Bird Watching
Explore and photograph the enormous bird life available including endemic species.
Golf
Avoid the birds, crabs and palm trees on the enjoyable relaxing 18 hole course.
Fishing
There is one main BIG difference, within 500 meters from shore catch enormous Giant Trevally up to 50kg, Wahoo up to 30kg, Yellow fin and Dog Tooth Tuna up to 80kg and sailfish up to 70kg! To tantalize your appetite and specialising in trolling, casting or jigging, which ever your preference.
Shopping
TopDuty Free
Gold’n’Things Duty Free has a shop both at the airport and Barracks shopping centre. Pleasantly air-conditioned, offering a wide range of Duty Free perfumes, cameras, leather goods, jewellery, watches, sunglasses, alcohol, quality souvenirs and exceptional gift ware at very attractive prices.
Surf Shop
Red Crab Surf Shop is located in the Barracks shopping centre and sells a wide range of current surf gear for men, women and children, including bathers, t-shirts, shorts, skirts, bags, watches and sunglasses. It is also the only place to purchase CD’s on island.
Clothing and Gifts
KC’S is opposite the pharmacy and sells t-shirts, shorts, shoes, fitness clothing, under garments and a range of island souvenirs including t-shirts and post cards. Tropicana Boutique is located in the Poon Saan shopping complex and sells are variety of clothes, shoes and gifts. Lucky Lukes is located in the Barracks shopping centre and offers Balinese type clothing, souvenirs, jewellery and gift ware.
Fishing & Diving
Shorefire will supply you with all your fishing needs, from rods and lures to simple hand lines. Including additional extras like snorkelling masks, booties and bikes. They also have an ice machine on hand, perfect for chilling your duty free purchases!
Supermarkets
Are located in several different places on island. The largest is in Settlement opposite the Gaseng petrol station, it has a walk in cool room for fruit and vegetables. Kampong has a Malay market shop and Poon Saan and Drumsite have Chinese market shops. All are open daily. The busiest time is just after any planes have arrived. Please note all fresh food is brought in by airfreight, so prices are more expensive than the mainland.
Christmas Island Facilities
TopVisitors Centre
Christmas Island Tourism Association is located opposite the supermarket in Settlement. Selling a range of souvenirs, informative books and cd’s about Christmas Island. They also have an internet and computer facilities for hire as well as bikes and golf clubs.
Travel Agency
Christmas and Cocos Island Travel office is located in the Barracks shopping centre. Staff are on hand for enquiries, new bookings or changes to your existing bookings. Open from Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturday mornings 9am to 12 noon.
Chemist
Christmas Island Pharmacy and News-agency sells skin care, gifts, general medicines, magazines, newspapers and stationery items. Located in the settlement area between the supermarket and barracks shopping centre.
Parks Australia
Christmas Island National parks office is located in Drumsite and apart from duties with in the park, they look after sick and orphaned birds.
Taxi’s
Christmas Island taxi’s can collect you from the airport and take you to your hotel, to avoid a long wait pre-booking is essential prior to arrival. They can ferry you any where around town from Settlement to Drum Site.
Hair Dresser
Kyshay’s hair studio offers you the full range of hair dressing including cuts, colours, perms and styling. Bookings are essential.
Beautician
Offering a range of waxing and nail services.
Recreation
Center Casual memberships are available for tourists. Facilities include a 25m pool and full gym. Courts also are available for hire. Located next to the oval, on the road from the airport before Poon Saan.
Bank
The West Pac Bank is open usual mainland opening hours. There is no ATM or banking machine on island however most places accept bank and credit cards for sales, purchases and cash out.
Post Office
Sells Australian souvenirs and the popular Christmas Island stamps. We recommend “Express Posting” all items as normal post can be delivered via the ship, which can take 2-3 months. Cash out facilities are also available to most Australian and some International banks for Efptos, Visa and Master cards only. Or money transfers can be arranged through Western Union from any Australian or International bank.
Hospital
This modern hospital is staffed 24 hours a day by experienced medical staff. Australian Medicare cards can be used and in the event of an emergency, a Medivac service to Australia is available if required.
Food and Beverage
TopGolden Bosun
The tavern and restaurant is located in the Barracks, Settlement and displays a tropical open air environment, overlooking the Indian Ocean. Specialising in European food with an Asian flavour and offering a darts competition once a week. Relax with cold beer or wine and gaze over the ocean under coconut palms.
Rumah Tinggi
The Tavern and Restaurant in a delightful tropical setting was built in the early 1950’s and is located in the Settlement area. With a large grassed area, shaded by coconut trees over looking the Indian Ocean, they serve dinner 6 nights a week, offering a selection of beverages and ‘al la carte’ meals of fish, meat and pasta with a wide range of wines and beers, specializing in cocktails.
Tracks
Tavern and Restaurant is popular with local western workers as it has a pool table and weekly dart competition. Offering large ‘home style’ cooked meals and duty free priced alcohol. Bring the mosquito repellent, as the tavern is located near the edge of the jungle. Open daily although meals are only available six nights a week.
CLA Noodle Hut
Sells traditional Chinese noodles, rice and soup dishes. Open for lunches only and is closed during Chinese public holidays. Some foods can be ‘hot’ so be careful to ask for mild if you have an aversion to hot and spicy dishes.
Pool Hall
Is located upstairs above the Poon Saan shops. With a bar selling duty free priced alcohol and pool tables available for use of patrons. Is commonly the ‘night club’ for the island’s residents, however there is no loud speakers or flashing lights.
Seasons Palace
Is a Chinese restaurant located next to the Pool Hall, also above the Poon Saan shops. Offering traditional Chinese cuisine and occasional Karaoke in air-conditioned comfort. It is open 6 nights a week and provides a limited range of wines and beer and other beverages.
Yoong Chong’s
Is a Chinese restaurant located opposite the out door movie theatre in Poon Saan, with traditional Christmas Island style and open air under-covered atmosphere. Offering a wide range of ethnic Chinese food and a limited range of wines, beer and other beverages.
Jessica’s Café
Is located at the Recreation Centre on the road from the airport to Poon Saan. Serving coffee, cakes, sandwiches and hot food. Open daily for lunches, in a clean air-conditioned environment, providing quick dine in or take away service.
Muggs Café
Located next to the Bank and Post Office in Settlement. Open 6 days a week for lunch serving a small variety of specialised meals, sandwiches, rolls, cool drinks, milk shakes, ice cream's, tea and coffee, with air-conditioning and providing good service and moderately priced meals.
The Rocks
Café is located in settlement opposite the Island Pharmacy. Specialising in cooked breakfasts, sandwiches and burgers. Open for breakfast and lunch only.
TopSpecial Events & Festivals
Australia Day
Enjoy a family day with friends.
Chinese New Year
Witness spectacular displays of culture and colour.
Hari Raya
Experience the sensational cuisine of the local Malay community.
Territory Week
A week's ong event celebrating the islands heritage. Including Cove day (boat race), Sports day, Market night and many other celebrations.
Bird Week
Scientists and Expert Birders are flown in to teach participants in classes, in the field and hands on capturing and banding of seabirds, orphaned birds and endemic species.
