Places to visit in Christmas Island

Nestled away on the north-eastern tip of the island, the Flying Fish Cove is the ideal place to be to indulge in some water-based activities such as swimming and snorkelling. With its awe-inspiring array of tropical fish and protected ocean swimming and diving facilities, The Cove is easily one of the Island’s most popular haunts with locals and tourists, alike. Visitors can enjoy the mesmerising sunset along with the locals at Christmas Island pace, dig into some moth-watering Halal and of course non-Halal barbeque with their family or simply laze on the pristine beaches when at the Cove.

Not too far from the Christmas Island Golf Course is the soothing, serene Grotto. A mini, mystical cave holding a mix of sea and fresh water, the pool makes for a refreshing treat for hot humid summer days. The charming little lagoon also doubles up as a sweet spot for a romantic, candle-lit date. Children too, can enjoy a splash or too in the safe, shallow pool.

A divine deserted beach, Dolly Beach provides the perfect setting for a quiet afternoon. Ideal for some lazy sunbathing or for a long serene stroll on the beach, the gorgeous setting is also a favourite camping site for the locals. The stunning spot is one of only two beaches on the island where marine turtles can be found.

With more than 2/3rds of the breath-taking Island belonging to one of the world’s most valued national parks, Christmas Island is a natural wonder. Endemic flora and fauna, lush gorgeous greenery, and myriad marine life are the Island’s most prized possessions. The Red Crab Migration, which takes place at the Island annually during the wet and cold seasons, sees hundreds of millions of little red critters make their way to the beach to mate and spawn. A sight to behold, the red crab migration is eagerly waited for and witnessed by nature enthusiasts the world over.

They are either endangered or endemic and thus cannot be found in the rest of the world. Boasting of more than 242 plant varieties, 16 of which are endemic, rich, fertile soil and a plethora of beautiful birds including the endemic Abbott’s booby for which the island is the only known nesting habitat, the park is nature enthusiast’s wonderland. Tall imposing rainforests and lush semi-deciduous forests comprising 25 species of trees on whose branches ferns, orchids and vines flourish too are an important part of the protected park and are responsible for giving it, its enchanting green edge.

Christmas Island is a perfect amalgam of a variety of cultures and ethnicities. Thus it is home to a number of religious places which coexist in ideal harmony – Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, and Christianity are all practiced on the island. The mosque at Flying Fish Cove however, is one of the most frequented and popular ones on the Island.

Overlooking and offering panoramic views of the Flying Fish Cove is the captivating Tai Jin House or as it is more popularly and endearingly known, the ‘Buck House’. Surrounded by lovely expansive gardens which are extensively used for community events, the historical home is said to be the original residence of the Administrator of the Island. Not far from the structure lie buildings and a navy installation gun that date back to 1941 and was used to defend the Cove during World War II.