Tour destination - Christmas Island – Tropical Paradise on the Indian Ocean

Tour destination - Christmas Island – Tropical Paradise on the Indian Ocean
Norman A. Rubin
Santa Claus is not on the island, nor there are herds of reindeer or ice ands snow, but a tropical island with sunny skies, soft sand and surrounded by the wide ocean. The island is simply named for the Yuletide holiday when Captain William Mynors of the vessel ' Royal Mary' of the British East India Company on the December 25, 1643, Christmas Day when he arrived on its shores. The earliest recorded visit to Christmas Island was recorded in March 1688 by William Dampier of the British vessel 'Cygnet' when the sailing clipper was blown of course in an easterly direction and arrived at the island, which was found uninhabited. An account of his discovery can be found in the book 'Dampier's Voyages'.

An interested party that would like to visit the island has many inquiries pertaining to its location, its geography, the fauna and flora, transport to the island, accommodation and, off course its special activities which the territory if famed. Margaret Knoll which has unique and magnificent views of the east coast is a great vantage point to watch the island's rare birdlife. Highlights of bird life include the rarest bobby and frigate birds in the world, the Abbotts Booby, the Christmas Island Frigatebird and the inquisitive Christmas Island Thrush.

When you will look at a map you will see that Christmas Island is simply a dot in the Indian Ocean under Australian Territorial Commission, located about 2600 kilometers north-west of Perth Australia. The nearest island neighbor is Java of the Indonesian Archipelago, just 360 kilometers away.

If you are fond of nature you will you will enjoy Christmas Island as sixty three per cent of the island is actually a national park filled with a cornucopia of Nature's gifts. Species of flora and fauna are found there that is not found nowhere in the world. When you do a bit of exploring of the island's rain forests you will come across the Red Crab, a species of crustacean that thrive there. Their spectacular migration from the upper plateau to the shoreline during the breeding around Xmas and spawning season is very unique as it draws people from all around the world to view the movement of thousands of these of these creatures during their mating rituals.

When you do a bit of scuba diving in the Flying Fish Cove in nearby waters of the ocean you will be joined by a myriad of tropical fish swimming close by; the local spinner dolphin may be your companion at times. But you must take care at certain seasons when you might bump into the majestic whale sharks during your exploration of the clear waters. Wave action is exciting for skimming the waters with a surf board. And you can cast the line for bonefish, the giant Trevally and other species of fish. NOTE: The surf season is between November to March, while snorkeling is great between April to October

Other interests that are scenic and enjoyable are a visit to the Dales Waterfall where you can enjoy a natural fresh water shower whilst enjoying views of the lush rainforest canopy rising to a height of fifty meters. Look out for the spectacular blowholes which show off the awesome power of the Indian Ocean. A picnic at Martin Point is quite relaxing whilst watching the sun set over the ocean.

Due to the diverse small population of the island delicious Chinese, Malay and European meals are available at various eateries. There are a number of taverns, restaurants and bars that offer exquisite and tasty meals, and occasional live entertainment.

On Christmas Island there is a various range of tourist lodgings from Boutique Hotel, luxury Self Contained, and Lodge style accommodation. The Christmas Island Tourism Association through your travel agent can provide further information, arrange reservations that will accommodate your needs and also provide contacts if you are looking for a temporary or permanent residence.

And shopping for native crafts and imported luxury goods is a pleasure and relatively inexpensive as Christmas Island is exempt from sales tax and import duties; price controlled shops 'Gold n Things Duty Free' at the Airport and 'Barracks Shopping Centre' would be recommended places to do your shopping for souvenirs and other merchandise.

Traveling to Christmas Island is relatively easy and quite comfortable, as their are flight from either Singapore or at Perth Australia by AustAsia Airlines 'http://www.austasiaairlines.com' Tourist Visas are required for non-Australian passport holders visiting Christmas Island. Through your travel agent through the 'Electronic Travel Authorities' you can obtain the necessary visa stamp. And if you are lucky to be a yacht owner the Port of Christmas Island welcome you to call at Flying Fish Cove, which has a fine new deep water moorings. 'http://www.christmas.net.au/yachts.php'

The island is a unique tourist retreat. The cultural and natural diversity of the island has resulted in an adaptation and blending of ideas, ideal for visitors. Things can sometimes be different on Christmas Island. ! 'http://www.christmas.net.au/introduction.php'

Article Source: http://www.travelarticles.org

Australian Tourist Board - Compton's Online Encyclopedia