Christmas Island

Note: For the island in Kiribati commonly called Christmas Island, see Kiritimati

{{quickbar|location=Christmasisland - driving side=#QQ08|electricity=#QQ08|emergencies=#QQ08]] Christmas Island is one of the islands of the Indian Ocean, south of Indonesia and some distance northwest of Australia, of which it is a territory.

Christmas Island Halal Travel Guide

Christmas-island-map - Map of Christmas Island

Named in 1643 for the day of its discovery and the island was annexed and settlement was begun by the UK in 1888. Phosphate mining began in the 1890s. The island was initially administered as part of the Straits Settlements, and subsequently as part of the colony of Singapore. Sovereignty was subsequently transferred to Australia in 1958. Almost two-thirds of the island has been declared a national park.

The Australian Government in 2001 agreed to support the creation of a commercial space-launching site on the island, which now looks unlikely to proceed after funding was withdrawn.

Orientation

Christmas Island rises to a central plateau of stands of rainforest. Its 80-km coastline is an almost continuous sea cliff up to 20 metres high, with a few shallow bays of small sand and coral shingle beaches. The largest of these forms the island's only port, Flying Fish Cove, which is also called "The Settlement". Other settled areas, all in the north east, are Poon Saan, Silver City, Drumsite and Kampong.

How is the Climate in Christmas Island

Tropical; heat and humidity moderated by trade winds.

Landscape=== Christmas Island (5775100858) - Flying Fish Cove

Steep cliffs along coast rise abruptly to central plateau. Rain forest covers the majority of the island, with small areas of the island under rehabilitation from mining. Sandy to rocky beaches scattered along the coastline of the island separated by steep limestone cliffs.

How to travel to Christmas Island

Fly to Christmas Island

• Christmas Island International Airport IATA Flight Code: XCH -10.450556, 105.690278 Christmas Island Airport 35011 Virgin Australia has twice-weekly Flights to Cocos (Keeling) Islands and Christmas Island.

Australian Indian Ocean Territories Airlines (+ 61 8 9164 7096, @) offer the only international flight on a chartered Malaysia Airlines aircraft from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore every Saturday.

Book a Halal Cruise or Boat Tour in Christmas Island

Christmas Island (5775114458) - A back road

There is no passenger chartered boat services to Christmas Island; however, Flying Fish Cove is frequented by yachts and cruise ships as a stop off.

What to see in Christmas Island

• Dales

The Dales comprise numerous freshwater streams running roughly parallel to each other. The streams originate from underground caves and eventually flows into the ocean. The streams over the length of time, have worn out gullies between the cliff walls of the coast, and have created unusually step-like formations (terraces). There is a waterfall above the terrace formations, visitors are often fond of taking showers under the waterfall.

The Dales are located in lush tropical rainforest which is known for its unique fauna, such as the blue crab and blind snake and flora such as giant buttrest root trees.

The Dales area has signage and raised walkways/steps installed by the national parks department for visitors.

Located in the national park at the south west portion of the island. The Dales can only be reach via 4WD and trekking by foot.

• Lily Beach: Named after a girl who was swept off the rocks at the beach never to be found. The beach comprises a sandy area running down to a bathing pool,which is separated from the open ocean by rocky basalt/limestone outcrops. The swimmingpool is constantly fed sea water from the gullies leading to the ocean and the whitewash generated from the waves hitting the cliffs and outcrop.

Caution is advised when venturing past the bathing swimmingpool on to the rocky outcrops, as large freak waves have known to swamp the rocky outcrops. Beware, lest you meet the same fate as Lily!

Located in the 'snout of the dog' eastern part of the island, this beach can be visited by normal 2 wheel drive vehicles when road conditions are dry and only with a 4WD when roads are wet. Wooden pergola and BBQ facilities are available.

• Blowholes: A geological feature located along the steep limestone cliffs along the southern coastline of the island and the Blowholes are holes in the ground where air and seawater are blown out due to waves crashing into caves formed along the bottom of the cliffs. Depending on wave conditions and the water and trapped air in the caves are forced out from the holes formed at the top of the cliff caves, leading to spectacular plumes of water thrown up into the air. The distinctive sound of gushing air can heard from the holes when the waves crash onto the cliffs.
• Dolly Beach: An isolated beach, 1-hour drive by 4WD over rocky step tracks and then another 45 minutes trek on foot downhill. Well worth the trip.

A white sandy beach sheltered and ringed by black basalt outcrops 5 meters from the shoreline. The rear of the beach is lined with overhanging coconut trees, and there is a clear stream flowing through the middle of the beach from the cliffs above.

A fairly scenic beach, thit is a favorite camping site for local residents and visitors alike, due to the availability of soft-drinkable freshwater from the stream and 'exotic secluded beach paradise' ambiance.

Dolly Beach is also a favorite nesting location for endangered sea turtles. It is very common on most nights to have one or more turtles make their way up onto the beach from the sea, and lay their eggs into holes dug by the turtles themselves. After laying the eggs and the turtle refills the hole with sand and makes her way back to the sea. Witnessing this event is magically and memorable. If a turtle if startled prior to laying her eggs, she will return to the sea. Therefore, do not shine any torch light in their eyes or make loud noise. Disturbing the turtles or poaching the eggs is illegal.

Other places (More details to be added):

• Margaret Knoll
• Nursery Lookout
• Flying Fish Cove
• Administrators House known locally as "Buck House"
• Historical World War Ii Artillery Bunker past the Buck House
• South Point
• Greta Beach
• Freshwater Caves
• Grotto
• West White Beaches
• Ethel Beach
• Waterfall/Casino

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Christmas Island

Hoya aldrichii 2 - Hoya aldrichii, aka Christmas Island waxvine

• View the spectacular world-famous Christmas Island Red Crab Migration during the December - February months.
• Diving or snorkeling off the 'Drop Off' at Flying Fish Cove
• Whale shark watching
• Game Fishing on chartered boat
• Rock Fishing
• Caving (warning - seek local advice before setting out to any caves)
• 4- Wheel Driving, known locally as 'Bush bashing'
• Mountain Biking
• Relax by the beach or on the patio with a cold Cola
• Duty-Free affordable drinks at numerous bars and taverns on the island
• Historical trail self tours
• Hiking

Get Around

Appias olferna 4 - Female Appias olferna, aka striped albatross

Walk, ride, or hire of cars/4WD/SUV. You can hike around the settled areas of island, as most local residents are happy to give a ride to visitors.

Local Language in Christmas Island

As a territory of Australia, English is the most common language spoken on Christmas Island, but is not universal. Many senior residents speak dialects of Chinese and (Malay) as a first language. All signs, however, are in English.

Shopping in Christmas Island

Christmas Island (5775084798) - Two of many wild chickens on the island

The official currency of Christmas island is the Australian dollar.

The island has "duty free" status, and shop prices for perfume and alcohol are very low compared to the Australian mainland.

• Acker Trading: Gas refills Monday to Friday 9AM Monday - 11AM (+61 8 9164 7575, @).
• Christmas Island Post Office: Australian Postal Services, Commonwealth Bank agency, stationery, philatelic, passport photos, souvenirs. Contact Michelle or Carolyn (+61 8 9164 8495, @).
• Christmas Island Supermarket: Gaze Road, Settlement. Groceries, fresh bread, fruit and vegetables, none-alcoholic drinks, organic juice and spirits.

Monday to Friday 9AM Monday - 6PM, Saturday 9AM Monday - 1PM Contact Eddie Tan (+61 8 9164 8370, Mobile 043 921 5370, et@).

• Christmas Island Visitor Information Centre - Gift Shop: Run by the Christmas Island Tourism Association located at the Visitor Information Centre, Gaze Road, Settlement. They sell a range of souvenirs from Australia and Christmas Island, including local craft, T-shirts, Christmas Island Books, posters, maps and videos, jewellery, pottery, and postcards. (+61 8 9164 8382)
• Gaseng: Australian standard diesel automotive fuel and unleaded petrol, 2-stroke mix for outboard motors, 20L jerricans for loan to refuel yachts, free transport to and from the jetty and able to fuel larger yachts on application. Contact Craig Albanus (+61 8 9164 8313, @).

• Gold North Things Duty Free - ☎ +61 8 9164 8215 - Cosmetics, perfumes, watches, jewellery, sunglasses, leather goods, top shelf drink, giftware.

• Island Pharmacy and News: Dispersing of prescriptions and supply of vitamins, pharmaceuticals, toiletries, make-up, first aid items, suncare and sunglasses. Monday to Friday 9AM - 5PM, Saturday Saturday 9AM - noon. (+61 8 9164 8337, @).
• Lattitudes 11

Family Hair Design "Service with Style" Open :Tuesday - Saturday or by arrangement ☎ :+61 8 9164 7061 Mobile :0412 536 263

• Lintex Marketing

Whitegoods, stereo equipment and accessories. Music CDs, DVDs, PC and other console games. Open: Monday - West 10AM Monday - 3PM, Thursday Friday 10AM Monday - 6PM, Saturday 9AM Monday - 12:30PM Ph / Fax :+61 8 9164 8184

• Lucky Lukes

Range of clothing and unique giftware from around the world. Open: Monday to Friday 9AM Monday - 5PM, Saturday 9AM Monday - 1PM Contact Bridgette or Ron Lines : Ph / Fax :+61 8 9164 8297

• The Red Crab Surf'n'sound

ShopSurf wear and accessories, sunglasses, shoes range of music CDs ☎ :+61 8 9164 7176 Email :@

• Shorefire Fishing Shop

Reels, rods, lures and expert advise for your fishing trip. Surf and sportswear, camping equipment, ice. ☎ :+61 8 9164 8925 Email :@

• Westpac Bank

All your banking or money changing needs. Open Monday to Friday 9AM Monday - 3PM Contact :+61 8 9164 8221

• Wild Papaya

Gallery, Gifts and Homewares. Unique Gift Ideas, Handcrafted Australian Jewellery, Christmas Island Photography and Art. Located in the Temple Court. Open :Tuesday to Friday 11AM - 5PM; Saturday 9AM - noon Ph / Fax :+61 8 9164 8882 Email :@

Halal Restaurants

Please be informed that on some destination such as Christmas Island we had no local Muslim/a that has researched some of the area. If you are a Muslim/a and have been to Christmas Island or would like to maintain the eHalal Guide to Christmas Island, please contact us at guides@ehalal.io or email us your updates.

Christmas Island (5775071668) - Gecarcoidea natalis, aka Christmas Island red crab

There are several restaurants on Christmas Island serving Western and Asian cuisine.

• Lucky Ho Restaurant | Lot 236 Poon Saan Road ☎ +61 8 9164 8813excellent value

• Christmas Island Resort - Waterfall Restaurant

Western Food and Asian Food - Modern International - Steaks, Pasta, Pizza. Located at the Christmas Island Resort. Open :Everyday for breakfast and dinner with Sunday Roasts. ☎ :+61 8 9164 8888

• Emayson's Cafe

Western and Asian Food - Coffee, milkshakes and cool drinks. Located at the Christmas Island Recreation Centre. Open :Everyday ☎ :+61 8 9164 8106

• Golden Bosun Tavern

Rocky Point Complex, Gaze Road Settlement. Modern International fare, with a dessert selection and Coffee. Uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean from the restaurant verandah Dinner served 6 nights per week, closed Monday. Restaurant : 5:30PM - 8:30PM Bar : 4PM till late ☎ :+61 9164 7967

• Longs Bakery

Mon - Friday :Fresh bread daily including white, wholemeal, wholegrain and 6 cut rolls Red bean paste; Kaya paste; Coconut and Sambal Prawn buns Chicken and Beef Sausage Rolls Sat :Closed Sun :Fresh bread and french sticks Available from Boong Trading, Meng Chong Trading, and Metro Enterprises.

• Rockfall Cafe - ☎ +61 8 9164 7688 Opening from Monday to Saturday 7:30AM - 1:30PM Huge range of burgers, rolls, sandwiches, delicious meals and fresh salads, Fresh coffee and cakes. BYO - Eat in or Take away.

• Rumah Tinggi Tavern & Restaurant

Gaze Road Settlement. The Rumah Tinggi offers modern Australian fare, fine and cocktails. With uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean and a spacious open air verandah - the perfect location to watch the sunset or the moon rise over the Indian Ocean. Cafe open 5PM till late - Dinner - 9PM. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Contact :Mark or Kaz on +61 8 9164 7667

• Season's Palace

Poon Saan area - upstairs from the Poon Saan Shops. Offers authentic Chinese dishes in air-conditioned comfort. ☎ :+61 8 9164 7688 As Christmas Island is duty-free, alcohol is lower priced than the Australian mainland. Some of the bars and taverns are:

• Tracks at Drumsite
• Golden Bosun
• Pool Hall at Poon Saan

• Rumah Tinngi | coconut grove, settlement ☎ +61 891647667 Opening Hours: TH-M 4PM Monday - Fantastic ocean view restaurant.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Christmas Island

Christmas Island - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Christmas Island, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Christmas Island. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Christmas Island and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Christmas Island. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Christmas Island. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Christmas Island: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Christmas Island.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Christmas Island: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Christmas Island, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Christmas Island.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Christmas Island, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Christmas Island, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Christmas Island and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Christmas Island, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Christmas Island, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Christmas Island without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Christmas Island is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Christmas Island.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Christmas Island is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Christmas Island, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Christmas Island Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Christmas Island

eHalal Group Christmas Island is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Christmas Island. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Christmas Island.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Christmas Island ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Christmas Island. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Christmas Island, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Christmas Island are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Most possibilities for lodging are in the main settlement, one is located next to the island's waterfall whilst the other is further out in an area called Poon Saan.

List of lodging available:

• The Cabin
• Captain's Last Resort
• Christmas Island Lodge
• Hibiscus House
• Mango Tree Lodge
• The Retreat
• Rumah Biru Cottage
• The Sanctuary
• Sea Gazin
• Sunset
• V Lodge

For further details, bookings or enquiries visit the Christmas Island Tourism Association website.

Study in Christmas Island

Christmas Island District High School is the main school on the island, Year 1 to Year 10 is taught based on the Western Australian Curriculum.

How to work legally in Christmas Island

It is difficult for non-local residents to find employment on Christmas Island. The largest employers on the island are the small scale phosphate mining and federal/local government.

The most common way of obtaining employment on Christmas Island for non-local residents is to check government positions advertised on the Australian mainland (Federal Government Employment Gazette) and there are occasionally posting for teachers on several years contract from Australia.

National Parks, Federal Police and positions related to the Detention Center are occasional advertised on Newspaper and Government Gazette.

Also check online for posting at Christmas Island.

Stay safe as Muslim in Christmas Island

The island is safe all times of the day in the populated areas, local residents leave their houses and vehicle unlocked. There are no poisonous or dangerous animals/insects on the island.

The most likely danger is large waves at cliffs and coastal waters during the monsoon (October - February).

There are occasional sightings of reef and hammerhead sharks off the coast near the 'drop offs' (underwater coastal shelf which drops off into the ocean depths, 5 - 30 meters offshore); however and there have been no reported shark attacks on Christmas Island in recorded history.

Some 4-wheel drive tracks are steep and slippery during the wet season; caution is advised when driving in national parks areas. Many tracks are 4-wheel drive only, in particular Dolly Beach track and Dales and Blow Holes National Park areas. 4-wheel driving experience is required when venturing into these areas.

It is recommended that you bring a local or get local advice before heading off to any unpopulated national park areas.

Medical Issues in Christmas Island

Wear loose fitting clothing suitable for humid tropical climates. A hat and sunscreen is recommended if you're intending to be under the sun at the beach or fishing.

Bring water with you, as in humid environments you will tend to perspire more than normal.

Mosquito repellent should be brought on trips to rain forest areas, no instances of Malaria have ever been reported in recent history.

There are rare occurrences of Hepatitis A & B. However there is no particular vaccination required when visiting the island.

Local Customs in Christmas Island

Nudity is not permitted at beaches; normal beachwear applies.

It's good manners to wave back if waved at by local residents when driving.

Telecommunications in Christmas Island

• Christmas Island Tourism Association | PO Box 63, Christmas Island, Western Australia 6798 ☎ +61 8 9164 8382

Where to go next after Christmas Island

Cocos Islands is the closest land to Christmas Island and there are weekly connecting flights which take about 1 hour.

One can also take a charter flight to Jakarta or Kuala Lumpur.

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