Christmas Island is a tropical paradise in Oceania. Christmas Island - Pacific atoll

Do you know who is the first on planet Earth to meet New Year? Yes, you are absolutely right: this is exactly them, the 5.5 thousand inhabitants of Christmas Island. The island itself belongs to the Republic of Kiribati, located in Pacific Ocean and is one of the 11 islands and atolls of the Line archipelago. Kiribati owns 8 islands of the archipelago, the remaining 3 are under the jurisdiction of the United States. Christmas Island belongs to the northern group of Line Islands and is their administrative center. Christmas Island is also known as the largest atoll in the world. On a land area of ​​less than 400 square kilometers there are 5 closed protected areas. And in the middle of the last century, the island was very unlucky: 50 kilometers from it, England tested its first hydrogen bomb. In addition to the destruction caused by the explosion, the British presence also left its mark on toponymy: one of the four settlements The island is called London. Once upon a time, phosphates and pearls were mined here, and coconut palms were grown. Currently, economic activity is limited to the production of copra from coconuts and the supply of fresh ocean fish. Recently, two more promising areas have been developed: the extraction of salt from sea water and tourism.

The equatorial zone in which Christmas Island is located determines its climate: dry and warm, with constant average temperatures in the range of 24-30ºС. October and November are the hottest months, March and April are the rainiest. Two types of trees grow on the island: pisonia, a representative of virgin forests, reaching 10 meters in height, and the “cultivated” coconut palm. The remaining plants are all kinds of shrubs. Some green “aliens” brought to the island in the last century have taken root well and replaced the “natives” who had suffered from human activity.

But Christmas Island can be called a real bird kingdom. And this status was officially consolidated in 1960: the island became a bird sanctuary. And 15 years later, 5 more islands of the atoll were declared closed areas, in particular, the North-Western Cape, where the nesting terns are located. The remaining 4 are plant reserves. Of the 37 species of birds seen here, 20 nest constantly. Representatives of mammals are the small rat, as well as pigs and cats brought by humans, which have become a serious threat to the birds living here. The aquatic fauna is much more diverse; there are even green turtles.

Christmas Island - small island of volcanic origin in the northeastern part of the Indian Ocean, located northwest of Australia and southwest of the island of Java (Greater Sunda Archipelago). The island received its name from its discoverers, as it was discovered on Christmas Day.

The island is a hilly piece of land with an area of ​​about 135 square kilometers of a rather irregular three-lobed shape with bays protruding deeply into the land in the north and south.

The island was discovered on Christmas Day 1643 during an expedition led by Captain William Minors. The discoverers did not think about what name to give the island, and named it in honor of the day of discovery. Before its discovery, the island was uninhabited. In 1688, an expedition to the island under the command of Captain William Dampier compiled the first description of the island, and already in 1877 phosphate deposits were discovered on the island, which led to the annexation of the island by Britain. At the beginning of 1888, the colonization of the island by British settlers began, who in that year founded a settlement and port called the Settlement, and began mining phosphates and logging. During the Second World War, the island is captured by Japan and becomes the only Australian territory under occupation. At the beginning of 2001, the Australian government, with the help of Russia, began construction work on the construction of a cosmodrome on the island, but unexpectedly the work was curtailed and the project was frozen.

Geographical position

Christmas Island- a small island in Indian Ocean, external territory of Australia.
Capital— Settlement (Flying Fish Cove). Population - 2072 people (2011).

The island has its own flag - unofficially since 1986, officially since 2002.
The island is located 2360 kilometers northwest of Perth and approximately 500 kilometers south of Jakarta.

The island is of volcanic origin. Highest point— 361 m above sea level. The climate of the island is tropical. Average annual temperature- about 27 °C. The amount of precipitation is quite high - about 2000 mm per year. There are several small rivers on the island, so the population is provided with drinking water.

Island area- 135 km².

How to get there


For guests and tourists, getting to Christmas Island is relatively easy.

There is a small airfield on the island, which has the status international airport, since in addition to Australia, it accepts aircraft also from Malaysia and Indonesia.

You can also get to Christmas Island by sea. Despite the fact that the island does not have convenient and deep-water bays, small ships and yachts can still come here. The Northern Bay, on the shore of which the administrative center is located, is quite suitable for receiving private yachts and small passenger ships.

Visa


Documents for visa application:

1. International passport valid for at least 6 months. after the end of the trip. Please note that the passport must have at least one blank page for affixing a visa;
2. Previous passports or, in the absence of original passports, their copies; if available - a second valid passport
3. Photocopy of internal passport - completed pages
4.1 application form, fully completed and signed personally by the applicant + 1 photograph 3.5x4.5, color on a white background, without corners and ovals
5. Invitation (tourist, private or business) - fax or scanned copy is possible;
6. Certificate of employment on company letterhead, indicating the position, salary and start date of work in the company. The certificate is certified by a seal and signature, preferably in English
7. For a business trip - a covering letter from the employer about the purpose of the trip and the source of financing; for a tourist or guest trip - an account statement as proof of financial solvency
8. Detailed program of stay (for a business trip - on the letterhead of the inviting company, for tourist trip- in free form on A4 sheet)
9. Individual private entrepreneurs will need a photocopy of the certificate of registration of individual entrepreneurs/public legal entities and registration with the tax authorities.
10. For non-working pensioners - a photocopy of a pension certificate, a certificate from the place of work of the person paying for the travel expenses, or an extract from his bank account, a statement signed by the person that he is paying for the expenses of his stay.
11. For students - a student card, a certificate from the place of study, a certificate from the place of work of the person paying the travel expenses, a statement signed by this person that he pays the expenses of his stay.
12. For schoolchildren - a certificate from the school, a certificate from the place of work of the person paying for the travel expenses, a statement signed by this person that he pays the expenses of his stay.

For a tourist trip additionally provided:
13. Medical insurance during your stay in Australia;
14. Hotel reservation or travel voucher
15. Ticket reservation
16. Evidence of absence of immigration intentions - copies of documents on property ownership, copies of family documents - marriage certificate, birth certificate of a child

For registration transit visa provided:
1. Application on Form 876, fully completed and signed personally by the applicant;
2. A valid passport with at least one blank visa page. The passport is valid for at least 6 months after the end of the trip;
3. 1 color photograph 3.5x4.5 cm;
4. Copy of internal passport.
5. Documents confirming that the period of stay in Australia is no more than 72 hours (air tickets, intended route, tickets for the entire onward route or their reservation, as well as a visa to the destination country).

Climate

Climate on Christmas Island- tropical, hot and humid. Rainy season: December-April. The average annual precipitation is 2000 mm. The average monthly temperature is +22-28°C.

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Population

Population- 2072 people (2011), but there are only 646 Australian citizens (2011). 70% of the residents are Chinese, 20% are white and about 10% are Malay. Religiously, Christians predominate - 23.1% (almost all Europeans and some Chinese), Buddhists (16.8% - mostly Chinese), Muslims - 14.8% (Malays and some Chinese), Hindus - 0.4% , atheists - 9.2%.

Nature


The island's natural isolation from continental world and the limited influence of man on his ecosystem leads to that the island flora and fauna have been preserved in almost their natural, pristine state. IN this moment about 60% of the total area of ​​the island is occupied by the territory of the Australian national park. Quite significant areas of unique monsoon forest have been preserved in this territory.

Without exaggeration, the annual migration of red crabs can be considered one of the wonders of the world. Participates in migration from the monsoon forest towards the coast great amount crabs (according to some estimates, their number exceeds 100 million individuals). At this time, crabs are everywhere on the island, they fill the roads, streets, houses, and after a while their offspring migrate in the opposite direction.
More than 25 species of land and sea birds nest on the island, some of them are rare and are under state protection.

The coastal waters are home to a huge amount of fish, most of which are commercial. Large marine animals such as whales and sharks are also found here.

Hotels, hotels, prices


Tourists and guests of the island can stay in one of four hotels, which are located in the Settlement. This The hotels Sunset Hotel, VQ3 Lodge, Mango Tree Lodge and Captain's Last Resort. Service in hotels on Christmas Island is at the highest level, as evidenced by numerous reviews from tourists from different countries. You can also stay in a small mini-hotel, which is designed as a road motel in the town of South Point. The service here is a little lower in level than in the Settlement hotels, but it may well satisfy the needs of unpretentious tourists.

Christmas Island is located in the Indian Ocean, more than two thousand kilometers from the Australian city of Perth. Australia has owned the island since 1958. The island's proximity to the coasts of Indonesia and Australia has led to a dispute over ownership and control of the island between the two countries for fifty years. The island is surrounded by coral reefs that attract tourists with their unearthly beauty. No wonder they say that Christmas Island is the tropical paradise of Oceania.

History of Christmas Island

Land in the Indian Ocean was first sighted and documented on Christmas Day in the first half of the seventeenth century. At the end of the 17th century, a harbor appeared on the island, intended to supply the Cocos Islands with ships, which existed for one hundred and fifty years. And in the 19th century, important phosphate resources were discovered on the island, which immediately attracted the attention of large commercial companies, which convinced Great Britain to reclaim its possessions.

After the end of World War II, Christmas Island became the object of Japan's expansionary ambitions to take over it. natural resources. After this incident, the island was under Australian control. IN last years The small island has been at the center of the immigration debate, with Asian refugees arriving here to settle in Australia. Recently, measures have been taken to restrict the entry of foreigners, but the results are rather contradictory.

Geographical location of Christmas Island

From a geological point of view, the island is the top of a sunken mountain, which over tens of millions of years turned into an underwater volcano. The heights of the central part of Christmas Island do not reach four hundred meters above sea level and are covered with dense tropical forest.

The island has an equatorial climate, so there is little rain throughout the year and a modest temperature range. However, the island is familiar with the concept of the “rainy season.” The first monsoon season begins from November to June, when rainfall is quite heavy due to the shift of the Intertropical Convergence Zone. Less rain (on average 53 mm/month) in August, September and October. Higher temperatures are reached during the wet season, typically between March and April. From March to August the most best time for a holiday on the island when the minimum temperature is 22 degrees Celsius.


Christmas Island - Red Crab Island

More than 60% of the island’s territory – national park. About one hundred million red crabs choose this site to lay their eggs every year. The hatching of red crab eggs in November is one of the most spectacular events in the world and attracts many tourists. In addition, Christmas Island attracts tourists with its beaches hidden in small bays, diving and the opportunity to swim with sharks in a designated area, which is open to visitors from November to April.

Most of the residents of Christmas Island live in small town Flying Fish Cove, which is its capital. The rest of the islanders live in villages and towns, among which it is worth highlighting: Pun Saan, Silver City and South Point.

One of the best ways to explore the entire island is to rent a jeep. During the excursion, tourists are amazed by the nature of the island: tropical forests, colorful birds, secluded beaches, etc. Among the most famous beaches worth mentioning are Lilly Beach (in the east of the island), Dolly Beach, Ethel Beach, Greta Beach and Western White Beaches.


One of the main attractions of this tropical paradise is the Dales area. In this valley there are spring water sources, the streams of which flow into a beautiful waterfall.

Christmas Island (Christmas Island)- the largest coral island in the world. It is located in the Indian Ocean (Indian Ocean) and is an external territory of Australia (Australia). Capital - Settlement or Flying Fish Cove (Flying Fish Cove).

The climate on the islands is tropical. The temperature throughout the year remains around +25 ℃. The monsoon period lasts from December to April. It is better to plan your vacation on the island from May to November.

The official language is English. A significant part of the population professes Buddhism (35%). Muslims on the island make up 35%, and Christians make up 20% of the population.

Holidays on Christmas Island will appeal to those who love spending time on the beaches. The island has many secluded bays equipped with observation platforms for observing birds and marine animals. Here tourists can not only soak up the sun and swim, but also observe nature. The island is home to a large number of endemic species that can only be seen in these places.

A trip to Christmas Island will be interesting for lovers hiking. In the national park ( Christmas Island National Park ) the islands have special trails for tourists. Some routes lead vacationers to observation decks, while others lead to nesting places of unique birds or habitats of turtles and crabs. Walking along the hiking trails, travelers will enjoy the beauty of the untouched nature of these places.

Christmas Island is famous for the annual migration of red crabs. Tourists and their fellow travelers will be able to observe this phenomenon in November or December.

The island is surrounded by a narrow tropical reef. The coral reefs of Christmas Island are considered some of the most interesting in the world for diving and snorkeling.

Fishermen who went to Christmas Island will have the opportunity to engage in their favorite hobby. They will be able to go fishing for sailfish or tuna, which is found in abundance in these waters.

Golf lovers can visit the local golf club located in picturesque place on the coast.

How to get there

Airplane

Residents of European countries (Europe) will have to make a trip to Christmas Island with a transfer, because direct flights absent. Regular flights operated from Australia's Perth Airport (Perth) . Several flights per month arrive from Jakarta Airport (Jakarta). Charter flights are also accepted on the island.

Sea communication

You can get to the Christmas Islands by one of the cruise ships calling at the country's ports. This method may be of interest to those travelers who want to combine a transfer with a vacation and have a lot of free time. Lovers sea ​​trips will be able to get to the Christmas Islands on their own or rented yacht.

Visa

Since Christmas Island is an Australian territory, you must obtain an Australian visa to visit it. EU citizens ( EU), those wishing to spend a holiday on the island can apply for an electronic visa, which will allow them to stay in Australia for up to 90 days. Residents of CIS countries ( CIS) must apply for a regular visa.

Citizens of all CIS countries, except residents of Russia (Russia), can apply for a tourist visa using a simplified procedure online. Residents of Russia to travel to Christmas Island must apply for a visa at the Australian Embassy or a visa center. Documents for an Australian visa must be submitted in person, through an authorized representative or a travel agency.

On average, it takes four weeks to obtain a visa.

Customs

Import and export local and foreign currency up to AUD 10,000 ( AUD) is possible without completing a customs declaration. Amounts above this and non-cash means of payment must be declared. In addition, gold and jewelry are subject to mandatory declaration.

Tourists and their travel companions will be able to take the following to Christmas Island without paying duties:

  • a small amount of cigarettes;
  • a small amount of perfume;
  • personal items to the extent necessary.

The following items are prohibited from entering the island:

  • food;
  • objects wildlife or items made from bones, skins and shells of protected species;
  • wood products.

It is prohibited to take from a trip to Christmas Island:

  • animals and plants;
  • bones, skins, shells, corals, shells and products made from them;
  • bamboo wood products;
  • products made from bird feathers;
  • objects of artistic or historical value.

The entire island is duty free.

Kitchen

Christmas Island cuisine combines Australian, Chinese, Indonesian and Malaysian culinary traditions. It is based on seafood and vegetables.

Locals prefer to grill meat. It is served with Asian sauces. Gastronomic tourists will be interested in trying Australian meat pie.

Gourmets will be able to try chicken Melbourne prepared according to a special local recipe.

Cream soups, fish stews and noodle broths are popular on the islands.

Gastronomic tourists will be offered an excellent selection of seafood dishes: grilled seafood, grilled fish and shellfish, lobster and shrimp. While on Christmas Island, you can try tuna fillet in sweet and sour sauce.

Those with a sweet tooth on holiday on the islands will be able to taste a variety of fruit pies and Exotic fruits. Australians' favorite dessert is chocolate covered sponge cake.

Non-alcoholic drinks are represented by fruit juices.

Alcoholic drinks are imported from around the world.

Money

The official currency on Christmas Island is the Australian dollar. (AUD) , equal to 100 cents. Banknotes in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 dollars and coins from 1 to 50 cents, as well as 1 and 2 dollars are in circulation.

You can exchange foreign currency while traveling around Christmas Island at bank branches and exchange offices. Credit cards accepted almost everywhere, so cash is not necessary.

Traveler's checks can be cashed at bank branches.

The ATM network is poorly developed. You can withdraw cash at bank branches.

Tourists and their travel companions should be aware that the island has a cash withdrawal limit of AUD 800 per day.

What you need to know

Attractions of Christmas Island

While traveling around Christmas Island, tourists will be able to see a large number of attractions, many of which are located in the national park.

  • In the tropical forest of the national park, vacationers will be able to visit Dales Falls ( Dale waterfall), recognized as a wetland of global significance. The waterfall consists of numerous streams of fresh water that come from underground caves and eventually flow into the ocean. Flows of water over hundreds of years have created huge terraces with baths, where tourists love to stand under the streams of the waterfall.
  • Lily Beach ( Lily Beach) - sand beach at the foot of the cliff. Vacationers who prefer beach holiday, will be able to soak in the waters of a small lagoon. At nearby heights it is equipped Observation deck to watch birds nesting on the rocks.
  • Unique limestone formations along south coast islands in which water has made holes over many centuries. From these holes, like pipes, air and water come out with noise when the waves break in the caves formed in the lower part of the rock.
  • Dolly Beach (Dolly Beach)- a secluded sandy beach, surrounded by vegetation and rocks from which a small stream of fresh water descends. The beach is famous for egg laying there. sea ​​turtles. Tourists who decide to spend their holidays on Christmas Island will be able to Dolly Beach at night see turtles laying eggs.
  • Greta Beach (Greta Beach) - The main place on the island where sea turtles lay their eggs. A trip to Greta Beach at night will give you the opportunity to see not only turtles laying their eggs, but also small turtles that have emerged from the sand and are heading towards the ocean.
  • Buck House ( Buck House) - the house of the island administrator, which is also a museum of the history of Christmas Island. Not far from the house there are defense structures from the Second World War, which will be interesting to see for connoisseurs of historical and architectural monuments.
  • Grotto located near the local golf club. In a small cave, a pool with a sandy bottom was formed, which combines fresh and sea water.

Christmas Island souvenirs

In addition to impressions, travelers usually take away souvenirs from the island:

  • postcards and stamps;
  • cards;
  • figurines of turtles and crabs.

 

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