With the approach of a well-deserved vacation, many are thinking about where they will go to rest this time. After all, you won’t surprise anyone with an ordinary sea, but the Cocos Islands are something new! The main advantage of resting on the islands is their remoteness from civilization. Here you will forget about the bustle of the city and plunge into the world of wild, but at the same time beautiful nature.
Islands located in the Indian Ocean
Cocos Islands are a group of small coral islands (27 in total) that are located close to each other and have the same origin and similar geological structure.
The archipelago is called so due to the fact that there are a large number of coconut palms on its territory. Since the discoverer of the islands was William Killing (1609), in honor of him the second name of the archipelago is Keeling.
On the map you can see in which ocean the Cocos Islands are located - this is the Indian Ocean, or rather, its northeastern part. If aconsider the position relative to the Australian continent, then the islands are removed from it by about 2100 kilometers in a north-westerly direction.
Since 1831, the Cocos Islands belonged to Britain, but the Australian government eventually bought the rights to them. Keeling is currently part of the Australian Outer Territories and is administered by a separate government department.
Of the total number of inhabited islands, only two: West Ailen and Home. The population of the Cocos Islands is small, only 596 people, of which 90% are Malays. English is recognized as the official language. The inhabitants of the islands are predominantly Muslim (about 80%). The monetary unit is the Australian dollar. It is believed that the capital of the Cocos Islands is West Island (population 150).
Climate
The weather on Keeling Island is quite constant, there are no changes depending on the time of year. The climate is tropical humid. On average, the temperature in the Cocos Islands ranges from +26 to +28 °C. Due to moist winds, there is no heat, but due to them, short-term showers periodically pass. The most dangerous time to be on the islands is from October to April, as this time of year is characterized by cyclones that can cause minor damage.
How to get to the Keeling Islands?
Due to the presence of coral reefs, navigation in the area of the Cocos Islands is not developed, respectively, there are no ports for cruise liners. Sohow to get to this wonderful place? Among the tourists visiting this archipelago, there are many who can afford to arrive on their own yacht (after all, it can be moored on almost every coast) or small passenger ships. Also, the islands can be reached by air, as there is a small international airfield on West Island, which is called the "Cocos Island Archipelago".
Tourist accommodation
In total, there are 5 hotel complexes on the Keeling Islands. Typically, hotel houses are one-story buildings that look like bungalows or huts. It should be noted that the service in hotels is not at the highest level. However, living conditions are acceptable for a place that is so far from civilization.
One of the most popular hotels is Cocos Castaway. He gained his fame due to the modern amenities in the rooms, as well as good service. The rooms have flat-screen TVs and microwaves. In general, the hotel is very comfortable and luxurious.
Passive recreation for tourists
If local residents are engaged in servicing airports and visiting tourists, then other activities are provided for people vacationing here. It is worth noting that Keeling Island is designed more for passive recreation. This place is suitable for those people who want to take a break from the bustle of the city and civilization, unite with nature and recharge their energy from it. Most often, visiting tourists prefer to sunbathe on the beach, absorbing solar energy. Therefore the beacheshere are well equipped, their feature is the lack of infrastructure. The water has a beautiful emerald color and is distinguished by its purity. Photos of the Cocos Islands are presented in the article
The most popular beaches are those located on Home Island, but there are good places around West Island.
Active recreation for tourists
For those who prefer a more energetic holiday, entertainment is also provided. For example, diving is considered very popular on the Keeling Islands. Diving and snorkeling enthusiasts prefer these islands due to the abundance of flora and fauna near the coral reef, which, near the archipelago, truly has a charming view and fabulous shapes.
Another entertainment is surface or underwater fishing (everything you need for this activity is provided). Canoe safaris are also popular.
Nature
Near the Cocos Islands there are many species of tropical fish that are distinguished by their bright color. Unlike harmless fish, moray eels and coral snakes live in the waters of Keeling, which can harm humans, as they are poisonous. Diving in the water is worth doing in the lagoon, as the waters around the islands are teeming with predators, especially sharks. Therefore, when diving, you need to remember about safety.
As mentioned above, the flora and fauna on the islands are very diverse and are distinguished by rare species. For those who love wildlife, there is the Pulu National Park (since 1995). It has an area of 1200square meters, includes a conservation area on North Keeling Island.
From living creatures on the island there is a wide variety of sea turtles, and you can also see a lot of sea birds.
Islands in Thailand
Especially beautiful Cocos Islands in Thailand. One of the most attractive is Koh Kood, which is the fourth largest island in Thailand. A less popular but no less beautiful island is Koh Maprao, which is located off the coast of Phuket.
Koh Kood Island
Koh Kood is famous for its abundance of excellent waterfalls. Of the attractions you can visit the Temple of the Golden Bell, which is known for the presence of a large number of monkeys. You can also visit plantations of pineapples, rubber, tapioca and a colorful national market.
Another entertainment for tourists is diving. You can take a mask and snorkel and swim in the coral zone, memories of such beauty will remain for a long time, as the underwater world of Koh Kood is very rich and diverse.
Koh Kood is a Thai coconut island where you can: visit the real tropics and admire the views of coral reefs, swim in the warm sea and recharge with the energy of the sun.
When it comes to food, you won't go hungry on this coconut island, as there is a wide variety of local food and drinks.
There are 7 beaches on the island. And several hotels, the best of which are Cham's House Resort 4(bungalowlocated right on the beach, there is internet) and Away Resort Koh Kood 3 (located near the beach, no internet).
Ko Maprao Island
Not far from the popular tourist destination Phuket is another coconut island (500 meters away). The territory of the island is very small and is only 2.5 by 1.5 kilometers. The island has a jungle of coconut trees as well as pristine sandy beaches.
Due to the fact that two warm currents converge off the coast of Koh Maprao, oysters grow sparkling pearls. Local pearls are very valuable in Thailand and are also exported to other countries. For this reason, the island acquired another name - the pearl of Phang Nga Bay. It even houses The Pearl Farm.
The coconut island is located not far from Phuket, therefore, if the calm and measured rhythm of Koh Maprao gets bored, due to the presence of a water connection, tourists have the opportunity to get to Phuket quickly enough and enjoy its hectic life.
Phuket is famous for various Thai entertainment, restaurants, bars, markets and other places.
There are 3 beaches on the island of Koh Maprao (on the east coast, south and north). It is interesting that swimming is allowed only for a few morning hours, because after that the tide ebb and the rocky bottom and sharp shells are exposed. Enjoying swimming on this island is not the bestidea because the water is often cloudy and has a lot of algae.
Oddly enough, the best time of the year to visit this island is from November to March. At this time, the weather is quite dry and sunny, while in Russia, Belarus and Ukraine it is quite cold. Between April and October, the temperature rises significantly and becomes very hot, with frequent heavy rains and high humidity.
As for attractions, of course, the most popular place for excursions is the pearl farm. The guide will show you different types of pearls, tell you how they are mined, and also teach you how to distinguish real pearls from fake ones. You can also buy pearl products.
One of the entertainments is cycling. There is a platform on the east coast from where you can admire the beautiful views of the Andaman Sea.
The most popular hotel is The Village Coconut Island, but there are others. There are cozy cafes and restaurants in the hotels, and there is also a restaurant on the water between the islands of Phuket and Maprao, which serves mainly seafood.
Reviews of tourists
Tourists who have visited the Cocos Islands (Australia) compare these places with paradise. Vacationers admire the beauty of these places. Also, travelers are satisfied that they are not only brought to sunbathe, but also offer various interesting excursions that introduce the local flora and fauna. The food of these places does not remain without a compliment. Reviews about Cocos Islands alwayspositive, as tourists remain satisfied and rush to return again.
Holidays in the Cocos Islands are more passive than active. After all, these islands are far from civilization. The main idea of these places is that vacationers mentally and physically rest from the bustle of the city, immerse themselves in peace and connect with nature, thereby getting a boost of energy.
Tourists who have visited the Cocos Islands talk about these places in a way that is breathtaking, because this is a completely different world. Many say that these places energize and give aesthetic pleasure.
