The Cocos and Keeling Islands are a small, remote territory in the Indian Ocean with a population of under 700 people. The islands were uninhabited until a coconut plantation was established, and were later granted to the Clunies-Ross family. They played an important role in both World War I and II and were eventually purchased by the Australian government in 1978. The islands have beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters, with simple accommodations and a unique blend of Malay Muslim and Scottish Protestant culture. Visitors should dress modestly out of respect for the local sensibilities. Pulu Keeling National Park is a must-see, but trips are only available with a licensed tour operator or staff member. Flights arrive twice a week from Perth, Australia and once a week from Christmas Island. Boats rarely come due to the islands’ remoteness.
Cocos and Keeling Islands are a small territory in the Indian Ocean. They cover just over 5 square miles (14 square km) and have a population of just under 700 people. Geographically the islands are quite remote, falling somewhere between Australia and Sri Lanka.
The Cocos Islands consist of two atolls. North Keeling Island is a large horseshoe-shaped island. The South Keeling Islands are a large atoll with 26 individual islets, but only two of these islets are actually inhabited.
The islands were uninhabited when first discovered by British Captain William Keeling in the early 17th century. The islands remained uninhabited for the next century, until a coconut plantation was established. A Scottish merchant, John Clunies-Ross, established a permanent base on the island, proclaiming himself king of the Cocos Islands. In the 17th Queen Victoria granted the islands to King Clunies-Ross and his descendants.
The Cocos Islands played an important role in both World War I and World War II, serving as a cable station to connect the UK and Australia. After the war, the islands were handed over to the Australian government in 1955, although the Clunies-Ross continued to rule the island as a monarchy. In the 1970s the Australian government became increasingly dissatisfied with the style of government the Clunies-Ross family practiced on the islands and in 1978 purchased the islands from the family under threat of a forced takeover. Then King John Clunies-Ross retired into exile in Perth and his descendants continue to live on the Cocos Islands.
The Cocos Islands are some of the most remote tropical islands in the world, with the closest land being the Christmas Islands, approximately 560 miles (900 km) away. Beautiful sandy beaches, beautiful crystal clear waters, and friendly locals make the island a great getaway for people who want to travel off the beaten track while still staying in a tropical paradise.
There are no resorts on the island, and most accommodations are simple affairs, with minimal amenities. However, there is a decent infrastructure for transport and activities, with guided cultural tours and diving and snorkelling expeditions available at reasonable prices. The culture of the Cocos Islands is fascinating and the simple living people are something that most visitors observe. As an isolated group made up predominantly of Malay Muslims and Scottish Protestants, the islands have an interesting blend of festivals and a unique perspective. Visitors should be careful, when on their home island, to dress somewhat modestly out of respect for the deeply Muslim sensibilities there.
Pulu Keeling National Park is one of the most impressive natural sites in the Cocos Islands, but due to the danger of reaching the park and the sensitivity of the local wildlife, trips are only available in the company of a licensed tour operator or staff member of the Park.
Small flights arrive twice a week in the Cocos Islands from Perth, Australia and once a week from Christmas Island. Boats rarely come to the Cocos Islands due to their remoteness and the difficulty of anchoring there. These are some of the most isolated islands in the world, so it’s important to have a plan for not only getting there, but also getting back, to avoid being stranded for weeks longer than planned.
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