Is there really a place called Christmas Island? Yes! But, unfortunately, this remote Australian territory in the Indian Ocean doesn't have anything to do with Christmas (other than the fact that its first recorded sighting was in 1643 on, yes, December 25). Also, it's not to be confused with the island of Kiribati, which is also called Christmas Island. Rather, this off-the-grid hideaway is known for its natural beauty, coral reefs, birding, and an annual red crab migration. If you're an adventurous type, a visit to Christmas Island just might be the holiday you need.
What do Do on Christmas Island
Almost two-thirds of Christmas Island is a national park, so there are plenty of scenic hiking trails. One of the top trails leads to pretty Hugh Dale's Waterfall (passing Tahitian chestnut trees along the way), and another winds up at Dolly Beach, a secluded sandy stretch where sea turtles nest.
The island is ringed by a narrow tropical reef, and it sits at the edge of the Sunda Trench (also known as the Java Trench), the Indian Ocean's deepest point, so it's an underwater paradise for both snorkelers and scuba divers. Some of the marine life you might spot include manta rays, dolphins, and rainbow-hued tropical fish.
Other activities include bird-watching, especially around the Margaret Knoll Lookout (don't forget your binoculars!). Christmas Island thrushes and golden bosuns are just a few species to keep an eye out for. There's also a grotto you can take a refreshing dip in and a nine-hole golf course.
The annual red crab migration is truly something to see: In the beginning of the wet season (typically October/November), millions of bright red crustaceans migrate from the inland forests to the beach and ocean to mate and spawn. Seeing these crimson critters swarming the roads on their multiday journey is quite the sight!
Where to Eat on Christmas Island
The island's main village is simply called The Settlement, which has a few restaurants — casual spots with friendly service. The Golden Bosun Tavern, named after a species of bird found on the island, has a lovely deck overlooking the ocean, dishes like wahoo fish and chips and steak, and a few pool tables to chat up the locals over some beers after catching the gorgeous sunset. Other options include Lucky Ho for Chinese fare, like spring rolls and sweet and sour pork, and Rumah Tinggi, which serves Aussie/pub fare with many seafood selections.
Where to Stay on Christmas Island
Don't expect the Ritz-Carlton and you won't be disappointed. Christmas Island has just a handful of hotels, and they're all low-rise inns or lodges. A few standouts in The Settlement include Captain's Last Resort, which comes with kitchenettes, king-size beds, and water-facing balconies, and The Sunset, with basic but clean rooms, a small pool, a barbecue area, and water views. Airbnb also has a few properties for rent, including a two-bedroom bungalow called Hibiscus House.
Getting to Christmas Island
It's not easy to reach Christmas Island, even if you're Australian. You'll have to get yourself to Perth or Jakarta, where you can catch a direct flight (Virgin Australia is the prime carrier). Once you're on the island, you can rent a car or a scooter to get around.
More from Best Products:
Your Ultimate Guide to Visiting Auckland, New Zealand
Fun Places to Visit Over Christmas This Year
Where Are the Most Beautiful Islands in the World? Check Out Our List!
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Jill is the former travel editor at BestProducts.com, showing her expertise on everything from the Best Rooftop Bars in NYC to the 30 Most Beautiful Cities in the World; the NYC native has previously worked at Travel & Leisure and has written articles for The New York Times, InStyle, Huffington Post, and Fodors. Recent trips have included the Bahamas and Natchez, and Patagonia and Vietnam are high on the bucket list. Though she’ll deny it, she is kind of obsessed with buying refrigerator magnets from the places she visits.
