If you love the sea and sun, you may already be familiar with offshore Singapore islands. But did you know about a group of 27 islands in Australia that was once part of Singapore?
The Cocos Keeling Islands are situated in between Australia and Sri Lanka, close to Sumatra in Indonesia. Just Google it and you’ll be met with photos of white sandy shores, towering coconut trees, and glistening turquoise waters. And yes, you can visit it.
Image credit: @cocoskeelingislands via Instagram
Discovered in 1609 by British sea captain William Keeling, the Cocos Keeling Islands remained uninhabited until the early 19th century. Scottish merchant John Clunies-Ross was one of the first to settle here, setting up a copra plantation with Malay workers. Until today, coconuts are grown throughout the islands and are the sole cash crop.
Here’s an interesting fact you may not know: The Cocos Islands were part of the Straits Settlements until 1946 and then became part of the crown colony of Singapore when the settlements were dissolved. In 1955, the administration of the islands was transferred to Australia.
The fact that the islands historically were part of the Straits Settlements explains why Malay traditions are so prevalent here. The islanders are mostly Muslim, with religious practices and holidays such as Eid Al-Fitr being significant events. Travelling around the island, you’ll hear the local dialect being spoken. It’s a form of Malay that incorporates specific local terms unique to the islands.
The boat structure housing Big Barge Art Centre bears the Malay words “biar selamat”.
Image credit: @granules via Instagram
Besides that, the islands also have a rich history of traditional crafts, including basket weaving and jukong, or boat weaving. These crafts have become an integral part of the island’s cultural heritage – and you can learn more about them at museums like Home Island and The Big Barge Art Centre.
To get to Cocos Keeling Island, hop on a flight from Singapore to Perth. From there, the islands are accessible via Virgin Australia flights from Perth, which operate twice weekly. The flight from Perth to Cocos Keeling Islands takes slightly less than 6 hours.
The airport is located on West Island. Once you land, and you can travel around via buses, bicycles, and scooters.
Prison Island.
Image credit: @cocoskeelingislands via Instagram
Because of how ulu the island is, the waters around Cocos Keeling Islands are kept pristine and unspoilt. They’re also free for visitors to explore – so hop on personalised boat tours with companies such as Cocos Islands Boat Tours and Fishing and discover the many islands scattered around. Prison Island, for instance, is the smallest of the 27 islands.
Image credit: @cocoskeelingislands via Instagram
The waters around Cocos Keeling Islands are also thriving with rich biodiversity. Ocean lovers should free-dive with manta rays and swim with dolphins or turtles.
Image credit: Cocos Keeling Islands
You can also explore the coconut plantation farms on the island by heading to the Wild Coconut Discovery Centre on West Island. It’s a behind-the-scenes experience that includes a tour through the coconut palm jungle, watching a hands-on demonstration of coconut production, and exploring the farm’s wholesale shop filled with locally-made coconut products.
If you’re in need of new and uncharted beach destinations away from the crowds, check out Cocos Keeling Islands. Sure, it may take a longer time to get there – but it’s all worth it for a relaxing vacation away from everything. After all, it might just be an alternative to Maldives or Fiji for ocean lovers.
In the meantime, check out Nirup Island and Bawah Island in Indonesia if you want to satisfy your wanderlust.
Cover image adapted from: @cocoskeelingislands, @granules via Instagram
The islanders are mostly Muslim - and they celebrate holidays such as Hari Raya.
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