Kiritimati Island

misha — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 13:44:12 +0000

Feel like a trip to London and Paris? You will find both on Kiritimati in mid-Pacific, also known as Christmas Island (Captain Cook arrived on 24 December 1777, in ‘naming’ mood). The world’s largest coral atoll extends to a substantial 640 sq km and makes up 70 per cent of the land area in the scattered island republic of Kiribati. Its villages are London, Tabwakea, Banana, Poland and Paris (now sadly in ruins). And no you don’t have to take a Geiger counter – the radiation from Britain’s 1950s H-bomb tests on Maiden Island, 32o km south of Kiritimati, has long dissipated on the four winds.

Many place names on Kiririmati date from the tenure of Emmanuel Rougier, a French priest who leased the island between the two World Wars, planting nearly a million coconut trees as his contribution to the islanders’ future. London is the main village and his modern port facility handling exports like coconut, copra, seaweed and tropical saltwater aquarium fish. There is little tourism, because the island is long way from anywhere and – despite some good beaches and a splendid lagoon – doesn’t have much to offer that’s worth going that far for, other than sport fishing and the opportunity to observe millions of nestling seabirds.

There is a hotel, but the most of the Micronesian inhabitants live without electricity, running water or sanitation. This is one of the most primitive places on earth, but the people are very friendly and live a traditional community life, sheltered by thatched huts skilfully constructed from coconut plants and pandanus trees, subsisting on coconut products and the fruits of the sea.

When to go: Any time, as there is no rainy season (indeed little rain at all). Avoid El Nino periods if you are bird watcher – the birds vanish. Population: 5,000 (2005). How to get there: The weekly Aloha Airline flight from Honolulu to Cassidy International Airport. Cruise ships visit frequently. Photos by: beckysue75

The Christmas island realize your dreams

Asya — Sat, 03 Mar 2007 10:31:50 +0000

Christmas Island is a unique destination of huge natural and cultural tropical diversity. It is an island with that Asian feel, yet it is part of Australia. Each year, the island experiences a massive migration of red land crabs, one of the wonders of the natural world. Christmas island boasts some of the best scuba diving trips in the world.
The northern coast in particular boasts some of the most unspoiled corals in the world corals – host to a wide variety of small tropical species such as surgeon fish, wrasse, butterfly fish, gobies, anemones, eels and many others which are a photographers delight. The scuba diving trips boast endless kilometres of spectacular wall diving, untouched corals, hundreds of species of tropical fish, dolphins, whale sharks, warm clear water, the opportunity to see magnificent marine life – what more could you expect from the ultimate scuba diving trip and experience? While there has been mining activity on the island for many years, 65 percent of its are now National Park and there are large areas of pristine and ancient rain forest. Christmas Island is of immense scientific value as it was uninhabited until the late nineteenth century, so many unique species of fauna and flora exist which have evolved independently of human interference.
Located on Christmas Island, Christmas Island Diver’s Association is Kiribati’s premier ecotour operator. Staffed by certified PADI scuba professionals, marine biologists, and seasoned fishing guides, visitors can enjoy full or half day fishing, scuba diving, and bird watching activities with the most knowledgeable, safe, and friendly tour operator Kiribati has to offer. In addition to quality service, affordable daily rates and weekly package prices make Christmas Island Diver’s Association the perfect choice for both the high-end traveler or back-packer to choose. As the largest and most well known of Kiribati’s Line Islands, Christmas Island is a place where you can find everything desired in a real life adventure. There is catering to the individual who is looking for adventure and is not afraid to get out and experience a new culture and be amazed by all that nature has to offer. The services include guided scuba diving tours for both certified and non-certified divers (including PADI scuba certification classes), guided sport fishing tours (fly fishing, trolling, whipping, and bottom fishing), guided birdwatching tours, dolphin watching/snorkeling tours, standard hotel accommodations and more. A day start between 6am and 9am depending on the type of activity planned, and will end between 2pm- 3:30pm. All activities include a lunch and drinks, and if necessary gear rentals are available too. There are 2 boats which use for our ocean tours. A 24ft.sport skiff with a 40hp Yamaha outboard engine, and a 43ft. shaded outrigger canoe with a 90hp Yamaha outboard engine. All of boats are equipped with life jackets, first aid kit, emergency oxygen, and a satellite phone for emergencies.
Christmas Island is not only a place for relaxing but there are also non-stop activities and a range of exciting places to explore. Is the perfect destination if you are planning an adventure with a difference. Golf is one of the favourite pastimes of Islanders and the Golf Course is well worth a try for professional golfers or first timers. The 9-hole golf course is situated amongst palm trees and tropical rain forest with a magnificent view of the Indian Ocean. With the coral reefs surrounding the Island, snorkeling is a must on every visit to Christmas Island as the abundance of fish and coral to see is breathtaking, just a few metres from the shore. Popular and accessible Flying Fish Cove is great for snorkel ling and swimming. The Scuba Diving possibilities around Christmas Island are superb. Indian Ocean Dive and Wet’n'Dry Adventures have fully surveyed boats to take divers out to some of the best diving locations on the planet. With 63% of Christmas Island being National Park, a walk through the rain forest can be both enjoyable and can range from easy to difficult walks. Nature walks will help you discover first hand the Christmas Island endemic flora and fauna. Among the best-known is the Christmas Island red crab, which numbered some 100 million on the island as of 2004. Two-thirds of the island has been declared a National Park which is managed by the Australian Department of Environment and Heritage through Parks Australia.

The Island Christmas Shop is where people who love the beach go in search of the unusual, where those who are bored by the traditional Noel decor can find striking decorative beachy alternatives to the standard fare offered up in your plain old Christmas shop. The products are with unique tropical flair, combined with the natural, organic beauty of the ocean’s multitude of creations. So if you are looking for holiday greeting cards, gift tags, ornaments or classic music of the seasons with an island twist, you have come to the right place.

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Kiritimati Island

The Christmas island realize your dreams