Cocos (Keeling) Islands Travel Information

The Cocos (Keeling) Islands are a remote group of coral atolls located in the Indian Ocean, offering a range of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy. From exploring the island's stunning beaches and scenic landscapes, to learning about the island's rich history and cultural heritage, there is something for everyone on the Cocos (Keeling) Islands.

Here are the top 10 things to do in the Cocos (Keeling) Islands:

1. Visit Home Island

Home Island is the largest of the 27 coral atolls that make up the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. Visitors can explore the island's stunning beaches, learn about the island's history, and meet the friendly Cocos Malay community.

2. Explore the Beaches

The Cocos (Keeling) Islands are known for their pristine beaches and clear turquoise waters, making them a popular destination for beach lovers. Visitors can swim, snorkel, and sunbathe on the island's stunning beaches, and take in the breathtaking views.

3. Visit the Cocos Islands Museum and Cultural Centre

The Cocos Islands Museum and Cultural Centre offers visitors a unique insight into the island's rich history and cultural heritage. Visitors can learn about the island's unique history, including its ties to the Clunies-Ross family, who ruled the islands for over a century, and the island's role in World War II.

4. Visit Direction Island

Direction Island is a small island located just off the coast of Home Island, and is a popular destination for snorkeling and diving. Visitors can explore the island's stunning coral reefs and encounter a diverse range of marine life, including colorful tropical fish and sea turtles.

5. Take a Scenic Flight

A scenic flight is a great way to see the Cocos (Keeling) Islands from above. Visitors can take a flight and admire the island's stunning landscapes and turquoise waters from the air.

6. Hike to the Cocos Malay Cemetery

The Cocos Malay Cemetery is a historic cemetery located on Home Island, and is a peaceful place to visit. Visitors can walk amongst the graves and learn about the island's history and cultural heritage.

7. Visit West Island

West Island is the largest of the inhabited islands, and is a great place to explore. Visitors can take a leisurely walk around the island, admire the stunning views, and visit the island's shops and restaurants.

8. Learn about the Island's Wildlife

The Cocos (Keeling) Islands are home to a diverse range of wildlife, including seabirds, turtles, and reef fish. Visitors can learn about the island's unique wildlife and its conservation efforts, and encounter these amazing creatures firsthand.

9. Take a Fishing Trip

Fishing is a popular activity on the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, and visitors can take a fishing trip to experience this unique activity. Visitors can join a guided fishing tour, and catch a variety of fish species in the island's waters.

10. Enjoy a BBQ on the Beach

Barbecuing on the beach is a popular activity on the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, and visitors can enjoy a delicious BBQ and take in the stunning views. Visitors can bring their own food and drinks, or purchase them on the island.

Overall, the Cocos (Keeling) Islands offer a range of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy, from exploring the island's stunning beaches and rich history, to learning about the island's unique wildlife and cultural heritage.

Climate

The Cocos (Keeling) Islands have a tropical climate with hot and humid weather all year round. The temperature stays constant throughout the year, with an average temperature of around 28-30°C (82-86°F).

Best time to visit

The best time to visit the Cocos (Keeling) Islands is from April to November, when the weather is dry and less humid. During this time, visitors can enjoy outdoor activities and explore the island without being bothered by the rain. December to March is the wet season, but this is also when the island comes alive with lush vegetation and wildlife.

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

Visitors to the Cocos (Keeling) Islands have a range of accommodation options to choose from, including:

Hotels

There are several small hotels on the islands, offering comfortable rooms and facilities such as swimming pools, restaurants, and bar areas.

Guesthouses

Guesthouses provide a more economical option for visitors, with basic rooms and shared facilities.

Holiday Homes

Visitors can also rent holiday homes on the islands, which offer more privacy and space compared to hotels and guesthouses.

Camping

Camping is also possible on the islands, with designated camping areas and basic facilities provided.

Visitors are advised to book their accommodation in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure availability.

Flights

The Cocos (Keeling) Islands can be reached by air, with regular flights from Perth, Western Australia. The airport is located on West Island, one of the 27 coral atolls that make up the Cocos Islands.

Boats

Visitors can also reach the Cocos (Keeling) Islands by boat, with regular ferry services from nearby Indonesian islands.

Bicycles and Scooters

Once on the islands, visitors can rent bicycles or scooters to explore the island. This is a popular way to get around and offers a great way to see the island's natural beauty.

Taxis

Taxis are also available on the islands for visitors who prefer not to ride a bicycle or scooter. They are usually more expensive than other forms of transportation.

Money Tips for Travel

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
• Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
• Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
• Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

ATM and Credit Cards

• Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
• Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
• Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
• Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
• Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

Exchange Rates

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

Medical Coverage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

Lost or Stolen Luggage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

Liability coverage

Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

eSIM

Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

Dual SIM phone

If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

Extend your home plan

Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

Keep your primary SIM

With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

Facebook groups

There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

Meetup

Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

Internations

Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

Reddit

Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

Linkedin

LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.