The Cocos (Keeling) Islands are an Australian territory that consists of two atolls in the Indian Ocean. The smaller of the two (1.1 sq. km), North Keeling Island, is one single Island that almost encloses its lagoon and is unihabited. The second atoll consists of many small islands, the South Keeling Islands, of which only Home Island and West Island are populated. There is a cultural split between the two Islands with Home Island populated mostly by the Malay people and West Island by European peoples.
A visit here will probably mean staying on West Island as this is where the few hotels, bungalows and villas are to be found. From here it is possible to take a day trip to Home Island and experience the local culture. It is also possible to catch a boat to, Direction Island one of the unihabited Islands that is a particularly beautiful, with the best swimming beaches. Tours also run to Pulu Keeling National Park which is made up of North Keeling Island and it's surrounding waters (it received National Park status in 1995) which is home to a wide variety of plants and Animals.
There is a host of activities to take part in, especially impressive given its size, from kite surfing to golf but a must here is exploring the reef. As an atoll it is surrounded by a living reef which is relativley shallow and close to the shore, and can be explored by snorkel, diving or even glass bottomed boat.
There are 27 coral islands in the group. Captain William KEELING discovered the islands in 1609, but they remained uninhabited until the 19th century. Annexed by the UK in 1857, they were transferred to the Australian Government in 1955. The population on the two inhabited islands generally is split between the ethnic Europeans on West Island and the ethnic Malays on Home Island. Grown throughout the islands, coconuts are the sole cash crop. Small local gardens and fishing contribute to the food supply, but additional food and most other necessities must be imported from Australia. There is a small tourist industry.
