Sanchez Jalapeno

Over 15,000 people can’t be wrong.

The Local Fauna

 That’s the number of  holiday makers that have attempted to reach Australia by boat in the past few years.

Most never make it to the mainland, instead their short detour to Christmas Island turns into a permanent stop over. But can you blame them? Christmas Island has it all. From the flora and Fauna (like the bigger-than-a-child coconut crab, pictured here climbing a freaking garbage bin), to the super friendly locals, oozing with charisma – you’ll often seen waving their bright shiny guns at you from the other side of the razor fence. For what ever reason, Christmas Island is quickly turning into the must visit destination of 2010, especially if you’re from Asia or the Middle East.

 A trip to Christmas Island doesn’t come cheap. Most tourists end up exhausting all of their savings just for a seat on a rustic yet charming raft type contraption. Lovingly refered to by Australian’s as ‘Boat People’ these adventure seekers don’t have a lot of mid-voyage entertainment to keep them occupied, but that doesn’t really matter as they’re too busy trying not to drown. Nature Buffs would love it – you can’t get much closer to nature than you do when your raft capsizes during the monsoon.

Reception

 What ever your trip lacks in aesthetics it makes up in customer service. Before you even reach the island you’ll be greeted by a boat load of government officials who have come out to greet and escort you in. That’s a nice touch. Once you’ve docked you’re whisked away to the reception area of the islands only resort. After you’re processed checked in, you’ll be shown to your room – conditions in the garden & electric-fence view rooms are a little cramped but that’s just because the place is so darn popular. The owners prefer not to use terms like ‘over capacity’, instead referring to it as cosy.  Just be mindful of a weird process where they tend to sepeate you from your family – we’ll call them travel companions- but think if it as a good way to meet new people.

 In house activities for the lucky refugees guests include English lessons, some sports, competitive fasting and an interesting game called lip sewing (usually only played by those Negative Nancy’s that whinge about everything… there’s always one, right?)

 Money exchange is not a problem, you simply wont need any. This is an all inclusive resort – you’re provided with a $50 dollars worth of resort points per week, redeemable for such luxury items as toothpaste and medication.

 Spots are limited so to secure your place at this amazing resort, speak to your local Travel Agent (people smuggler) about this once in a lifetime trip.

For further information or to request a brochure contact the UNHCR