Secret Islands

Forever seeking our own private slice of paradise, we round up some of the most underrated and untouched islands in the region.

Travel+Leisure Southeast Asia

COCOS KEELING ISLANDS - AUSTRALIA

WHY YOU SHOULD GO:

Halfway between Perth and Sri Lanka, these two atolls are so remote most Aussies don’t even know they exist, let alone the rest of the world. Coconut palms dot the 27 islands, but only two are inhabited, West Island and Home Island – the latter has a vibrant Cocos Malay community. 

GETTING THERE: 

Virgin Australia runs the six-hour flight from Perth to Cocos twice a week. The highlight? Landing on the West Island golf course, which doubles as the runway. Base yourself on West Island, or take a half-hour ferry to Home Island (tickets from $2).

WHEN TO GO: 

With an average temperature of 29 degrees, it is a year-round destination. 

WHAT TO DO: 

Kitesurfing and saltwater fly fishing are found here, along with rare birds and pristine coral reefs. Go underwater with Cocos Dive and see shipwrecks, plus the 30,000 turtles that call the region home. Cossies Beach was named Australia’s best by 101bestbeaches.com. Learn Cocos Malay traditions with the Cocos Keeling Islands Visitor Centre (two-hour tour $35). Don’t miss a game of Scroungers golf––where no rules apply––on Thursdays. 

WHERE TO STAY: 

Scottish merchant John Clunies-Ross and his family were among the islands’ first settlers. Stay in the ancestral homestead, Oceania House (doubles from $154), built in 1887 on Home Island. The mansion is set in 5 acres of botanical gardens. 

WHAT TO EAT: 

Cocos Club (mains from $15) on West Island is the hub of local life and serves burgers and pizzas. The Early Bird Bakery bakes fresh sourdough using local sea salt. For Cocos Malay cuisine, try Tropika Restaurant (buffet dinner $25). 

This story was originally published in the May 2018 issue of Travel+Leisure Southeast Asia.