Get to know the local culture while living on a Christmas Island

Details

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  Description

  After sailing for years through northern Australia and Indonesia my partner and I came to be on Christmas Island (CI). This tiny island is a remote Australian territory in the middle of the Indian Ocean, which is some 2600km away from Australia and 350km from Indonesia. We fell in love with the place- with over 63% of the island protected as a National Park, meaning the majority of the island is rugged tropical jungle, that meets the deep blue sea, brimming with life in its pristine fringing reefs. This island ticks all our boxes, filled with fascinating wildlife, lush & wild whilst offering the perfect array of adventure activities (diving, spearfishing, ocean swimming, hiking, biking), and is also home to a warm and friendly multicultural community.
  
  Our project for 2025 is to build a tiny home within our tropical permaculture garden that overlooks the Indian Ocean. Typically, building projects on the island are challenging given its remote location and limited resources. We have recently travelled to Malaysia (a close partner to CI) to collect raw materials, reclaimed timbers, and artisan fittings to use to build our own home. Neither of us has built a home before, but we are eager to learn and experiment. We are both practically minded and always up for a challenge.
  
  With visiting friends and family, coming to assist with the build we are keen to have others visit to join us on this new adventure too.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Creating/ Cooking family meals
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  UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

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  What's this?
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  This is an opportunity to test out living out the remote tropical island dream!
  
  Christmas Island is culturally rich and has a blend of Malay, Chinese, and Australian influences. Having the opportunity to live and work within the community is a great chance to experience the true way of life here. During your stay, you will likely get involved with community events, social gatherings, and cultural celebrations whilst also getting the chance to explore the true wonders of the natural environment on our door step.

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  Help

  We are looking for likeminded souls, keen to embark on a challenge! We are open to all skills levels, but any skills in carpentry, natural plastering, tiling would be great. There is a chance to get involved with the tropical permaculture garden as well as support the cooking for the building crew too. Practical, resourceful, and open-minded people will fit in well.
  
  Like most island living- the work-life balance is good- with doing tasks in the mornings and afternoon diving/spearfishing adventures or hiking trips. Helping hours will likely be 4-5 hours a day to assist with building duties.

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  Languages spoken

  English: Fluent

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  Accommodation

  We offer a comfortable room in our modern Australian three-bedroom home, a separate bathroom with vegetarian/pescatarian meals provided.

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  What else ...

  Access to Christmas Island is via a regular flight from Perth, Western Australia two times per week.
  Or occasional flights from Jakarta, Indonesia on the following dates; 12 April, 27 April, 5 July, 19 July, 27 September or 11 October.

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

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