Poon Saan
A settlement on the hill above the Cove, the island's Chinese community centre.
Updated 3 September 2026
Poon Saan sits on the slope above Flying Fish Cove, and the name is Cantonese for half way up the hill, which is exactly where it is. It grew as housing for the Chinese workers of the phosphate operation and remains the centre of that community: a small shopping strip, a club, temples nearby and the food that goes with it. Christmas Island's population is largely Chinese, Malay and European in mixture.
What to look for
- The hillside position - the settlement half way up from the Cove.
- The shopping strip - the small row of shops and eating places.
- The temples - the Chinese religious buildings in and near the settlement.
- The community - the centre of the island's Chinese population.
When to go
May to November is the dry season. Chinese New Year brings the most activity. Evenings are when the eating places are busiest.
Practical notes
It is a residential area rather than an attraction and there is little formally to see. Shops and eating places keep their own hours. Respect that people live here.
Nearby
Flying Fish Cove is below, and Tai Jin House is north.
Key facts
Source: Wikidata, item Q7228678, read on 18 October 2026.
What to pack for Poon Saan
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Comfortable walking shoes - Sightseeing means kilometres of pavement and cobbles daily. Find on Amazon
- Modest clothing - Shoulders and knees covered - the single most common requirement. Find on Amazon
- A slim anti-theft daypack - Zips that close properly; keep it in front in crowds and on transit. Find on Amazon
- A scarf or shawl - To cover the head or shoulders on entry; women especially at mosques. Find on Amazon
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