Home Island and Cocos Malay Culture

Home Island, one of the two inhabited islands of the Cocos, is the home of the Cocos Malay people, whose unique and fascinating culture gives the remote atoll its human heart. Descended from workers brought to the islands generations ago, the Cocos Malay have developed a distinctive way of life over nearly two centuries of island isolation, blending their Malay and Islamic heritage with the rhythms of atoll living. Their tidy village, with its mosque, colourful homes and small museum, reflects a close-knit, welcoming community, and visitors reaching the island by ferry can glimpse traditional crafts, the elegant jukong sailing canoes, local food and warm hospitality. Respectful and rewarding, a visit to Home Island offers a genuine encounter with one of the world's most remote and distinctive island cultures.

What you actually see

• The Cocos Malay village - the tidy community and its mosque.
• The jukong canoes - the elegant traditional sailing boats.
• The local crafts - the traditional crafts and small museum.
• The island hospitality - the warm, close-knit community.

When to go

April to October, the drier season, brings the most pleasant weather for the ferry trip and exploring the village; the tropical climate is warm year-round. Respectful dress and behaviour are important on this Muslim island, and Friday and religious observances are quiet, special times.

Honest expectations

Home Island is a small, living community, not a tourist attraction, so visitors should come respectfully, mindful of local Islamic customs and dress; facilities are modest. As a genuine and rewarding encounter with the unique Cocos Malay culture, in a tidy village of mosque, canoes and warm hospitality, though, Home Island offers a fascinating window on one of the world's most distinctive island communities.

Nearby

Direction Island, West Island and the lagoon lie across the water.