Ninetysixeast Bed & Breakfast, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Australia
Our home in the Cocos (Keeling) Islands is the delightful bed and breakfast Ninetysixeast. Named after the longitude of the islands, Ninetysixeast is the labour of love of Perth couple Colin and Christine, who bought the property in 2002, and then painstakingly restored it and modernised it to its current loveliness.
West Island Accommodation
The B&B is ideally located along the west coast of West Island, literally just a few metres from the ocean, with a view that extends to the horizon. The breakers smash on the coral reef just offshore, with rhythmic crashes that carry on the still tropical breeze. The waves roll in, but their fury is soon dissipated in the shallow waters of the atoll, and by the time they reach the rock pool just in front of ninetysixeast, they are little more than soothing ripples. The relaxing noise of the waves will be the soundtrack of our stay.
Island Bungalow
Ninetysixeast is a classic Cocos Island bungalow. Known as a T-house for its T-shaped configuration, the house is elevated on low stilts, with white weatherboard walls and a blue tin roof, surrounded by an expansive wooden verandah. Owners Colin and Christine occupy most of the bungalow, with the spine and one strut of the “T” as their home. The other strut of the “T” has been converted into the guest accommodation, and has been finished to a very high standard.
The Room
The suite is small but lovely. The walls are bright white, with large louvered windows (with screens). The floor and ceiling are of warm timber, and a powerful fan circles overhead. There is air conditioning, but despite the heat and humidity, we did not need to utilise it, as cool breezes waft through the villa from the ocean in front. A large double bed occupies the majority of the room, decorated with a colourful sarong as a throw. There are small white wooden bedside tables, with thoughtfully provided multi-socket power boards attached to each, and bright bedside lanterns. There is a small television, a bookshelf with a selection of novels, and an expansive bureau for resting suitcases.
The villa has an ensuite bathroom, with toilet, sink and powerful shower, and shampoo, conditioner, soap and body wash are provided. There is also a small kitchenette, with bar-fridge, cutlery, crockery, utensils and a much appreciated nespresso coffee machine.
Island Hospitality
Upon our arrival at the Cocos Islands airport, we were greeted by our charming host Colin, an engineer from Perth who now works remotely from his new home on Christmas Island. He drives us in his golf buggy the few hundred metres to ninetysixeast, where we meet his equally charming wife Christine, a school teacher who now does relief work at the Cocos Island’s two small school campuses. As our plane has arrived slightly late, they feed us dinner, as there is nowhere left open in town (it is about 7:30pm!) and offer helpful advice about how to make the most of our days on the Cocos (Keeling) Islands.
Breakfast is taken each morning on Christine and Colin’s front deck, overlooking the ocean just a few metres away. As the hosts do not have a “commercial” kitchen, there are no cooked options, but instead there is an ample spread of cereal, poached fruit, toast, jams, juice and coffee. During breakfast, Colin will join you to provide an update on the weather – pretty much always mostly sunny and 28 degrees, with a chance of a shower tomorrow (although no rain has fallen for nearly 3 months!). He will also let you know about the tides, so you can plan your day’s activities appropriately, which nearly all revolve around swimming and snorkelling the beautiful waters surrounding the islands. Colin also provides an informative and highly enjoyable golf-buggy tour of West Island, from its southern to its northern tip, complete with historical information and anecdotes about past and present residents of the island.
Added Extras (Hire Car Included)
A real perk of staying at Ninetsixeast is the free inclusion of a vehicle for the duration of your stay. Colin’s pride and joy is his CFMOTO UTV (Utility terrain vehicle) which is made available to guests free of charge. Admittedly, it is a little noiser than a car, but it is great fun to drive, will take you anywhere, and is an excellent added extra.
We should also mention, Colin will offer guests on a free guided tour of West Island via golf buggy which in our opinion is a chance not to be missed. The tour will take a couple of hours and include history of the islands, stories of it’s former inhabitants and tales of nearby sea battles during World War I. You will also get a chance to test the Cocos Islands’ golf course (which crosses the airport runway) including a chance to win back a small part of the cost of your accommodation ;)
Cocos Keeling Islands First Choice Accommodation
There are only a handful of accommodation options on the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, and it is important to know this is a laid back, informal travel destination and those accomodation options are appropriate for just such a setting. But for a comfortable, charming and stylish stay on the Cocos, Ninetysixeast is our recommended first choice home away from home.
You can read more about the things to do in the Cocos (Keeling) Islands here.
