Smith Point: The Jewel of Christmas Island

• HelloSelamat datang
  [suh-lah-mat dah-tang]
• GoodbyeSelamat tinggal
  [suh-lah-mat ting-gal]
• YesYa
  [yah]
• NoTidak
  [tee-dak]
• Please/You're welcomeSilakan
  [see-lah-kan]
• Thank youTerima kasih
  [teh-ree-mah kah-see]
• Excuse me/SorryMaaf
  [mah-ahf]
• How are you?Apa kabar?
  [ah-pah kah-bar]
• Fine. And you?Baik. Dan kamu?
  [bah-ik. dahn kah-moo]
• Do you speak English?Bisa bicara bahasa Inggris?
  [bee-sah bee-chah-rah bah-hah-sah ing-grees]
• I don't understandSaya tidak mengerti
  [sah-yah tee-dak meng-er-tee]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseSaya ingin melihat menu, silakan
  [sah-yah in-geen me-lee-hat meh-noo, see-lah-kan]
• I don't eat meatSaya tidak makan daging
  [sah-yah tee-dak mah-kan dah-yang]
• Cheers!Selamat minum!
  [suh-lah-mat mee-noom]
• I would like to pay, pleaseSaya ingin membayar, silakan
  [sah-yah in-geen mem-bah-yar, see-lah-kan]

• Help!Tolong!
  [toh-long]
• Go away!Pergi!
  [per-gee]
• Call the Police!Panggil polisi!
  [pahng-geel poh-lee-see]
• Call a doctor!Panggil dokter!
  [pahng-geel dawk-ter]
• I'm lostSaya tersesat
  [sah-yah tuhr-suh-saht]
• I'm illSaya sakit
  [sah-yah sah-kit]

• I'd like to buy...Saya ingin membeli...
  [sah-yah in-geen mem-bel-ee]
• I'm just lookingSaya hanya melihat-lihat
  [sah-yah hun-yah me-lee-hat lee-hat]
• How much is it?Berapa harganya?
  [buh-rah-pah har-gah-nyah]
• That's too expensiveItu terlalu mahal
  [ee-too tehr-lah-loo mah-hal]
• Can you lower the price?Bisakah harga diturunkan?
  [bee-sah-kah har-gah dee-too-roon-kahn]

• What time is it?Pukul berapa sekarang?
  [poo-kool buh-rah-pah suh-kah-rung]
• It's one o'clockSekarang pukul satu
  [suh-kah-rung poo-kool sah-too]
• Half past (10)Setengah (sepuluh)
  [suh-tuh-ngah (suh-poo-loo)]
• MorningPagi
  [pah-gee]
• AfternoonSore
  [soh-reh]
• EveningMalam
  [mah-lahm]
• YesterdayKemarin
  [kuh-mah-reen]
• TodayHari ini
  [hah-ree ee-nee]
• TomorrowBesok
  [beh-sohk]
• 1Satu
  [sah-too]
• 2Dua
  [doo-ah]
• 3Tiga
  [tee-gah]
• 4Empat
  [em-paht]
• 5Lima
  [lee-mah]
• 6Enam
  [eh-nahm]
• 7Tujuh
  [too-joo]
• 8Delapan
  [deh-lah-pahn]
• 9Sembilan
  [sem-bee-lahn]
• 10Sepuluh
  [suh-poo-loo]

• Where's a/the...?Dimana...
  [dee-mah-nah]
• What's the address?Apa alamatnya?
  [ah-pah ah-lah-maht-nyah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Bisakah kamu tunjukkan (di peta)?
  [bee-sah-kah kah-moo toon-jook-kahn (dee peh-tah)]
• When's the next (bus)?Kapan yang berikutnya (bis)?
  [kah-pahn yang buh-ree-koot-nyah (bees)]
• A ticket (to ....)Satu tiket (ke ....)
  [sah-too tee-keht (keh ....)]

Smith Point, located on the northeastern tip of Christmas Island, was first inhabited by the Cocos Malay people who are believed to have settled here in the early 19th century. The area was discovered by European explorers in the late 1800s during their voyages in the Indian Ocean. The natural beauty and strategic location of Smith Point made it a notable landmark for sailors and traders navigating these waters.

In 1912, the Smith Point Lighthouse was constructed to aid maritime navigation and ensure the safety of ships passing near Christmas Island. The lighthouse, a significant historical monument, stands tall as a testament to the island's maritime heritage. Its light guided countless vessels through the treacherous waters, preventing shipwrecks and facilitating trade routes.

During World War II, Christmas Island, including Smith Point, fell under Japanese occupation from March 1942 to October 1945. The island's strategic location made it a focal point for military operations. The Japanese forces fortified Smith Point, constructing bunkers and defensive positions to protect against Allied attacks. Remnants of these fortifications can still be seen today, offering a glimpse into the island's wartime history.

After World War II, Smith Point saw significant developments with the resurgence of the phosphate mining industry on Christmas Island. The area became a hub for workers and their families, contributing to the local economy. Infrastructure improvements, including roads and housing, were made to support the growing population. The phosphate industry remains a vital part of the island's economy, with Smith Point playing a key role in its development.

Today, Smith Point is not only a historical site but also a cultural hub for the local community. It is home to various cultural festivals and events, reflecting the diverse heritage of Christmas Island's inhabitants. The area boasts stunning natural landscapes, including pristine beaches and lush forests, attracting tourists from around the world. Visitors can explore the historical landmarks, enjoy nature trails, and participate in cultural activities, making Smith Point a vibrant and essential part of Christmas Island's identity.

Smith Point in Christmas Island is accessible by air and sea. The main entry point is the Christmas Island Airport (XCH), located approximately 20 minutes from Smith Point. Flights are available from major airports in Australia, such as Perth. Additionally, occasional charter flights operate from Southeast Asia. There are also infrequent sea routes for cargo and passenger ships, though these are less commonly used.

Transportation within Smith Point and the broader Christmas Island is limited but manageable. Car rentals are available at the airport and in Smith Point, providing the most convenient way to explore the island. Taxis are available but can be costly. Bicycles and scooters can be rented for short distances and are an eco-friendly option. Public transport is minimal, with a few bus services operating between key locations.

The official currency of Christmas Island is the Australian Dollar (AUD). While credit and debit cards are widely accepted in larger establishments, smaller shops and some local markets may only take cash. ATMs are available but can be limited in number, so it's advisable to carry sufficient cash, especially when exploring remote areas.

Smith Point and Christmas Island are generally safe for tourists. However, it is wise to exercise standard precautions. Avoid isolated areas at night and secure your belongings. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but always stay vigilant. The island's natural terrain can be challenging, so take care when hiking or exploring beaches.

In case of emergency, dial 000 for immediate assistance. The island has a small hospital located in Flying Fish Cove, approximately 15 minutes from Smith Point, which can handle medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are available in the main town areas. It's highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation.

Fashion: Do wear casual and comfortable clothing suited for tropical weather. Don't wear overly revealing clothing, especially in local villages. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes before entering homes and some establishments. Public Transport: Do be courteous to drivers and other passengers. Don't eat or drink on public buses. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly hello or a nod. Handshakes are common but not obligatory. Eating & Drinking: Do try local seafood and delicacies. Don't refuse an offer to share a meal, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Smith Point like a local, consider visiting the weekend markets where you can find fresh produce and local crafts. Engage with the island's residents who are often eager to share their culture and history. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the area, including the famous Red Crab migration if you visit during the right season. Additionally, snorkeling and diving in the surrounding coral reefs offer a unique perspective of the island's marine life.