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The past decade has seen the Maldives create a unique identity. Besides being the world’s top luxury and honeymoon destination, it has recently emerged as a universal holiday option.
At the very heart of this transformation is the opening up of inhabited islands to outsiders. For tourists, a stay in a guesthouse comes with the alluring possibility of observing everyday Maldivian life. Not surprisingly, there has been massive development across the inhabited islands, with many, like Maafushi, becoming a destination of choice for budget travelers.
Luckily, the sheer size of the Maldives allows it to retain some of its authentic charisma. There are islands in the archipelago that ooze with modesty, places where people are welcoming, but give visitors the space they need to enjoy a quiet vacation.
Fulhadhoo is one such destination. An uncommercialized and out-of-the-way hidden gem, the island is nothing short of paradise.
About Fulhadhoo
Measuring at 1.90km length and 0.27km width, Fulhadhoo is neither too small nor one of the larger inhabited islands. Having a population of under 300, it lies under the administration of Baa Atoll, some 120km from Malé. Surrounded by several uninhabited isles, Fulhadhoo is an emerging day-trip option but continues to lie under the radar of most tourists.
The inhabitants of Fulhadhoo live in a village on the eastern side of the island. There is a mosque, a playground, a school, and a couple of stores selling essential everyday items within the village. All of this occupies only 20% of the land. The rest of the island is in a lush green and natural state.
An interesting characteristic of Fulhadhoo is that it is more or less devoid of mosquitoes. The reason being the island’s position, which brings in constant sea winds, keeping the temperatures down along and the mosquitoes at bay. It is still worth adding a mosquito repellent to your Maldives packing list for times you are walking through dense vegetation.
Historically, Fulhadhoo is famous as the island where French navigator François Pyrard de Laval took refuge after a shipwreck in 1602. Today though, along with the islands of Goidhu and Fehendhoo, it is part of the Goidhoo Atoll, also known as Horsburgh Atoll.
Pro-Tip
There is no bank or ATM on the island. Therefore, remember to carry cash, both Maldivian Rufiyaa and also some US Dollars. Also, check with your guesthouse if they accept credit cards. Lastly, if you plan to work on the island remotely, pick up a SIM card with internet from Malé Airport.
How to reach Fulhadhoo
Travelers wishing to spend their holiday in and around Fulhadhoo have a few different transportation options to the island. Unfortunately, there is no direct link between Malé and Fulhadhoo unless you book a private speedboat. This is primarily because the harbor on the island is tiny and cannot accommodate big boats.
The most popular way to reach Fulhadhoo is by a scheduled speedboat. Costing roughly $45 for the transfer, speedboats leave Malé at 9:00 AM on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday for Goidhoo. From Goidhoo, you need to take a 10-minute boat ride to Fulhadhoo. Return boats from Goidhoo are on the same days, with the departing time of around 13:00. The journey from Malé to Fulhadhoo takes about two hours.
Alternatively, you can catch a 25-minute flight from Malé to Dharavandhoo Airport. Once on the island, you’ll have to take a 45-minute speedboat to Fulhadhoo. The overall cost of this transfer comes out to around $300.
For those looking to travel on a budget, there is a cargo ferry that leaves Malé every Monday at 2:00 AM. Similarly, the boat leaves Fulhadhoo for Malé on Saturday at 2:00 AM. The trip to Fulhadhoo takes six to seven hours on this night boat.
No matter your choice of transportation, always check with your guesthouse for the latest connections. Although most boats run on time, delays do occur and without notice.
Transportation around Fulhadhoo
Time seems to slow down in Fulhadhoo. With little to do except enjoy the serene environment, there is no hurry to reach anywhere. Therefore, the best way to travel around the island is by foot. Walking around the village also allows you to observe daily life on the island and interact with the locals.
Things to do in Fulhadhoo
Even though Fulhadhoo is an off-the-beaten-track destination in the Maldives, it has no shortage of activities on offer. Moreover, compared to some of the other inhabited islands, prices are much less here, and the experiences a lot more intimate.
Sunbathing
What better place to sunbathe or read a book about the Maldives than on an almost-deserted sandy beach? The southwest beach of the island is meant only for tourists. This means you can freely wear a bikini here. The beach is a gentle 15-minute stroll from the village, and along the way, you get to appreciate the verdant greenery of Fulhadhoo.
Not only is Bikini Beach empty most of the time, but it goes on and on for more than a kilometer. Furthermore, along the shore, you will find sunbeds and umbrellas placed by the guesthouses that anyone can use for free.
Do remember that the beach on the eastern side of the island is for the locals. You can visit the beach, but have to dress conservatively. So, no bikinis, and men also cannot go shirtless.
Barbeque on the beach
The gorgeous white-sand beaches of Fulhadhoo aren’t just perfect for sunbathing. They are also an idyllic background for a romantic beach dinner or a fun and lively barbeque. Whether you want to impress your lover, watch a fish you caught cook over a flame, or have a good old family games night in the open, your guesthouse will be able to arrange for a memorable sit-down lunch or dinner on the beach. It’s also worth knowing that the island has one of the top beaches in the Maldives.
Beach Football
Residents of Fulhadhoo are reserved individuals and typically mind their own business, limiting interactions with tourists. However, the younger generation is always eager to mingle with people visiting their island from across the world. One of the best ways to meet them casually is on the beach, where the local teenagers often come to play football.
Diving and snorkeling
Fulhadhoo has a large house reef with its edge lying 800 meters away from the shoreline. Sadly, it isn’t the prettiest or the most active you’ll see in the Maldives. Furthermore, the currents can make it difficult to swim, and it is worth asking the locals about it before heading out into the sea. To see a variety of Maldivian marine life in its natural habitat, you’ll have to snorkel to the reef’s edge. Here, you’ll spot dolphins, rays, turtles, fish, and even sharks. Alternatively, you can take a snorkeling tour to some of the best places around neighboring islets.
Fehurihi Dive is the only diving center on the island. The guide here known some of the best diving sites nearby and is extremely friendly. Nevertheless, if you want a few more options, take a boat to Fehendhoo, where they have a PADI-certified dive center.
Sandbank visit
Yes, you can enjoy a sandbank picnic across the Maldivian archipelago. However, what makes Fulhadhoo unique is the presence of several big and small sandbanks surrounding the island, including some you can easily swim to. When wishing for some alone time with your loved one, ask your guesthouse in Fulhadhoo to book a boat to a nearby sandbank. Just don’t forget to take along a packed lunch, water, hat, sunscreen, and snorkeling gear.
Fishing
Whether you choose to go fishing during the day or indulge in the Maldivian specialty of night fishing, being out in the open waters to catch your own dinner is a must-do activity in Fulhadhoo. Prices for a fishing trip range between $60 to $80 depending on where you are going and for how long. To make arrangements, ask your guesthouse host or one of the local fishermen.
Places to eat in Fulhadhoo
You get a better idea of how disconnected Fulhadhoo is from the tourist rush by the limited number of restaurants and cafes on the island. That is not to say you will go hungry here. Instead, you can expect to savor a variety of freshly made authentic Maldivian dishes every day.
A Yachts Cafe
The only standalone eatery on the island, A Yachts Café, is a favorite among visitors, who usually come here after splashing around at the local beach. Located inside the village, close to the mosque and the school, the café plates up comfort food, made using fresh ingredients. The staff is friendly, and the café is a nice change from eating in your guesthouse.
Guesthouses
Guesthouses across the Maldives almost always offer dining services, and it is the same in Fulhadhoo. Some of the guesthouses have cafes open to non-residents, while others only cater to their residing guests.
The food served at the guesthouses ranges from Maldivian to Indian, Chinese, and even classic European preparation. A meal typically costs between $10 to $15. Don’t expect anything extravagant, but rest assure there is a rustic homeliness to the food that elevates its taste.
In fact, more often than not, the staff will enquire about your daily food preference and then prepare the dishes accordingly.
Best hotels and guesthouses in Fulhadhoo
Most tourists visit Fulhadhoo on a day trip from the neighboring islands for its beaches. Consequently, even though there are less than ten guesthouses on the island, finding a place to sleep is never a problem. Still, it’s best to book a room before you decide to travel from Malé.
Three Hearts
Three Hearts is the most popular guesthouse in Fulhadhoo. This quaint family-owned property has a range of living possibilities, from standard double and triple bedrooms to a beautiful suite with an open terrace and sea views, perfect for a family of four. The atmosphere in the guesthouse is light and bright, accentuated by the colorful furniture and wide-open spaces. Among the amenities that draw travelers to Three Hearts are free WiFi, free snorkeling gear, and proximity to Bikini Beach.
Village Hideaway and Spa
With only a bundle of palm trees in-between the beach and the guesthouse, Village Hideaway and Spa is the best place to stay in Fulhadhoo. A contemporarily designed property, its rooms, painted in bright hues of blue and green, bring the island’s tropical nature from the outside to the inside. All the abodes at the retreat have private balconies, wooden flooring, desks, TV, air conditioning, coffee and tea maker, and en-suite bathrooms. Besides offering spa services to their guests, Village Hideaway also provides ample communal space to enjoy a relaxing holiday.
Fulhadhoo Inn
Next to the village playground, Fulhadhoo Inn is a three-star family-run guesthouse in the very heart of the island. The four-room property is close to the beach, has an on-site restaurant and a 24-hour reception. The bedrooms at this quaint residence are well-furnished and comfortable to stay in. The common area includes both indoor and outdoor dining and lounging.
Fulhadhoo Beach Cottage
Although still not open to the public in 2021, Fulhadhoo Beach Cottage will soon offer travelers a chance to stay on the island in luxury. The two-floor cottage has eight bedrooms, each with en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning, writing desks, king-sized beds, and a kitchenette. Only 20-feet away from the beach, and with construction nearing completion, you can expect the cottage to be the trendiest place to stay in Fulhadhoo.
Azoush Tourist Guesthouse
Serving intrepid travelers since 2012, Azoush was the first guesthouse to open in Baa Atoll. With great emphasis given on the service, it makes for the best place to stay in Fulhadhoo. Located in the center of the village, Azoush is not a beachside guesthouse. Still, its six-room setup creates a cozy ambiance that couples especially adore. The accommodation is clean and offers all essential conveniences. You can choose between a double or a twin bed, and they also provide full-board services.
N.B.:all information is correct as of the post publication date, and prices are subjected to change.
