Fuvahmulah island guide

While invitingly indulgent, the luxury offered by the resort islands of the Maldives can feel monotonous to those looking for an offbeat vacation. An alternative is heading out to an inhabited island and experience the Maldivian way of life.

Infused with history, a bucolic charm, and adventure, these islands offer a different perspective to the typical Maldivian holiday. In addition, the warmth of the locals adds a unique flavor to the stay. Imagine getting all this without sacrificing the beach or the turquoise equatorial waters!

Fuvahmulah is one such inhabited island that welcomes you with open arms.

About Fuvahmulah  

Mysterious in every way, Fuvahmulah has lately come into the limelight for its unmatched offerings. Located 494Km south of Malé, it is the only island in the Gnaviyani Atoll and the only island-atoll in the Republic.

While most islands in the Maldives are coral reefs, Fuvahmulah is volcanic and the third-largest in the archipelago, being 4.5km long and 1.2km wide.

It also has two freshwater lakes adding to its geographic diversity. The population of just over 12000 is primarily engaged in agriculture and fishing.

The isolation owing to Fuvahmulah’s location has added to subtle cultural peculiarities. For instance, the locals here speak a dialect of the Dhivehi language called “Fuvahmulaki baha.” Fuvahmulah means the island of the Areca nut palms in this language. The island further boasts lush vegetation owing to the fertile soil bearing many tropical fruits and vegetables.

However, with the recent addition of an airstrip, tourism has started picking up. As a result, Fuvahmulah is slightly more structured, and thus, visitors have access to essential items through the many mini-marts and souvenir shops that dot the island.

There are a few ATMs and banks here. Some banks also have currency exchange facilities. Nevertheless, USD is widely accepted and preferred. Except at grocery stores, where the Maldivian Rufiyaa is the trading currency. Some hotels also offer currency exchange and take credit cards.

How to reach Fuvahmulah

Located three degrees south of the Equator, you get to cross the Earth’s mid-line while traveling to the island from Malé!

The trip to Fuvahmulah from Velana International Airport takes 70 minutes. There are two daily flights from Malé to Fuvahmulah domestic airport operated by Maldivian. A round trip fare is approximately $480 per person. For the truly adventurous who want to travel the Maldives on a budget, take a ride on a cargo boat leaving Malé for Fuvahmulah.

Gan International Airport in Addu City is another option to fly into if you intend to visit Fuvahmulah. From Addu City, ferries operated by Southern Transport Link take between 45 to 90 minutes, depending on the weather. Tickets need to be pre-booked and cost around $20 per way.

Transportation around Fuvahmulah

The island is split into eight wards, with Dhadimagu being the largest one. Most points of interest, including the famous beach of Thoondu, are within this ward.

An asphalt road runs from the airport, skirting the island’s western edge, connecting arterial roads in between. Except for this main road, much of the streets are unpaved and uneven.

Most of the island is accessible via bicycles, available for hire at shops and some hotels and guesthouses. Nowadays motorbikes are also a popular mode of transport and readily available for hire. There is also a very efficient taxi network with pre-booking only. 

Things to do in Fuvahmulah

With such exclusive topography and fascinating history, there is no dearth of things to do in Fuvahmulah. From exploring the marine life to surfing the waves, from traversing the wetlands to walking on a one-of-a-kind pebbled beach, it invites you to witness a distinct side of Maldives.

You can enjoy the best things to do in Fuvahmulah while navigating the island on a bicycle or motorbike, sipping on coconut water by the roadside, and taking in the island life in its truest sense.

Kedeyre Miski  

Surrounded by a large graveyard Kedeyre Miski lies on the eastern side of the island. Its origin traces back to the mid-1500s, during the island’s second resettlement. The mosque and the gravestones built with coral stones are a fine example of early Maldivian craftsmanship.

There is also a large ancient tank carved into the bedrock with a well in the center. Set in a picturesque setting of tall coconut trees and a backdrop of the vast ocean, it is among Fuvahmulah’s most popular attractions.

Ancient ruins

A few actual remains trace the journey of Buddhism in the Maldives, said to have existed before the advent of Islam. Fuvahmulah is one of the places where one can spectator some of this pre-Islamic history. The ancient ruins found here are the most intriguing for those interested in culture.

Among these is Havitta, believed to be the remains of a Buddhist chaitya. It is now a 40-feet high mound said to cover an ancient Buddhist stupa. Unfortunately, a lack of systematic excavations means that the actual shape of the stupa isn’t visible. However, you can still see some evidence of the stones used for building the stupa.

The Vasho Veyo is another popular attraction on Fuvahmulah. It is an olden circular well with steps leading to the water, said to have been crafted by the locals using corals. In the past, there were many such wells strewn across the island for locals to draw water. Now, this is the only one that remains.        

Thoondu beach

Among the many beaches in the Maldives, Thoondu Beach in Fuvahmulah is iconic and popular among the locals and visitors. Located towards the north of the island, its shiny white smooth pebbles are unique to the beach and cannot be found anywhere else in the Maldives.  

The only surf break in the Maldives is also here, making it ideal for beginners to learn surfing. Another exceptional feature is the natural swimming pools formed when the beach moves to the east or the west with the weather – a phenomenon locally known as Bissaaveli.

Surfing and diving

The inimitable landscape of Fuvahmulah makes the waters around the island ideal for surfing. Although the popularity of this sport is recent, it has gathered momentum among locals. Thoondu is the most popular surfing point. At present, no surf schools exist, but most hotels and guesthouses can arrange a session with a knowledgeable local.

As with the rest of the Maldives, diving remains the most in-demand water activity on Fuvahmulah. It is considered the best place to dive with sharks in Asia, a genuine paradise for pelagic divers! The island stands like a vertical cliff underwater that provides a haven for sharks to clean, mate, and feed.

Some of the popular dive sites around Fuvahmulah are;

Dhadhimago Fanno – Brimming with corals, this reef invites divers to witness the congregation of many aquatic creatures. Positioned towards the northwest of the island, the reef is between 20 meters to 30 meters and plays host to several open-water species like tiger sharks and thresher sharks.

Neremathi – Popularly known as the Tiger Shark Dive, Neremathi lies at the harbor entrance with the top reef at 6 meters and sloping down to 30 meters. Owing to the discarded fish waste put into the waters, many sharks come here to feed. Thus, at any given time, you can easily be swimming amongst six to eight tiger sharks!

Bondo Fanno – Dotted with beautiful sea fans starting from 20 meters, going down as far as recreational diving limits, this site is absolutely fascinating. Located north of the harbor, it hosts a thriving coral reef and gives ample opportunity to spot mantas, tiger sharks, and other marine life.

Wetlands of Fuvahmulah Nature Park

In ancient times, the island had a small lagoon that formed a natural harbor. Over time, the channel connecting the lagoon with the ocean was shut by large coral boulders, resulting in losing its saltiness. Gradually, two freshwater lakes originated, surrounded by massive wetlands, declared a protected area in 2012. Moreover, it is now a UNESCO-listed biosphere reserve.

Today Bandaara Kilhi (Lake) and Dhadimagu Kilhi (Lake) form the crux of this biodiversity hotspot, adding to the exclusivity of Fuvahmulah. With a boardwalk, boating, and a picnic area, the Fuvahmulah Nature Park that encompasses the lakes is a must-do activity in the Maldives, let alone on this island.

Places to eat in Fuvahmulah

Fuvahmulah’s beautiful setting gives it an edge over the other inhabited islands of the Maldives. The food here is no different. The abundance of tropical fruits and vegetables and a constant supply of seafood make dining on the island quite a joyous occasion.

Pebbles by Royal

This garden restaurant sits snuggly close to Thoondu Beach, dishing out traditional Maldivian delicacies along with Thai, Indian, and other international cuisines. Diners can sit inside thatched gazebos or on the tables laid out close to the beach. Their juices and ice coffee are the perfect refreshers after a day out on the sand.

Royal Restaurant

Royal occupies a prime spot close to the harbor and serves mouth-watering international dishes, best enjoyed with the sound of the waves. Dishes like the tandoori chicken pizza, lobster, and curries are a popular choice here. A must-try is their preparation of the local specialty fish called Kattelhi. You will have to pre-order the fish, so plan your meal in advance.

Real Breeze

When greeted by the warm and welcoming staff here, food might just take the backseat in your head. But as you open the menu, the choices will leave you speechless. The most popular dishes at this restaurant in Fuvahmulah are in their Indian section. Although, many also swear by their fish buns and refreshing juices, shakes, and mocktails.

Runway 29

A cozy café opposite the airstrip, Runway 29 is open from breakfast until dinner. This famous restaurant in Fuvahmulah offers various Western dishes along with signature Indian and Asian ones. They also have a Hedhikaa (short eats) menu that takes care of your mid-day cravings. When accompanied by fresh juices, shakes, or coffee, these shot bites are a complete meal in themselves.

Zeppelin

Plating the best quesadillas on the island, Zeppelin is the newest restaurant in Fuvahmulah’s ever-increasing dining scene.  Centrally located, it has cozy gazebos and serves light snacks and coffee all day. It also has an exclusive sheesha lounge for groups to relax and let their hair down.

Best hotels and guesthouses in Fuvahmulah

With the island becoming readily accessible, more and more tourists are visiting Fuvahmulah yearly. As a result, many new locally-owned guesthouses and hotels have come up. Following are the five best places to stay in Fuvahmulah.

Tigershark Residence

With six cozy air-conditioned rooms, this guesthouse in Fuvahmulah is popular with divers. It has a PADI-certified dive center and trained instructors. Though basic, the rooms are well equipped with all amenities, including a minibar, coffee & tea kettle, television, and free wi-fi. They have an on-site pool and in-house restaurant to help you relax before and after a dive.

Zero Degree Residence

Set amidst palm trees and exotic gardens, this boutique stay in Fuvahmulah is a 10-minute walk from Thoondu Beach. It offers elegantly furnished rooms and a terrace with sunbeds and umbrellas. With 24-hours reception, room service, free wi-fi, and a shared lounge, Zero Degree provides guests with all modern comforts.

Marina Boutique Hotel

One of the first hotels in Fuvahmulah, Marina Boutique, is within the biosphere reserve and boasts a five-star PADI affiliated dive center. The hotel has eight air-conditioned rooms and suites, including a penthouse suite and a grand suite with a pool. They also have bicycles for guests and an airport shuttle service.

Cottage 316

Cottage 316 has a shared lounge and kitchen, terrace, and a beautiful garden. It further offers six contemporary rooms, including a two-bedroom suite and four-bedroom abode. The in-house restaurant serves a filling American breakfast. They also provide bike and car hire facilities to their guests.

Calyx Grand

With a beachfront location, this charming hotel is compact and comes with personalized service. Equipped with all modern amenities, it has clean and functional rooms. The third-floor terrace offers a ring-side view of the daily life in the alleyways below. Free wi-fi and bicycle hire are convenient additions to the facilities here.

N.B.:all information is correct as of the post publication date, and prices are subjected to change.