Listen to the article
Similar to the various private resorts in the Maldives, each of the inhabited islands in the archipelago have their own unique characteristics. Some public islands have a diverse topography, while others grant visitors a chance to lounge on the best beaches in the Maldives.
Then, there are islands known for their cultural significance, excellent tourist-friendly infrastructure, natural attractions like mangrove forests, or historical sites such as mosques or Buddhist remains.
Maalhos might be one of the smaller inhabited islands, but it promises an unbelievable experience for travelers visiting the Maldives. A green landmass with powdery white beaches, a holiday in Maalhos is a tranquil escape that is also lighter on the pocket.
About Maalhos
Maalhos is a tiny dot of an island roughly 1km long in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Famous for its spectacular marine life, Baa Atoll is a must-visit destination in the Maldives. Subsequently, Maalhos is a hot favorite among budget travelers as it allows them to experience this remarkable region without having to spend lavishly on vacation.
The distance from Maalhos to Malé is 115km. Travelers planning to visit here should bring along some cash, both USD and Maldivian Rufiyaa. Although guesthouses in Maalhos accept credit cards, they might charge a transaction fee. Moreover, cash payments are the best when booking excursions or shopping locally. Also, there is no ATM on the island. The nearest one is on Eydhafushi.
Just about 700 people call Maalhos their permanent home. Even with its petite size, the island has several areas covered in lush vegetation. Impressively, the island has taken multiple eco-friendly measures to help the surrounding environment. These include a local water plant and waste management to keep the island pollution-free.
Among the buildings in the village are a mosque, school, health center, and several general stores. Besides a convenience store (Tommy Shop), clothing shop (Eight Plus), souvenir shop (triple S Gifts), there is also a hardware shop (Eku Hardware) in Maalhos.
How to reach Maalhos
The easiest way to reach Maalhos is via air. Once you land at Malé Airport, take a 20-minute domestic flight to Dharavandhoo Airport. From here, it is a quick 10-minute speedboat to Maalhos. There are multiple daily flights from Malé to Dharavandhoo, costing roughly $110 one way. The return boat to Maalhos from the airport costs $40.
There are no direct speedboats from Malé to Maalhos. So, the next best option is a shared speedboat to Eydhafushi that takes under three hours. You’ll then have to take an onward 10-minute boat ride to Maalhos. The entire trip to Maalhos will cost you $70 one way. Speedboats depart from Malé on Saturday, Monday, and Thursday at around Noon. The return speedboat connection leaves Maalhos at 7:00.
The cheapest yet slowest travel possibility to Maalhos is via the ferry system. Again, there are no direct boats, but you can take a ferry from Malé to either Rasdhoo or Feridhoo. After that, take a 30-minute boat to Maalhos on the Himandhoo – Rasdhoo ferry route from either of these islands.
Reaching Maalhos might seem complicated, but it is not. Your guesthouse host can help with all the transport bookings when you make a room reservation. Moreover, not having direct connections keeps Maalhos off the regular tourist radar, maintaining its serene atmosphere.
Transportation around Maalhos
Transportation around Maalhos is a step back to the basics. You can walk, which allows you to spend time exploring the village and enjoy the nearby beaches.
Otherwise, for a bit more flexibility, rent a bicycle from your guesthouse. Either your host will have complimentary bikes on offer for you, or they might charge a bare minimum fee of $5 per day for the same.
Things to do in Maalhos
There’s a little something for everyone in Maalhos. The island is undoubtedly a quiet getaway. But due to its proximity to the aquatic wonders of Baa Atoll, Maalhos is a much-revered destination among divers and snorkellers.
Furthermore, the island is naturally beautiful and a great place to practice photography in the Maldives. Hurragandu, in the south of the island, is a rugged sandbank that is one of the most photographed locations in the area.
Hanifaru Bay
Close to Maalhos is probably Maldives’ most iconic of places. Hanifaru Bay is famous for being a manta ray hotspot. The rays come here in the hundreds, going into a feeding frenzy, an unmissable sight to experience. Hanifaru Bay is also where whale sharks mate, and you’re likely to come across other sharks and marine life here as well.
However, access to Hanifaru Bay is through guided tours, as only a limited number of boats can be on-site at any given time. There is no diving allowed in the area, but visitors can snorkel. So, the first thing to do when you arrive in Maalhos is to book a trip to Hanifaru Bay through your guesthouse.
Island Hopping
Considering that Maalhos is a tiny island, it is worth planning a day trip to some of the larger public islands nearby to encounter the diversity of Maldivian life. Eydhafushi, the capital of Baa Atoll, Dharavandhoo, and Hithadhoo are three excellent options for an island-hopping adventure. Check with the latest ferry schedules to plan a day trip or include an overnight stay at any one of these islands.
Bikini Beach
Like most inhabited islands catering to international tourists, Maalhos has a separate Bikini Beach. The village and public beaches in the Maldives require people to dress conservatively. Therefore, Bikini Beach is the only place where travelers can dress down and sunbathe.
Adjoining a beautiful lagoon, the beach in Maalhos is clean and has soft white sand. Maalhos House Reef is one of the best in the archipelago, teeming with myriad aquatic life. However, the currents off the coast can alternate between strong and medium. So, do check with the locals before venturing out into deeper waters.
Scuba diving
Baa Atoll is among the most popular diving regions in the Maldives. With over 50 diving spots, there is something here for everyone, be it an experienced diver or a beginner. Each of the locations in this protected reserve offers something unique and special, from caves and wall-hanging corals to exotic marine life of all sizes.
Maalhos has two diving centers. Only one is PADI certified, but both offer courses as well as diving trips. Three must-visit diving sites near Maalhos are:
Hibalhidhoo Corner – Next to Maalhos’ neighboring island, Hibalhidhoo Corner is ideal for all divers. The current here isn’t strong, making it easy to dive and just go with the flow. You’ll find turtles, eagle rays, and several colorful fish in this area.
Maalhos Manta Point – If you can’t make it to Hanifaru Bay, do not worry. Maalhos has its own manta ray cleaning station. Since this diving site is typically busy with mantas, sharks, and whale sharks, it is best to go here as part of an organized tour. You can snorkel or dive at this location, but with caution.
Nelivaru Haa – Another top-rated diving site near Maalhos, Nelivaru Haa is perfect for beginners. Depths here range from 15 to 30 meters, so come prepared to witness a range of vibrant corals and fish. If searching for something a bit more challenging, head to the nearby Nelivaru Thila. Having an equally fascinating underwater landscape, it is more apt for experienced divers.
If still not satisfied, you can further enjoy amazing underwater adventures at 12 Degrees Thila, Maavaru Caves, Bathala, Blue Hole, and Dharavandhoo Manta Point.
Sandbank picnics
Although Maalhos is already a tranquil spot away from the bustle of everyday life, it’s nice to plan a sandbank picnic when holidaying in the Maldives. A visit to a sandbank gives you a real desert-island feel. It additionally allows a few hours of unadulterated fun, especially for couples spending their honeymoon in the Maldives.
Moreover, like a Bikini Beach, you can sunbathe in skimpier bathing suits and go snorkeling in the surrounding waters. Your guesthouse can even arrange a sandbank-hopping excursion that includes lunch either on the boat or the beach.
Places to eat in Maalhos
There aren’t that many standalone places to eat in Maalhos. However, most guesthouses on the island have in-house restaurants where resident and non-resident guests can have a meal.
It’s important to remember that as per local traditions and laws, there are no pork products or alcohol sold or consumed in Maalhos.
45 Coffee
Although 45 Coffee sounds like one of the hippest places to eat in Maalhos, it actually is exceptionally modest in appearance. The café is near the beach and a popular hangout spot with the locals. Besides coffee, you’ll find Maldivian snacks and fresh juices on their menu.
Maaval Cafe
Maaval is a simple café with a charming beach shack feel. They have wooden tables on the outside, placed on a sandy floor. Guests sit under umbrellas in what is a lovely and casual atmosphere. The restaurant also has indoor seating. The menu is primarily Maldivian delicacies, prepared fresh and on order.
Madi Finolhu Restaurant
Madi Finolhu Restaurant is a beachside eatery that is also a part of a guesthouse with the same name. They are among the best places to eat in Maalhos, especially when craving seafood and traditional Maldivian recipes. In the evening, they typically have a small but delicious buffet dinner. However, the restaurant also serves European food along with fresh juices and coffee.
Best hotels and guesthouses in Maalhos
There are a limited number of places to stay in Maalhos. Still, considering that most of the island is green, these guesthouses are more than enough for the few tourists who come here searching for solitude.
Thundi Village & Spa
One of the larger boutique hotels in Maalhos, Thundi Village & Spa, has 18 well-appointed rooms. On-site, they have a spa, restaurant, and dive center. The residence opened its doors to the public in 2019, so it is a new four-star property. Close to the beach, Thundi’s sea-facing rooms are always in demand. Featuring wooden flooring, they offer comforts such as TVs, cabinets, coffee makers, showers, and air conditioners.
Moonshell Residence
Moonshell Residence is a three-star accommodation that is actually a five-bedroom villa. Therefore, it is possible to rent the entire house if you are coming in a big group. Near the beach, the residence has a seafood restaurant, 24-hour reception, free WiFi, housekeeping, and modern, well-furnished bedrooms.
Dhonfulhafi Inn
The locally owned Dhonfulhafi Inn is among the best places to stay in Maalhos. The hosts of the guesthouse are welcoming and take care of every request put forth by their guests. The rooms at the inn have basic furnishings but are spacious and clean. A beachfront property, Dhonfulhafi Inn has a lovely courtyard that adds to its homely ambiance. The staff here can help arrange all sorts of tours, from diving and fishing to snorkeling safaris and surfing trips.
Dhonfulhafi Beach View & Spa
Dhonfulhafi is a beachfront hotel in Maalhos. They offer standard, family, and VIP rooms that come with air conditioners, WiFi, safes, TVs, working space, and en-suite bathrooms. The hotel also has an on-site restaurant known for its seafood and Maldivian specialties. The staff at the hotel is extremely friendly and helpful when planning excursions.
Maclura Residence Guesthouse
One of the best guesthouses in Maalhos, Maclura Residence, is a family-run establishment with comfortable rooms. Guests staying here can expect freshly made homemade food, a private beach area, and a small courtyard for lounging during the day. The rooms are clean and available with double and twin beds. The residence also has free WiFi and currency exchange facilities.
N.B.: All information is correct as of the date of publication. The prices mentioned are subject to change.
