Ever wanted to just escape from it all?
There's an island waiting to welcome you home.
Fulidhoo sits on the northern edge of Vaavu Atoll, only an hour away from the Male’ International Airport by speedboat. At 700m long and 200m wide, it’s not much more than a sliver of sand in the vast ocean. Yet thanks to the availability of fresh water, local vegetation and the bountiful sea, its remote island community has thrived for centuries. Now it’s a quiet hub for local tourism and offers guests a taste of authentic Maldivian life. Fulidhoo is a wonderful alternative to more built up islands and retains its rustic island charm.
Fulidhoo Island is located in Vaavu Atoll, also known as Felidhe Atolhu (all administrative atolls have two names), which is the least populated atoll in the Maldives. Even amongst Maldivians Vaavu is nicknamed Wow Atoll, and the citizens here are famously hard to impress!
Although all atolls have similarities, each has their own identity and Vaavu is known for two things: fish and music. Fishermen come from all over the country to benefit from the swarms of abundant fish life to be found here. And when they’re not on the water, they can relax by listening to the sounds of traditional Boduberu drumming.
Good to Know
Country
Visa Requirements
Languages spoken
Currency used
Religion
Population
Slow down to island time
Life in Fulidhoo is simple and centres around the good things in life: family, music, fishing and relaxing! Time slows down here and visitors soon adapt to island rhythms. Islanders are up with first light to make the most of the sun’s mercy in the early morning, before the heat becomes too strong for most outdoor tasks.
The day is structured around the five calls to prayer, which are announced by the island’s mosque, allowing islanders to put aside chores and pause for reflection. A 100% Muslim nation, the Maldives practices a form of moderate Islam and welcomes visitors of all faiths and none.
In the evening, many islanders gather on the beach to enjoy the breeze and the sunset and as night falls they retreat to their homes for family meals or to the local café to catch up with friends. If you’re looking for a lot of nightlife, then Fulidhoo isn’t for you, but if you’re looking for somewhere to really unwind, then you won’t be disappointed.
Island Facilities
Although Fulidhoo is a small community, we live well here. You’ll find a medical clinic with a doctor and nurse available around the clock, a pharmacy, several local shops selling souvenirs and groceries, two local cafés, a community centre and a mosque. We recommend bringing everything you need with you, but you’ll be able to pick up snacks (such as fruit, nuts, ice cream and chips), bottled water, gifts and items such as mosquito spray or toiletries that you may have forgotten.
As English is the country’s second language, and all schooling is undertaken in English, most shopkeepers and islanders will be able to converse in English, especially the younger generation.
It is important to note that Fulidhoo does not have an ATM so we advise you to bring all the cash you need with you.
Lastly, although this is a Muslim country, there is a beach dedicated for tourists called the Bikini Beach where swimwear is completely fine. However, walking through the island, we suggest you cover up with a t-shirt or sarong.
