And, of course, when talking about Maldives, people imagine private islands for luxury resorts, bungalows built over the sea and stunning blue water that looks like it was made by a master. However, there is another side to the Maldives that tourists may not be privy to, or willing to experience – the local islands. These islands are not your usual tourist destination where you visit and get a feel of other destinations. Here tourists can explore Maldivian culture, get to sunbathe or swim on the beautiful and deserted beaches, and even participate in such occupations as fishing or making local ornaments. So for those who want to get a deeper understanding of the Maldives, the visit of these local islands will be ideal.
When it comes to local islands, you can get the most of the stunning Maldives’s experience without spending too much. There are cheap accommodations, beautiful villages, and as much as fun – from swimming with the reef sharks to discovering colorful coral reefs. And every island is unique as a character and offers quite an interesting and exotic experience of a vacation away from the noisy resorts. These are the best seven local islands in the Maldives that will make your island dreams a reality; For an effortless journey, please visit our Maldives holiday packages and Maldives tour packages from Dubai that will take you through the best of the destination’s customs and landscapes.
Here are the Top 7 Local Islands in the Maldives for an Authentic Experience
1.Maafushi Island
Maafushi Island is one of the largest island of the local island chain in the Maldives, which is famous for its rather cheap guesthouses, hospitable population and leisurely pace of life. Maafushi Island is accessible by boat and is only 26 km away from Malé and it gives tourists a taste of Maldivian culture and lovely sandy beaches at a much lower price than the overwater bungalows. It is a perfect destination for those trying to spend less time and money but still want to have fun, as there are many tours available to rent a snorkel or scuba gear, watch sunsets and more.
2. Thulusdhoo Island
Thulusdhoo Island is one of the most popular spots in the Maldives characterized by surfing especially for the extreme lovers. Some of the famous breaks include the Cokes and Chicken which are located in this island in the Maldives. But apart from surfing, Thulusdhoo has a rich local culture, beautiful houses in different colors, and a relaxed atmosphere. It is also a home to a Coca Cola plant where tourists can have a close look at how the company processes its products. They were a quaint place that offered the excitement of adventure sports along with an insight into the culture of the place.
3. Dhigurah Island
Dhigurah, translating as ‘long island’ has the longest unspoiled sandy beach in the Maldives, 3 km of white sand. Famous for its low-key aura, Dhigurah is perfect for anyone who wants to avoid the hustle and bustle and just relax on the island. Fishing and the marine life in the surrounding waters makes it an important destination for divers and snorkelers. It is most popular for whale sharks where tourists get an opportunity to swim with the ocean’s largest fish, the whale shark.
4. Huraa Island
Huraa Island is one of the local islands that will provide the guests with some of the Maldivian traditions. As a fishing community with rich boat building culture, the island gives the tourists a glimpse of the local culture and way of life. Huraa is also special because it has mangrove forest with various types of plants and animal such as crab, bird and small fishes. It is a quite island with simple people and the ability to tour both the mainland and the sea making it the perfect place to relax.
5. Gulhi Island
Gulhi Island is not very big and is quite uninhabited and for those who are looking for a calm and quiet island it is the best place. It has a famous bikini beach, transparent sea and a wealth of fish and other sea life right off the shore. Compared to other local islands, Gulhi is not as popular with tourists which makes it a very relaxing place to spend the day at the beach. Nevertheless, the island has so many locally owned restaurants and guest houses making it an excellent destination for anyone who wants to take it easy.
6. Fulidhoo Island
Fulidhoo Island is a typical local island which is very alive to offer the cultural experience. Fulidhoo is most famous for the Boduberu drumming and dancing show that lets the guests become familiar with Maldivian music and legends. It is possible to swim and snorkel in the clear water of the island’s lagoon as the fish and the coral reefs are easily seen in the shallow water.
7. Ukulhas Island
It is said that Kulhas Island is one of the cleanest and environmentally friendly local island in the Maldives. It is an environmentally sensitive island and thus offers a perfect destination to the tourists with an interest in conservation. Due to its beautiful coral reefs and crystal clear waters it is ideal for scuba diving, snorkeling and fishing. Ukulhas is relaxed with a combination of guesthouses, dive centres and local eateries to provide tourists with comfort as they indulge in the best of nature.
Conclusion:
Visiting the islands of the Maldives is a wonderful chance for tourists to get acquainted with the culture and people of the country, other than the world famous resorts. All of these islands – from the energetic Maafushi, the calm Dhigurah where you swim with whale sharks, or the local Fulidhoo with its rich cultural show – give a glimpse into Maldivian life that most tourists never get to experience. It means that when you visit these local islands, you get to appreciate beautiful coastlines and different marine life forms, and at the same time meet warm-hearted Maldivians as they practice their unique culture. It is self-sufficient and unique trip that give a chance to get in touch with the culture, taste the real local food and enjoy real tropical island life.
If you want a better and cheaper experience of Maldives then, you should visit these offbeat places. The Maldives tour packages or the Maldives holiday packages mean that planning your trip to these islands is not a problem. If you are traveling alone, you are a couple or a family, the local islands will not leave you indifferent, you will make unforgettable memories, see untouched nature, and the real Maldives. Love the beauty of these islands and explore the Maldives like you have never seen before!
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