As my plane descended onto the island of Fuvahmulah, the view from above left me awestruck—a lush, green island surrounded by the endless turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Known as the Maldives’ southern gem, Fuvahmulah is not just another Maldivian island; it is a unique, UNESCO-designated biosphere reserve that stands apart from the rest of the archipelago.
While exploring the island, I met Ibrahim, a lifelong local who shared fascinating stories about Fuvahmulah’s history, culture, and unparalleled natural beauty. Sitting by the iconic Thoondu Beach, with the rhythmic sound of waves crashing onto smooth white pebbles, Ibrahim unveiled his homeland’s rich tapestry.
A Unique Island Unlike Any Other
“Fuvahmulah is the only island in the Maldives that is also an atoll,” Ibrahim explained. “It’s 4.5 kilometres long and 1.2 kilometres wide, home to about 13,000 people. We are unique because we don’t have lagoons like the other islands. Instead, the island rises vertically from the deep ocean, making it a haven for biodiversity.”
Located below the equator, Fuvahmulah enjoys a tropical climate with fertile soil and thriving agriculture. “We’re blessed with fertile lands,” he said proudly. “Our island produces the most mangoes and bananas in the Maldives, and agriculture has sustained us for centuries.”
An Island Steeped in History
Ibrahim’s voice softened as he recounted Fuvahmulah’s historical significance. “Our island has been home to many civilizations,” he said, pointing toward the northeast where the ancient Havitta ruins lie. “This was once a Buddhist chaitya, long before the Maldives embraced Islam. It is believed to have been abandoned during the conversion, but its ruins still whisper stories of our ancestors.”
He described the island’s rich Islamic heritage, from the Gehmiskiy, the oldest mosque in the Maldives, built-in 1300 CE, to the Hukuru Miskiy, a beautifully engraved limestone mosque built centuries ago. “These landmarks are not just buildings; they are our identity,” he said.
A Shark Diver’s Paradise
Fuvahmulah is world-renowned for its underwater wonders, and Ibrahim couldn’t contain his excitement when discussing the marine life. “We are the shark capital of the Maldives,” he declared. “Our waters are home to over 300 identified tiger sharks, and we see new individuals weekly.”
He described the island’s unique oceanography, which attracts a diverse range of pelagic life. “You can swim with hammerheads, thresher sharks, whale sharks, and even oceanic mantas. Our island is a dream for divers—nothing like it anywhere else.”
Thoondu Beach and the Waves
Our conversation turned to Fuvahmulah’s beaches, starting with Thoondu Beach, where we sat. “This is one of the most iconic spots on the island,” Ibrahim said, gesturing to the smooth white pebbles shaped by the relentless waves. “It’s the only beach break in the Maldives, perfect for surfing. During a good swell, you’ll see locals and visitors riding the waves.”
He recommended Geragando Fanno for beginners, where gentle waves break off the reef, creating ideal conditions for learning to surf.
Tranquillity in the Freshwater Lakes
Ibrahim then spoke of the island’s serene freshwater lakes: Bandaara Kilhi and Dhadimagi Kilhi. “Bandaara Kilhi is the largest, surrounded by taro fields and java plums. It’s a haven for birds and freshwater fish,” he said. “Dhadimagi Kilhi, on the other hand, is a peaceful spot for canoeing or pedal boating. These lakes are the soul of our island, providing life and tranquility.”
The Ancient Vasho Veyo
As we walked through the village, Ibrahim led me to Vasho Veyo, an ancient circular coral stone bath. “This is nearly 1,000 years old,” he said. “Our ancestors used it for bathing. It’s one of the few remaining pre-Islamic structures in the Maldives, and we’ve carefully preserved it.”
A Day in the Life on Fuvahmulah
Fuvahmulah is not just about history and nature—it’s a bustling community where life thrives in harmony with the environment. Fishing, agriculture, and tourism are the mainstays of the economy. “We have over 100 fishing vessels that go out daily,” Ibrahim shared. “Big game fishing is a way of life here, with tuna and wahoos caught year-round.”
He also highlighted the modern amenities that make life comfortable for locals and visitors alike. “We have a gym, a library, clinics, banks, and even 4G mobile coverage. You can explore the island on a rented bicycle or motorbike and enjoy the simple joys of island life.”
A Blend of Modernity and Tradition
Despite its modern conveniences, Fuvahmulah remains deeply rooted in its traditions. The people are warm and welcoming, eager to share their stories and culture with visitors. “We’re proud of our heritage,” Ibrahim said. “From our ancient mosques to our agricultural fields, Fuvahmulah is a place where history meets the present.”
Reflections on Fuvahmulah
As the day ended, Ibrahim left me with a simple yet profound thought: “Fuvahmulah is not just an island—it’s a way of life. Every corner has a story, every wave carries a memory, and every smile you see is a piece of our history.”
Sitting on the pebbled shores of Thoondu Beach, I felt the truth of his words. Fuvahmulah is more than a destination; it’s a living, breathing world. From shark-filled waters to tranquil lakes and historical landmarks, this island is a treasure waiting to be discovered.
The People: Heart and Soul of Fuvahmulah
Beyond its natural beauty and adventures, what made Fuvahmulah truly special were its people. Warm, welcoming, and deeply rooted in their traditions, the locals pridefully shared stories of their island. Whether the café owner offered a steaming cup of local tea or the guide recounted tales of ancient legends, every interaction left me feeling like I belonged.
Practical Information
- Getting There: Domestic flights from Malé take about 80 minutes.
- Currency: Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) and US Dollars are widely accepted.
- Dress Code: Modest attire is recommended on local beaches; bikinis are allowed in designated areas and pools.
Reflections: A Farewell to Paradise
As my time on the island ended, I reflected on the uniqueness of Fuvahmulah. It is a place where nature thrives in its purest form, where history whispers through ancient ruins, and where every wave, every smile, and every sunset tells a story.
Leaving Fuvahmulah felt like parting with a dear friend. But as the island faded from view, I knew it had left an indelible mark on my soul—a reminder of the beauty that exists in the world and the adventures waiting to be embraced.