The Maldives are well-known for their idyllic islands, white sandy beaches and clear ocean blue water, and it is also ranked one of the top honeymoon destinations for the newlyweds. In the past, all the tourists were restricted to stay on the resort islands that were specially allocated for tourism. Until recent years, there was a change in regulations that every atoll in the Maldives was opened up for tourism, which means that the tourists now are allowed to stay in a local guest house among the local population.
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| Privately Owned Resort Island |
Thanks to the new government policy, we can now travel Maldives on budget and discover the real Maldives by living as local in their community to understand more about the Maldivian lifestyle. There are around 200 inhabited islands in the Maldives archipelago; without much information about these islands, we have randomly chosen the Hangnaameedhoo based on the public ferry schedule that suited our travel plan. Hangnaameedhoo is one of the inhabited islands of Alif Dhaal Atoll in the North Central Province; about 70km from Male city.
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| The motorized dhoni is a passenger ferry for transportation between the various atolls. |
Getting There
From Male, we took a Dhoni (Dhonis are traditional Maldivian sailing boats which are the main source of public transportation in the archipelago) at the Villingili Ferry Terminal. During our journey, there was 1 stopover at Mahibadhoo and we were transferred to another boat that was bound for Hangnaameedhoo. There was another quick stopover at Omadhoo to disembark and embark some passengers before we arrived at Hangnaameedhoo. The whole journey took around 5 hours.
Upon arrival at Hangnaameedhoo Ferry Terminal, we were welcomed by the colorfully houses, the streets were covered with coral-line sand and the walls were painted with political messages. The overall size of the island is very small and it took us less than an hour to walk around.
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| Boarding a ferry at Villingili Ferry Terminal. |
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| Houses with wall painting at Mahibadhoo. |
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| Sandy Street of Mahibadhoo. |
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| Colorful House in Mahibadhoo. |
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| Crystal Clear Water at the Coast of Mahibadhoo |
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| Children playing with the clean water at the harbour of Omadhoo. |
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| Hangnaameedhoo Southern Harbour. |
Upon arrival at Hangnaameedhoo Ferry Terminal, we were welcomed by the colorfully houses, the streets were covered with coral-line sand and the walls were painted with political messages. The overall size of the island is very small and it took us less than an hour to walk around.
Maldivian is locally known as Divehin, also called the Islander. Islam is the only religion of the Maldives and Islamic Law is strictly imposed by the government. Therefore, when you are staying in a local island, remember not to ask for any alcohol and pork dishes as a kind of respect for them. Most of the men are fishermen or work in the tourism industry, and the women will usually run the household and take care of their children.
The main landmarks of the Hangnaameedhoo are the Shrine of King Ibrahim Kalaafaanu and the traditional mosque; and these are also in the top list of the country heritage. Location: Click here for Map.
There is a football ground, where the children and young men gathered themselves to play football at the evening time. All tourists are most welcome to play with the young islanders. Location: Click here for Map.
One of the most unique things that we found in the Maldives was the traditional hammock or Joali. Joali is made from Coir rope which is considered as one of the traditional handicrafts in the Maldives. The Maldivians love to spend their day by relaxing on this unique furniture. Location: Click here for map.
There is a bikini beach on the west coast of the island and it is also a great spot to catch a sunset every day. Remember that bikini is not allowed at anywhere on the island except for bikini/private beach. Location: Click here for Map.
Where to Eat
There are 3 cafes in the island. We visited one of them, the Food Place to have some snacks and coffee; this cafe was a gathering place for mostly the Maldivian men. Location: Click here for Map.
Where to Stay
Kalaafaanu Retreat provides affordable accommodation and all their rooms are air-conditioned with attached bathroom. The other room facilities are king size bed, wardrobe, side cupboards, dressing table and towels. Overall, the room was very neat and clean, and the owners were very friendly and helpful during our stay with them.
The best time to visit the Maldives is between November and April, which is also the dry season. If you are a traveler who love to discover the real Maldivians culture and traditions, I would strongly recommend you to visit Hangnaameedhoo or any of the inhabited islands. The Maldivians are very friendly by nature and always warmly welcome you.
One of the most unique things that we found in the Maldives was the traditional hammock or Joali. Joali is made from Coir rope which is considered as one of the traditional handicrafts in the Maldives. The Maldivians love to spend their day by relaxing on this unique furniture. Location: Click here for map.
There is a bikini beach on the west coast of the island and it is also a great spot to catch a sunset every day. Remember that bikini is not allowed at anywhere on the island except for bikini/private beach. Location: Click here for Map.
Where to Eat
There are 3 cafes in the island. We visited one of them, the Food Place to have some snacks and coffee; this cafe was a gathering place for mostly the Maldivian men. Location: Click here for Map.
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| Food Place |
Where to Stay
Kalaafaanu Retreat provides affordable accommodation and all their rooms are air-conditioned with attached bathroom. The other room facilities are king size bed, wardrobe, side cupboards, dressing table and towels. Overall, the room was very neat and clean, and the owners were very friendly and helpful during our stay with them.
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| Source |
<< Kalaafaanu Retreat >>
Location: Click here for Map
The best time to visit the Maldives is between November and April, which is also the dry season. If you are a traveler who love to discover the real Maldivians culture and traditions, I would strongly recommend you to visit Hangnaameedhoo or any of the inhabited islands. The Maldivians are very friendly by nature and always warmly welcome you.
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| Turquoise Color Water |
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| Hangnaameedhoo North Harbour |
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| Abandoned Telephone Booth |
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| Dock Yard |
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| Small Dhonis without Lateen Sails |
Written by: Q.J.
Photography by: Q.J. & K.K.