TravellerHints! Nilandhoo Island in the Maldives is the largest of the five inhabited islands that make up the Faafu Atoll. In addition to being the largest in terms of area, it is also the largest in terms of population (around 1,500 with the total population of the Faafu Atoll only being 2,000) and the capital of the Faafu Atoll. By the way, it is located at the southern tip of the atoll, 140 km from the capital of Male. Nilandhoo is a site of great historical importance.
The History
Thor Heyerdahl, a noteworthy archeologist, excavated a site on the island of Nilandhoo, which revealed that at one point, before the conversion to Islam, the island was a center of Hindu worship. During this time, there were approximately seven Hindu temples on the small island. The more important one is for the modern-day Maldivian is the 800-year-old mosque. Aasaari Miskiiy, in the center of the island. The mosque was built by Sultan Mohamed Ibn Abdhulla, who was the man responsible for converting the Maldives to Islam, using stones from the old Hindu temples. The inside of the mosque is covered with beautiful Arabic scripture. It is the second oldest mosque in all of the Maldives.
Tourism on Nilandhoo Island
Nilandhoo Island has not been commercially developed to the same degree as other islands in the Maldives. Visitors to Nilandhoo Island will be treated to an authentic look at local Maldivian life. There will be few other tourists, providing ample opportunity to test the local cuisine and chat with the friendly locals. Many of the people native to the island still live in coral houses or have thatch roofs.
The Inn Island Transfer
Visiting Nilandhoo is a fascinating look into a whole new world. The Inn Resort is located right next to the beach. And it is providing all guests with easy access to the sea and all of its possibilities. Finally, the StarFish will organize transfers for all guests from Male as long as they have at least three days’ notice.
Nilandhoo Island: Accommodation
One of the primary accommodations on Nilandhoo is the StarFish Inn. The inn offers two different types of rooms, a single room or a double room. Each room comes similarly equipped; the sole difference being the single room only has a single bed. In contrast, the double has a double bed. All rooms come with air-conditioning, a garden view, a flatscreen TV, and WiFi. The lobby also has several different movies in different languages for guests to enjoy after exploring the Island. There is also a pleasantly landscaped communal garden that all guests to the StarFish Inn have access to during their stay.
Nilandhoo Island What to Do
When traveling to an island as unique as Nilandhoo, everything you do will be different and exciting. Hopefully, visitors should undoubtedly spend some time just walking around, exploring the Island. Get a taste of what Maldivian life is all about, try the local fare, speak with the locals, and soak in the un-commercialized, authentic experience. Additionally, visitors should take a visit to some of the historical sites on the Island. Visit Heyerdahl’s excavation site and learn about Nilandhoo’s and the Maldives’ Hindu past. Take a trip to the Aasaari Miskiiy and admire the beautiful architecture of the structure.
Island Beauty
On top of all, the historical and cultural attractions are in one place here. Don’t forget that you are still in the Maldives, on a beautiful island in a tropical setting. Moreover, head to the beautiful sandy beach and enjoy the waters of the Indian Ocean.
Tropical Paradis in Bikini
There is an area of the beach reserved explicitly for guests to the Island. Where women can sun-bath in bikinis, and men can be shirtless in here. (remember as a Muslim nation the Maldives has more conservative dress traditions than most western tourists are accustomed to).
Colorful Sea Life
The water around the island is filled with all sorts of colorful sea life. It includes several varieties of fish, mantas, turtles, and dolphins that guests can observe and even swim right along with. All that sea life makes for great fishing. The majority of the Island lives off of fishing. Visitors can learn to fish in the traditional Maldivian style and catch several fish, including giant tuna, red snapper, jackfish, sweet lips, and parrotfish. Nilandhoo also offers several watersport options, including windsurfing, kiteboarding, or wakeboarding.
Extra Activities
If you ever do run out of things to do on Nilandhoo, you can go island hopping. There are so many islands in such a small space. So, there are many other islands nearby that you can travel to for the day to explore. Or, if you want a luxury break on another Island? Multiple islands are located near Nilandhoo Island. Many other Islands with luxury resorts nearby Nilandhoo. So, Visitors from Nilandhoo can go for a day tour. And to enjoy the spa, the pools, or any of the other amenities in those nearby islands.
Nilandhoo Island How to Get There
Travelers can fly to Maldives international airport from Colombo Sri Lanka is the best option. Next, get to the Island of Nilandhoo on a speedboat own by a public individual. It will costs around US$ 40 a passenger. The journey by boat to the Island around 3 hours one way. Also, it available only Monday, Thursday, and Saturday mean three times a week. There is a local night ferry every Tuesday and Wednesday from North Harbour, which takes seven hours.
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