Maafushi Island
Maldives - What to See - Maafushi Island
Maafushi Island, Maldives
Maafushi Island is a small island in the Maldives, located in the North Malé Atoll. It is a popular tourist destination, known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and diverse marine life. Despite its popularity, Maafushi Island remains relatively affordable, making it a great option for budget-minded travellers.
Highlights
Bikini Beach
Bikini Beach is the most popular beach. It is a long stretch of white sand with turquoise waters, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkelling. Bikini Beach is also a great place to watch the sunset.
Maafushi Prison
Maafushi Prison is a former prison that has been converted into a museum. It is a unique and interesting attraction that offers visitors a glimpse into the history and culture of the Maldives. The museum also has a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the island.
Maafushi Mosque
Maafushi Mosque is the largest mosque on the island. It is a beautiful and serene place of worship, and it is open to visitors of all faiths. The mosque is also a great place to learn more about Islam and Maldivian culture.
Other things to do
In addition to the highlights listed above, there are many other things to do on Maafushi Island. Visitors can enjoy a variety of water sports, such as snorkelling, diving, and jet skiing. They can also take boat trips to nearby islands, visit the local market, or simply relax on the beach.
Food and drink
Maafushi Island has a variety of restaurants and cafes, serving both local and international cuisine. Visitors can find everything from traditional Maldivian dishes to pizza and burgers. There are also several bars and clubs on the island, where visitors can enjoy a drink and listen to music.
Getting to Maafushi Island
Maafushi Island is located about 27 kilometres from Malé International Airport. There are several ways to get to the island, including public ferry, speedboat, and seaplane. The public ferry is the most affordable option, but it takes about 90 minutes to reach the island. Speedboats and seaplanes are faster, but they are also more expensive.
Accommodation
There are a variety of accommodation options, ranging from budget guesthouses to luxury resorts. Visitors can find accommodation to suit their budget and needs.
Tips for visiting Maafushi Island
- The best time to visit is during the dry season, which runs from November to April.
- The Maldives is a Muslim country, so visitors should dress respectfully.
- The Maldivian currency is the rufiyaa (MVR). US dollars are widely accepted, but it is always a good idea to have some local currency on hand.
- Maafushi Island is a relatively small island, so it is easy to get around on foot or by bicycle.
- There are a number of ATMs and currency exchange bureaus on the island.
- Visitors should be aware that there is a tourist tax of $6 per night.
Maafushi Island is a beautiful and affordable destination in the Maldives. It offers visitors stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and diverse marine life. With its variety of accommodation options, restaurants, and activities, and is a great choice for travellers of all budgets and interests.