Unveiling Fuvahmulah: A Unique Maldivian Island

Fuvahmulah has a rich history dating back to ancient times. The island has been inhabited for centuries, and historical records suggest that it was an important trading hub along the maritime routes of the Indian Ocean. Over the years, Fuvahmulah has had cultural influences from various civilizations, including Buddhist, Arab and British.

Fuvahmulah experiences a tropical monsoon climate. The weather remains warm and humid throughout the year, with average temperatures ranging from 25 to 31 degrees Celsius (77 to 88 degrees Fahrenheit). The island receives rainfall during the southwest monsoon from May to October, while the northeast monsoon from November to April brings drier conditions.

Fuvahmulah’s vegetation includes a mix of coconut palms, pandanus trees, tropical shrubs, and mangroves. The island is known for its agricultural activities, and locals grow various fruits and vegetables such as breadfruits, bananas, papayas, watermelons, mangoes, pineapples, and citrus fruits.

The cultural heritage of Fuvahmulah reflects the broader Maldivian culture, with influences from Islamic and traditional Maldivian customs. The islanders engage in traditional activities such as fishing, boat-building, construction and handicraft production.

The cuisine of Fuvahmulah features traditional Maldivian dishes such as fish curry, roshi (Maldivian flatbread), and hedhikaa (traditional Maldivian snacks). Coconuts are widely used in both sweet and savory dishes. As for drinks, coconut water and fresh fruit juices are popular choices. Restaurants in Fuvahmulah offers a varies of dining options where you can enjoy local Maldivian cuisine as well as some international dishes

Apart from diving and snorkeling, visitors to Fuvahmulah can explore the island’s natural beauty by taking walks along the pristine beaches, visiting the freshwater lakes and wetlands, or going on nature trails to observe the local flora and fauna. The island also has several historical landmarks, including ancient Buddhist relics and mosques with unique architecture.

Bandaara Kilhi is one of the two fresh water lakes in Fuvahmulah, Maldives.The lake covers about 0.058 square kilometres (14 acres) and averages 12 feet deep, which makes it the largest lake by volume in the Maldives accommodating the largest freshwater reserve in the country. Bounded by dense vegetations of mainly ferns, screwpine, tropical almond, cheese fruit, banana trees, coconut palms, taro fields, and a few mango trees. Among local riparian creatures are the common moorhen, exclusively found in Fuvahmulah nationally and Maldivian white-breasted waterhen (Amaurornis phoenicurus maldivus), which is an endemic species of the Maldives. Most of the lake is in Maalegan ward, the rest is in Miskiymagu and Funaadu. Today fish from the lake are not used for eating. Unlike, Dhadimagi Kilhi in the north of the island, Bandaara Kilhi is not used by the locals for swimming due to the depth and muddy shorelines. To compliment Fuvahmulah Harbour’s opening in 2003, the lake’s jetty and observation deck was built. Since 2011 two huts and a restaurant in Maldivian cultural style with the roofs thatched with coconut palm leaves have stood on the shores. A custom is feeding the tilapia and variety of creatures which inhabit the lake from local small craft. Bandaara Kilhi is a protected area of Fuvahmulah since 12 June 2012, nationally, and by the local Atoll Council.

Dhadimagi Kilhi Fuvahmulah Nature park is the second largest freshwater lake on Fuvahmulah Island in the Maldives. It is a natural lake formed within the island’s interior and is known for its serene and picturesque setting. The lake is surrounded by lush vegetation and is a haven for bird species. Visitors to Dhadimagi Kilhi can enjoy the peaceful ambiance and take in the natural beauty of the surroundings. The lake provides a habitat for various bird species, making it an excellent spot for bird watching enthusiasts. You may have the opportunity to spot migratory birds or observe the behavior of resident bird populations. The calm waters make it an ideal place for kayaking and pedal boarding. The lake is known for its tranquil and relaxing environment.

Gen Miskiy is the oldest mosque in the Maldives built c. 1300. It is made of coral stone and was built straight after the conversion to Islam. Gen Miski is located in the district of Dhadimago at the northern end of the island. The first mosque in Fuvahmulah – was built by Aboobakr Naib Kaleygefaanu who travelled to the island to call for the then Buddhist people of the island to convert to Islam. Historians have said that Aboobakr Naib Kaleygefaanu was the son of Yahya Naib Kaleygefaanu, who was the son of Fuvahmulah-born Yoosef Naib Kaleygefaanu. Aboobakr Naib Kaleygefaanu was buried at this historic mosque he built. Though the exact date that the people of Fuvahmulah converted to Islam remains unknown, it is believed that they converted to Islam not long after the King who ruled Maldives converted to Islam in 1153. Geiy Miskiy also enjoys the honor of hosting the first Friday prayer and Eid prayer in the island till today.

Vashoveyo, one of the most historical places located in the city of Fuvahmulah. Vasho Veyo serves as an essential site for gathering information. The location delineates the craft skills of the ancient people of the city and has a circular bath dug in the ground created from porites coral stones.

In 1922, when H.C.P Bell saw the ruin, the big Havitta was of about 40 feet in height. A smaller mound, about 15 feet in height, was located nearby. In 1982, their shapes had already been lost because of the damage done by careless diggings to find valuable artifacts or for bungled research purposes, which according to islanders’ reports had been made in the 1940s.

Thoondu beach is a white sandy beach on the north of Fuvahmulah, Maldives. Located within Dhadimagu ward of the island, it is believed to be one of the most well-known features of Fuvahmulah. Hundreds of people visit the beach every day, and this figure is much higher during special occasions like Maahefun. Thoondu has also been declared as a Protected area of Fuvahmulah by the government of Maldives on 12 June 2012 and the Atoll Council of Fuvahmulah has also passed a Decree to establish the place as a Protected area on 19 January 2012 Its sands are formed by white small round pebbles, which are unusually smooth and shiny. This kind of pebbles which sparkle even after being taken away from the beach are exclusive to Fuvahmulah only and there is no record of such kind of pebbles from anywhere in the world except Fuvahmulah.Very commonly, visitors to the island collect pebbles from Thoondu as souvenirs. It is common for an annual phenomenon called Bissaaveli to form at the Thoondu. The Bissaaveli forms when part of the sand of the beach moves away from the shore towards the edge of the reef, thus creating a lagoon, enclosed by sand and the shore of the island. This natural event attracts hundreds – possibly thousands – of locals who love to go and watch it. When it is well-formed, the Bissaveli is enclosed from all sides, creating a natural shallow swimming pool where locals like to swim. Bissaaveli too is a phenomenon which occurs only in Fuvahmulah in the Maldivian archipelago.

Eley’s Surf Break Fuvahmulah Island in the Maldives is known for its excellent surf breaks and is a popular destination for wave enthusiasts. The island offers consistent and powerful waves that attract surfers from around the world. its main surf break, called “Eley’s” which is located on the northeast side of the island. It is a powerful and challenging reef break that offers long rides and barrels. The waves at The Break can reach impressive heights, providing an exhilarating experience for experienced surfers. The best time for surfing in Fuvahmulah is during the southwest monsoon season, which typically runs from April to October. During this period, the weather conditions and wave consistency are favorable for surfing. It’s worth noting that conditions can vary, so it’s advisable to check local surf, surfing schools, reports and forecasts for the most accurate information.

Nature Parks in Fuvahmulah’s lush vegetation, freshwater lakes, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse wildlife make it an attractive destination for nature enthusiasts. The island’s commitment to preserving its natural resources and promoting sustainable practices is essential for the long term conservation of its unique environment. The Island offers a serene and relaxing environment with its green landscapes and fresh air. While it has 2 designated nature parks, the entire island itself can be considered a natural paradise with its abundant natural beauty. Fuvahmulah is not as heavily developed or crowded as some other tourist destinations in the Maldives. This contributes to a more peaceful and tranquil atmosphere, allowing visitors to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and find serenity in the island’s natural surroundings.

Fuvahmulah is renowned for its diverse and unique natural environment. The island is characterized by lush greenery, freshwater lakes, and an-array of exotic plant species. Fuvahmulah’s marine ecosystem is particularly remarkable, as it serves as a habitat for a wide variety of marine species, including Giant oceanic manta rays, more than 12 different types of sharks, dolphins, turtles, and numerous fish species.

Fuvahmulah is a popular destination for diving enthusiasts due to its incredible underwater biodiversity. Divers have the opportunity to explore vibrant coral reefs, encounter rare marine Pelagic creatures including tiger sharks, thresher sharks, whale sharks, hammerhead sharks, grey reef sharks, white tip reef sharks, black tip reef sharks, sliver tips, sand tooth tiger sharks, giant oceanic manta rays and reefs are teeming with vibrant coral formations, including hard and soft corals and witness breathtaking underwater landscapes. The island’s pristine beaches, tranquil atmosphere, and natural beauty also attract tourists looking for a serene and secluded holiday experience.

In 2011, Fuvahmulah was designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, recognizing its unique ecological significance. The island’s diverse terrestrial and marine ecosystems, including its exceptional marine biodiversity, were factors in receiving this designation. The Biosphere Reserve status aims to promote conservation efforts, sustainable development, and the protection of Fuvahmulah’s natural heritage.

The Fuvahmulah Biosphere reserve in southern Maldives is known for its incredibly diverse coral ecosystems. The atoll encompasses a variety of biodiversity within its coral, mangrove, and wetlands (also known as Khili) systems. The reef systems are home to significant populations of sharks mainly tiger, thresher, and whale sharks. However, it is the diversity of fish that is immensely significant with over 1,200 species found within this atoll. The Fuvahmulah biosphere reserve plays an important role for migratory birds with over 167 species found and five of which are endemic.