By: Mohamed Sanih
Himmafushi Island, Maldives
About the Island
Himmafushi Island is
located in North Male Atoll, about 18 kilometers away from the airport. Transfer
to the island by ferry – which is the only way to get there – it would take you
roughly 45 minutes to arrive the island from Male. You can also transfer to the
island in 20 minutes using a speedboat, at many times the regular cost of a
ferry, but that will have to be arranged.
Himmafushi is one of the
most visited islands in Kaafu atoll, and is a favorite for Island Hopping
excursions. Home to an estimated 800 people, Himmafushi is a rather small
island, and is your typical fishing community. The island is less than 1 km
long and wide. Indeed, you can walk around the island in just 40 minutes!
Besides its white sandy beaches and clear lagoons, Himmafushi’s great appeal
lies in the surf break right you’d find right in front of the island.
Island Facilities
Barely 1 kilometer in
length and width does not allow for so many facilities on the island of
Himmafushi. This island lies in stark contrast to the mania of Male, with many
locals living a laidback lifestyle. There are no ATMs on the island, so be sure
to carry enough cash to move around.
The island has several
small gift shops and grocery stores, and a few somewhat larger souvenir shops
where visitors can get many unique and fascinating souvenirs. Since the islands
of Maldives were opened up for tourism, a number of guest houses have sprang
up. As of today the count stands at 6.
Speaking of facilities,
Himmafushi Island is known as the home to a water bottling facility as well as
a tuna factory. Besides, the more recent guest houses, these are the two
biggest industries on the island. The island also holds the facilities of a
drug rehabilitation center.
Island Activities
The island has a
semi-legal bikini beach, which is not yet officially registered. Those who wish
to swim around in their bikinis can do that in this beach without any fear of
punishment, but the beach is yet to acquire an official status. Outside of that
beach, bikinis are strongly prohibited – even if the entire island seems like
one big beach.
A beach environment is
always so peaceful and relaxing. Watching the gentle water waves while getting
a tan or reading a book is a great pastime. You can always buy a coconut drink
and sip on it as you watch the locals doing their thing.
One of the more popular
activity for tourists on the island is surfing. The island does not boast of
stunning underwater worlds and does not have as many water activities as the
other Maldivian islands, but it is a joy for surfers. Its most famous surfing
spot is known as Jailbreak, thanks to its location behind a former prison. The
surfing season lasts from March/April to late October.
Those interested in
diving will also find the island very welcoming. There is one diving center on
the island, JustDive Maldives, where you can find anything and everything you
need for diving. In all, there are about 7 diving spots in Himmafushi where you
can dive with Manta rays. But you might not be lucky to encounter Manta Rays
all the time.
While there is one spot
(known as Manta Point) where you are more likely to come in contact with these majestic
beauties, the other diving spots around the island might or might not have them
when you’re around. The manta season is estimated to run between May and
November. Regardless, divers would still enjoy the presence of beautiful sea
turtles and colorful fishes.
As a typical Muslim
community, there are certain restrictions that can be expected. One of such is
the enforcement of laws against alcohol. You can still get your hand on booze
on the island but you would have to do that through black market sources, and
it can cost you a fortune.
There are four nearby
island resorts for those seeking a little more activities than can be found on
Himmafushi Island. But these luxurious resorts can cost a fortune without
giving you an original feel of the local community.
Invest in Himmafushi Today!
There are three major
industries on the island of Himmafushi. The third of these – guest houses and
island resorts – is only just beginning to blossom and is still very much open
to more investment. As a typically laidback and traditional community,
Himmafushi is a low cost destination for Island Hoppers.
Thanks to its nature, and
the nature of the locals, it also provides you with a very much local feel, one
that is lacking in the hustle and bustle of Male. With a lack of industries,
legislation has been put in place to ensure that tourism plays a major role in
the economy of Himmafushi.
Indeed, a couple of new
shopping streets are being constructed in anticipation of the tourism boom to
come in the near future. Seizing the opportunity to invest in this island
through guest house ownership now will no doubt be a great decision.
With the locals being a
very much welcoming people, and particularly very friendly to foreigners, you
would have little in the way of keeping your guest house very much hospitable. And
little environmental cosmetics will be needed for this beach community with
glowing white sands and tall palm trees.
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