Fua Mulaku – The land of freshwater lakes in the Maldives

The best place to dive with sharks, Fuvahmulah is an island-atoll inside the Maldives on the equator among the two southern atolls of Addu and Huvadhu. Located on the Southernmost tip of the archipelago, Fua Mulaku, has the largest of the Maldivian islands, and attracts vacationers from a long way and gives serenity, beauty and natural appeal like none other. Unlike the 2000 islands of the Maldives archipelago, which might be coral reefs, Fuhvamulah is of volcanic origin, which makes it more similar to the Indonesian islands of Bali or Gili.

In fact, at some stage in records, Maldivians and site visitors have judged this island to be one of the most beautiful islands inside the Maldives! For site visitors, there is lots to do in Fua Mulaku, starting from just lazing out alongside the serene seashores, all the way down to enjoy a few exquisite water sports inside the pristine waters. Natural beauty abounds here and there are many places to visit. And one would not want to miss out on the traditional cuisine and mouth-watering local food this island has to offer.

Geography and Culture

The Fuvahmulah town that is a very famous vacationing spot in the Maldives is placed on an Island, Atoll. It falls beneath the Maldive administration department known as Gnaviyani Atoll. Fuvahmulah Island Maldives is about 4.5 km long, of which 1.2 km is the reef that is submerged under the seawater. There was a saltwater lagoon on the island and because the as time surpassed the lagoon lost its saltiness. Now there are two lakes. The lake on its northern facet is referred to as Dhadimagi Kilhi and the one inside the south is the Bandara Kilhi. The surroundings right here in this region are the best in the country. Fuvahmulah Island Maldives has nine municipal divisions. The population of this area is around 14,380 according to the 2015 census.

Fuvahmulah has an interesting history of the whole country. People here generally speak Dhivehi Language, also known as Mulaku Bas. The name Fuvahmulah is derived from the Areca Nut Palms locally known as Fua in Mulaku Bas. This name means “Island of Areca Nut Palms.” During the formation of the country, it was originally called was Mullah but due to another place named Boli Mulah, the name was kept Fuvahmulah.

How to reach Fua Mulaku

Located 3 degrees south of the equator, Fuvahmulah is 500 kilometres away from Male city. The island hosts Fuvahmulah (FVM) domestic airport which is connected with regular flights (2 flights per day) to Velana International Airport (MLE). Located in Gnaviyani atoll, Fuvahmulah is a 1hour 10 min plane ride from Male Airport. Additionally, it is well known for its seashores, freshwater lakes, diving, and fishing reviews. Located at an elevation of 9999 meters above sea level and it is one of the most beautiful and extensively visited islands inside the Maldives.

There is no direct connection from the Maldives to Fuvahmulah. However, you can take the ferry to Ibrahim Nasir Airport, and then walk to Male airport, fly to Gan Island, and catch a flight to Fuvahmulah. Alternatively, you can take the ferry to Ibrahim Nasir Airport, walk to Male airport, fly to Dhaalu, then travel to Fuvahmulah. The quickest flight takes 11h 20m and has one stopover.

Island experience in Fua Mulaku

For all nature admiring fans, this place is a must-visit because of its serene seashores, crystal clear water, and water sports activities like boating and snorkelling. Travellers also can visit the location for its vintage monuments, museum, and culturally wealthy architectural homes. The most widely used mode of transport in Fua Mulaku is the bicycle, but after the development of the new harbour, you’ll discover some of the vehicles strolling at the islands, which consist of bikes and cars.

With lush tropical flowers, mango landscapes, coconut palms, papaya plantations, and diverse forms of vegetation, Fuwamulah is the only island inside the Maldives with freshwater lakes.

6 Things to do in Fua Mulaku

• Visit Thoondu, a perfect white sandy beach in the middle of the ocean which attracts hundreds of visitors every day. It is indeed a beautiful beach to relax and chill.
• Fishing at Dhadimagi Kilhi, one of the two popular lakes located on the island. It has a rich marine life and the famous and rare Maldivian White Breast Waterhen can be seen here.
• Take a stroll to The Gemmiskiy, one of the most popular tourist attractions which were a part of the Buddhist monastery and post the Islamic era, this is now a mosque.
• Visit Aruffanno, the traditional harbour located in the Dhiguvaandu division of the island. Being another major attraction, many tourists come to visit this old anchorage of the island.
• Spend a day at Mohammed Jamaluddin Naibu Thutthu Magu, a sporting complex on the island. This place is very famous for cricket and is the largest cricket stadium in the region.
• Tiger Zoo Dive site has been named the ‘Best Place to Dive with Sharks in Asia’ by ZuBlu diving. Here divers can spot 7 types of rare sharks in one dive and can also see dozens of Tiger sharks every day. 

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