There are countless destinations in Southeast Asia that are worth exploring and having a wonderful vacation all year around, however one of them outshines the most with its extraordinary qualities that combine all features of earthly paradise and you guessed it — the Maldives! Located in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is an island nation — an archipelago of more than one thousand islands. Apart from its exceptional geographical location, hospitable people and beautiful culture, the perfect tropical weather, crystal clear waters and rich marine life are among the many attractions that make the country an ultimate choice for tourists. The diverse beauty of each island also makes you feel like extending your stay in this spectacular country and exploring more. Although each island has its own charm and is worth visiting, it isn’t possible to cover them all in a short span of time so we have narrowed down the list a little and selected 10 most popular islands you may hop around if you happen to visit Maldives any time soon.
- Nalaguraidhoo Island
- Alimatha Island
- Fihalhohi Island
- Baros Island
- Emboodhu Finolhu Island
- Mirihi Island
- COMO Cocoa Island
- Huvahendhoo Island
- Maafushi Island
- Ukulhas Island
1. Nalaguraidhoo Island
Water Bungalows in Sun Island, South Ari Atoll, Maldives
The Nalaguraidhoo island is also known as the Sun Island due to the sun’s golden glow before it fades away beyond the horizon in the afternoon. Nalaguraidhoo is home to some of the most beautiful beaches that offer breathtaking beauty and tranquility to their visitors from all over the world. One of them is Hani Beach that is famous for its peacefulness as well as serenity. Since the beach is surrounded by thick vegetation and coconut trees, it provides a perfect private atmosphere that makes you forget about all worries of the world.
2. Alimatha Island
Alimatha Island, Vaavu Atoll, Maldives
Alimatha Island is a small island in the Vaavu Atoll which is an ideal spot for a family vacation or a romantic getaway. The azure waters are perfect for diving, snorkeling and boating, and the volleyball matches in the sun-kissed beaches are great fun for sports lovers. Meanwhile, the Ayurvedic massage center, spa, bars, and restaurants make it a revitalizing option among the popular tourist places in Maldives. Despite being relatively small, the island holds some historic significance as well due to artifacts found such as stone sculptures and inscriptions that date back to pre-Islamic times. On the other hand, Alimatha Island has several resorts and facilities that could be all you need to spend your time fantastically on the island.
3. Fihalhohi Island
Fihalhohi Island Resort in Fihalhohi Island, South Male Atoll, Maldives
Fihalhohi Island is a beautiful place located in the South Male Atoll in Maldives. The island is surrounded by coconut palm trees, pristine beaches, and pure blue waters that leaves an impression of unearthly abode. The island’s warm weather is perfect for those who are looking to enjoy water activities while the reef encircling the island is home to a wide variety of marine life, and scuba diving here is an incredible way to get up close and personal with this amazing underwater world. Fihalhohi Island is also famous for its tropical spa treatments, which blend Balinese and other international styles.
4. Baros Island
Baros Island, North Male Atoll, Maldives
The luxurious and exclusive Baros Island is one of the top-rated islands in the Maldives for its natural elegance, world-class resort, and beautiful sandy beaches. With a number of water villas, Baros Island is perfect for vacationing with friends or loved ones who are looking for privacy and VIP treatment. The island has a few restaurants and bars in the villa precinct, making it the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the tropical paradise. What is worth seeing more than anything else is the cyan blue water which is a treat to the eyes and the soul.
5. Emboodhu Finolhu Island
Aerial View of Emboodhu Finolhu Island, South Male Atoll, Maldives
Emboodhu Finolhu Island is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country and is owned by Taj Exotica Hotels and Resorts, which has been a part of the tourism industry for more than two decades now. The beautiful arrangement of water villas in the shape of a flower on the island is probably the most sought-after attraction. However, if you’re lucky enough to come here by seaplane, the view from high altitude is also incredible. Let’s not forget to mention that Emboodhu Finolhu means ‘island of flowers’ in Dhivehi language, which reflects the true nature of this island.
6. Mirihi Island
Mirihi Island, Alif Dhaal Atoll, Maldives
Mirihi Island is a tiny island located in the North Male Atoll of the Maldives and it is one of the many islands that make up the Alif Dhaal Atoll. Aside from its pristine beaches, turquoise waters and the most amazing resorts, Mihiri Island is often hailed as a pinnacle of detoxification from all distractions of city life and technologies. The island offers a complete escape for visitors who hope to have some peace and quiet in their life and reset themselves mentally and spiritually.
7. COMO Cocoa Island
Twilight Sky on the COMO Cocoa Island Beach, South Male Atoll, Maldives (Source)
The Maldives is a beautiful country, full of spectacular beaches and gorgeous islands and the COMO Cocoa Island is one of the most popular islands in this country. It is a slice of tropical heaven for relaxation and rejuvenation. The island is home to a large number of resorts and water villas with around 33 of them. Each of these villas provides five-star accommodation and the best hospitality services in all of the surrounding islands. The white powdery beaches that are softer than your skin is something to live for, along with the azure water that embraces the place with pride.
The most popular attraction on this island is probably the beachfront villas that offer you an amazing view of the ocean as well as its serene beauty from every angle possible. You can also enjoy swimming in their infinity pools and sip a drink at sunset or sunrise while listening to nature’s music. There are many activities that can be done here like scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, surfing and more. If you are looking for some quiet time away from all the hustle bustle then this is where you need to go!
8. Huvahendhoo Island
Huvahendhoo Island South Ari Atoll, Maldives (Source)
If you think Maldives is only about beach holidays then think again because The Huvahendhoo Island is a genuine proof for all tourist activities one can do in a single place. The island is situated on a pristine island in South Ari Atoll and is surrounded by white sands and crystal clear waters making it an ideal place for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts who want to explore more about marine life in person. The lustrous greenery that makes up the Huvahendhoo Island is also something that can’t be overlooked. You may as well spend hours walking down the soft white sandy beaches while watching the beautiful ocean view unfold in front of you. With restaurants serving both foreign and local delicacies, the island keeps on giving, making it one of the best places to visit in Maldives with family or friends.
9. Maafushi Island
Aerial View of Maafushi Island, Kaafu Atoll, Maldives
There are some islands in the Maldives that are just too beautiful to be true. One such island is Maafushi Island. This island is located in the Kaafu Atoll, and it has become more tourist-oriented in recent years with over 55 guest houses serving visitors all year round. It offers all the amenities one might need during staycation while local delicacies leave you craving for more. You can also consider coming along with your pack of friends and family to share the joy of spending time on such an amazing island. So, if you’re looking for solitude and peace amidst crystal clear waters and planning not to put too much strain on your wallet, then this place is the best choice!
10. Ukulhas Island
Water Bungalows on Ukulhas Island, Alif Alif Atol, Maldives
Ukulhas island is located on the Alif Alif Atoll, 70 km east of Male, which can be reached by speedboat or seaplane in about two hours. The island is surrounded by mesmerizing coral reefs and blue lagoons, and known for its environmental awareness while being relatively less populated compared to other islands. One of the main attractions of Ukulhas island is its long white sandy beaches that are washed by the waters of the Pacific Ocean and it can especially be calming to have a stroll by the shoreline. Its marine life is also incredibly diverse as stingrays, turtles, giant mantas, zebra sharks, reef sharks and other colorful fish species call coral reefs around home.
Wrapping Up
Team RMC Asia talking to interested participants about our internship opportunities during the Swiss Education Group’s Recruitment Fair in Switzerland, May 2022
As we mentioned in the beginning, Maldives consists of more than a thousand islands, most of which are trip-worthy, and therefore it feels almost unfair to leave so many breathtaking locations out. However, we have done our best to present the list of the most popular islands among tourists as promised while we also had to keep this article from becoming a geography book. Regardless, Maldives is a beautiful country with all qualities of tropical paradise that can’t be explored in a few days, so we recommend you try out travel options that allow you to stay in and enjoy the country as you go. One such option is available right here in RMC Asia through our internship programs such as Work & Travel Asia, Hospitality & Business Internship and Management Training Programs. As long as you meet our requirements, you are good to go to Maldives and have an exotic island hopping adventure.
