Himmafushi (Kaafu Atoll)
| Himmafushi | |
|---|---|
| Inhabited island | |
|
View of Jafana Park, A famous beach area in Himmafushi. | |
  Himmafushi Location in Maldives | |
| Coordinates: 04°18′33″N 73°34′15″E / 4.30917°N 73.57083°ECoordinates: 04°18′33″N 73°34′15″E / 4.30917°N 73.57083°E | |
| Country | Maldives |
| Administrative atoll | Kaafu Atoll |
| Distance to Malé | 17.27 km (10.73 mi) |
| Government | |
| • Council | Himmafushi Council |
| Dimensions | |
| • Length | 0.900 km (0.559 mi) |
| • Width | 0.750 km (0.466 mi) |
| Population | |
| • Total | 855 |
| Time zone | MST (UTC+05:00) |
| Website |
visithimmafushi himmafushi |
Himmafushi (Dhivehi: ހިއްމަފުށި) is one of the inhabited islands of Kaafu Atoll.
It is located in North Malé Atoll. Himmafushi is about 18km from the airport - the only way you can reach it is by boat. Himmafushi, a local island geographically recognized for its world famous surfing and diving spots.
Getting to Himmafush To reach the hotels in Himmafushi Island, a public ferryboat OR chartered speedboat can be arranged by the hotel for which payment will be collected upon check –in. Please contact the hotel to book your transfer arrangement at least 3 days prior to your arrival. Your arrival and departure flight details and full names of traveling party will be required. You will need to transfer from the airport to Male by ferry - this goes most of the time and frequently and will cost US$1. Locally arranged airport pickups can be very unreliable.
Public Ferryboat Ferryboat takes 50 minutes to reach Himmafushi Island and costs approximately USD 2.00 per person per way. Ferry departs from Male’ at 15:30 hrs / Ferry departs from Himmafushi Island at 08:00 hrs If your flight lands AFTER 13:00 hrs, you will need to take the speedboat transfer or make arrangements to stay in Male’ NO Ferry services on Friday.
Infrastructure Himmafushi has about 850 locals but the population can rise to over 2000 as Himmafushi also houses the minor delinquent prison and a drug rehabilitation centre. Industry in Himmafushi consists of a water bottling facility and a tuna factory. There are 3 shops that sell the basic necessities and a few big souvenir shops as well.
Tourism Information Himmafushi is less than a km long and wide. There is a semi legal bikini beach and a seasonal surf beach. There is a harbour restaurant which is an easygoing affair selling meals starting from US$3. There is no alcohol obtainable on the island. The staple diet contains tuna and coconut. The kitchen is simple but good. There are no dogs on the island but a few cats. Wildlife are birds and bats
The Locals are very quiet - rarely a loud noise from the men and never from the women. The men are relatively easy going. Muslim faith is upheld thus most women are in hijab. There is no deliberate thieving or violent crime from locals. However, be aware of dishonest conduct such as overcharging visitors etc.
Himmafushi is ideal for the budget conscious traveller that wants to have a relaxing holiday and see a bit of local life. Snorkelling tours etc can be booked. Be sure to bring some cheap reef shoes/water socks. Snorkelling equipment can be hired and is supplied for the tours. The bikini beach is shallow and warm - so very family friendly. Snorkelling is simply world class.