Kosupa Travel

Let’s explore in detail the small island of “Dhidhdhoo” where the cozy guesthouse “White Tern Maldives” introduced in the previous article is located!

《Link to the previous article》

www.kosupatravel.com

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Dhidhdhoo: An “Off-the-Beaten-Path” Local Island Missing from Guidebooks

Why did we choose to visit Dhidhdhoo this time? Simply because it’s an off-the-beaten-path within off-the-beaten-paths that you won’t find in any guidebook.

Dhidhdhoo is located in the Ari Atoll, right next to the inhabited island of Maamigili, which has an airport. While Maamigili is a relatively large island featured in travel guides like “Lonely Planet,” we discovered that it seemed to have a developed town. With the desire to experience the untouched nature and local life, we intentionally changed our destination to Dhidhdhoo, a smaller island right next to it.

Exploring the streets of the Maldives can be enjoyed in Male, so this time, we wanted to fully enjoy rural life.

What is Dhidhdhoo Island Like?

Dhidhdhoo is a slender island with a length of about 1 km and a width of approximately 200 m. The eastern half is covered with jungle, making it a small island that can be explored in about 30 minutes with just the residential area.

*Note: There are two islands named Dhidhdhoo in the Maldives, so be careful. When distinguishing, you can say “Dhidhdhoo in South Ari Atoll” or “Dhidhdhoo near Maamigili” to make it clear.

The resident population of the island is about 200 people. It’s heartwarming to see many children playing actively. Despite its small size, Dhidhdhoo functions well as a municipality. In addition to the only guesthouse, “White Tern Maldives,” there are 2 tea shops, 2 stores, a bank branch, elementary and kindergarten schools, a cemetery, a mosque, a court, a pharmacy, and other essential facilities. There’s also a volleyball court, fitness gym, and a beach surrounded by nature.

Even though it’s small, the island fulfills the functions of a municipality. Many locals born in Dhidhdhoo seem to grow up, live, and lead a life centered on Dhidhdhoo.

A Relaxed Lifestyle on the Local Island

Unlike the entertainment-filled Male city, the lifestyle in Dhidhdhoo is leisurely and calm. In the evening, residents relax on hammock beds placed on their verandas, enjoying the cool breeze. In the morning, they sit on handmade swings, sipping a drink while basking in the sunrise. The locals have a carefree way of living.

If You Visit a Local Island, Check Out the Tea Shops

I tried one, but the taste was surprisingly bitter, causing bewilderment. By the way, similar to regular tobacco, it reportedly contains carcinogenic substances, so be cautious not to consume too much.

Since there are no restaurants or bars, interaction with other residents mainly happens at tea shops. The adults of Dhidhdhoo spend their time sipping tea, coffee, or soft drinks while enjoying “Supari,” a chewing tobacco, engaging in lively conversations.

On the other hand, the youth spend their nights at trendy tea shops along the coast, watching TV and spending time with friends. On holidays, they enjoy fishing from the shore with handmade fishing gear.

While it may not be an island filled with exciting entertainment, it offers a unique experience with nature and a strong local flavor.

Plenty of Whale Sharks and Mantas in the Nearby Waters

Moreover, the South Ari Atoll, where Dhidhdhoo is located, is renowned for being a habitat for whale sharks and mantas. While many travelers use Maamigili’s diving centers and surrounding resorts as a base for snorkeling trips to encounter whale sharks, sea turtles, and mantas in the South Ari Atoll, Dhidhdhoo is also a hidden gem.

Typically, you would arrange tours through the island’s only guesthouse, “White Tern Maldives.” They not only have extensive knowledge of whale shark and manta spotting spots but also constantly check real-time information using Telegram (a type of social media), ensuring a very high chance of encountering these majestic creatures.

Booking with White Tern Maldives is more advantageous through this link!

Additionally, you may encounter graceful sea turtles swimming in beautiful coral reefs,

or be surrounded by colorful schools of fish, enjoying unique experiences typical of the world’s top diving spots in the South Ari Atoll.

For detailed information on arranging snorkeling trips on local islands, tips and precautions for encountering large marine life, and experience reports, check out the separate article!

www.kosupatravel.com

How was it?

This time, I briefly introduced the charm of the local island “Dhidhdhoo.” In the next article, I will provide information on how to get to Dhidhdhoo and specific ways to enjoy activities on the island.

This is the guesthouse I stayed this time!

Next article is here:

www.kosupatravel.com