Where the serenity meets tranquility
About
Thulu
Pronounced “Thoo-Loos-Dhoo” is one of the six local inhabited islands in North Male’ Atoll (Kaafu Atoll) outside of the Capital Male’ City. Just half-an hour away from Velana International Airport (MLE), the island hosts one of the most popular surf breaks in the country “Cokes” with “Chickens” only a minute away. In close proximity to surf breaks “Ninjas”, “Jails”, “Sultans” & “Honkeys”, Thulusdhoo evidently became the surfing hub of the region hosting Surf Schools, Surf Trips and International Surfing Competitions. In addition to surfing, the island also hosts multiple snorkeling excursions to nearby reefs, multiple inbound activities and provides Kite Surfing on the Western side of the island. Aside from activities, the island being the capital of the administrative region, it hosts the only Coca-cola Factory in the Maldives in addition to multiple mass production factories on the Northern side of the island. The island has become a popular destination among tourists and locals, due to its close proximity to Male’ and preservation of the island-scape of the island.
The laid back culture is a rare find across local islands
The people of Thulusdhoo are very hospitable and laid-back, especially with the surf-culture adopted in the island. The population of about 2,000 residents comprise primarily of native Thulusdhoo people and migrated peoples from islands Rinbudhoo (relocation due to the Indian Ocean Tsunami in 2004), Maafilaafushi and a diaspora of peoples from different regions in the Maldives who permanently migrated for employment or family. The island also comprises of a minority expatriate population from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, India, Nepal, Indonesia and a handful of Europeans too. Therefore, the island is very well adjusted to living and working in a multi-cultural environment.
It is still a local island, part of the Muslim culture of Maldives
Respecting and understanding the local customs, regulations and restrictions are very important. How Maldivians adjust to the western cultures, it is important that visitors also respect the culture of the island as well. Primarily this includes dressing appropriately within the island (Bikinis are allowed in designated regions for tourists), respecting the prayer times, understanding refusal of service during religious times, the regulations in Ramadan and also following the standard rules and regulations (just like any destination). Almost all Maldivians can fluently understand and speak English, while most can also speak and understand Hindi (Indian), so you will not have trouble conversing with a random Maldivian.
How to get to thulusdhoo?
scheduled speedboat
Speedboat between Thulusdhoo & Airport / Male’ travel 4 times every day at scheduled times
USD 25 per pax | Max. 30 mins
MALE / AIRPORT
THULUSDHOO
private hire
speedboat
If the scheduled times are not suitable, you are required to take a private hire speedboat.
USD 250 | Max . 30 mins
MTCC PROVINCE FERRY
The state runs a public province ferry (slow boat) that circles around North Male’ (East Region) once every day except weekends
07:00 DHIF > THUL > HURA > HIMA > MALE
14:00 MALE > HIMA > HURA > THUL > DHIF
USD 5 | Can take 40-50 mins between islands. Schedule and boat is highly unreliable and is not suitable for Arrival & Departures
IMPORTANT
Island Regulations
The following are regulations that are important for tourists to understand, respect and follow. While you will be advised by locals politely, it is important that you are aware of the customs.
No Service during Prayer
Some services especially shops and supermarkets will be closed during prayer time (after the prayer call from the mosque) for approximately 30-45 mins.
Fridays
Fridays are one of the holiest days of the week where Muslims will attend to the longer Friday prayer. Therefore, island will shut down all services between 11:00hrs – 14:00hrs
Property & Coconuts
Any visitors on the island including locals are not allowed to damage public property or litter on the streets. This includes picking fruits from trees without permission. Coconut Palms are also property, owned by locals privately, therefore picking coconuts without permission is not allowed.
Bikini / Tourist Beaches
Understandably, it can be difficult to be covered during the hot and humid climate. As long as you are not in your undergarments / bikini, you are dressed. This rule applies to both men and women.
The eastern beach (Dolphin Beach) and Dream Beach (Western beach) are allocated “Bikini” beaches where tourists are allowed to wear Bikinis / Speedos. However, entering and exiting these beaches into the town, you are required to cover up. Carry a beach towel with you.
Alcohol & Recreational Drugs
Alcohol and any recreational drugs (weed, THC, CBD, MDMA, Heroine, Cocaine, LSD, etc) are not allowed to be consumed, distributed or stored on the island. Alcohol is available on the Bar Boat docked 10 minutes away from the island (transfer which can be booked by the Hotel $10 with return) whereas bringing back alcohol on the island is NOT ALLOWED. You can be arrested if you have any of the above mentioned substances on you whereas public nuisance due to being inebriated will also get you fined. Vaping / E-cigarettes have been banned as of November 15th, 2024.
Loitering & Noise
Sometimes parties can go on for a very long time, and sometimes parties tend to get a bit out of hand (you’re on vacation after all). However, loud music during prayer time, making noise outside of schools, mosques and government offices is disrespectful. Loud music, parties, DJs and any public nuisance is NOT ALLOWED between 12:00AM and 08:00AM
Manifest every moment
Your day might not go as planned. It can rain, it can get too windy for trips. You might even have had a bad encounter. Take a breather, visit the shoreline. Let the ocean’s calmness speak to your soul. You control your happiness.
What can you do on the island?
There is more to the sun, sea, sand lifestyle
SURFING
For all levels of surfers, Thulusdhoo provides all resources for surfing with surf guides and surf lessons for those who wish to start surfing
excursion TOURS
There are multiple excursion service providers at the Beach Huts located on Eastern Bikini Beach (Dolphin Beach) ranging from USD 45 to USD 85 per pax
inbound activities
From Jet-Ski rides, Kayaking, Funtube and Wakeboarding there are many inbound activities available on the island. House-reef snorkeling is allowed but it is HIGHLY recommended to take a guide for safety.
hiking
No there are no mountains in Thulusdhoo but, the island is quite large with multiple hidden gems to explore. Grab some sunscreen and a hat and go explore the island
Where is the Bikini Beach?
The Eastern Beach (Dolphin Beach / Bikini Beach) is located on the East Cost of the Island (Towards “Chickens Surf Point) from Golhaa View Guest House to Canopus Tower. The Cokes Surf Point, the region and its beach are Local Beaches.
The Northwest Beach (Dream Beach / Bikini Beach) is located west of the Harbor whereas the Sunset Beach next to Dream Beach (on the direct west of the island) is a Local Beach and wearing Bikini is strictly not allowed. The easiest route to get there by walking is via the Northern coastline (near Cocacola and Harbor) whereas you can also ask your guest house to arrange a buggy for you.
Maldivian Cuisine
You may find some difficulty differentiating Maldivian Authentic Cuisine & South Asian Cuisine with both heavily available on the island. Maldivian restaurants have created their version of the Ala Carte with their own spin of Italian, Indonesian, Sri Lankan and Indian dishes. However, the following are authentic Maldivian cuisine;
Mas’huni
You will find Mas-Huni almost everywhere for Breakfast. Mas-Huni (i.e Fish-Coconut) is a mixture of Coconut, Tuna, Onions, Lime and Chilli. It is a side-dish usually eaten with Roshi (Chapatti / Flat Bread). There are many alternatives to this available too including Fathu Mas-Huni (mixed with Kopi Leaves), Barabo Mas-Huni (mixed with Pumpkin / Butternut) and Kulhi Mas-Huni (mixed with dried chilli and dried fish).
Rihaakuru
Rihaakuru also known as Fish Paste, is a dark colored paste made from slow-cooked tuna and can be eaten with White Rice or Roshi. Rihaakuru has a tuna taste and can be modified to make alternatives such as “Kulhi Rihaakuru” (mixing with lime, onion and chilli) or Rihaakuru Dhiya (mixing with coconut milk, onion, fish and chilli)
Garudhiya
Garudhiya is a Maldivian original, also known as Fish Soup, is a side-dish eaten with White Rice and seasoned with onions, chilli, mangoes, fried fish and many more. The soup is made from slow cooking water and fresh tuna seasoned.
Masbaiy
Masbaiy (trans: Fish Rice) is a yellow-tumeric infused Rice cooked in a Tumeric Curry with Smoked Fish. Usually eaten with Rihaakuru, Cucumber Salad or Chilli Onion Sambal. Unlike how normally rice is cooked in water, Masbaiy is cooked in a curry of coconut milk, tumeric, spices, black pepper and smoked fish infusing the sweet coconut flavor in the rice.
F.A.Q.
Frequently Asked Questions
Casual Summer Wear is considered appropriate. However, see-through exposing clothing is not recommended. Bikini/Speedos for men and women are not allowed on the streets, township or anywhere other than the allocated bikini beach. Grab a beach towel.
Firstly you cannot enter the Maldives with alcohol or any recreational drugs. Alcohol and recreational drugs are not allowed on islands / cities where locals reside in. Therefore, no, you cannot bring alcohol from any facility (resort / safari) to the island.
As of November 2024, vaping/e-cigarettes are also banned.
Male’ Atoll Health Centre is located in Thulusdhoo providing primary care service whereas any large treatments will be repatriated immediately on sea-ambulance or private hire to the larger tertiary hospitals in Male’ City. You will require your passport and insurance information.
Kudhi Boli Beach House provides options for Vegetarian, Vegan, Lactose Intolerance, Kosher & Gluten-Free guests. While some local restaurants may not be fully aware of dietary requirements, please inform the waiters prior to ordering. All foods on local islands are Halal.