Maldivian tuna fishermen (using both pole and line and handlines) rely heavily
on seabirds (lesser noddy:locally known as "kurangi") to locate free swimming tuna schools or those associated with drifting objects.

Lesser Noddy Bird Watching

The rocky 12-hectare island of Gallandhoo is located at the Southern tip of Haa Aliff Atoll. Within the vibrant and rich reef of Gallandhoo resides coral gardens that house schools of magnificent marine life, while the white sandy beaches are frequent hatching grounds for turtles of various kinds. It is also home to a great number of Lesser Noddies, which can be seen here throughout the year, especially during sunset. The current President of the Maldives, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, declared this island an environmentally protected conservation island in 2019, under the Environment Protection and Preservation Act.

A very warm traditional welcome at Uligan Harbour to all our guests, with tender coconuts and traditional music including local drums (Boduberu).

Traditional Welcome Ceremony

The official registration event of “Savaadheeththa Dhathuru” Maldives Yacht Rally 2022.

Registration

The island’s ancient mosques and cemeteries were left by early esteemed travelers of the Maldives, with a collection of unique ancient stone carvings.

Ruined Mosques and Kahbbin (Cemetery)

A delightful classic evening tea with Maldivian snacks, for locals and guests alike to come together and have a wonderful time.


Evening Tea with Locals 

Belonging to Haa Alif Atoll, Uligamu (or Uligan) is an exquisite island located at the very northern of the Maldives. The waters surrounding the island are full of marine life and the sunsets especially are worth watching. Uligamu is also an outpost in the northwest Indian Ocean, where yachts and other vessels passing by are allowed to stop, rest and refuel before continuing their journeys.

HA. Uligan	

Opening Ceremony

Handing over a Maldivian souvenir to all tourists.

Welcoming the Guests

A traditional dance by local women of the island, performed on a boat.

“Kurufali Jehun” 

A display of traditional activities and dances, “Koadi Kendun” and “Langiri Jehun” at the harbor area of the island.

 “Koadi Kendun” and “Langiri Jehun”

Showcasing of the unique traditional and cultural craftsmanship of the Maldives

Island Activity Village

Performances and presentations showing how the cultural and traditional craft of the Maldivian locals have evolved overtime.

Cultural and Traditional craft

Photo booth dedicated for guests to take pictures with the locals of the island to take back with them as memories.

Photo Booth

A special dance called “Kelaa Maliku Dance” will commence the welcome ceremony.

Kelaa Maliku Dance

Water sports and beach activities for guests and locals alike, such as beach volley, jetskii rides, swimming, up and down, statue, along with several local games such as “egala migala”, “rumaa vetti”, “pachas”, “oh vattaa”, “Bosalaa odi kanbahee”, “ohgondi kulhun”, “gandu heli heli”, “filla filla”, etc.

Water Sports and Beach Activities

Fishing Competition 

Stalls in the region where the activities will take place, which exhibit the unique traditional and cultural crafts of the Maldives.

Exhibit Stalls

A Maldivian Feast presented to all guests, including an array of exquisite Maldivian cuisine.

Afternoon Maldivian Feast

Official launch of the Hoarafushi Calendar with pictures of Hoarafushi heritage and history, and presenting calendars as gifts to the guests.

Official launch of the Hoarafushi Calendar

Each guest house welcoming the guests and offering coconut drinks.

Visiting the Guest Houses of the island

The honour of each guest planting a tree at the Hoarafushi Airport under the “One lac trees” project.

Planting a Tree

Hoarafushi is an inhabited island belonging to Haa Alif Atoll of the Maldives, and is geographically a part of Ihavaandhippolhu Atoll, the northern-most atoll of the country. Due to the untouched nature in combination with preserved local cultural heritage, Hoarafushi Island has various unique competitive advantages that enables the island to stand out in the archipelago of the Maldives.

HA. Hoarafushi

Visiting the Tomb of Sharif Ali Al-Makki 

Matheerah is an uninhabited island located in the Haa Alif Atoll. There is a famous shrine (Ziyaraiy, mausoleum) which was visited by the former kings of the Maldives along with their families to seek blessings. These were aspects of Sufism that existed among the Maldivians in the history. Today, the island holds the honorific title of “Matheerahffulhu” (High/noble Island).

HA. Matheerah		

HA. Gallandhoo		

Dive 

Bilehdhoo Thila, is a dive site famous among tourists for experiencing the most variety of underwater life in one spot, making it the ultimate underwater aquarium. 	

Bilehdhoo Thila

Cemetery 
Coral Stone Water Well
Ancient Mosque


Visiting Coral Stone Mosque

Located in the northern-most geographic atoll in the country, Ihavandhoo holds great value in the story of Sultan Mohammad Thakurufaanu (Bodu thakurufaanu). It is known that the great Maldivian hero’s mother was an Ihavandhoo lady. The island has a mosque built by Sultan Ibrahim Muhirudheen in 1701 using brain corals. 

HA. Ihavandhoo 

Thakandhoo is home to Utheemu Ali-thakurufaanu’s wife, where Ali-thakurufaanu and his wife lived. Al-Khatheeb Ali Thakurufuaanu was the eldest of the Utheemu brothers, and it is known in history that the Portuguese invaded and killed Ali-thakurufaanu in 1572. The Tomb of Al-Khatheeb Ali Thakurufuaanu and two of his family members are in Thakandhoo, preserved to this day.

Visiting the Tombs of Al-Khatheeb Ali Thakurufuaanu and two of his Family Members

Thakandhoo Island of Haa Alif Atoll is geographically part of the North Thiladhunmathi Atoll, holding a great significance in the Sultan Muhammad Thakurufaanu’s story. Ali Thakurufaanu, the eldest of Utheemu brothers, was the first to be killed in the 8-year war against Portuguese, and his body was buried in Thakandhoo, where it resides today as the Tomb of Ali Thakurufaanu. 

HA. Thakandhoo					

Welcoming the guests with Coconut Drinks and performing a traditional dance on a boat called “Kurufali Jehun”, where performers dance sitting on the boat in two rows, holding Oars. This dance is sometimes also performed on land.

Welcome Ceremony

On the way to visit the Utheemu Palace, locals will demonstrate the traditional Maldivian local ways of living. Utheemu Ganduvaru is the home of Bodu Thakurufaanu. Utheemu Ganduvaru is the birthplace and home of Sultan Muhammed Thakurufaanu, where the national hero lived and grew up centuries ago. Today, it is a site of great historical importance, with fascinating 500-year-old wooden interiors, including swing beds (used to keep cool in the heat), lamps that burn coconut palm oil and elaborate wooden carvings, and a large palm-thatch shed used as a sleeping room for guests. It is among one of the most visited places in the Maldives, and is among the major highlights of this rally.


Visiting Utheemu Palace (Utheemu Ganduvaru)

Kanduvalu Mosque is the mosque is where the iconic Muhammad Thakurufaanu prayed as a child, giving slight evidence of how long the mosque has been here. The Tomb of Muhammad Thakurufaanu’s father, Utheemu Hussain Khatheebu Thakurufaanu, is found near the entrance of the mosque. The Tomb of Utheemu Kalhu Ali Khatheebu Thakurufaanu (Muhammed Thakurufaanu’s Grandfather)  is also present here in the cemetery on the mosque grounds.

Visiting Kanduvalu Mosque

These stalls will demonstrate cultural and traditional handcraft works of the Maldives, along with exquisite Maldivian cuisine.


Stalls at the Utheemu Palace region

An all inclusive fishing trip ending with a fantastic barbeque to be arranged by the locals for any of the visitors who would like to participate, at a small fee of USD 20.


Fishing Trip

A short drama performed by the locals highlighting the legendary tale of our country’s King and hero, Bodu Thakurufaanu.


A Short Performance of the Bodu Thakurufaanu Story

A unique series of stories told by the elderly of the island.


Folklore by Elderly Locals

It is a form of Maldivian dance carried out throughout the years, where performers wear traditional attire and dance with special sticks in hand.


Evening “Dhafi Negun”

Presenting a variety of exquisite Maldivian food for all our visitors.


A Ceremonial Evening Feast

Located in the Haa Alif Atoll, Utheemu is the birthplace of Sultan Muhammad Thakurufaanu where him along with his brothers lived and grew up. Utheemu Ganduvaru, translating to Utheemu Palace, is well preserved and demonstrates the lifestyle of the rich centuries ago. This historical location is visited by more tourists than any other building in the Maldives. 

HA. Utheemu          

This beautiful ancient coral stone Friday Mosque (Hukuru Miskiy) with a unique small Minaret (Munnaaru) was built in the early 1500’s by Sultan Muhammad IV of Dhevvadhoo (1692 – 1701), and is known to have been used by Sultan Muhammad Thakurufaanu as well.


Visiting Ancient Friday Mosque and Minaret

Gadheemee (Ancient) Stone of Baarah represents the location where locals prayed their Eid prayers centuries ago, and parts of the stone are still intact today.

Visiting the Gadheemee Stone

This Island also consists of 2 ancient wells, which was used by the Utheemu brothers to build a part of the boat that saved the nation from the Portuguese, the Kalhuohfummi. This is a site of great history, preserved and protected until today.

Visiting the Ancient Wells

Thin Berebedhi is a region where the port for Kalhuohfummi was located. This area was used for entry and departure in Sultan Muhammad Thakurufaanu’s endeavor in rescuing the country from the Portuguese invaders.

Visiting the Thin Berebedhi

This road is fabled to be the route that Bodu Thakurufaanu took with his wife, Rehendiye Goyye. This road was also used to celebrate the holy occasion of Eid in the old days, where locals from different islands got together. Various traditional Eid activities were carried out on this road, some of which Muhammad Thakurufaanu himself participated in as well.

A Stroll in Kamanaa Magu

This old Kaani Gas (Sea Trumpet Tree) located on the island is preserved carefully due to its historical link to the Muhammad Thakurufaanu and his brothers. It is said that in order to change the palm leaf sails of their boat Kalhuohfummi, Muhammad Thakurufaanu planted two Kaani or Sea Trumpet posts in the ground, and this Kaani Gas has grown from one of those posts.

Visiting the Kaani Gas (Sea Trumpet tree)

Queen Aysha Rani Kilege, locally known as Kanba Aisa, was the wife of King Sultan Ali IV (Ali Rasgefaanu) when he was martyred by the Portuguese in 1558.

Visiting the Grave of Queen Aysha Rani Kilege (Kanba Aisa)

A fantastic tale of the Maldivian history is told here. This is where the legendary Kalhuohfummi boat was built by the three Utheemu brothers in the liberation of Maldives in the 16th century. The region consists of two Nikagas (Banyan Trees) on either sides, along with two stilts (Mudi) that were placed here by the Utheemu brothers to construct their shelter house for while they built the Kalhuohfummi.

Exploring the place where Kalhuohfummi was built

This ancient mosque with its 15-foot Minaret is preserved well by the locals. The mosque has a special location that was built exclusively for Muhammad Thakurufaanu to carry out his prayers. Also, near the mosque lies an ancient water well, which was used for bathing and ablution.

Visiting the Old Friday Mosque (Hukuru Miskiy)

This region is where Sultan Muhammad Thakurufaanu was challenged by Rehendiye Goyye while celebrating Eid, where he carried her across the island to this spot to speak with her.

Visiting the Kamanaa Olhu

This location stands out in history, as it was the road that was used for Eid Celebrations centuries ago when Maldives was under the Portuguese rule.

A Stroll in Eid Kulhey Magu

This is a form of traditional dance performed by men and/or women wearing the Maldivian traditional dress. To perform this dance, local cultural music is played while the participants stand in a circle and dance using decorated wooden sticks.


Dhafi Negun

Located within the Haa Alif Atoll in the northern Maldives, Baarah is the island where the famous “Kalhuohfummi” was build. This was the legendary vessel that Sultan Muhammad Thakurufaanu and his band of fighters used to travel from island to island at the darkness of the night, battling and defeating the enemies then leaving on daybreak, to save the country from the Portuguese invasion. 

HA. Baarah

Anchor Change

The Tomb of Moosa Edhuru Thakurufaanu, known locally as Edhuru Kaleyfaanu. He was uncle and advisor to Sultan Muhammad Thakurufaanu, and advised them through their voyage to fight off the Portuguese invaders.

Visiting the Tomb of Edhuru Kaleyfaanu

The cemetery located in the mosque grounds is the burial place for Sayyid Muhammed Al-Maghribi and Sayyid Muhammad Ali Al-Mashrighi. It is also the resting place for the exceptional individuals who introduced Toddy Tapping to the Maldives, which became the backbone of the local livelihood. Lateron, it became one of the symbols of Maldivian custom and traditions, passed on from father to son even today.

Visiting the Ancient Tombs of Arab Sayyid, Sayyid Muhammed Al-Maghribi , Arab Sayyid, Sayyid Muhammad Ali Al-Mashrighi

This is an ancient coral stone mosque that is believed to have been built before the year 1111’s, and is a popular attraction on the island among visitors and locals alike.

Exploring the Small Mosque Region

This ancient mosque, built from coral stone, is known to have archaeological remains of the 1,400 year long Buddhist period in the history of Maldives.


Old Friday Mosque (Hukuru Miskiy)

Locally known as “Binbi Thelhun”, our locals have their own unique way of harvesting of millets. This unique technique will be demonstrated here in Nolhivaranfaru.

Binbi Thelhun

A demonstration of the unique and cultural art of weaving coconut palm leaves

Fangi Vinun

A show of various cultural and traditional Maldivian activities such as “Boduberu”, “Dhafi negun” and “Bodumas beynun”.

Cultural Show

Ending with an extremely festive BBQ Dinner Night.

BBQ Dinner Night

A stall for guest house operators to present their guest houses to the visitors.

Guest House Marketing Stall

Nolhivaranfaru is among the largest inhabited islands of Haa Dhaalu Atoll (geographically Thiladhummathi Atoll) located in the north of the Maldives. The island also carries a portion of history; Hussein Gadhahamaadhi Manikfan of Nolhivaranfaru is said to have aided Muleegey Don Hassan Maniku in the fight against the Portuguese. They succeeded on 7th of April in 1753, and many historical sites relating to this still remain on the island.


HDh. Nolhivaranfaru 

Welcoming the guests with boduberu and kite surfing

Welcome Event

Mosque Visits, Maafalu Fengandu, Kulhudhuffushi Kulhi, Schools and Airport 

Kulhudhuffushi Kulhi - The vegetation diversity of the mangrove (locally known as Kulhi) ecosystem in collaboration with the migratory birds that visit the island makes this area one of the most biologically diverse wetland and mangrove ecosystems in the country.


City Tour

This unique private museum was opened by a resident of Kulhudhuffushi island, Mr. Arif Ali, at his home on the island. Rahvehi Aasaaru features over 170 historical items that he has collected over the years, some of which are over 117 years old. Some items include containers with King Shamsuddin’s seal, along with Malaafaiy and dowry that was used as a form of money many years ago.

“Rahveri Aasaaru” Tour

Beach Handball
Beach Volleyball
Beach Futsal 

Beach Games 

Live Display of traditional Activities
Live Art
Guest Shop

Local Artists Exhibition 

Kite light show,
Flow boarding light show

Kite Show

Dhafi Negun event,
Hichah Vadaigathu event,
Dhamuhin’gun (Maali Show) event

Cultural Activities

Boat Building Tour 

Jet Skiing
Body boarding
Canoe Ride
Kite Surfing
Photography Adventures

Water Sports

Freshly produced food and traditional Board Games 

Street Market 

Maldivian Dinner Event

DJ/Music with Stage Show
Live Boduberu / Maldivian Music

Night Life 

Kulhudhuffushi City is the capital island of the Haa Dhaalu Atoll. This island is known for its mangroves (kulhi), after which the island itself is named. The history of the island also connects to the battle to win against the Portuguese army, where the people of the island of Kulhudhuffushi were famous for their courage and bravery during the wars fought against the enemies of the nation.


HDh. Kulhudhuffushi City

A nesting ground and breeding site for hundreds of endangered species, home to diverse vegetation, an array of avifauna, untouched coral reefs and more than just a couple of mangroves, is a marvel of natural beauty that locals should strive to experience

Island Tour

With the most unique and unusual topography, Shaviyani Farukolhu is a extraordinary island with 7 wetlands and a lagoon which in high tide, flows like a river through the island and out from the massive mangrove opening before blending into the ocean. Measuring 88 hectares out of which 7.1 hectares are wetlands, Farukolhu is the 10th largest uninhabited island in the Maldives. As of 07th October 2018, Shaviyani Farukolhu is now a protected site under the Environment Protection and Preservation Act of Maldives (Law 4/93). 

Sh. Farukolhu


Giving out gifts for each of the participants and welcoming them with a refreshing fresh coconut drink and face towels. 


Playing traditional music “boduberu” with dance performances.


“Boduberu” Traditional Dance

Visiting resident houses for our guests to experience the true Maldivian way of life.


Local Way of Life

Water Sports events at the Funadhoo “Thundi” beach, including several activities for both locals and visitors to enjoy such as beach volley, football, canoe rides, jetskii, etc.


Water Sports Events

Taking our esteemed guests on a Fishing trip.


Exhibiting several varieties of Maldivian local cuisine for visitors to enjoy.


Funadhoo Local Food Fair

Barbeque night along with several entertainment events.


Barbeque Night

Funadhoo situated at Shaviyani Atoll is among the largest inhabited islands of the North Maldives, and is the capital island of Shaviyani Atoll. Apart from being a large mangrove habitat, Funadhoo’s lagoon area also consists of several species of wild life including Mud crab, Truncated Mangrove Snail, Hermit crab, Mangrove crab, Grey heron, Great egret & many other migratory birds.

Sh. Funadhoo     

Usfasgandu or “Redhin mas key rindhali funi” is an area located in the northern region of the island, which is said to be a site of unique historic significance.



Usfasgandu

Towards the south of the island is the Hippathigandu, which is locally believed to be an area where a type of supernatural creatures called “Redhin” left piles of shells in their endeavor to find out about the hidden stories of the oceans.

Hippathigandu: 

Nalandhoo Island of Shaviyani Atoll of the Maldives is used for the aquaculture of sea cucumber, and is connected to the income of many of the residents of the Gnaviyani Atoll. It consists of over 90 hectares of land with extremely rich natural beauty. 


Sh. Nalandhoo

Giving our guests a very warm traditional Maldivian welcome at the newly built harbour with welcome drinks.


Welcoming the Participants

Traditional dance team along with youth will perform cultural dances in this event.

A Welcome “Boduberu” Event.

The island is home to the remains of a Hawitta, supposedly left by the fabled Redin; people who figure in Maldivian folklore. The 6m-high Hawitta is locally known as “Maa Badhige”, which literally translates to “grand kitchen”.

Escorting all visitors to “Maabudhuge” region, with cultural drums, “Boduberu” and trumpets, “Thaalhafili”

A variety of souvenir shops will be open all around the island in numerous spots. This will be an array of handcrafted items as well as other souvenirs presented to our guests by the locals of the island.


Souvenir Shopping

Temporary mini canteens opened by islanders to cater the visitors.


Canteen Outlets

Locals will carry out various cultural and traditional performances in these grounds, such as “Binbi thelhun”; the Maldivian way of harvesting millets, Coir rope making, “Madhufelhun”; the traditional way of harvesting tropical almond nuts.


Cultural and Traditional Performances

The island council along with the women’s committee of the island work together presenting all visitors a fantastic platter of Maldivian cuisine.

Exclusive Maldivian Feast

An exhibition displaying historic and ancient artefacts and activities that were used and practiced years ago by our ancestors.


An Exhibition of Historic Artefacts and Activities

Showing our guests the ancient stone foundation discovered on our island.


Visiting The Ancient Stone

We welcome and work together in making mud bath arrangements for all guests who would like the opportunity.

Mud Bath for Visitors

Arranging and assisting in surfing for any visitors who wish to do so.


Surfing

A traditional evening where locals display an array of different cultural and traditional activities such as “Kurufali jehun”, “Maafathi jehun”, “Bandiyaa jehun” and “Dhafi negun”.


A Traditional Evening

A traditional drum show consisting of “Boduberu” Maldivian traditional drums, followed by special cultural dances and a unique form of singing.


Boduberu” Drum Show

Koadi Kendun (cutting down of a wooden stick) is celebrated together with Bodu Mas. The koadi is then tied to the top of a coconut palm and a playful game begins where the women are to protect the koadi from the men as they try to cut the koadi down. The man who succeeds is rewarded by a bathe in the sea, followed by a glorious feast.


“Koadi” and “Bodumas”

Belonging to the Noonu Atoll in the northern parts of the Maldivian islands, Landhoo has remained a centre for stone carving and engraving for several centuries. The island hosts a 20ft mound or Hawitta; the remains of a Buddhist stupa with its origins dating back to over a millennium. Statues have been excavated from the site.

HA. Gallandhoo

Lesser Noddy Bird Watching

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