The local island Maafushi is located in South Malé Atoll, more precisely in the Kaafu Atoll, about 27 kilometers south of the capital Malé. Maafushi has about 2,500 residents who are known for their generous hospitality.

Maafushi was destroyed by the Tsunami on December 26, 2004 and was subsequently rebuilt and made ready for tourism. In 2010 the first guest house on the island was built. Today there are more than 70 accommodations in different price ranges, each with its own charm. The population lives mainly from tourism and fishing.

Maafushi is particularly popular with backpackers and individual tourists due to its fair prices and good speedboat and ferry connections to the capital Malé.

The Bikini beaches

Since Maafushi is a local island and all residents are Muslim, there are a few special features to keep in mind as a tourist. The “dress code” on the island is relatively relaxed, but it is forbidden to walk around the island in swimwear only. There are therefore two demarcated sections of beach that were built specifically for tourists. Swimwear is permitted on the so-called Bikini Beach. The two sections of Bikini Beach are located in the north of the island and border each other.

Maafushi, the prison island

Another special feature of Maafushi is the state prison, which is located at the southern end of the island. The prison is the largest prison in the Maldives and has around 500 inmates. Over the years, several well-known figures, such as former President Mohamed Nasheed, have been imprisoned. Former President Abdulla Yameen has been an inmate at the prison since February 2020.

The Safari boat

The Maldives is a Muslim country. The sale and consumption of alcohol is prohibited on local islands. Alcohol is only permitted in resorts and on so-called safari boats.

Such a safari boat is also in front of Maafushi. Small boats regularly leave the harbor and take you to the large safari boat. There you can dance to music and enjoy beer, long drinks, shots and cocktails.