Are you looking for a tropical paradise that won't break the bank? Do you want to experience the authentic culture and lifestyle of the Maldives? If yes, then Thulusdhoo Island is the perfect destination for you!
Thulusdhoo Island is a local island in the Maldives that offers a range of activities and attractions for budget travelers who want to explore the beauty and diversity of this island nation. From surfing and snorkeling to fishing and cultural immersion, Thulusdhoo Island has something for everyone.
In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about planning and enjoying a trip to Thulusdhoo Island, such as how to get there, where to stay, what to do, what to eat, and more. You will also discover some tips and tricks to make the most of your time and money on this island.
So, what are you waiting for? Read on and get ready to experience the local Maldives on a budget!
How to Get to Thulusdhoo Island from Malé
The first step to visiting Thulusdhoo Island is to get to Malé, the capital and main airport of the Maldives. You can find cheap flights to Malé from many major cities around the world, such as Dubai, Singapore, Mumbai, and London.
Once you arrive in Malé, you have two options to get to Thulusdhoo Island: the speedboat or the local ferry. Both options have their pros and cons, so you can choose the one that suits your budget, schedule, and preference.
Speedboat
The speedboat is the fastest and most convenient way to get to Thulusdhoo Island from Malé. It takes only 30 minutes to reach the island, and it operates daily, except on Fridays. The speedboat departs from the jetty near the airport, and it costs $25 per person one way. You can book your speedboat ticket online or through your accommodation on Thulusdhoo Island.
The speedboat is a great option if you are short on time, or if you want to avoid the hassle of transferring to another island to catch the local ferry. However, the speedboat can be bumpy and noisy, and it may not be suitable for people who get seasick easily.
Local Ferry
The local ferry is the cheapest and most authentic way to get to Thulusdhoo Island from Malé. It takes about 90 minutes to reach the island, and it operates on Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. The local ferry departs from the Villingili Ferry Terminal in Malé, and it costs only $2 per person one way. You can buy your local ferry ticket at the terminal on the day of departure, but make sure to arrive early, as the seats are limited and the ferry can get crowded.
The local ferry is a great option if you are on a tight budget, or if you want to experience the local culture and scenery of the Maldives. You can mingle with the locals, enjoy the views of the turquoise water and the palm-fringed islands, and even spot some dolphins along the way. However, the local ferry can be slow and unreliable, and it may not run on time or at all due to weather conditions or holidays.
Where to Stay on Thulusdhoo Island
Thulusdhoo Island has a variety of accommodation options to suit different tastes and budgets. You can find everything from budget guesthouses to luxury hotels, with prices ranging from $20 to $200 per night. Most of the accommodation options are located on the beachfront, or within walking distance from the beach, and they offer amenities such as air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, hot water, and breakfast.
Here are some of the best accommodation options on Thulusdhoo Island, based on reviews, ratings, and value for money:
Season Paradise
Season Paradise is a 4-star hotel that offers an amazing infinity pool, a spa, a restaurant, and a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the ocean and the sunset. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, with balconies, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and safes. The hotel also provides free Wi-Fi, free breakfast, and free airport transfers. You can book your room at Season Paradise online and get the best deals and discounts.
Season Paradise is the perfect choice if you are looking for a luxury and relaxing stay on Thulusdhoo Island. You can enjoy the facilities and services of the hotel, or take advantage of the activities and excursions that the hotel can arrange for you, such as surfing, snorkeling, diving, fishing, and resort day trips.
Dream Inn
Dream Inn is a 3-star guesthouse that offers a cozy and friendly atmosphere, a garden, a barbecue area, and a shared lounge. The rooms are clean and cozy, with private bathrooms, air-conditioning, and Wi-Fi. The guesthouse also provides free breakfast, free bicycle rental, and free airport transfers. You can book your room at Dream Inn online and get the best deals and discounts.
Dream Inn is the perfect choice if you are looking for a budget and social stay on Thulusdhoo Island. You can meet and interact with other travelers, or join the activities and excursions that the guesthouse can arrange for you, such as surfing, snorkeling, diving, fishing, and cultural immersion.
What to Do on Thulusdhoo Island
Thulusdhoo Island is a paradise for adventure and nature lovers, as it offers a range of activities and attractions to suit different interests and abilities. You can enjoy the sun, the sand, and the sea, or explore the culture, the history, and the wildlife of the island. Here are some of the best things to do on Thulusdhoo Island:
Swimming in the Infinity Pool
One of the highlights of staying at Season Paradise is the access to the infinity pool, which is the only one on the island. The infinity pool is located on the rooftop terrace, and it offers a breathtaking view of the ocean and the horizon. You can swim, relax, or sunbathe in the pool, or enjoy a drink or a snack from the pool bar. The infinity pool is open from 7 am to 7 pm, and it is free for guests of Season Paradise, or $10 for non-guests.
Surfing
Thulusdhoo Island is famous for its surfing spots, which attract surfers from all over the world. The island has two main surf breaks, Cokes and Chickens, which are located on the eastern and western sides of the island, respectively. Cokes is a right-hand reef break that produces fast and powerful waves, while Chickens is a left-hand reef break that produces long and mellow waves. Both breaks are suitable for intermediate and advanced surfers, and they can be reached by a short boat ride from the island.
You can rent a surfboard or a surf lesson from one of the surf shops or surf camps on the island, such as Cokes Surf Camp, Thulusdhoo Surf Camp, or Canopus Retreat. The surf season runs from April to October, and the best time to surf is in the morning or the evening, when the wind is calm and the tide is high.
Snorkeling
Thulusdhoo Island is surrounded by a coral reef that is home to a variety of marine life, such as turtles, rays, sharks, and colorful fish. You can snorkel in the clear and warm water, and explore the underwater world of the Maldives. You can rent a snorkel or a snorkel tour from one of the dive shops or guesthouses on the island, such as Ocean Cottage, Dive Club Maldives, or Dream Inn. The snorkeling spots are located near the island, or a short boat ride away, and they are suitable for beginners and experts alike. The snorkeling season runs all year round, and the best time to snorkel is in the morning or the afternoon, when the sun is bright and the visibility is high.
Diving
Thulusdhoo Island is also a great destination for diving, as it offers some of the best dive sites in the Maldives, such as Lankan Manta Point, Banana Reef, and Nassimo Thila. You can dive in the deep and clear water, and encounter some of the most amazing creatures of the ocean, such as manta rays, whale sharks, dolphins, and moray eels. You can rent a dive or a dive tour from one of the dive shops or guesthouses on the island, such as Ocean Cottage, Dive Club Maldives, or Dream Inn. The dive sites are located a short boat ride away from the island, and they are suitable for different levels of experience and certification. The diving season runs all year round, but the best time to dive is from November to May, when the water is calm and the currents are mild.
Fishing
Fishing is a popular and traditional activity on Thulusdhoo Island, as it is a main source of income and food for the locals. You can join a fishing trip and experience the thrill and fun of catching your own fish, such as tuna, snapper, grouper, and barracuda. You can rent a fishing rod or a fishing tour from one of the guesthouses or hotels on the island, such as Season Paradise, Dream Inn, or Ocean Cottage. The fishing trips are usually done in the morning or the evening, and they last for about 3 to 4 hours. You can also choose to cook and eat your catch, or donate it to the locals.
Sandbank Excursion
A sandbank excursion is a must-do activity on Thulusdhoo Island, as it is a unique A sandbank excursion is a must-do activity on Thulusdhoo Island, as it is a unique and unforgettable experience. A sandbank is a small island of sand that emerges from the sea at low tide, creating a white and pristine beach surrounded by turquoise water. You can visit a sandbank near Thulusdhoo Island and enjoy a picnic, a swim, a snorkel, or a sunbathe on this natural wonder. You can rent a sandbank excursion from one of the guesthouses or hotels on the island, such as Season Paradise, Dream Inn, or Ocean Cottage. The sandbank excursion usually lasts for about 2 to 3 hours, and it costs around $20 to $30 per person, depending on the size of the group and the food and drinks provided.
Resort Day Trip
If you want to experience the luxury and glamour of the resort islands in the Maldives, but without spending a fortune, you can take a resort day trip from Thulusdhoo Island. A resort day trip allows you to access the facilities and services of a nearby resort island, such as the pool, the spa, the restaurant, and the beach, for a fraction of the price of staying there. You can choose from several resort islands that are close to Thulusdhoo Island, such as Club Med Kani, Cinnamon Dhonveli, or Adaaran Prestige Vadoo. You can rent a resort day trip from one of the guesthouses or hotels on the island, such as Season Paradise, Dream Inn, or Ocean Cottage. The resort day trip usually lasts for about 6 to 8 hours, and it costs around $50 to $100 per person, depending on the resort and the package.
Cultural Immersion
One of the best things about visiting Thulusdhoo Island is the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and lifestyle of the Maldives.
You can learn about the history, the religion, the traditions, and the customs of the island and its people, and interact with them in a respectful and friendly way.
You can visit the mosque, the school, the market, and the fishing harbor, and observe the daily activities and rituals of the locals.
You can also join a cooking class, a handicraft workshop, or a cultural show, and learn some skills and knowledge from the locals.
You can rent a cultural immersion tour from one of the guesthouses or hotels on the island, such as Season Paradise, Dream Inn, or Ocean Cottage.
The cultural immersion tour usually lasts for about 2 to 3 hours, and it costs around $10 to $20 per person, depending on the activities and the guide.
What to Eat on Thulusdhoo Island
Thulusdhoo Island has a rich and diverse cuisine that reflects the influences of the Indian, Sri Lankan, and Arabic cultures.
The main ingredients of the local cuisine are tuna, coconut, curry, and roshi, which are prepared in various ways and styles.
You can taste the local cuisine on Thulusdhoo Island, and discover some of the most delicious and unique dishes of the Maldives.
Here are some of the best dishes to try on Thulusdhoo Island:
Mas Huni
Mas huni is a traditional breakfast dish that consists of shredded tuna, grated coconut, onion, chili, and lime juice, mixed together and served with roshi, a flatbread similar to roti. Mas huni is a light and refreshing dish that is high in protein and flavor, and it is usually eaten with tea or coffee.
Garudhiya
Garudhiya is a staple dish that consists of a clear fish broth made from tuna, water, salt, and curry leaves, boiled for hours until the fish is tender and the broth is aromatic. Garudhiya is a simple and hearty dish that is served with rice, roshi, lime, chili, and onion, and it is usually eaten with your hands.
Bis Keemiya
Bis keemiya is a snack or a starter that consists of a pastry filled with shredded cabbage, hard-boiled egg, onion, and curry powder, deep-fried until golden and crispy. Bis keemiya is a savory and crunchy dish that is influenced by the Sri Lankan samosa, and it is usually eaten with a spicy sauce or a chutney.
Kulhi Boakibaa
Kulhi boakibaa is a dessert or a snack that consists of a cake made from smoked tuna, coconut, rice, sugar, and spices, baked in a tray and cut into pieces. Kulhi boakibaa is a sweet and spicy dish that is influenced by the Indian halwa, and it is usually eaten with tea or coffee.
Thulusdhoo Island has several restaurants and cafes that serve the local cuisine, as well as international dishes, such as pizza, pasta, burgers, and salads. Here are some of the best restaurants and cafes on Thulusdhoo Island, based on reviews, ratings, and value for money:
Contagious Pizza
Contagious Pizza is a popular and cozy restaurant that serves the best pizza on the island, as well as other Italian dishes, such as pasta, lasagna, and tiramisu. The pizza is made with fresh ingredients and baked in a wood-fired oven, and it comes in various sizes and toppings. The restaurant also serves drinks, such as coffee, juice, and smoothies, and it has a friendly and attentive staff. You can find Contagious Pizza on the main road of the island, and it is open from 11 am to 10 pm.
Amilla Cafe
Amilla Cafe is a charming and relaxing cafe that serves a variety of dishes, such as sandwiches, wraps, salads, and soups, as well as desserts, such as cakes, muffins, and ice cream. The cafe also serves drinks, such as tea, coffee, milkshakes, and mocktails, and it has a lovely garden and a hammock. You can find Amilla Cafe on the beachfront of the island, and it is open from 8 am to 10 pm.
Thulusdhoo Island is a hidden gem in the Maldives that offers a budget-friendly and authentic alternative to the resort islands. You can experience the local culture and lifestyle of the island, as well as enjoy the sun, the sand, and the sea, on this beautiful and diverse island. You can also explore the nearby islands and attractions, such as sandbanks, resorts, and dive sites, on this amazing island.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Thulusdhoo Island today and get ready to experience the local Maldives on a budget!
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