x-default

Getty Images

Thulusdhoo


Thulusdhoo has traditionally been an industrious island, known for manufacturing of bodu beru (big drums), for its salted-fish warehouse and for its Coca-Cola factory, the only one in the world where the drink is made from desalinated water. In the past few years tourism has exploded, however, and there are now some 30 guesthouses here, with plans for a further 20. There are several stretches of good beach, including a bikini beach and a bridge link to a small island.

Thulusdhoo is easy to reach from Male. There are regular speedboats (US$30, 30 minutes) from Male's Fishing Harbour and Velana International Airport; see Atoll Transfer for details. Otherwise you can take public ferry 308 from Male's New Harbour daily except Monday and Friday at 2.30pm, arriving in Thulusdhoo at 4.45pm.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Huraa

4.54 MILES

The island of Huraa is well used to tourists visiting from nearby resorts, but it retains its small-island feel. It is now home to several guesthouses,…

2. Dhiffushi

6.35 MILES

Dhiffushi is an appealing inhabited island, with around 1000 inhabitants, three mosques and two schools. Mainly a fishing island, it has lots of greenery,…

3. Himmafushi

7.15 MILES

Himmafushi is famous for its main street selling some of the least expensive souvenirs in the country, such as carved rosewood manta rays, sharks and…

4. Aarah

14.62 MILES

This small island was used as the president’s holiday retreat during the Gayoom era and as such was a heavily fortified installation complete with bunkers…

5. Funadhoo

15.99 MILES

This small island may not look like much, but it's the vital fuel repository for Male and indeed much of the country.

6. China-Maldives Friendship Bridge

16.35 MILES

This incredibly impressive piece of engineering connects Male to the airport island of Hulhule, but unlike most of the causeways connecting islands…

7. Artificial Beach

16.48 MILES

A sweet little crescent sand beach has been crafted from the breakwater tetrapods here where locals can swim and enjoy a day on the beach. There’s a whole…

8. Old Friday Mosque

16.51 MILES

This is the oldest mosque in the country, dating from 1656. It’s a beautiful structure made from coral stone into which intricate decoration and Quranic…