Thoddoo Island - Maldives

Thoddoo Island is surrounded by a wonderful beach. The locals are very friendly and very welcoming, but due to Muslim restrictions you can only swim at the designated tourist beach which sometimes is called the bikini beach. While outside the tourist beach it is advisable to wear beach clothing rather than bikinis or swimming slips.

The film Ghosts Can’t Do It was filmed on the Island of Thoddoo. The cast stayed in tents on the beach. The 45th president Donald Trump took a small part in the film but was never in Thoddoo.

You can see the Fresh fruit farms; Mainly Passion fruits and Papayas are grown, and they are one of the tastiest and freshest you can eat. Mangoes, eggplants, zucchinis, tomatoes, lettuce are grown very limited.

Lots of grocery shops with a very extensive range of products, big variety of fruits and vegetables.

There are no ATMs or banks. It is also worth noting that any place on the island will readily accept US dollars as a payment, but not credit cards. There are few souvenir shops in the ısland. Also there are few restaurants on the island. Since Thoddoo ısland is suitable for a low budget tourist destination you can buy some goods from the small markets. Some guest houses allow you to use their kitchen.

 

Things To Do In Thoddoo Island

• Snorkeling: Just swim a few meters off the beach and you will encounter wonderful underwater views. If you swim around 100 meters you can reach the outer reef as well. Bear in mind that when swimming to the outer reef, there may be strong currents. During the full Moon there will be a low tide and you can walk halfway to the outer reef.
• Fishing: You can do morning and night fishing with a boat. It is easy to catch fish off shore. After fishing, ask your guest house for a BBQ.
• Diving. Contact the Thoddoo diving center.

Thoddoo Island is surrounded by a wonderful beach. The locals are very friendly and very welcoming, but due to Muslim restrictions you can only swim at the designated tourist beach which sometimes is called the bikini beach. While outside the tourist beach it is advisable to wear beach clothing rather than bikinis or swimming slips.

The film Ghosts Can’t Do It was filmed on the Island of Thoddoo. The cast stayed in tents on the beach. The 45th president Donald Trump took a small part in the film but was never in Thoddoo.

 

Places To Stay In Thoddoo Island

Thoddoo Island is an inhabited island with guest houses which are ideal for low budget accommodations. The guest houses first opened in 2014. Approximately another 2 or 3 are opening every year.

• Resten Inn: A family run a wonderful guesthouse. Very comfortable beds and you can use the free bicycles to get around the island and to the beach. Has air conditioning, fan fridge and safe.  
• Ari Heaven: Ari heaven, Muringu, Dhilbahaaru magu. This property is 2 minutes walk from the beach. Ari heaven Thoddoo Maldives offers accommodations in Thoddoo. The guesthouse has a barbecue and views of the garden, and guests can enjoy a meal at the restaurant. Free WiFi is featured throughout the property and free private parking is available on site. All rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV. Certain units feature a sitting area to relax in after a busy day. You will find a kettle in the room. Every room includes a private bathroom. Extras include free toiletries and a hairdryer.

 

Thoddoo Buddhist Temple

This place again lays evidence of Buddhism as a culture that once flourished in the Maldives. The site was discovered recently in the 1950s, and retains ruins of Buddhist artefacts. Presently the area holds temple wrecks, roman coins and some silver relics from the ancient times. A Buddhist statue buried in the nearby area is a clear hint that Buddhism was practised long back in the country. The area has become a significant tourist spot and highlights essential details about the religious history of the country.

In truth, Buddhism exists in the Maldives, and Thoddoo Buddhist Temple signifies it. This shrine was discovered in the 1950s (approx.) and houses Buddhist artifacts, Roman coins, and silver relics. The discovery also states that one Buddhist statue was found buried nearby the temple. This clearly depicts that Buddhism was fondly practiced in the Maldives long, decades back.

Indeed, Thoddoo Buddhist Temple is one of the Maldives’ best historic sites highlighting Buddhist history. You can reach Thoddoo Island from Malé on a ferry, seaplane, and speedboat. Apart from the Buddhist temple, make sure you indulge in beach hopping, snorkeling, Sandbank visit, Mosque hopping.

Location: Thoddoo Island

Entry fee: Free of cost