Nilandhoo
Maldives on a Budget
March, 2020
Nilandhoo is the largest and most populated island in the Faafu Atoll, Maldives. One of the few places where you can see the authentic Maldives, the paradise island of F. Nilandhoo offers cheap vacation with beautiful beach, blue crystal water colors, lush vegetation, the most stunning sunsets and the wonderful accommodation. If you are a relatively independent and conscious traveler the island is definitely the best experience for people who appreciate the naturalness of such places.
On the island you will talk to the local people, go fishing with them, barbecue on a desert island or lie in the middle of the ocean on a sandbank. After returning, you can eat local cuisine in the bakery on the island or one of the many cafes. This is the kind of place still not contaminated by mass tourism, a bit unspoiled and yet friendly to newcomers.
The best guest house to stay, the Remora Inn is a magical place to get to know the real Maldives, that is, the beauty of the surrounding nature, fabulous beaches and views, as well as giving the opportunity to get to know the culture and everyday life of the inhabitants. No luxury hotel will give You that!
![Nilandhoo, faafu atoll, maldives on a budget](../pictures/f-nilandhoo-aerial.jpg)
How to Get: Transfers
From the very arrival to Male - we were picked up from the airport, everything was done very efficiently (tickets for the boat, transport itself, even luggage from the port we didn't have to lug, they went by tuk-tuk!)
Local Ferry Transfer from Malé City to Nilandhoo
Travel time is an approximately 7 hours to reach to Nilandhoo Island. The ferry departs from capital Male city, “Anni Jetty” ferry terminal. This is air-conditioned express ferry, guests will get a bed to sleep. One way trip cost USD 16 dollars per person. The local hosts will make reservation and buy tickets in advance once booking is confirmed.
Local ferry schedule:
Malé to Nilandhoo - Every Tuesday night 9 pm
Nilandhoo to Malé - Every Saturday night 2 pm
Speed Boat Transfer
The speedboat jorney takes approximately 2 hours 30 min to reach Nilandhoo Island. The speedboats depart from Male City “Petrol Jetty” terminal. One way trip cost USD 45 dollars per person.
Speedboat timetable:
Malé to Nilandhoo - Every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday noon 1 pm
Nilandhoo to Malé - Every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday Morning 7.30 am
Domestic Flight Transfer + speadboat
The an other way to reach Nilandhoo is Domestic flight. It takes approximately 20 min to reach Maamigili International Airport from Male. A speedboat will take you to Nilandhoo Island, which takes 45 min. One way transfer cost Domestic Flight USD 170 per person and one way Speedboat cost USD 80 per person. Usually there are five to six flights daily and the schedule varies. Recommended to book in advance. The domestic flight are bookable directly by guest via Flyme website on FIT rate or our hotel staffs would be more then happy to assist the guest in making the domestic flight reservation under our special contracted rate. Please let your's hotel staff know and they will be book on your behalf. Payment can be settled up on Check In. Fare Varies for Locals & Work Permit Holders. The flight also operates during night time to cater the evening arrivals. The prices for the domestic flight are as below; There is an ATM on the island of Maamigili.
Guest House will arrange Ferry and speed boat tickets in advance; therefore, kindly share information about arrival time to Male, no later than 3 days before check-in time.
The Island
F.Nilandhoo is the capital of Faafu Atoll, a region with five inhabited islands. It is the largest and most populated island in the region, and includes historical sites such as foah'mathi and Aasaari Miskiy and a school. Foah'mathi is a historical site with a Buddhist temple under it, while Aasaari Miskiy is the second mosque built in the Maldives.
A small charming island has local eateries and shops, a small market, a pharmacy, a large playground for children, an outdoor gym for adults and a hospital.
As for other side of the island Nilandhoo is a paradise, virgin beach, delightful inhabitants, exotic fruits, singing birds, the world's largest bats - just tropic idyll with unforgettable music of palm trees and the ocean.
The locals on the island are so friendly, smile, always saying 'hello'. The children are the sweetest and as you walk around the island and become familiar with everyone, you feel like a part of the community.
![Nilandhoo, faafu atoll, maldives on a budget](../pictures/nilandhoo-island-life.jpg)
The Beach
The island is small but big enough to have some beaches to explore. The main beach is beautiful and clean.
The only bikini beach on the island is stone's throw from the Remora Inn, specially separated but open to everyone. The best thing of Maafushi's beach experience is that the sands are never crowded. The guest house also offers the option of renting umbrellas, snorkelling gear and fins.
The ocean around Nilandhoo is simply fantastic - very clean, crystalline and amazing colors, and there are a some snorkeling spots. A few hundred meters from the sand, huge stretches of house reef with colorful fish from small to large (for perceptive and with a bit of luck to see sharks, turtles and rays).
![Nilandhoo bikini beaCH](../pictures/nilandhoo-bikini-beach.jpg)
Scuba Diving
Nilandhoo is surrounded by very unique dive sites of Maldives. You can experience Manta point, reef and whale sharks, turtles, napoleons and large school of reef fish. Nilandhoo's dive masters will take you on an unforgettable underwater adventure.
Things to Do
In addition to fun diving there are snorkeling excursions, jet ski, wakeboarding, water skiingand other types of water sports.
Remora Inn organizes all sorts of exursions. There is a sand bank, i.e. a snow-white beach in the middle of the ocean, there are nearby local islands that can be visited and sunbathing. Each of them has a beautiful paradise beach and great snorkelling spots.
Big-game fishing, often referred to as offshore sport fishing, offshore game fishing, or blue-water fishing is a form of recreational fishing, targeting large fish renowned for their sporting qualities, such as tuna and marlin. Catching a marlin or a tuna is not difficult. You will need patience & a little help from local experts.
The nearest luxury resorts drift south and north of Nilandhoo. Daytime all-inclusive excursions are offered to Filiteyo island and Sun Aqua Vilu Reef. These trips will allow you to enjoy with the unique beauty of island resorts, including their beaches, facilities and delicious lunch buffet, at least some of the islands.
Also recommended a deserted island trip, where you'll enjoy a very delicious local fish, cooked on coconut shells. Surrounded by blue sea sand bank is the best place for a sun bath. Spending your day with your lover, family or friends would be a unique and unforgettable experience.
![Nilandhoo, faafu atoll, maldives on a budget](../pictures/nilandhoo-activities.jpg)
Food
Food is very good and the chef cooks so hard daily to make an amazing local breakfast, lunch and dinner/different options - meat/veggie and fresh seafood. Has only one con. You will understand when you get 5kg of whole fish for the first time and you will not be able to stop eating it because it is too tasty. Portions are definitely very large.
As for the menu, it is a very interesting solution to combine local and continental cuisine, in case someone does not taste the Maldivian delicacies.
You have 4 breakfast options to choose from (local and European, everyone will find something for themselves - We recommend Mashuni roshi and several dinner options to choose from including grilled fish.
There is a bakery on the island with delicious local snacks, passion fruit juice and coffee.
![Nilandhoo, faafu atoll, maldives on a budget](../pictures/beach-dining-nilandhoo.jpg)
Where to Stay
With a nice family atmosphere Remora Inn is a charming guest house where the service is very friendly and professional. Air conditioned and very clean rooms, daily room service, European style bathrooms, delicious local food, freshed juice served with every meal, coffee and a bottle of cold water.
Large bed, comfortable bedside table, wardrobe, hanger and desk. Towels clean, on request are changed as often as you want. The bathroom has a shower and rain shower, sink and toilet.
The owner (Mrs. Magda )is fantastic, passionate about Maldives and willing to help you any time, she organizes also many trips so you won't get bored. Guesthouse is located few steps from bikini beach.
![Nilandhoo, faafu atoll, maldives on a budget](../pictures/rooms_interior.jpg)
Video
![luxurious holidays guide in maldives](https://maldives-magazine.com/pictures/maldives-luxury-holiday-guide-5.jpg)
Maldives Luxury Guide
Here's the best of Maldives for luxury travellers. We've compiled the finest recommendations of places to stay, ranging from the most celebrated five-star resorts to luxurious private islands Read More
![maldives honeymoon guide](https://maldives-magazine.com/pictures/Coco-Bodu-Hithi-honeymoon.jpg)
Maldives Romantic Guide
The ultimate ‘flop and drop' and honeymoon destination, the Maldives is the playground for the most amazing and finest utilization of each second of this extremely valuable and hopeful time with each other in tota Read More
![cheap holidays in maldives](https://maldives-magazine.com/pictures/maldivy-deshevo-v-ray.jpg)
Maldives Budget Guide
Budget travellers choose Maldives as their destination of choice thanks to the variety of affordable stays Read More
![family travel to maldives with children](https://maldives-magazine.com/pictures/maldives-family-guide-5.jpg)
Maldives Family Guide
Maldives - a name that became synonymous with honeymooners' paradise in the tourism world, has slowly Read More
![scuba diving in the maldives ultimate guide](https://maldives-magazine.com/pictures/first-time-diving-in-maldives.jpg)
Maldives Diving Guide
The life of these paradise islands below the Indian Ocean's level is the main draw attracting thousands of divers Read More