While the Maldives is famous for its luxury resorts, the true heart of the country lies in its local islands. Located in the northern Haa Dhaalu Atoll, HDh. Kumundhoo is a beautiful island filled with rich history, lush green nature, and peaceful spaces.
How to Get to Kumundhoo
Getting to Kumundhoo is simple, and you have two main options depending on where you land:
• Via Hanimaadhoo International Airport: You can take a 1-hour domestic flight from Velana International Airport (Male’) to Hanimaadhoo. From Hanimaadhoo, you can take a speedboat directly to Kumundhoo, which takes about 35 to 45 minutes.
• Via Kulhudhuffushi Airport: Alternatively, you can fly into the regional airport in Kulhudhuffushi. Since Kumundhoo is located very close to the atoll capital, a speedboat ride from Kulhudhuffushi takes only about 20 to 30 minutes.
Once you step off the boat, here are 5 amazing things you can do during your visit:
1. Walk Through the Kumundhoo Nature Park
Deep inside the island’s green center is the Kumundhoo Nature Park, also known as Vehisara. This peaceful park is quite different from the usual beach views. It has nice wooden walkways that wind through thick trees and lead to calm mangrove wetlands. It is the perfect place to spot local birds, take a relaxing walk, or simply enjoy the quiet side of nature.
2. Discover the Ancient “Uskunna”
For anyone curious about history, visiting the Uskunna is a must. These are mysterious historical ruins found hidden within the island’s plants. You will see unique, round stone mounds that have been there for centuries. Local stories and studies suggest these are the remains of ancient Buddhist stupas from a time before the Maldives converted to Islam in 1153 AD. Walking around these old stones makes you feel connected to the island’s distant past.
3. Visit the 100-Year-Old Eid Mosque
Right in the middle of the village sits the historic Eid Mosque, which has stood for over a century. Unlike modern buildings, this beautiful mosque shows how old Maldivians built things using coral stone. The blocks of coral are carved to fit together perfectly without cement, and the wood inside features beautiful traditional carvings. The mosque area also has an old coral-stone water well, giving you a real look into the island’s early craftsmanship.
4. Explore the Beautiful “Gaakolhu Fengandu”
Nature lovers will want to visit Gaakolhu Fengandu, a stunning freshwater lake hidden on the island. This unique body of water is surrounded by green mangroves and offers a very peaceful environment. It is a great spot to take photos, sit quietly, and enjoy an ecosystem that you rarely see on typical resort islands. The calm water and the surrounding nature make it one of Kumundhoo’s best-hidden treasures.
5. Relax and Enjoy a BBQ at Sunset Beach
No trip to Kumundhoo is complete without spending time by the ocean. The island has beautiful white sand beaches, but the best one is Sunset Beach on the western side. It is the perfect spot to watch the sun go down and paint the sky in bright shades of orange and pink. To make things even better, the community has built BBQ huts right on the beach. You can grill fresh fish, listen to the waves, and spend a lovely evening under the stars.
Plan Your Trip with a 3D Preview!
Before you catch a flight or step onto the speedboat, you can get a sneak peek of these incredible locations right now. Head over to the “Explore Kumundhoo” tab on our website, where you can view immersive 3D views of the island’s key spots. Take a virtual walk through the nature park or stand by the ancient ruins before you arrive!