Himmafushi (Kaafu Atoll)
Himmafushi (Dhivehi: ހިއްމަފުށި) is one of the inhabited islands of Kaafu Atoll.
Himmafushi | |
|---|---|
 View of Jafana Park, A famous beach area in Himmafushi. | |
  Himmafushi Location in Maldives | |
| Coordinates: 04°18′33″N 73°34′15″E | |
| Country | Maldives |
| Administrative atoll | Kaafu Atoll |
| Distance to Malé | 16.32 km (10.14 mi) |
| Government | |
| • Council | Himmafushi Council |
| Dimensions | |
| • Length | 0.900 km (0.559 mi) |
| • Width | 0.750 km (0.466 mi) |
| Population (2014)[1] | |
| • Total | 1,725 (including foreigners) |
| Time zone | UTC+05:00 (MST) |
| Website | visithimmafushi himmafushi |
Geography
The island is 16.32 km (10 mi; 9 nmi) northeast of the country's capital, Malé.[2] It is located in North Malé Atoll. Himmafushi is about 18 km (11 mi) from Male Airport. The only way to reach it is by boat.
Demography
| Historical population | ||
|---|---|---|
| Year | Pop. | ±% |
| 2006 | 1,007 | — |
| 2014 | 1,334 | +32.5% |
| 2006-2014: Census populations Source: [3] | ||
Economy
The locals rely on fishing and tourism for their livelihood. The island has its own fish processing company and a boat building facility to ease the demands of its own people.
Infrastructure
Himmafushi has about 850 locals but the population can rise to over 2000 as Himmafushi also houses the minor delinquent prison and a drug rehabilitation centre. Industry in Himmafushi consists of a water bottling facility and a tuna factory. There are three shops that sell the basic necessities and a few big souvenir shops as well.
Tourism
Himmafushi is less than a km long and wide. There is a semi legal bikini beach and a seasonal surf beach. There is a harbour restaurant which is an easygoing affair selling meals starting from US$3. There is no alcohol obtainable on the island. The staple diet contains tuna and coconut. The kitchen is simple but good. There are no dogs on the island but a few cats. Wildlife are birds and bats
The Locals are very quiet - rarely a loud noise from the men and never from the women. The men are relatively easy going. Muslim faith is upheld thus most women are in hijab. There is no deliberate thieving or violent crime from locals. However, be aware of dishonest conduct such as overcharging visitors etc.
Himmafushi is ideal for the budget conscious traveller that wants to have a relaxing holiday and see a bit of local life. Snorkelling tours etc. can be booked. Be sure to bring some cheap reef shoes/water socks. Snorkelling equipment can be hired and is supplied for the tours. The bikini beach is shallow and warm - so very family friendly. Snorkelling is simply world class.
Sport
Himmafushi, a local island, is geographically recognized for its world-famous surfing and diving spots.
Transport
To reach the hotels on Himmafushi Island, a public ferryboat or chartered speedboat can be arranged by hotels, for which payment will be collected upon check-in. Locally arranged airport pickups can be unreliable.
Ferry
The ferry takes 50 minutes to reach Himmafushi Island and costs approximately USD 2.00 per person per way. The ferry departs from Male’ at 14:30 hrs, and the return journey departs from Himmafushi Island at 08:00 hrs. For flights landing after 13:00 hrs, passengers need to take the speedboat transfer or make arrangements to stay in Male’. There are no ferry services on Friday.
References
- "Table PP5: Resident Population by sex, nationality and locality (administrative islands), 2014" (PDF). Population and Households Census 2014. National Bureau of Statistics. p. 34. Retrieved 12 August 2018.
- "Coordinate Distance Calculator". Boulter.com. Retrieved 12 August 2018.
- "Table 3.3: Total Maldivian Population by Islands" (PDF). National Bureau of Statistics. Retrieved 12 August 2018.