Glimpsing authentic Maldives – a photo diary of Gaafaru

  1. Maldives Local Islands: What to Expect + Which to Visit
  2. Glimpsing authentic Maldives – a photo diary of Gaafaru
  3. Cheap Holidays in Maldives: 8 days with Mirian Sky Hotel
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  5. Villa Park Resort Maldives review: when lush jungle meets the sea
  6. Royal Island Resort and Spa: a quiet escape in the Maldives

Most people only think of resort islands when they think of Maldives, but they know very little about the people of this small island nation. As a Muslim country as well as one of the flattest countries in the world, it wouldn’t surprise anyone that fishing is the occupation that most Maldivian holds. What about the rest? What is their way of life? What is their home like? What do they do for fun? For many who only visit the resort islands, they won’t know the answer to these questions. However, having stayed on the local island of Gaafaru with Mirian Sky, the only hotel in the area, I’ve got the privilege to interact and get a glimpse of their life.

My 8 days with Mirian Sky Hotel

Now, I won’t pretend to know every aspect of their life, seeing as how I did spend more time exploring the underwater world. However, here are a photo diary and the meager things I’ve gathered from talking to some of the locals:

 

Jorli

Jorli space on Gaafaru, Maldives | Laugh Travel Eat
A little Jorli space

At first, I have no idea what these netted, metal things were. They resemble fishnets but the function wasn’t immediately clear. But it turns out that they are the Maldivian version of benches.

Jorli fithi, Gaafaru, Maldives | Laugh Travel Eat
A row of Jorli fithi in the shade

Plural, as in those that are in a row, are called Jorli Fothi. They also come in hanging for, too, kind of like a hammock.Girl on Jorli, Gaafaru, Maldives | Laugh Travel Eat

Many locals can be seen chilling in them in various spots around Gaafaru, chatting with friends and family or playing on their phone.

Mostly one storey homes with colourful exterior

Most people imagine Maldives’ houses as the overwater villa in a resort. But that’s not where its people live. Admittedly, some of the houses are nothing but a simple concrete structure with metal roofs, but there are also many colours in Gaafaru.

Lilac house on Gaafaru, Maldives | Laugh Travel Eat

Lilac, turquoise, yellow, orange and pink, they have some stunning vibrant colours with gorgeous door and windows.Green house with red fence, Gaafaru, Maldives | Laugh Travel EatOrange and pink house, Gaafaru, Maldives | Laugh Travel Eat

Football

Old football patch, Gaafaru, Maldives | Laugh Travel Eat
The older football pitch with broken fence and sandy ground

Football (as in soccer) is the biggest sport on the island. There is a field next to the old harbour where games frequently occur in the cooler evenings.

New football pitch, Gaafaru, Maldives | Laugh Travel Eat
The new one with grass!

Men of all ages would gather outside to watch and cheer.Football pitch, Gaafaru, Maldives | Laugh Travel Eat

The two cafes

Island Deck, Gaafaru, Maldives | Laugh Travel Eat
Coolest cafe in Gaafaru

There are two cafes in town: the Island Deck facing the old and new harbour and the Lemon Leaf Café. I’ve only been briefly up the Island Deck Café, which has a rooftop area that offers an excellent view of Gaafaru as it is one of the highest building in town. But since my stay was full board, I hadn’t got the chance to try their food.

Wonderful beach and lagoon

Gaafaru bikini beach, Maldives | Laugh Travel EatGaafaru has one of the largest lagoons out of all the islands of Maldives and they are an unreal shade of blue. I found out that the shade corresponds to what lies beneath: turqoise for sand, blue-green for dead corals and dark blue for live corals.

Maldives fishing boat in the blue sea, Gaafaru, Maldives | Laugh Travel EAt
The surreal shade of blue in the morning!

There were a lot of hermit crabs on the stretch of bikini beach, the only area bikini is allowed, as well. They come out at night and are the cutest critters!

Hermit crab, bikini beach, Gaafaru, Maldives | Laugh Travel Eat
Hermit cabs’ world when the sun goes down!

Sandy road but plenty of motorcycles, even on a small island

Colourful street of Gaafaru, Maldives | Laugh Travel Eat
Your stereotypical street on Gaafaru complete with colourful houses! Notice the “potted” plants for eating.

The roads are wider than expected but simple. Though the island is small, many locals would drive around in their motorcycles. Children often do the same on bicycles and there are even some that have hoverboards.

Streets of Gaafaru, Maldives | Laugh Travel Eat
Another street – you might just see the little girl by the doorway!
Smoked fish drying on Gaafaru, Maldives | Laugh Travel Eat
Smoked fish drying on the street side – fishing is the main source of income here!
tuk tuk on Gaafaru, Maldives | Laugh Travel Eat
The cutest tuk tuk parked near the school

Friendly children and locals

smiling girl, Gaafaru, Maldives | Laugh Travel EatAs I take my strolls around town, many children have come up to me and said hi. Most of them know a few words in English from school.

selfie with a family on Gaafaru, Maldives | Laugh Travel Eat I usually received enthusiastic waves and nods – one girl even gifted me with some shells! Another came and greeted me enthusiastically. I’ve asked permission before taking photos – in case you are wondering.

kid on a bicycle, Gaafaru, Maldives | Laugh Travel Eat
This kid looking a bit moody on a bicycle!

Satellite dishes

The most prominent feature on the island are the two tall Satellite dishes from the two mobile company in Maldives. They are near the Mirian Sky Hotel where I stayed and acted as a landmark for me when I get lost in the twists and turns for the first few days.

The protective reef of Gaafaru

Gaafaru protective reefs, Maldives | Laugh Travel eat
The reef is closer on this side of the island

One of the most impressive features I’ve seen, Gaafaru is surrounded by reefs and shallow water with the second biggest lagoon in the country. These reefs protect the island from storms and you can see waves from deeper water crash into them 24/7. It’s almost like Moanna the movie – magical.

The music night (Maldivian Idol) next to the colourful playground

Gaafaru music night, Maldives | Laugh Travel Eat
A small crowd gathered to listen to the local music night

A fact that my fellow travellers found out and told me: Gaafaru is home to the winners of Maldivian Idol and we have the privilege of seeing them perform on a Friday night. They played on the empty space next to the children’s playground and a large crowd gathered to watch.

Coffee fan

Coffee on top of island deck overlooking children's playground, Gaafaru, Maldives | Laugh Travel Eat
Enjoying a coffee on top of Island Deck Coffee.
Not me though, it’s my friend Sylvia’s. I don’t drink coffee

From the largest (and one of the only two) café in town – the Island deck, you can seep coffee and enjoy the view of the Gaafaru harbour along with many locals. They have a huge appreciate for the beverage and while I dislike it, I enjoy the view just as much.

3 thoughts on “Glimpsing authentic Maldives – a photo diary of Gaafaru

  1. Monica Sharma says:

    Hey Nam, Thanks for sharing such an informative article. It was very helpful as I was planning a trip to the Maldives this summer.

  2. FRANCOIS SAVARD says:

    Hi Nam,

    good post ! we’ll be coming to Gaafaru this winter. Did you eat always at the hotel ? Was it possible to buy fresh fish from the street or port ?

    Have a great day !

    • Nam Cheah says:

      I had all my meals at the hotel but you can opt for half board or B&B and eat elsewhere. I didn’t see any fresh fish for sale but you can always go fishing and they’ll cook those for you 🙂

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