Maldives · City Guide
Dgihu
Dgihu is one of the inhabited islands of the Maldives, providing an opportunity to experience authentic Maldivian local community life alongside the resort experience that dominates most visitors' itineraries. Local island tourism has developed in the Maldives to allow visitors to stay with local families and experience the genuine culture, food and daily life of an island community entirely different from the purpose-built resort islands.
Elect's take
"The opportunity to experience an inhabited Maldivian island provides a fascinating counterpoint to the resort experience. The local food, the community life and the genuine hospitality of the islanders create something very different from the luxury resort environment."
Local island tourism in the Maldives has grown significantly with guesthouses and small hotels providing accommodation that gives visitors access to the real Maldivian community. Inhabited islands have mosques, schools, shops and community life that provide fascinating cultural context for understanding the Maldivian way of life beyond the resort experience. The beaches on local islands are available during daylight hours with the understanding of local cultural sensitivities. Local restaurants provide excellent Maldivian cuisine including mas riha fish curry, garudhiya fish broth and huni hakuru hithi coconut and sugar sweet. Day trips to uninhabited sandbars and snorkelling spots can be arranged through local operators.
Best time to visit
How to get there
What to expect
Maldivian Community Life
An authentic experience of Maldivian island community culture and daily life.
Local Maldivian Cuisine
Authentic mas riha fish curry and traditional Maldivian food at local restaurants.
Community Mosque
The central role of Islam in Maldivian community life expressed through the island mosque.
Local Beach Life
Accessible beaches experiencing genuine local Maldivian coastal culture.
Day Trip Experiences
Excellent local snorkelling and sandbank day trips arranged through community operators.
Genuine Hospitality
An insight into Maldivian culture and genuine island community hospitality.
