There are roughly four kinds of uninhabited islands. One is the basic sandbar, which is nothing much but a spit of sand in the middle of the sea. These islands are great to visit for the day, as there will be no shade except for a beach umbrella that you packed. Sunbathing, swimming and snorkeling accounts for most activities if you’re not into surfing, windsurfing, kayaking and diving. It’s not a good idea to stay the night on a sand bar as it can get very cold in the night due to the wind chill factor.
The second is the smallest vegetated island. Now these are better for overnight stays. Usually these islands are on a shallow reef with a larger island within wading distance. The third is the uninhabited island that has never known civilization. These islands are great for adventurers, but for historians and people who like to learn more about the Maldivian culture, there are the deserted islands, which had known inhabitation in the past, but were deserted due to population consolidation, famine, war or superstition… usually a combination of the above.
These islands have ruins of mosques, houses and graveyards as well as the overgrown paths that used to be streets. The air is of a melancholy sweetness, as we see how mankind is so impermanent, when compared to the power of natural restoration, and will be a great place to spend the night. Learn more about holiday in the Maldives.
