Maldives - Bandos Island

The island capital Male

Our Dhoni - the Dawn Chambermaid

   

Today, we docked in Male, the capital city of the Maldives, a group of 200 islands, southwest of Sri Lanka which are reputed to be the lowest islands on earth. 

The capital, Male itself, is only 2.5 miles by 1 mile and very heavily populated, with more than 300,000 people crowded onto the small island. We had been to Male previously, but we hadn't experienced the picture postcard beautiful island beaches that the Maldives are famous for. 

On this visit, we were determined to get to the famous islands, which is not easy because they are mostly exclusive private, luxury islands reserved for paying guests only. This is where Prince William and his new bride are reputed to have honeymooned after their wedding. 

after much research, wE were able to book a private group transfer for the 7km trip to Bandos Island for 18 of our friends. The transfer boat was a local 'dohni', a wooden fishing boat - we really went from in nautical shipping standards from the Dawn Princess to the Dawn Chambermaid!! 

We had heard horror stories about tourists who went privately to the islands and their return transfer failed to return to pick them up. The port lecturer also mentioned an incident where tourists took local transport to an island and were robbed at gun point on the return journey. She omitted to mention that they were 4 very elderly passengers - wearing all their jewelery etc.

 With these warnings in mind, and using basic common sense - we agreed with the tour company owner that we would pay in full when  we were returned to the pier in Male - and he agreed readily - after all, there were 9 large Aussie men in our group - and we don't travel to the beach wearing any bling!! 

The 40 minute transfer to the island was relatively smooth and we were met at the pier by the islands reception staff and taken to the checkin counter - we paid $45US each for the day pass to use the islands facilities - spa, beaches, bars, restaurants, water sports centre etc - it is a cashless island - similar to payments on the ship, we were given a charge card which was settled at the end of the day. 

Bandos Island is an upmarket private island resort surrounded by white coral sands and clear azure water for snorkeling. We walked past luxury suites at every turn including some spectacular accommodation over the water - although it was almost fully booked, there is a great feeling of privacy and seclusion for the guests. 

We quickly set up our gear on the beachside loungers, and headed for the water to cool off. The small colourful fish were everywhere around us- brightly coloured a s well as some that were well camouflaged against the sandy bottom. Sadly, the coral close to the shore was mostly dead - possibly due to the number of swimmers who try to stand on it, although it was also speculated that maybe the tsunami has killed it off. Further out, there was a drop off wall, and the coral was very colourful - a few reef sharks had made their home here, so we didn't stay long!! 

After swimming and snorkelling for a couple of hours, we retired to the Sundowner Bar for lunch, just as the group who were booked on the Princess tour arrived - another reason why we like to book smaller private tours. the sesame coated fish was delicious, as were the cocktails - I tried a Caribbean Champagne cocktail - yummy - a perfect drink for this hot day.

 Our two dhoni drivers were spotted on the other side of the island fishing from their boat, so we were confident that our return trip was secured. True to their word, they were punctual at 1.30pm for the return ride. They showed us their catch - two small fish - we joked that we could have used our hands to catch more fish while we were snorkelling. We were completely surrounded by spectacular coloured fish within touching distance.

After our return to the ship, it was time for a quick swim and our ritual sail away party on the back of deck 11, before a nana nap and dinner.

Since our Egyptian ports have been cancelled, we now have 8sea days before our next port, Ashdod, where we will be going back to Jerusalem - cant wait!!