Dhigurah — Attraction in South Ari Atoll

This is the most beautiful island I have visited in the Maldives. The shape of the island, and the colour of the sea, and the way whilst in the middle of the path, can see the sea from two separate ways. However mans greed is rapidly changing this island into another Maafushi. Construction on every corner. Constant felling, and lopping of the virgin jungle, will make animals homeless and displaced. This will cause death, and if animals survive, they will be forced to move to another destroyed island. Sewage being pumped into the sea via pipes running into the sea directly, from all the buildings/hotels/restaurants/residents, etc. Many locals on all local islands I have visited, (including this island), keep animals in cages/perches, mainly birds. Fish are kept in miniscule tanks. No room for the fish/birds/animals. Westerners are not following the dress codes that are written all over the island, depicted with pictures. They are wandering the streets and beaches almost naked, some with a tiny bikini. Visiting restaurants in a bikini covered only in a sheer transparent cloth, or hardly any clothes. Local islands are not the place to do this. These types of tourists must go to the original types of Maldivian islands. A private resort. Tourists cannot expect to be treated nicely if they behave like on a resort. Local islands are just that, Local islands. It's not at all relaxing to be on a local island as one is constantly being watched. Better to be on a private island where there is total freedom to wear whatever. Maldives should never of changed the way tourism was initially. This was only one resort on one island, per island. Since Maafushi started the guesthouse scene, many other islands have followed suit. This has led to mass Construction, mass litter, Constant burning of rubbish (even more than previously), and an increase in hostile locals on local islands. Walking throughout the island along the beach and (what's left of) the jungle, I saw too much garbage everywhere. I mean everywhere. In the bushes, on the beach, tangled in the foliage. Household waste, bottles, tins, lots of family sized fridge/freezers, old vehicles and broken furniture. Locals on all local islands just toss things anywhere. Even if they are eating or smoking, and there is a bin, they still toss it on the ground. Quite disgusting. I have been visiting the Maldives over several decades, but don't think I will be back. This government is allowing the whole country to be destroyed by cheap over tourism. Destroying nature just to build over everything. All the land reclamation happening is destroying things rapidly. Lots of islands have lost a vast portion of jungle. Its happening here the same as what I saw in Borneo and the Amazon so many decades ago. The Maldives will be extinct even faster than anticipated, due to erosion from all the flora being eradicated. Then the extreme flooding from all the concrete, and lack of drainage. Such a shame. This island would of been stunning if it were unihabited. The real photos of Dhigurah now. See what the sandbank really looks like. Nothing like the Maldives tourist board shows. Locals litter every single island they are on, then they blame the mess on the sea washing the litter in. The mess on each island is caused by locals and gets shifted back and forth across the islands, but it is still their litter. Why don't they just take responsibility? I watch them eat drink and smoke daily. They just toss all finished items on the ground. But, the worst thing is the burning. They are burning rubbish next to healthy plants/trees. These trees/plants are getting burned and killed. One day they will do this. It won't be rainy season. It will be dry season. They will cause a massive wildfire. And, with no one to help, they will raze the whole jungle and island to a cinder. The five star review is for how the island would be if it were unihabited and undamaged by man's greed. It was a naturally beautiful island, but day by day I see it being destroyed by raw sewage pumping into the sea, over...

Absolutely beautiful paradise island. Long beach with tall palms and gorgeous sandbank at the very end. Dream coming true. Unfortunately snorekling at the shore is disappointing (not much going on), however beach is suitable for swimming with occasional rocks and the water colour is amazing. And this is why I give 2 stars. The problem here are the people. It's horrendously difficult to organize any tour, even whaleshark watching (which is kind of biggest reason people go there...). Only your hotel can organize a tour for you and they are not really proactive, you need to really bother them several times and demand a tour. Other hotels will not help you even if they have a tour because they organize it only for the their guests. Diving schools are not responsive at all, like they completely don't care if people come diving with them or not. Nobody wants your money and do any business apparently, super frustrating. People are very letargic and a bit unfriendly, there is absolutely nothing happening after sunset, only cats on the streets. Also, it's pricey compared to other local island for both tours (when you are lucky to book one..) and food and waiting time in any restaurant it's at least 1+ hour... Pretty place but overall experience is really disappointing. Would never...

The island is truly enchanting, with breathtaking natural beauty and exceptionally friendly locals. Its nature is what truly sets it apart. One side of the island offers coral reefs, perfect for snorkeling, while the other side is lined with pristine white sands and crystal-clear, pool-like waters. The sandbank is stunning, and the path leading to it offers a glimpse of the island’s jungle. During the low season, the village is peaceful and almost empty, giving the entire island an atmosphere of pure serenity.

That said, I believe the island’s development may be heading in the wrong direction. Instead of focusing on conservation, there is ongoing expansion with little regard for preserving the island’s unique natural environment. If this trend continues, it may not be long before the entire island is covered with hotels and restaurants. Very few Maldivian islands still have such vibrant ecosystems and vast undeveloped areas — and there is a growing number of tourists seeking exactly this kind of authentic, untouched experience and are willing to pay a premium for it.

Nevertheless, for now, I recommend...