Thulhaadhoo
Thulhaadhoo, Baa Atoll
The home of the traditional Maldivian lacquerware craft (liyelaa jehun). Visitors can tour workshops and watch artisans lacquer and carve by hand on lathes.
Thulhaadhoo is an inhabited island on the western side of Baa Atoll, famous for its lacquerware for centuries. Artisans turn boxes, bottles, and bowls from local wood on a lathe, then apply layers of red, yellow, and black lacquer and carve patterns into them. The pieces were once sent to the sultan's court as tribute. Family workshops on the island are still open to visitors, and souvenirs can be bought there. Many resorts in Baa Atoll offer half-day “inhabited island culture” tours, and the island can also be reached by speedboat from Dharavandhoo. Visitors must dress appropriately, and alcohol is prohibited.
Opening hours
Workshop open by day (closed Fri during prayer hours)
Nearby sights
- Goidhoo Atoll Islands (Fulhadhoo)
- Soneva Fushi
- Dharavandhoo
- Baa Atoll (Hanifaru Bay)
- Kihavah Huravalhi (Anantara Kihavah)
- Landaa Giraavaru (Four Seasons)
- JOALI Maldives
- Vaadhoo Island