- A more authentic cultural experience
- Financial benefits for visitors and local people alike
The ‘local island experience’ in the Maldives is all about gaining a deeper insight into the culture. You’ll meet Maldivian people on their own terms instead of while they’re mixing drinks, serving dinner or watering ornate gardens, and learn a little about their lives. You may be going out on organised excursions, but much of the enjoyment on the islands comes from immersing yourself in the sights and sounds of community life – fishermen going about their business, afternoon tea in a café, wandering narrow lanes and greeting your neighbours.
To us, it’s always seemed an odd idea to travel halfway around the world and not experience much of the country you’re staying in. But that’s precisely the kind of artificial reality that most resort islands offer. You come home relaxed and pampered, but with little idea of what the Maldives is like.
Something that’s important to keep in mind when visiting a local island is that, unlike resort islands, they follow Islamic law, so you will not be able to order alcoholic drinks in restaurants, and it’s considered polite to dress modestly.
That’s especially the case if you’ve been invited into someone’s house. Although you can’t stay overnight in a family home, if you have a local guide making the introductions you may well be invited around for a home-cooked meal. There’s nothing better than eating alongside Maldivian kids and grannies as you tuck into freshly cooked tuna curries flavoured with coconut and chili.
Thulusdhoo
Dhiffushi
Gaafaru
Maafushi
Gulhi
Felidhoo
Fulidhoo
Thinadhoo