Observing Cultural Norms on 'Local' Islands in the Maldives
My partner and I are looking at going to the Maldives next year, and in an effort to keep the costs down, we are looking at spending time on local islands (some or all of Thoddoo, Rashdoo, Ukulhas and Maafushi).
I am aware that, for example, alcohol is not permitted, and that "bikini" beaches are the only places in which tourists can sunbathe in western swimwear.
What I can't see is how strictly laws requiring things like covering from shoulders to knees while in public, possessing contraception, unmarried couples sharing rooms, etc. are actually enforced. There seems to be many accounts online saying that there are rules, and plenty of other evidence of people not obeying these rules.
How likely is carrying on as relatively normal to cause offence or result in legal issues?
Best Answer
Wikivoyage is a great usually-up to date reference for this, and in this case:
https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Ukulhas - Nudism is prohibited. Swimming in bikinis is allowed only on the 1 main tourist beach and prosecuted in all other areas, a rule that is strictly monitored and enforced by the locals. Alcohol is banned by law but still can be arranged by some of the hotels, for highly inflated prices.
https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Thoddoo - Thoddoo Island is surrounded by a wonderful beach. The locals are very friendly and very welcoming, but due to Muslim restrictions you can only swim at the designated tourist beach which sometimes is called the bikini beach. While outside the tourist beach it advisable to wear beach clothing rather than bikinis or swimming slips.
https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Rasdhoo - Bikini beach. You can also snorkel and see Mantas, Stingrays and some sharks which will swim away once you try to get close to them.. However, its coral reef has started degrading due to touristic activity and perhaps will die off in several years. And yay, bikinis are allowed here, in opposite to all other beach areas on the island where it's strictly prohibited.
Conclusion: each island has realised tourism is valuable, designates a 'bikini beach', and that's the only place it's acceptable. As described, alcohol is feasible, but at a cost and not in public, and the locals will likely enforce any flouting of their clothing rules. Besides, it's best to try and fit in with the local customs to some extent.
Pictures about "Observing Cultural Norms on 'Local' Islands in the Maldives"
What is forbidden in Maldives?
Islam in the Maldives It is illegal to import explosives, weapons, firearms, ammunition and drugs, but in addition, the importation of material deemed contrary to Islam \u2013 such as pornography, pork and pork products, alcohol, idols for worship, bibles or any non-Islamic religious text \u2013 is also illegal.What are Maldives local islands?
Top 20 Local Islands To Visit In Maldives- 1- V.Keyodhoo.
- 2- V.Fulidhoo.
- 3- K.Maafushi.
- 4- Aa.Ukulhas.
- 5-Aa. Rasdhoo.
- Laamu Gan.
- 7- V.Thinadhoo.
- 8- Fuvahmulah.
Who are the locals in Maldives?
Local islands are reopened from 15 October 2020 onwards. Maldives Reopening Guideline. Rasdhoo can not be called \u201cMaldives paradise\u201d with an endless snow-white beach.What are Cultural Norms?
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Images: Asad Photo Maldives, Asad Photo Maldives, Asad Photo Maldives, Roberto Nickson