How to Explore the Local Culture of Maldives

An archipelago of over 1000 little islands, the Maldives is located on the Indian Ocean. Influenced by its neighbours India and Sri Lanka the island has ties to several Asian cultures. However, the Maldives is a 100% Muslim nation, home to devout and simple people who enjoy island life and being one with nature. Exploring the local culture is quite an enjoyable experience as you will learn through this article.

Discover the Religious Background of Maldives: First Respect the Customs

A nation of Muslims the Maldives is governed by the laws of Islam. Therefore, as visitors to the nation, you too must strive to respect the customs of the reserved people. Here are some points to keep in mind.

• Alcohol is not allowed to be brought into the country. You can consume as much as you like on your island resort in the Maldives, but not in public. Nor must you go out to the public islands in a state of intoxication.

• Pork is banned in the Maldives and will not be served anywhere, and of course, you cannot bring any pork items into the nation.

• A strict dress code must be followed when visiting the mosques. Women must cover their heads, while both genders must wear clothing that covers their shoulders, arms and knees. It is respective of the customs to dress demurely in public. Avoid short shorts, skimpy tops and bikinis at public beaches.

Visit the Shrines

The best way to experience the rich Islamic culture of Maldives is to visit the mosques. Hukuru Miskiiy or the Old Friday Mosque located on the Male atoll is a beautiful vintage shrine built from pink coral in the 1600s. Inside are intricately decorated wooden windows and doors, Arabic calligraphy and historical artefacts. The Cemetary at the back is home to the tombs of past sultans, queens and national heroes.

The Grand Friday Mosque on the capital island Male is another fine place to visit. The large golden onion-shaped dome of the building glitters and glows in the afternoon sunlight acting as a beacon across the island. Opened in 1984 the mosque is elegantly simple, featuring a white marble façade and traditional lines. The shrine was built with the aid of neighbouring countries Pakistan, Malaysian Brunei and the Gulf states. You can visit the mosque from 9 am to 5 pm, but not when it is prayer time. Therefore, the best time to pay a visit to the Grand Friday Mosque is in the morning before noon, or between 2–3 pm.

Visit the Local Islands

Amongst the best things to do in Maldives are the island-hopping tours organised by top resorts in the Maldives. Popular resorts like Saii Lagoon Maldives are ideal bases from which to start your island-hopping tour. This resort located on the South Male Atoll makes scuba diving at top dive spots in the Maldives easy. Island hopping too is a treat, especially when you plan to relax before exploring the local islands. First, stop at one of the closest uninhabited islands to enjoy a picnic, swim in the secluded bay and trek into the verdant interiors. Once done you can visit the local islands to see how the islanders live. It is one of the best experiences you will have to discover the culture and traditions of Maldives. You can chat to the elders, taste a few traditional dishes and even watch a fresh catch being reeled.

Savour the Local Cuisine

To learn more about the culture of Maldives, you must explore the range of traditional food. Most of the ingredients used invoke island vibes as they compromise fish, coconuts and fresh salads. Fish is the main staple, especially since the Maldives is a fisher nation, and is surrounded by the bountiful Indian Ocean. Visit a local tea shop and enjoy finger food such as bis keemiya a type of samosa and huni roshi which is a roti served with salsa. Breakfast options include the very popular garudhiya of fish soup, as well as boshi mashuni which is banana flower salad and mas huni which is a lovely fresh salad made with tuna, onions and grated coconut.