There are more than 1000 islands in the Maldives. 200 of them are inhabited and 100 are resort islands. I chose to stay in an inhabited island instead of a resort island. Maafushi island is only 1200 meters long and 200 meters wide. This is one of the few inhabited islands with guesthouses, where foreigners can stay in a local village. And local it is indeed. My guesthouse is located in between a prison and a mosque. There's also a couple of small shops, police and a dive center. Foreigners can swim in bikinis (that's a very recent change) on a small separated part of the beach. Otherwise modest dressing is advisable.
I spent a day on a resort island. White sand, amazing snorkeling, good food, alcohol drinks available, great service, everything was just perfect. But one day was enough, for me. I was happy to come back and mingle with the locals. People are somehow shy or a bit reserved, I don't hear any "Good Morning Madam" as in Sri Lanka, or "Hello Mister" as in Indonesia. Or "what's your good name?", "you're from which country?" etc. ongoing calls. But when I greet "Asalaam Aleikum" (may peace of Allah be with you), I always receive a smile and a reply, and maybe some more chatting about how hot the weather is.
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| Be aware on the local islands even as a foreigner. If you consume pork, booze or porn - you'll end up here for years! |
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| Lovely Juli. |
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| Every sunset is different, but always awesome. |
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| Beautiful smiles! |
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| Late afternoon Ladies Only moments. |
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| Local Maafushi Beauties and the latest head scarf fashion. |
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| On An Island Resort. |
2 comments:
interesting, this with available guesthouses, did not know abt it.
Yes it is interesting. I think that the government doesn't want to promote the options in the local islands. You can do a lot of excursions from here, for example I am on my way now to a snorkeling trip, shark point...!
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