Fact Sheets & Video - Maldives

There are nearly 1200 islands in the Maldives. For the most part, the Maldives keeps its tourists and its locals quite separate. You can only visit inhabited islands outside the tourism zone by invitation.

Within the tourism zone, the best way to learn about Maldivian culture is a day trip organised by your resort.

Soneva Fushi Resort, in the North Baa Atoll, runs regular cultural excursions to nearby islands. The tours are an ideal way to gain insight into the Maldivian way of life.

Your tour might be to a fishing village like Mahlos, about 40 minutes away by speedboat. The population is only about 500 and many of the locals are fishermen, so one of the first things you learn about is how to catch fish with hand lines and live bait. You can learn how to cook your catch too, in the traditional way, with ingredients like cardamom, coconut, onion and chilli to create a delicious, fragrant fish dish known as a Masriha.

The region is well known for its handicrafts, including traditional mats, which are often used to line walls and ceilings of huts. In the village's cultural centre, you can even learn to weave.

It's important to respect local customs when you're in the Maldives. Remember to always eat with your right hand, never the left, and respect the official religion of Islam by dressing modestly.

The facts

Jetset has packages via Singapore on Singapore Airlines to the Maldives. Five nights at Soneva Fushi start from $2839 per person twin share in the Crusoe Villas, including seaplane transfers and breakfast.

Jetset

Tel: 13 63 83

A guided day trip from Soneva Fushi to Mahlos costs $37 a head, including boat transfers.

Find more information on Soneva Fushi at:

World Resorts of Distinction

Tel: 07 5599 5840

Email: admin@wrd.com.au