Before we get into my why’s and tips - I recommend you read my post on what you should consider prior to planning a trip to the Maldives. You can read the post here

One of the first questions I get about my visit to the Maldives is if I stayed in a hut in the ocean (or something along those lines). For some reason that is one of the images of the Maldives that comes up for some people. Unfortunately, that is not truly the Maldives. In my mind - there are two Maldives: the resort island maldives and the local island maldives. The resort islands are the collection of Islands acquired by hotel and resort chains to house their property and that is a huge part of tourism for the Country (so I am not knocking it); then there are the local islands where Dhevehin (Maldivian people) live. While there are several local Islands, some of the more popular ones include: Keyodhoo, Maafushi, Rasdhoo and Thinadhoo. Each Island has something unique, I chose to stay in Maafushi because of its proximity to Male and assortment of activities and accommodation options.

The decision to stay on a local island: As I planned my trip - it came down to two things for me - the experience I wanted from the trip and the cost. When I travel, I want to experience the space (city, town or village) and culture. I wanted to interact with locales; eat the food; shop in the supermarkets - you get the gist. After reading a lot of reviews I did not see myself getting that experience on a resort island so that was a con against resort island. The second thing was cost, I found a lot of great deal but they were geared towards couples; I was traveling solo and it did not make sense to spend that much money to stay on a resort Island even if it was all inclusive. I managed to find a few that could work, but factoring the seaplane ride from Male airport to said Island, it was not worth it to me (charter plane transfers from Male start at $500). Considering those two things, I chose to stay on a local Island. I left my options open by booking a day pass to one of the top resorts, the day pass gets you access to a resort island; its facilities; lunch and transportation to and from the resort island. I cancelled those plans within hours of arriving in Maafushi.

The accommodation on a local Island. I stayed at an incredible property - Liyela Retreat Maldives, which was the definition of luxury, it was not on the beach; but I was on the beach in less than 5 minutes; the spa service is one of the best I have ever had and the onsite restaurant served the most incredible dishes that I did not bother seeking out other restaurants on the Island (although several were recommended). During my time on the Island, I saw other lovely hotel properties, so if you are thinking of staying in Maafushi, you will have multiple accommodation options at different price points.

Safety on a local Island. During my preparation for the trip, I saw a lot about safely on local islands due to the Maldives being a Muslim country. I had no concerns about my safety during my visit, I was traveling solo and exploring on my own for the duration of my trip . I never once felt unsafe. Everyone I met was incredibly lovely.

Beach Accessibility. This was a big one. Clothing on local Islands will certainly more conservative than a resort island, but again nothing infringing; I kept my shoulders covered and wore clothes that were at least knee length (basically how I dress at home) and there were designated “bikini beaches” where I could wear my bathing suit freely. (If you venture to the non bikini beaches, please cover up and respect the religion and culture).

Entertainment/Tours on a local Island. There was an abundance of activities on the local island to sign up for and if there was an itch for a resort island, there were day passes available. While I signed up for one, I ultimately cancelled it within hours of arriving as Maafushi. Most Islands have a population of 500 to 3000 people so it is easy to see an entire Island in just a day or two. You can also take a half day or a day to visit another Island. I spent a day in Gulhi which has a more extensive bikini beach than Maafushi.

Getting Around on a local Island. The Island is very walkable, one of the staff at Liyela drove me around during my first day on a golf cart and after that I was able to get everywhere else I needed on foot. For my trip to Gulhi, I took a commercial ferry for $10 round trip which dropped up and picked up at scheduled times.

Restrictions on local island. I read some very misleading posts about local island ; including one that suggested foreigners should have head covering - that post was false. I did not encounter any policing during my visit. I already discussed clothing, but want to mention again, if you stay on local island, be mindful of the norms and adhere to it . Besides that, the only two “restrictions” worth mentioning are that alcohol is not served on local islands and certain services are not available on friday during prayers (between noon and three during my visit). In Maafushi, there are boats that don’t dock that serve alcohol so you can buy a ticket to get on one of those if you really want to a drink.

BIKINI BEACH VS PUBLIC BEACH. Because the Maldives is a Muslim Country, certain swim wear are not permitted in Public beaches on the local Islands. Local Islands have designated Bikini Beacheswhere you can bare down to your bikini if you so choose. I stayed in Maafushi and also visited Gulhi and both had designated Bikini Beaches. The one in Gulhi was more extensive than the one in Maafushi; don’t be surprised to see locals on the Bikini beach as well. The public beaches are accessible to tourists, you just cannot wear bikini or similar bathing suits on the Public beaches. 

WHAT TO WEAR. I worried about this a lot when I was packing for the trip as I read some very extreme posts. Having now visited, here is my take, this Country is more conservative than the West; While they don’t ask you to be covered head to toe, there is a decency expectation (if you are staying on a local island). Don’t get me wrong,I did not see anyone policing tourist so don’t freak out.  I packed jumpsuits and dresses in breathable fabrics. I did see people in tanks tops and reasonable length shorts (read: leave your short shorts / booty shorts at home); keep shoulders covered and keep clothing length at least mid-knee length. You can still pack your bikinis, just don’t walk around the Island in them. If it raises doubt when you are packing it, maybe leave it at home. I may do a post that shows you everything I wore, I think my clothing was tipped towards the conservative side but it will give you an idea of what you can pack.

NO ALCOHOL POLICY. You cannot bring alcohol into the Country; if you are connecting from another country, be mindful of this when you stop by duty free; after you get through immigration in Male, all bags get scanned again to ensure you are not bringing alcohol or such into the Country. If you want to buy some to take back home, there is a limited selection at duty free on your flight out of the Country but you will find none coming into the Country and do not try to bring yours into the Country either.