Joanna James
A trip to the private island resorts is akin to a trip to heaven. While the Maldives is a veritable tropical paradise, do keep in mind that the rules of the game are different on its public islands. 🌅
Pic via MaxPixel , Creative Commons Zero - CC0
The Maldives is a country that follows Islamic Law very strictly outside of the private island tourist resorts to which most foreigners flock.
This means that PDA or public displays of attention on the capital island of Male, or on any other non-private island, could land you in very serious trouble with the authorities.
Sexual relations between the unmarried is an offence punishable by law, PDA is likely to at least get you looked down on by locals and warned by law enforcement officers.
There's always a chance that the authorities may take more pity on you than the locals, seeing as you are income generating tourists.
However, confrontation with law enforcement could really put a damper on things, so it's best not to risk it. Also, it can be a mighty embarrassing situation, to be sure! 👮☝️
Photo via Maxpixel , Creative Commons Zero - CC0
While it is certainly the norm to be scantily clad at your holiday resort, do make sure to pack decent clothing that provides a good level of coverage for you to use when sightseeing in places like the capital.
Since the weather here is tropical, make sure that the clothing, while substantial, is nevertheless light and breathable so that you don't sweat excessively in the humid heat.
Fabrics like cotton are always good. Although, if you do your own ironing, you will realise how troublesome pure cotton fabrics can be to deal with, so maybe go for clothing made from a hybrid fabric of which a large percentage is made from cotton. ☀️
Pic via Pixabay, CC0 Public Domain
A large majority of the tourists that visit Maldives are there to enjoy the beaches, the food, and the company, accompanied by a copious amount of alcoholic beverages such as refreshing beachside cocktails, bottles of vintage wines and fine whiskeys.
Knowing this, the government has made an allowance for major tourist resorts, which mostly reside on their own islands, to serve alcohol.
However, outside these resorts and their islands, consumption and sale of alcohol is prohibited under Islamic law
So, to be on the safe side, if you have any upcoming excursions to islands other than the one your resort is on, ensure that you quench your thirst beforehand.
Also, don't carry alcohol with you, especially to Male; and if you have done so by accident, for heaven's sake, don't take it out and consume it in public.
Another thing to keep in mind; while as a tourist, you may be let off lightly, any Maldivians in your company will not be. So try not to put anyone in jeopardy. 🍾🥃🍺
Pic via Pixabay , CC0 Public Domain
If you want to know more about what vacationing in the country entails, read up all about it on online travel blogs and mags such as The Maldives Travels and others of its kind.
They provide information on matters like these as well as more general information such as accommodation types and activities to do here, like the vast array of water sports on offer at the resorts. 🌅🏊
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
