05 Ways to Travel Responsibly in the Maldives – Conserve its beauty!

Do you think it's possible for a traveller can conserve energy while on holiday in Maldives? The answer to that is, of course, is - yes! One main interest of the locals is environmental protection and the same goes for all the resorts as well. Some hotels, however, have decided to take on the concept on a full scale and have developed solar power plants on the island as well. Reethi Faru Resort is a fully solar-powered resort with batteries to store energy for use after sundown. So, what can you do as a tourist you ask? That's simple, just give preference to a resort that conserves energy in such a manner.

It isn't all that difficult to throw your plastic in the designated bin or to avoid using it on your trip altogether. Being environmentally friendly is a wonderful habit to practise on your travels not just to Maldives but anywhere in the world. Taking Maldives specifically, there is one thing that many tourists don't even realise which contributes to the destruction of marine life. And that's sunscreen! Did it ever once cross your mind that sunscreen is responsible for coral damage? Yet, it is one of the most essential items on your list. Simply check for eco-friendly sunscreen so that you don't contribute to coral reef ruin.

The local culture evolved when the local people came into contact with Indian, Sri Lankan, Persian, African, and Indonesian traders in the early past. While the culture today has seen some influence from these nations, Maldives is still unique and has quite a strong culture of its own. The locals speak in a language called Dhivehi and most locals speak good English as well. All Maldivians follow the rules of the Islamic religion and so, the islands where the local folk live are quite particular about men and women dressing conservatively. However, you are not restricted in your attire when it comes to your resort. Wearing a bikini or having an alcoholic beverage is permitted only at your resort, but nude sunbathing isn't accepted anywhere.

If you are planning on staying at an eco-resort in Maldives, you will always have the opportunity to observe dolphins, whales, and other marine life in all their glory. But before you set off on your underwater jaunt, the experts who will be accompanying you will definitely brief you on how to behave whilst diving and enjoy the beauty of the ocean without harming it. One of the main rules to follow when you dive or go dolphin watching is to make sure you stay at a safe distance away from the creatures - touching any sort of marine life is not advised. As guests, a few resorts offer you the opportunity to help make the ocean a better place for life. Volunteer for coral conservation and you can actively take part in protecting nature's gift.

Dhivehi – the unique local language seems to be a mix of Sinhala, Hindi, and Arabic and is quite interesting to listen to. You are sure to try to pronounce a few words as well in your head while you listen to the locals converse. Feel like you want to fit in better with the locals and get to know more about them? The best thing to do is to study a few of these phrases before your trip.
• Hello (informal) - Kihineh? (how are you?)
• Hello (formal) - Assalaamu alaikum
• Please - Adhes kohfa
• Thank you - Shukuriyyaa
• Goodbye - Dhanee
• Sorry - Ma'aaf kurey
If you still feel that you aren't getting it right, there is no reason to fret because the Maldivians at the resorts speak good English too and either way, they are friendly folk.