Local islands in the Maldives are islands where the locals themselves live. This is the opposite of resorts that only have tourists and staff. There are houses, schools, stadiums, farms, shops, cafes, banks, a port. Find out what local islands look like, about the pros and cons of staying on them.
What I like
Quiet! There is no music in the evenings, no traffic noise, no evening howls of karaoke (hello Vietnam!). True, as soon as I sat down and sat down to write this article on the island of Rasdu, the pre-election campaign began under my windows: music, program speeches and a feast - and all this movement lasted until midnight. But this is an exception, in general, the islands are very calm and quiet.
Local life... While vacationing at the resorts, you will not see how the locals live - I think this is a big omission. It is always interesting to observe the way of life, way of life and culture of the inhabitants of any country.
Very safe... There is practically no crime in the Maldives; historically, there was severe punishment for theft, up to and including chopping off the hand. Therefore, there is no need to worry at all about the safety of things, or about personal safety.
No alcohol and no drinkers: no tourists, no locals - very good!
Dress code... No one walks in shorts and swimsuits on the streets, does not come in this form in a cafe. Fortunately, the Muslim Maldives have a dress code, so this terrible tradition of resort towns does not show up here.
Chanting muezzins from the minarets of mosques five times a day. Although not as beautiful as in Istanbul or Morocco, it is still pleasant to listen to.
Find out how to have a cheap vacation in the Maldives and which island is better to go to.
What I do not like
A lot of trash, especially broken glass and plastic. Trash Maldivians clean only from their homes and beaches for tourists. Everything else either does not move, or is swept under the bushes and thrown off into the wasteland. Some islands (Toddu) are fairly clean, while others (Rasdu) are full of atas. Therefore, the island for recreation must be chosen carefully.
Mosquitoes... They are on every island and seize to death. For 9 days of rest, I received at least 100 bites. A real attack!
The local catering is not developed, but almost everywhere they cook tasteless... In ancient times, there was almost no food in the Maldives, only fish. Therefore, culinary traditions did not work out. Now the islands have imported products, but the Maldivians have not learned how to cook.
Ferry service is not working well: the schedule changes and you must always be ready to change your plans. Finding out the current schedule is also a whole quest, even the owners of guest houses do not know it for sure and call their friends.
Local cubs are unpleasant: show the fact - for not doing figs. In just a few days I ran into this twice. This has never happened in any other country! Usually, Asian children in villages or city back streets queue up for me for a photo session, shout, wave, laugh, greet me. Why the Maldivian punks are so uncivilized, I can't imagine. Of course, not every child is like that: some say hello, smile, come running and watch with interest as I launch the drone. Maybe I was just so "lucky", but it spoiled the impression of people.
Maldivians are rather moody and not overly welcoming... Not at all like in other countries of Asia, where any passer-by will always sincerely smile at you and greet you. There is a feeling that the locals are not very happy about us, the guests. That is why I do not have that high spirits in the Maldives as in Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Indonesia and other countries of the region.
See what other disadvantages of Maldives holidays are and find out how not to spoil your vacation.
