Situated in the Indian Ocean, the Republic of Maldives is a stretch of 26 atolls extending from Addu City to Ihavandhippolhu. Situated on the submarine mountain range called Chagos-Laccadive Ridge in the Indian Ocean, he archipelago of Maldives, along with the Lakshadweep and Chagos Archipelagos, form what is known as a terrestrial ecoregion. Fishing is a prominent activity in this chain of islands. It contributes predominantly to the economic revenue of the nation. There are a few top things not to do in Maldives that you should bear in mind while you’re vacationing there.
10 Things Not To Do In Maldives
To make sure you do not land in trouble while visiting this place, we have put together a list of 10 things not to do in Maldives that you should take care of:
- Avoid Displaying Affection In The Streets
- Importing Alcohol To Maldives Is Prohibited
- Wearing Bikinis Is Limited To Resorts And Boats
- Avoid Drinking Tap Water
- Do Not Try To Smuggle In Banned Items
- Do Not Forget To Put Sunscreen On
- Do Not Wear Shoes On The Beach
- Do Not Expect Your Seaplane Flight To Be On Time
- Do Not Litter The Sea
- Selling/Purchasing Black Corals Or Turtle Shells Is Prohibited
1. Avoid Displaying Affection In The Streets
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The Maldives is a pretty conservative country and public display of affection can draw in a lot of unpleasant stares and frowns from locals who may not be accustomed to such behavior. a peck on the cheek is prohibited too. So much so that it is against the law if you are caught. The farthest you could go if you are a couple visiting the country is holding hands and that is about it. This is definitely one of the things you should know before going to Maldives with your partner.
Must Read: Baros Island Guide: Visit This Resort Island In Maldives
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2. Importing Alcohol To Maldives Is Prohibited
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Being a Muslim country, Maldives frowns upon the consumption of alcohol. Even pork meat is not sold readily. It would be better to just steer clear of alcohol or pork meat in public as you might end up offending someone. Foreign tourists are the receptors of several dirty looks. Such actions may be interpreted as an attempt to corrupt their religion. So, to avoid any dire consequences better be safe than sorry. But these rules don’t apply if you have booked a room in any of the country’s resort islands.
3. Wearing Bikinis Is Limited To Resorts And Boats
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As mentioned before, being a Muslim country, women are advised to avoid wearing bikinis or clothes that are revealing in public. This is frowned upon and considered a violation and disrespectful of their social customs. Even if you may not agree with these customs, it is better to relent rather facing any unpleasant consequences and consequently end up ruining what was meant to be a pleasant trip. Again, resort islands do not have any such rules and you can flaunt your best bathing costumes and relax under the sun.
Suggested Read: Huvahendhoo Island: An Encounter With The Exuberant Maldives Island Resort!
4. Avoid Drinking Tap Water
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Amongst the various things about Maldives that you should know, this one is most important. Water undergoes a different process in the Maldives to rid itself of all the harmful bacteria and germs. This process is known as reverse osmosis desalination. This process is very successful in eradicating all the germs and bacteria from the recycled water, it also rids the water of all the natural minerals that provide several benefits to the human body and ends up not being as nutritious as it should be. It is a better choice to opt for packaged mineral water sold in their stores.
5. Do Not Try To Smuggle In Banned Items
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A conservative Muslim country, several items are banned from entering the country: items that may be considered offensive, a threat or an affront to their social customs, religion, and way of life. Some of these texts include any religious texts other than the Quran(including the Bible, Gita, etc), alcohol even if there is no duty applied to it at shops, pork or any other products related to pork as well as tobacco products devoid of a warning. To not be at the receiving end of any unpleasant repercussions, best to leave these products at home before leaving for your flight or not purchasing them in the first place at all.
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6. Do Not Forget To Put Sunscreen On
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The Maldives is known for its serene turquoise waters. But before you do dive into the depths of the ocean make sure you apply an adequate amount of good quality sunscreen lotion or avoid getting a dreadful tan that will cause even more excruciating burns and might have to spend some days of your vacation in your hotel room, shut the curtains and cool off. And we all know that isn’t as much fun as exploring the country outdoors.
7. Do Not Wear Shoes On The Beach
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If you ever find yourself confused about what to do and what not to do in Maldives, just go by the logic. For instance, this one is a very sensible point! Maldives has some of the most exquisite and pristine sandy beaches. When walking along the shores it is best to leave your shoes in your hotel rooms and wear slippers instead as you most probably will end up with grains of sand in your shoes that will prove to be very irritating as you walk.
Suggested Read: Thailand vs Maldives: It’s Time For A Face-Off Between The Two Paradises
8. Do Not Expect Your Seaplane Flight To Be On Time
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Seaplane flights at the airports are never on time as they end up getting delayed due to unforeseen circumstances. So after a tiring and long journey from your country to the international airport in the capital city of Male, be rest assured that your seaplane flight will most definitely be delayed. This is a result of the erratic drop-offs and pick-ups which affect the fixed schedule these planes are supposed to follow.
Suggested Read: Reethi Beach: A Quick Guide To The Blissful Waterfront In Maldives
9. Do Not Litter The Sea
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Marine life and vegetation are an important part of the ecosystem and in the world of rapid climate change, the marine habitat has been affected severely. It goes without saying but please do not litter the water, throw your garbage and litter in the dustbins. Avoid throwing plastic bags in the waters since it is really harmful to marine life and vegetation causing them significant damage and ultimately leading to the destruction of the exquisite beauty f the world that lies beneath the seas.
10. Selling/Purchasing Black Corals Or Turtle Shells Is Prohibited
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Last but not the least in the list of Maldives dos and don’ts, this one has to be remembered at all costs. Black corals and Turtle shells are endangered species in the Maldives and are therefore protected by the government of Maldives. Hence, being caught in the act of selling or purchasing black corals and turtle shells can lead to severe consequences and harsh penalties will be incurred. In fact, catching or killing of sea turtles and sale of turtle products are prohibited in the Maldives since 1995.
Further Read: Mauritius Vs Maldives Vs Seychelles Infographic: Which Is Your Ideal Holiday Paradise?
The Republic of Maldives is a Muslim majority country, with the religion being introduced in the 12th century. Maldives is home to diverse landscapes and an extremely rich culture. Its pristine beaches draw in a lot of people from all over the world. For an extremely rewarding traveling experience, book a trip to Maldives today. Make sure to keep this list of things not to do in Maldives handy with you.
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