05 Ways to Connect with the Traditional Side of Maldives

Traditional features of the Maldives can be found in every corner of the country. Whether its a luxury resort or guesthouse in a local Island, the aesthetics of Maldivian culture is blended into every space while the sounds of tradition surround us. If you’re someone who wants to experience the Maldives in a traditional way, here are 05 ways you can do it!

Cuisine: try Mas Riha (Maldivian fish curry)

The Maldives offers a variety of tastes and cuisine distinctive to the island nation. However, one of the dishes that stand out is the Mas Riha (fish curry) of Maldives. CNN ranked Mas Riha among the Top 12 Curries in the World, with the dish coming in 6th place. Typically, ingredients in Mas Riha Include; coconut milk, tuna, fresh vegetables, and spices. Many Maldivian dishes use coconuts as a common ingredient in addition to tuna and veggies.

Activity: Embark on a fishing trip

Fishing holds a great significance to the livelihood of Maldivian locals. Likewise, the fishing industry is the second-biggest industry after the tourism industry in the Maldives. Most resorts and guesthouses offer fishing experiences on a traditional Dhoni. And don’t forget, night fishing on a traditional Dhoni is a not-to-miss experience in the Maldives.

Historical: A Visit to Utheemu Ganduvaru in Haa Alif Utheemu

Utheemu Ganduvaru is the birthplace and home of Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu. The sultan is one of the most revered heroes in Maldivian history. Hence, the Ganduvaru (palace) holds great significance to locals since Mohamed Thakurufaanu saved the people from the Portuguese in 1558.

Art & crafts: A visit to the Maldives Discovery Centre at Crossroads Maldives

This unique attraction at Crossroads Maldives uses stunning designs and interactive displays, allowing you to explore the Maldives’ rich history. In addition to that, the discovery center exhibits marine biodiversity and how local arts & crafts have shaped the islands’ unique cultural identity. Furthermore, you can discover handicrafts showcasing the Maldivians’ way of life at the centre as well.

Music: Listen to Boduberu

You don’t have to be in the Maldives to listen to Boduberu! Mainly played at traditional events, Boduberu literally means big drums. However, this catchy folk music is also played at weddings, events, and welcoming ceremonies as well. Furthermore, drummers, singers, and dancers perform Boduberu in large groups.

How would you connect with the traditional side of Maldives? There are many more ways to experience the rich culture of the Maldives. And you can also see the traditions of Maldives from decades ago practiced in the local islands even today!

Feature image by Kanuhura Maldives

When booking the perfect trip, we all look into the perfect travel bag, travel visa and travel cards. But there is so much more to packing for a trip than the essentials. We might know the perfect clothes and the cheapest flights to book to a destination. But, some essentials could make or break a trip. Imagine you book a trip to the Maldives and you forget to bring your charging cable. Although it’s easy to drop by a shop to get a new charger, the stress is just not worth it. This is why so many people have made lists before their trip. Well, we’ve made our list of some extras that can amp up your next trip to any destination.

Apple AirTag

We’ve all seen people losing their bags. Whether it’s the airport or the train station, lost baggage can really ruin your trip. One of the best ways to make sure that you can keep a tag on your baggage is by putting an Apple AirTag on it. This way, whether your baggage got lost in transition or stolen, there is a much easier fix than running around in circles. This hack has become more common as of late, as baggage tends to end up in the wrong places, never making it to your hotel. The next time you book a trip for summer vacation, take that extra safety measure by using an Apple Airtag.

Noise Cancelling Headphones

Do you have a long flight coming up? Are you worried about babies crying on the flight for 16 hours straight? Well, there is no way to control a crying baby, but you can always wear noise-cancelling headphones for the noise. This tip is also perfect for anyone who is booking a trip to the Maldives. We all love a good seaplane ride, whether it’s on TMA, Manta Air or Maldivian. But a lot of people struggle to enjoy the scenery due to the loud noise of the seaplane. Just put on your noise-cancelling headphones and enjoy the ride!

Powerbank / Portable Charger

If you’re planning a trip that requires a lot of sightseeing, don’t forget to pack a power bank or a portable charger. Although this travel tip comes in handy in general, it’s especially important on adventure trips. But it’s better to not take the risk for long-haul flights either. The last thing you want is to be stuck at an airport with a 1% charge or have your phone die while you’re still on the flight. Although a lot of us dismiss this one, a good power bank can save your trip. Its easier to carry a small portable charging device around than continue to charge your phone every single time at your hotel.

Adapter for International Trips

We all learn this travel tip the hard way – bringing an international adapter. Sometimes it’s hard to guess which type of adapter is used in the country we are travelling to. So rather than taking a guess, it’s always better to pack an international adapter so you can charge your devices from any corner of the world. Although you can opt to buy an adapter from the destination, it’s much easier to add in the small device into your travel bag than worrying about it during your trip.

Bagsmart Cable Organiser

This travel tip is especially important for digital nomads who are exploring different destinations. But if you’re a traveller who takes their laptops and other devices on trips, this one is for you as well. Just like how you would get a make-up bag, you can also get a bagsmart cable organiser. Not only will this ensure that you pack all your cables to and back from you trip, but it will also help keep things untagled and less messy!