For straight and LGBTQ couples alike, public displays of affection on non-resort islands such as Malé City are considered extremely offensive and may result in punitive action. This includes behavior like hand holding and kissing.
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.
Public display of affection (PDA) is not illegal but is frowned upon in the Maldives. Especially in local places with fewer tourists; it's ideal to always maintain a decent distance between one another. Due to the Maldives being a Muslim country, acting intimately in public places may make the locals uncomfortable.
Yes, unmarried couples can go to The Maldives. While it is a popular destination for honeymooners, The Maldives remains equally sought-after by unmarried couples too. In fact, many couples travel to The Maldives for their marriage proposal.
Respect local customs and dress conservatively, especially when visiting a mosque. Women should cover their heads and shoulders and neither men nor women should wear shorts. Alcoholic drinks are available on the resort islands, but not elsewhere. Hottest Deal You Can Find: A Luxury Hotel in the Maldives Is 33% Off!
Things to know before visiting Maldives | 12 Major Tips
Is kissing in public allowed in Maldives?
For straight and LGBTQ couples alike, public displays of affection on non-resort islands such as Malé City are considered extremely offensive and may result in punitive action. This includes behavior like hand holding and kissing.
It is an offence to import the following items into Maldives: explosives, weapons, firearms, ammunition, pornographic material, materials deemed contrary to Islam including 'idols for worship' and bibles, pork and pork products, and alcohol. Alcoholic drinks are only available on resort islands.
Is the Maldives safe for solo female travellers? Safety is always a major concern for solo female travellers, and I felt completely safe the entire time in the Maldives, both on the local island and at the resorts. I've also never heard about any other travellers who have had issues with crime in the Maldives.
The Maldives might be popular for honeymoon and family vacations but a huge number of solo travelers also visit here each year. Make sure while visiting these islands, you do stay at any of these resorts. Solo travelers often find their peace during these stays.
Malé is generally safe for solo female travellers. The Maldives is a Muslim country, so it is important to dress modestly and respect local customs. However, the Maldives is a very tourist-friendly destination and the locals are welcoming and friendly.
When traveling to the Maldives, carry your own supply of condoms. They are available in pharmacies on some public islands but are sold only to married couples. Being a conservative Muslim country, sex outside of marriage is illegal. Private resorts tend to be lenient.
There are some other suggested precautions and preparations for traveling to the Maldives. They include: Do not wear/bring religious symbols (crosses, statues, etc.) or documents (e.g. Bible) into a Moslem country. If you plan to go jogging outside the Equator Village; best to check on proper attire suggestions.
The nightlife in Maldives is pretty exciting. From visiting some really exciting clubs and bars to taking a stroll by the beach there are various activities that you can indulge in.
Most medication can be carried with you when entering the Maldives provided that you show a doctor's prescription, and the amount you are carrying does not exceed your requirements for the duration of your stay in the Maldives.
Roaming your Maldives resort island barefoot can be a beautiful, freeing experience if you're used to squeezing your feet into heels all day long. Many studies are now showing that a barefoot connection with the ground brings with it a whole host of health benefits too.
Although the Maldives are scattered across the Indian Ocean, there will be no problems with cellular communications and the Internet. Local providers cover almost 99% of the territory of the Maldives. Calls within the Maldives are affordable.
Generally, the Maldives is considered a high-end destination, and many of the resorts and hotels are designed to offer an exclusive and luxurious experience. Prices for accommodations can range from $100 to $50,000 or more per night depending on the type of room, amenities, and level of service.
4 to 5 days are usually enough to spend in the islands of Maldives. You can easily explore the major places in 5 days. Which month is the best month to visit the Maldives? The best month to visit the Maldives is from November to April.
Malé has frequent protests and demonstrations. These are likely to increase in frequency and size ahead of the Presidential Elections planned for September 2023 and Parliamentary Elections in 2024. Avoid affected areas. Terrorism can occur anywhere at any time.
Most visitors to the Maldives stay in “resort hotels” where crime levels are relatively low. Nevertheless petty crime, including the theft of goods left unattended on the beach or in hotel rooms, does occur. You should take care of your valuables and other personal possessions, especially when travelling in Male'.
This means that, as with many other Muslim countries, wearing revealing clothing is not acceptable. In the Maldives, it is appropriate for men to wear shorts (knee length) and t-shirts. Women in particular should take care to stay covered though, so always wear over-the-shoulder longer dresses, shirts and trousers.
The official and common language of Maldives is Dhivehi or Maldivian, an Indo-Aryan language closely related to the Sinhala language of Sri Lanka. The first known script used to write Dhivehi is the eveyla akuru script, which is found in the historical recording of kings (raadhavalhi).
Men also need to be aware of appropriate clothing and don't forget modesty is still expected. Men cannot walk around shirtless, or wearing excessively tight clothing. On public beaches and excursions, men and women should be covered and likely not in traditional revealing swimwear.
