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A sign on a Maldivian local island explaining that bikinis are not allowed on the public beach

Fulidhoo Local-Island Guide

What changes when your hotel is in someone’s village: dress, alcohol, prayer times, food and the drums of Bodu Beru.

For most of the history of Maldivian tourism, visitors stayed on private resort islands and rarely met a Maldivian who wasn’t a member of staff. Since around 2009, when guesthouses on inhabited islands were permitted, “local islands” such as Fulidhoo have opened up a different kind of holiday — cheaper, more personal and set inside real communities. That comes with a few rules, all easy to follow.

Dress code

  • In the village (lanes, harbour, shops, cafés): shoulders and knees covered for both women and men. Light T-shirts, shorts to the knee, loose trousers, skirts and dresses are all fine.
  • On the bikini beach: swimwear is fine. See Bikini Beach.
  • On boats, sandbanks and resorts: swimwear is fine.
  • Nudity and topless sunbathing are not allowed anywhere in the Maldives.
  • Swimming elsewhere on the island? Locals swim fully clothed; if you must swim off the designated beach, do the same.

Alcohol

The Maldives is a Muslim country. Alcohol is not sold on inhabited islands like Fulidhoo, and you may not bring it into the country — airport customs will confiscate it. You can drink on resort islands and licensed liveaboards; a resort day visit is the usual answer if you want a cocktail. Pork products are also restricted.

Religion and daily rhythm

  • The call to prayer sounds five times a day. Small shops and cafés may close for a short time around prayers.
  • Friday is the holy day and weekly holiday; midday prayers are the most important of the week.
  • Non-Muslims should not enter mosques without permission.
  • Public displays of affection are best kept low-key.

Ramadan

During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. Guesthouses continue to serve guests, but avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public during daylight. After sunset, the island comes alive with family meals and gatherings. The dates move by about eleven days each year.

Bodu Beru: the big drum

Bodu Beru, “big drum”, is the most famous traditional music of the Maldives. A group of drummers and a lead singer begin slowly, then build the rhythm until it becomes fast and hypnotic, while dancers move and sometimes seem to enter a trance. The drums are traditionally made from coconut wood with a skin stretched over the end. Fulidhoo’s drummers are well known in the Maldives; guesthouses can often arrange an evening performance for groups, for a fee — ask in advance.

Food and drink

  • Mas huni: shredded tuna with grated coconut, onion and chilli, eaten with roshi flatbread at breakfast.
  • Mas riha / garudhiya: tuna curry and clear fish broth, served with rice, lime and chilli.
  • Short eats (hedhikaa): fried and baked snacks, often filled with tuna, with sweet tea in the afternoon.
  • Grilled reef fish: especially after a sunset fishing trip.
  • Drink bottled or filtered water; many guesthouses provide refills to cut plastic.

Etiquette checklist

  • Greet people; a smile and “Assalaamu alaikum” go a long way.
  • Ask before photographing people, especially women and children.
  • Use your right hand to give and receive.
  • Keep noise down at night; it is a residential village.
  • Take your rubbish with you and refuse single-use plastic where you can.
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Local-island rules: FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Can I wear a bikini on Fulidhoo?

Only on the designated bikini beach, and on boats, sandbanks and resorts. In the village, cover shoulders and knees.

Is there any alcohol on Fulidhoo?

No. Inhabited islands are dry, and alcohol cannot be brought into the country. Resorts and licensed liveaboards serve alcohol.

Is it OK for unmarried couples to share a room?

Guesthouses on local islands routinely host foreign couples. Simply keep public displays of affection discreet.

Can I see Bodu Beru?

Often, yes — Fulidhoo is known for its drummers. Ask your guesthouse whether a performance can be arranged during your stay.

What should women wear?

Light, loose clothes that cover shoulders and knees in the village. A headscarf is not required for visitors.