Maafushi: The Jewel of the Maldives

• Helloދުވަސް
  [Dhivehi]
• Goodbyeމިދަށް
  [Mithaadh]
• Yesއާ
  [Ae]
• Noނަން
  [Nan]
• Please/You're welcomeއައް
  [Aa]
• Thank youޝަވާން
  [Shukuriyyaan]
• Excuse me/Sorryމިތަށް
  [Mithadh]
• How are you?ކުރުޖާ?
  [Kurumaa?]
• Fine. And you?ކުރުޖާ. އައް?
  [Kurumaa. Aa?]
• Do you speak English?އެހީ ކޮޅާކީ?
  [Aehi Ingilish?]
• I don't understandމިތަށް
  [Mithadh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseމިއަޑުމައި ފަރުކަނޑިވޭ
  [Miadhumaai farukandakee]
• I don't eat meatމިއަޑުމައި އަނބެވޭ
  [Miadhumaai anbeey]
• Cheers!ކިޝުއިން
  [Kihini]
• I would like to pay, pleaseމިއަޑުމައި ޕަގަސަވޭ
  [Miadhumaai fagassaa]

• Help!އާއިއާ
  [Aiyaa]
• Go away!ކަލުނަ
  [Kaluva]
• Call the Police!ޕޮލިސް ކިއެވޭ
  [Poalisee kiyaavai]
• Call a doctor!ޑޯކިޓޯވޭ
  [Doktoru kiyaavai]
• I'm lostމިއަޑުމައި ސަންކަކެވޭ
  [Miadhumaai sanekaa]
• I'm illމިއަޑުމައި އިލްލެވޭ
  [Miadhumaai illee]

• I'd like to buy...މިއަޑުމައި ދިބަލާ
  [Miadhumaai fibaala]
• I'm just lookingމިއަޑުމައި ބަލޭބަލާ
  [Miadhumaai balibaala]
• How much is it?ކިބު ބަލެވޭ?
  [Ki bulee?]
• That's too expensiveމިއަޑުމައި ބަލެވޭ
  [Miadhumaai bulee]
• Can you lower the price?މިއަޑުމައި ދިގަސަވޭ
  [Miadhumaai fagassaa]

• What time is it?ކުރުޖާ ކިއެވޭ?
  [Kurumaa kiyaavai?]
• It's one o'clockއިނބި އޯކޯހޭ
  [Inbi ococaa]
• Half past (10)އަނބި ޕަސްޓަސް ކޮޅާކީ
  [Anbi pasdhaa kihini]
• Morningމަބައި
  [Maubaa]
• Afternoonއަރަބައި
  [Araubaa]
• Eveningއެވުރައި
  [Evaraa]
• Yesterdayއެންސާ
  [Enaa]
• Todayމިއަޑުމައި
  [Miadhumaai]
• Tomorrowމިޖިނާ
  [Miyaanaa]
• 1އާތި
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• 6މަމި
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• 7ޖައި
  [Yaa]
• 8ރަޖި
  [Raadhi]
• 9ނަސި
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• 10ކިދި
  [Kihivu]

• Where's a/the...?ކިރުޖާ ... އައިވޭ?
  [Kurumaa ... aaiyaa?]
• What's the address?ކިރުޖާ އެޑޭކަނޑިވޭ?
  [Kurumaa edhankandakee?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?މިއަޑުމައި އޮޓޯކަނޑިވޭ
  [Miadhumaai oadhandakee?]
• When's the next (bus)?އިތައްޑަނޑި
  [Injandakee]
• A ticket (to ....)އާ ތިކެޓަނޑިވޭ
  [Aa fikendakee]

Maafushi, like much of the Maldives, was first settled by people from South India and Sri Lanka. The island's history dates back several centuries, with its early inhabitants relying on fishing and coconut cultivation for survival.

In the mid-12th century, the Maldives, including Maafushi, converted to Islam under the influence of Arab traders. This significant shift in religious beliefs brought about changes in architecture, culture, and daily life, which are still evident today.

The Maldives experienced periods of colonial influence from the Portuguese, Dutch, and British. Maafushi, as part of the archipelago, saw its fair share of these influences, which impacted trade, governance, and social structures.

One of the most notable aspects of Maafushi's history is the establishment of a prison on the island. Maafushi Prison has been a central facility for the Maldivian penal system and has played a significant role in the island's identity and economy.

In recent decades, Maafushi has transformed into a hub for budget tourism. The island's proximity to the capital, Malé, and its beautiful beaches have made it a popular destination for international travelers. The development of guesthouses and tourism infrastructure has significantly altered the local economy and lifestyle.

The Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004 had a profound impact on Maafushi. The island suffered significant damage, but the resilience of its residents and aid from international organizations facilitated a remarkable recovery, highlighting the community's strength and solidarity.

Maafushi is known for its vibrant cultural festivals, such as Eid celebrations and National Day events. These occasions showcase traditional Maldivian music, dance, and cuisine, offering visitors a glimpse into the island's rich cultural heritage.

Maafushi is located in the Kaafu Atoll, approximately 27 kilometers south of the Maldivian capital, Malé. The most common way to reach Maafushi is by taking a speedboat transfer from Malé's Velana International Airport, which takes about 30-45 minutes. Public ferries also operate between Malé and Maafushi, but they are less frequent and take about 90 minutes. Private speedboat charters are another option for a more personalized service.

Maafushi is a small island, and most attractions are within walking distance. For exploring the island, bicycles are a popular choice and can be rented from local shops. There are also golf carts available for hire, which can be a convenient way to get around. For trips to other islands or excursions, speedboats and ferries are the primary modes of transportation.

The official currency of the Maldives is the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR). However, US dollars are widely accepted in Maafushi. Credit cards are commonly used in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. It is advisable to carry some cash for smaller purchases and local markets. ATMs are available on the island, but it is a good idea to withdraw sufficient funds before arriving.

Maafushi is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is always advisable to take standard safety precautions. Avoid walking alone late at night and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. Petty theft can occur, so be vigilant with your valuables. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it is best to stay aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 119 for police assistance. Maafushi has a small medical facility for basic healthcare needs, but for serious medical emergencies, patients are usually transferred to Malé. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available on the island for over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly when in public areas, especially outside resorts. Swimwear is acceptable on the beach but should not be worn in public streets. Religion: Do respect the local Islamic customs. During prayer times, avoid loud activities and dress conservatively. Public Transport: Do be punctual when using public ferries as they follow strict schedules. Don't eat or drink openly during the month of Ramadan. Greetings: Do greet locals with a smile and a nod. A simple 'Hello' or 'Assalamu Alaikum' is appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local Maldivian dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality as it is considered impolite.

To experience Maafushi like a local, visit the local markets and eat at small, family-run restaurants. Engage with the locals, who are friendly and often willing to share stories about their island. Participate in local activities such as fishing trips, snorkeling, and traditional Bodu Beru (drum) performances. Don’t miss the chance to explore the sandbanks and nearby uninhabited islands for a unique and secluded experience.