Malé and local island stays

The Maldives is a chain of coral atolls in the Indian Ocean. Besides luxury one-island resorts, travellers can stay in guesthouses on local inhabited islands such as Maafushi, Thulusdhoo and Dhigurah, much cheaper, with bikini beaches, snorkelling and diving trips.

Local islands follow Muslim customs: dress modestly away from the bikini beach, and no alcohol. Public ferries and speedboats run from Malé.