The native language of the Maldives is Dhivehi. Languages such as, Tamil, Arabic, French, Portuguese, Hindustani and English had an influence on development of this language. Dhivehi is written and spoken in all around the Maldives. Some atolls and islands have their own dialect and the most of them come from the Southern atolls of Maldives: Huvadhoo Atoll, Addu and Fuvamulah. However, English is also spoken by almost everyone in Maldives and taught at school.

Originally Buddhists, the sultan converted to Islam in 1153 AD. Nowadays, the primary religion of Maldives is Islam. Friday and Saturday are marked as the weekly holidays. As Maldives is a 100% Muslim country, it is advisable not to go around in Bikini / swim wear in the public areas. T-shirts, linen/cotton dresses and shorts are the most suitable clothing for women and for men.  Also, you cannot bring and consume any alcohol in Maldives except in resort islands or safari boats.

The Maldives lies in 26 atolls in the Indian Ocean. These atolls are scattered into small islands. We have 1190 islands here in Maldives. Although we have 1190 islands in Maldives, only are 200 inhabited and 132 are resort islands.
The population of Maldives lies at approximately 557.000 and in Kamadhoo more or less 500 people live.

Eid is celebrated twice every year. The first Eid that is celebrated is Eid al-Fitr which comes right after the holy month of Ramadan. The second Eid is Eid al-Adha which is celebrated on the third day of Hajj. The first day of the two Eid is celebrated with a special morning prayer for all women, men and small children. After the prayer, people will greet each other with “Eid Mubarak” and a handshake, wishing a blessed Eid to everyone.
During both Eid celebrations lots of different dishes and sweets are prepared at home where the whole family and friends will gather and enjoy the feast. Also, some gifts might be exchanged as part of the celebrations.

In Kamadhoo, al-Adha Eid is celebrated with different traditional activities, dances and stage shows such as Boduberu, Bodumas beynun, Koadhi jehun and lastly Fenkulhi.

Eid is usually celebrated for 3 days, however, here in Kamadhoo it is extended and celebrated for 5 days.

Maldives is a tropical country which you can clearly see from the rich vegetation. As you walk around the islands, you can see different types of beautiful trees and flowers such as Bougainville, Frangipani and the Pink rose, the national flower. You may also come across some fruit plants with bananas, mangos, papayas, coconuts, bread fruit, passion fruit and pomegranates.

There are no harmful animals around the island. You will only see geckos, lizards, flying foxes, birds, such as the large grey heron, and cats.

The reefs of the Maldives consist of hundreds of species of fish and corals. School of blue lined snapper are a very common sight while snorkelling in the reef. Some other fishes and inhabitants of the reefs you can see are parrot fishes, lion fishes, clown fishes as well as hawksbills and green sea turtle, blacktip and white tip reef sharks, eagle rays and stingrays, octopus and lobsters. Visitors also have the chance to snorkel or dive with Manta rays and Whale sharks. Maldives underwater world is truly a paradise and the vast variety of soft and hard corals is not less stunning than the abundant marine life.

A 30 days Tourist visa is granted for all nationalities on arrival to Maldives. You must have a passport with Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) with at least 1 months validity and a hotel booking. Visitors are required to submit the Traveller Declaration (IMUGA) within 96 hours to the flight time, for arrival and departure. You can fill out the declaration here.
No vaccines are required for entering the Maldives.

Bringing alcohol, drugs, pornographic materials, spearfishing guns and other weapons to the Maldives is highly forbidden. Moreover, taking sand, shells, corals, etc. is not allowed as it may harm the beauty and the marine life of the islands.

We recommend our guests to bring cash (Maldivian Rufiyaa or USD) to the island since credit card payments can be made only at very few places. The island does not have an ATM. At the international airport and at the domestic airport in Dharavandoo you can withdraw cash from an ATM point.

Exchange-rate: 1$ = 15.42 MVR (foreign transaction fees might be applied by your bank)

The following items should not miss in your suitcase:

• 50 sunscreen (if possible reef-friendly)
• hats and sunglasses
• mosquito spray
• mask, fins and snorkel (it is also possible to rent the equipment)
• Swim wear / bikini
• Personal medicines