Bodu Ashi Maldives - Reef Residence Guidebook

Alcohol is prohibited in all of the Maldives outside of licensed resorts, this includes our unit and wider Hulhumale as well.

Pork products (or non-Halal food items) may be confiscated at the Airport.

Drug enforcement in the Maldives is very strict, possession and supply both carry harsh mandatory sentences.

It is illegal to promote any other religions outside of Islam and importation of non-Islamic religious material may result in confiscation.

Maldivian law encourages dressing modestly, nude or topless sunbaking is prohibited everywhere, additionally Bikinis are also prohibited outside of resort areas, including Hulhumale. When entering a mosque, non-muslim visitors are encouraged to respect prayer sessions, and when entering cover appropriately. Men are encouraged to wear long pants and a shirt, and Women a head covering and loose clothing to the toe.

Open homosexual acts and homosexuality are prohibited under Maldivian law.

Travelers are advised not to bring live animals or pets to the Maldives (cats and some pets can be brought via a valid certificate). As both culturally and legally there are varying attitudes to bringing in certain animals, such as pet dogs as an example.

It is quite simple to get taxis within the Hulhumale-Male region. The Reef Residence Unit is located nearby a local taxi station. However, you may find using Avasride (https://avasride.com/) to be more convenient during your stay. Prices for travel across the islands usually costs MVR 75. Prices for travel within an island usually costs MVR 25. Prices may increase after midnight.

There are a few bus stops close to the Reef Residence Unit. You can see general schedules for common bus routes here: https://mtcc.mv/schedules-2/ You can generally purchase bus fares at the ferry terminal.

You can get a ferry between the islands, their schedules and routes listed here: https://mtcc.mv/schedules-2/, with tickets bought at the respective ferry terminal per island.

Hulhumale has a few motorcycle rental services, if you wish to rent a motorcycle here's a link https://www.atolltransfer.com/motor-bike-rental

When arriving in the Maldives, bring a good sun-hat, shades, sunscreen, to protect yourself from the sun during your stay. Wearing slip-on shoes, and flip flops are the norm here, so don't be afraid to bring them along on your stay. The beach is just a stones throw away, so make sure to pack goggles, or snorkeling gear to take a quick dip in Hulhumale or the neighboring surrounds.

Most Maldivians already know how to speak fluent English, that being said you can also find some useful Dhivehi phrases here if you ever find yourself in a pickle: https://wikitravel.org/en/Dhivehi_phrasebook

Multiple travel agents offer Snorkeling and Day trips to local sandbanks for a day of fun and sun! We have linked a couple of packages we have personally come across: 1) https://www.thrillophilia.com/tours/snorkeling-and-sandbank-visit-in-maldives 2) https://secretparadise.mv/product/snorkeling-sandbank-and-sunset-cruise/

This eco-friendly Maldives tour will take us away from the city of Malé and into a local community, where we'll meet with a local NGO helping to preserve the country's beaches and reefs. If this opportunity interests you, you can check out their "my little adventure" listing here: https://www.mylittleadventure.com/best-things/male/tours/beyond-the-beach-eco-tour-including-ferry-ride-to-island-of-vilimale-2POHqF3R or here: https://www.viator.com/tours/Male/Discover-Villimale-The-Quieter-Side-of-Male-Life

There is a Submarine which operates near Male ,if you wish to take a dive here's a link http://www.whalesubmarine.com.mv/about