Maafushi Island, located in South Male’ Atoll is the capital of the North Central Province of the Maldives.
Maafushi is one of the inhabited islands of Kaafu Atoll. It was one of the islands that sustained heavy damages in the 2004 Tsunami which impacted on over 100,000 of the Maldives 300,000 population. 8 years later, the island has bounced back with a thriving economy and widely considered as fully recovered.
With a population of approx. 2000 people and a floating population of almost 5000 all year around, Maafushi islanders are generally known for their hospitality and welcoming nature.
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Government Rules in Local Island Tourism
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Local Island tourism law of 2009, of the Government of Maldives, prohibits the sale and consumption of alcohol in tourist accommodations built on inhabited islands.
Generally, drinks are served on tourist resorts nearby and Stingray Beach Inn offers a wide variety of resort excursions for all budgets.
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Local Island Etiquette
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It is generally frowned upon by older generation locals when tourists wear bikini’s on local beaches. It is recommended and advised that tourists should carry a sarong or a wrap-around cover when sunbathing or swimming, to avoid offending the locals.
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Transport to Maafushi Island
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Stingray Beach Inn is located on Maafushi Island, near the capitals Ibrahim Nasir International Airport.
Transfers can be arranged by either speed boat or local ferry network.
A trip to Maafushi by speed boat takes 35 minutes from the airport.
Daily ferries are also available from Male’ to Maafushi island. Taking 1.5 hours to reach Maafushi, the ferry ride is a pleasant experience of local transport network.
The ticket price is $2 per person per trip.
Enquire about your required mode of transport at the time of booking.
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