What do vacationers in the Maldives complain about? 6 main disadvantages of the country

The Maldives may be a paradise on Earth, but like everything else on earth, it is not without its drawbacks. The high cost of tours and hotels, a long flight, a peculiar mentality of the inhabitants and dangerous marine life are just some of the disadvantages that can leave an unpleasant aftertaste after a vacation in the Maldives. The meticulous Mandry found out what else the most romantic country in South Asia has to offer travelers.

1. Feeling of isolation

The distances between the islands and the lack of regular transportation are among the most annoying things about the Maldives. Ferries from atoll to atoll run 1–2 times a day, and sometimes you have to spend up to 4 hours at sea (for example, this is how long it takes to sail from Male to Todd). There are speedboats, but they are 20 times more expensive than ferries. In short, you can’t even dream of rushing to the capital from your island in the morning and returning by the evening of the same day. Or pay ridiculous amounts of money for such a pleasure.

2. Uninteresting food

Unfortunately, Maldivian cuisine is considered to be one of the most distinctive in Asia. The main fish here is tuna, which the locals eat in all forms: dried, fried, in pasta and in soups. The main additive to everything, including fish, is coconut milk, and rice or noodles are served as a side dish. Of course, in expensive hotels, guests are pampered with all sorts of imported delicacies, from lobster to exotic cocktails and fruits. But the choice for locals is very scarce.

3. There is nowhere to walk around

Most of the Maldives can be walked around the perimeter in just an hour (and you won’t see anything particularly interesting). You can also forget about wandering from party to party all night long. There are few bars in the Maldives, as a rule, they are located at expensive resorts. So, those who like to party hard will have nowhere to go.

4. Boring

Although the landscapes of the Maldives are beautiful, they are all the same. Therefore, excursions between the islands do not quench the thirst for variety. The country’s historical heritage is very limited, and the Maldivians don’t seem to care much about the development of the cultural component: they are not interested in this topic. Because of this, hyperactive tourists on the second or third day begin to slowly get bored.

5. Stealth mosquitoes

This scourge, which penetrates everywhere, can overtake not only the inhabitants of modest guesthouses, but also those who book luxury resorts. The Maldivians are trying their best to fight the mosquito, but travelers still often complain that they are bitten by vile insects. And while standard Ukrainian mosquitoes can be spotted and swatted away, in the Maldives, for some reason, you usually notice that you have been bitten only when the bite is already itchy and there is no trace of the bloodsucker.

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6. Limitations

As you know, the Maldives is a Muslim country, so the customs here are quite strict, and there are very limited concessions for tourists. Alcohol is not allowed to be imported to the islands, and it can only be bought in specialized bars and restaurants. Swimming in bikinis is allowed only on specially designated beaches. On the islands where the locals live, you should wear closed clothing. And you can’t take coral and shells as souvenirs from the Maldives – the law prohibits it.