Travel maldives
February 2018
A Publication by Tecude Pvt Ltd
A Little Hello! Welcome to the very exciting first issue of Arvaca Travel Maldives! A whole new world of travel experience brought to our discerning travellers all across the globe. Travel is not escapism. And when you are on the road, as our writers are in the following pages, it is a motion of the senses, an exhilaration activated by the mystery of places and the familiarity of strangers. It is freedom too, as memories are set aside by the onrush of the new, by the possibilities of the unknown. When all this is captured with augmented reality transforming it to life on a paperback magazine, it’s the next in travel experience! AISHATH EMAN FATHIH
Did I say it was a travel experience?
(EMMA)
Arvaca is the world’s first fully augmented reality integrated travel magazine revolutionizing the way people view magazines by bringing them to life, and allowing tourists to visualize their choice through the lens of Arvaca Travel Magazine. We are very excited for you to experience AR with a handy user-friendly application and hope you find this issue delightful as we enjoyed compiling this for you. Happy Reading! Tons of good vibes from us, Team Arvaca.
Contents
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TRADITIONAL DANCE & MUSIC
BEST SURF SPOTS IN THE MALDIVES
The traditional music and dance will captivate and most definitely get you moving to their compelling music beats
With a great mixture of left and right reef breaks and some of the most pristine and warm water
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INDIGENOUS MALDIVIAN AQUALIFE
GETTING TO KNOW SHUMI
Maldivian waters and reefs are bursting with myriads of colorful and rich marine life that make up a remarkable ecology
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One of the most celebrated divers in Maldives
20 HISTORY OF MALDIVES Most Maldivians livelihoods were weaved around the sea
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TRADITIONAL MUSIC AND DANCE
Maldives has a lot to offer from beautiful sandy beaches, pristine waters, and a colourful energetic culture. Their traditional music and dance will captivate and most definitely get you moving to their compelling music beats. One of the most popular and enjoyable form of music and dance in the Maldives is known as Bodu Beru; translating to Big Drum. Bodu Beru is usually a group of young men and there are about 3 to 4 drums and a lead singer who sings the lyrics and approximately 10 to 15 members of the group who sings out the chorus together while clapping to the beat of the drums. They are usually attired in white t-shirts and sarongs though it changes nowadays based on the event they are performing at. Songs usually start of slow and the rhythm picks up, reaching a crescendo which creates a very energetic
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and captivating atmosphere. Dancers come out as the beat gets faster, swaying to the rhythm and moving wildly as if in a trance. Crowds of all ages applaud wildly and join in the dance bringing people together while enjoying immensely. Bodu Beru is played in festive seasons like Eid and now often at wedding or birthday parties, resort events and even fashion shows. Another popular and adored form of dance and music in the Maldives is known as Bandiyaa Jehun. In contrast to Bodu Beru, Bandiyaa Jehun is performed by young women. Women stand in two lines facing each other carrying metal water pots. They sing and sway their hips and dance to harmonious tunes while tapping the pots to the rhythm. They wear traditional dresses like the Kasabu Libaas or Hedhunburi and Kandiki complimenting
their figure as they dance and expressing and celebrating femininity. A less popular but still an important traditional dance and music in the Maldives is Thaara. Two lines of men attired the same as in Bodu Beru sit on the ground beating hand drums while dancers dance in between them to the beats. Thaara is packed with Maldivian culture since long ago though now it is performed and played in national events. Despite westernization, traditional music and dance and culture of the Maldives is still extremely popular amongst the locals and is practiced by people around the country, expressing and spreading the festive and enthusiastic traditions.
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BEST SURF SPOTS IN THE MALDIVES With a great mixture of left and right reef breaks and some of the most pristine and warm water, there is always something for everyone of different experience levels when you surf the Maldives. With the Maldives being conveniently located in the centre of the Indian Ocean, the atolls are a tropical paradise exposed to Southern Ocean swells with surfs generally ranging from 4-8 feet though bigger days are expected based on months.
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There are 3 different surf areas; Male’ Atolls, Central Atolls and, South Atolls.
MALE’ ATOLLS The best time to surf occurs between April and October and here are a few of the most notable surf spots in Male’ Atolls. Cokes The wave was named Cokes due to the Coca-Cola factory nearby on the island Thulusdhoo. Cokes is a hollow and tubular right hander that breaks over a shallow reef and holds a swell size of about 3 feet to 8 feet and more. Good wind direction from north east and south. It is also known as one of the best waves in the Maldives. Great surf spot for all levels of surfers.
working at swell size of less than 3ft holding up to roughly 12ft and over. This constant wave located in Laamu Atoll is best for experienced surf levels. Mikado A wave that produces great barrels, and is very powerful with fast and hollow walls is the most consistent wave in Thaa Atoll. Outside works best with high tides. Swell size can hold up to 12ft and more from around 5ft-6ft. Though the most consistent, it is less protected from winds but can give all surfers a thrilling surf when pumping.
Jail breaks One of the fastest and powerful waves in the Maldives located on the island of Himmafushi. You are expected to find the perfect right wave that grows as it advances. Also known as Jails, this wave works great with big swells forming longer waves, otherwise 3 tube sections and long walls. The name is because there used to be a prison on the island though now a small
SOUTH ATOLLS With an extended season from February to November, South Atolls are a great surf spot being the most remote areas making it a relatively expensive trip though.
military area. On a good day wave length varies from 300m to 500m. Recommended for experienced surfers. Tiger Stripes Also known as Rockets, this wave is very consistent and best conditions would be north west winds. The wave is a fun left
CENTRAL ATOLLS Numerous world class breaks have been discovered in the Central Atolls and the bigger swells arrive from June till September. Though these spots are far less popular they offer great waves. Mostly in the form of right handers.
hander with long walls and a rather difficult take off into a fast and long wall before an inside section where it gets friendly and smooth then breaks out easily. Considered easy however can be extremely challenging in strong swells. Suitable for experienced surfers!
Yin Yang Outside of this wave is a mellow wall, starting off friendly and then wraps into one of the most aggressive sections in the Maldives; offering a long and tubular inside section producing some of the greatest hollow barrels. Yin Yang works best under south east or south west swell with thick barrels and starts
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At least once in your life time, it’s a must to visit one of nature’s best kept secrets amongst the remote islands of Maldives. Kihaa is not simply just a Resort. Here lies an unforgettable experience just waiting to be discovered. A friendly atmosphere, a breath of fresh air, away from life’s stresses. What’s unique about Kihaa is not only the beauty of the island, but it’s also the ultimate destination for ocean explorers located at a world heritage biosphere reserve, Hanifaru Bay is where Giant Mantas are witnessed in feeding frenzies. Located at the incredible Kihaa, Ocean Dimensions dive operators offer in-house services to allow novice and seasoned pros the chance to experience the wonders of the Indian Ocean.
scenes of playful dolphins, just magnificent. Clear nights of moonlight, shooting stars and star lit skies, private dining on the beach under the stars at night. A special treat to certainly impress your special someone. Awaken each morning to stunning views across sun kissed, turquoise water that are sure to enliven your spirits and breathe new life to your soul. Escape to an exotic world of breath-taking possibilities where exciting recreational facilities, adventure and relaxation are equally abundant. It’s much more than a holiday. It’s a lifestyle, an experience. To get away from the stresses and the rush of life, to spend a night of your life at Kihaa. An experience of a lifetime.
Sandy white beaches and brilliant blue skies makes you feel so calm. Snorkelling with the Whale sharks & Manta rays feels like a dream. The
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This place is just breath-taking, words cannot describe. The snorkelling is second to none, the cocktails are incredible and the food is divine.
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MALDIVES AT FIRST SIGHT Page 16 | Arvaca Travel Maldives | February 2018
The first glimpse of the Maldives you will catch is the plane view of the vast and incredible archipelago. With captivating turquoise shades surrounding the oval atolls and calm currents of darker blue waves crashing into each other, it etches in to mind. Travelling to the Maldives during the day is recommended so you won’t miss the breath-taking aerial view.
The second you step down from the plane, you will feel a salty breeze in the air; brushing up on your skin like summer and the warm sun welcoming you to the tropical paradise that is, the Maldives. Now, you have arrived at the Velanaa International Airport located in Hulhule’. After collecting your baggage, and going through customs, you will then be at the Arrival gate. You will see, many locals waiting for their friends and family as well as many resort staff, eagerly waiting to welcome guests. If you have requested for airport pick up from the resort you have made your bookings from, their staff will be waiting for you to greet you with the warmest smile and relieve you of your luggage. Once you step out, you will see a dreamlike view of coconut palm tree’s swaying and dancing with the wind, and ferry boats coming and going cutting across the ocean, leaving nothing but a streak of white foam in its path. They will then guide you to either a seaplane or a speed boat which will take you to the resort. Mode of transport varies depending on the distance from the airport to the resort. Both seaplane and speed boat offer a wonderful and exciting view and slice of the Maldives. If it’s a seaplane, you will see the blue skies as you fly over a glistening blue ocean. As you come closer to your destination, you will see gorgeous islands with coconut palm trees and their white sands much clearer than your first glimpse. If you’re in a speedboat, you are in for a bumpy ride though its worth it. You will most definitely feel the cool ocean breeze with little splashes of refreshing salt water on your skin. You can lean in to see gradients of beautiful blue and sometimes if you’re lucky you will encounter a majestic pod of dolphins frolicking in the sea. Once you have reached your resort, you will be welcomed humbly and offered a refreshing beverage to quench your thirst. Now that you have finally arrived, you will be shown to your room or bungalow. Some rooms offer beach front views with a private area of the beach secluded just for you. Bungalows, on the other hand offer you direct access to a lagoon sometimes even with water slides, private pool and jacuzzi. Usually they have a glass floor section. More often than not, you may be visited with schools of small but stunning fish. Once you have settled in, you can explore your holiday island to find thrilling water sports available such as parasailing, jet ski riding and wakeboarding to name a few. Some resorts also
offer exciting experiences such as feeding shark and sting ray near the shore. After dinner, you may be introduced to the enthusiastic, traditional dance and music culture of the Maldives known as Boduberu. Most resorts, open the dance floor and play captivating music into long hours of the night. However, if you have come to ease your mind, spa facilities are also available for your satisfaction. For an ideal relaxing day, you could pack your beach essentials and experience the beauty. Stepping on to the beach, you will slowly feel your feet sinking into the warm soft sand. Standing there, calm seas stretching towards the horizon, shades of blue compel you to dip your feet in. Those first steps into the warm water invite you, like home. You can immerse yourself into the clear infinite sea, to float or swim ever so serenely. Truly an incomparable experience. Laying down on your beach towel, listening to birds chirping, and to the waves splash against the soft white sand simply add to the tranquillity of resort life. Now in alternate scenario, supposed you wanted to explore and experience the hustle and bustle of an average day in the Capital City of Maldives; Male’. You could do this by yourself or get a tour guide. To get to Male’, you only need to catch a short ferry ride from Hulhule’. On the way, you would come across many other ferries traveling on the dark deep blue seas. Roughly, 7 minutes later you would have arrived in Male’, the Capital. Almost immediately, you will hear the noises of passing cars and motor bikes and see the busy Maldivians going about with their day. You’re now in Male’. Though most travellers dismiss the city, there is a lot to it than what meets the eye. Striking up a conversation with just about anyone could be pleasant as most Maldivians are fluent in English and very hospitable. They can offer you insightful information and help you get around. As you walk the streets of male’, you will find some colourful houses that haven’t quite transited from the yester-years to the modern eras, decorated narrow streets, occasional politically-charged graffiti, and a strong communal feel. It will be interesting to stop a little longer and soak in the electric atmosphere. The Maldives can be the long awaited exotic sun-drenched escape for you. With turquoise sparkling seas to bathe away your stressors, soft sand sifting through your toes; calming you, and indulging yourself in the perfect of it all.
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THE HISTORY OF MALDIVES
FANTASI & FRUITS
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The people of the Maldives have always been identified as pleasant, civilized, and congenial company. Maldivians were said to be delightful company even in the past when by tradition the subsistence including beautiful and intricate lacquer work and mat-weaving. Most Maldivians livelihoods were weaved around the sea. These traditions however rare today, still survived by some talented craftsmen and women who design them. Maldivian history dates back to as early as 1500 BC with the first settlers deemed to be Aryans who are thought to have arrived around 500 BC. However, before the conversion to Islam in 1153, the history is quite indistinct as most of it is folklore, myths and legends. Few sources such as Lōmāfānu (copper plates, with ancient text engravings) hold the stories of the past. Early Maldivians followed Buddhism and was a Buddhist kingdom. Maldivians have their own language called Dhivehi which is closely related to Sinhalese language of Sri Lanka, Arab, Hindustani and English. There are six major dialects of the language spoken in different parts of the country. The standard dialect is called Male’ which is spoken in and around the capital island of the country, also called Male’. Cowrie shells were used as currency by the people back then just like in many areas of the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent. The nation was a trade junction for many ancient maritime civilizations, especially Arab, African and Middle Eastern along with many parts of Asia. Cowrie shells and tuna were exported and traders brought over rice, spices and luxury items in return. Many travellers and traders from all over the world came to the Maldives islands. One traveller who stands out from everyone is Abu Barakaat Yusuf Al-Barbaree, a Moroccan scholar and traveller who is credited with converting the Maldivians to Islam back in 1153. According to the ancient Maldivian legend, a sea demon which goes by the name ‘Rannamaari’ was believed to have been the master of the oceans. Rannamaari was worshipped and feared by the Maldivian people, especially those who inhabited the then and now capital island of Male’. Rannamaari temple resided in the capital and in the temple was a throne which faced the sea side. This throne is where the virgin sacrifice who was dressed up as a newly-wed bride with a
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veil covering her entire face waited for her fate. As this ritual continued, the female population of the Maldives was vastly decreasing until Al-Barbaree took matters into his own hands. During his stay, he took the place of a young girl and was carried to the temple as per the tradition, dressed up in bridal attire over his clothes as religious music was played. The scholar purified the temple by reciting powerful verses of the Holy Qur’an to an extent to which no demon or jinn can reside within. When Rannamaari appeared at the temple, Barbaree welcomed Rannamaari with a couple of verses from the Qur’an which made the demon shriek and shrink to a size smaller than a thumb. This marked the end of the legend of Rannamaari and the start of Islam in the Maldives. The king of the time, King Dhovemi converted to Islam after the incident and the rest of the citizens followed. 1153 was also the year the Maldives turned into a Sultanate from a Buddhist Kingdom. Sultan Dhovemi started the long reign of sultans and sultanas in the Maldives where nine dynasties followed the Lunar Dynasty of Sultan Dhovemi which was later changed to the Theemuge Dynasty. Some notable dynasties which followed the Theemuge Dynasty are The Hilaalee Dynasty, Utheemu Dynasty, Dhiyamigili Dynasty and the first and second restoration of the Huraa Dynasty. The Maldives briefly lost its independence in the Hilaalee Dynasty.
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The people of the Maldives have always been identified as pleasant, civilized, and congenial company
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The Maldives was then invaded by a Portuguese army led by Captain Andreas Andre. Maldivians referred to the captain as ‘Andhiri Andhiri’ which translates from Dhivehi as ‘Darkest of the dark’. This gives a hint of what kind of a man Andreas was to the Maldivians. Some also believed that he was born in the Maldives as he was the regent of King Dom Manoel; a former Sultan of the Maldives. Andreas and his army were cruel rulers who forced the Maldivians to convert to Christianity or face death. Andreas and his army continued their tyranny until Muhammad Thakurufaanu, his two brothers; all with military training and masters in the art of sword fighting started a revolution along with some aid from the Rajahs of Cannonore of South India. The three brothers along with their closest friends tied a boat and named it ‘Kalhu oh’ fuh’mi’ and set sail to bring an end to the nightmare. The brave men sailed and sneaked into a different island each night and cleared out the Portuguese, one island at a time and reached the capital island of Male’ a day earlier. Muhammed regained the country’s independence once again by shooting Andreas with a musket. Muhammed Thakurufaanu is still hailed as the greatest hero of Maldivian history. The biggest mosque in the Maldives; Masjidal-Sultan Muhammad Thakurufaanu Al Auzam is named after Muhammed Thakurufaanu as a tribute. This did not mark the end of Portuguese attacks on the Maldives as several attacks followed throughout the years. The Dutch who ruled Ceylon (Sri Lanka) at the time offered protection and the Maldives accepted while maintaining good relations with the British. The British took possession of Ceylon in 1796 and signed an agreement with Maldivian Sultan Mohammed Mueen Uddin almost a century later in 1887. This agreement declared the Maldives as a protectorate of the British. Britain did not hinder with the way the Maldives was being governed but acquired the permission to establish a wartime airfield by leasing the island of Gan in the southernmost atoll of the country. In 1956, the British started development of the base by employing hundreds of Maldivians from the South. Despite the jobs created in the development of the base, the newly elected prime minister; Ibrahim Nasir demanded to shorten the lease of
the island and for the annual payments to be much higher. This stirred an uproar with the people of the South and ended up with the South declaring themselves an independent state with their own president; Abdulla Afif Didi. This was short lived as the rebellion in the South was suppressed when the government officially granted the British Gan and other facilities in Addu Atoll for 30 years in 1960. Britain used Gan as a military base and continued to pay rent until 1976 although they identified the island independent from them in 1965. 1965 was also the year when the Maldives was granted full independence, July 26th being the exact date. Abdulla Afif Didi was not the first president in the Maldives though. Between the first and second restoration of the Huraa Dynasty, the First Republic of Maldives was born. In 1952, Sultan Abdul Majeed Didi passed away and the country’s parliament decided on Mohamed Amin Didi to be the next Sultan. However, Ameen Didi did not accept the crown and thrown and stated that he declined ‘for the sake of the people’. Due to this decision, the people’s Majilis of The Maldives voted to establish a commission with Amin Didi as the chairman to decide how the country would be governed in the future. The commission got the approval from the People’s Majilis to form a republic and hold a referendum on a new constitution. The results of the referendum waer that the majority was in favour and Amin Didi became the country’s first ever president. Amin Didi’s presidency and the First Republic of Maldives was short lived, and the Maldives reverted back into a monarchy status in 1954 until 1968 where the Second Republic of Maldives was declared. The prime minister of the time; Ibrahim Nasir, became the second president of the Maldives. Ibrahim Nasir was president for ten years between 1968-1978 after which Maumoon Abdul Gayoom was the president for thirty years (1978-2008) after which the first ever democratic election was held in the Maldives. The Maldives has a lot more than white sandy beaches, clear waters, and a beautiful array of marine life; Maldivian history is rich and full of culture.
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City Investments is a Maldivian company that has successfully expanded into a very diversified collection of business chains, serving hundreds of thousands of people, owning 25% of the entire market share in the Bakery & Restaurant sector. The company’s Chairman notes that the driving force behind their success is the loyalty their customers have placed in them, and believes that the needs of the everyday individual must be met. The company has also added to the short pages of baking history in Maldives by making the first-local daily bread, and is also responsible for the emergence of the ever-so popular ‘Gelato’ - a type of Italian ice cream - in Maldives. Founded in 2005, City Investments Pvt Ltd came into being with a vision to cater to the rapid increase in the demand for new types of food, as well as the changes in the dining and socializing scene in Male’. With that in mind, City Investments set out to create a new ‘’city-culture’’ with European-quality in mind. Founded from a passion for quality and style, since its inception, the City collection continues to strive for excellence with their restaurants, cafes and City Bakery outlets that specialize in the production of nutritious, freshly-made, high quality products to meet the rising demands of the city.
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INDIGENOUS AQUA LIFE Maldives is most popularly known for “white gold” islands, picturesque resorts and a tranquil beach paradise getaway. Surrounding these islands, is another celebrated venture, offering a peek into a stunning array of aqua life and one of the best diving destinations in the world. Maldivian waters and reefs are bursting with myriads of colourful and rich marine life that make up a remarkable ecology. Here are some of the most exciting sea life in the Maldives.
WHALE SHARK (FEHURIHI)
PARROT FISH (NUU LANDAA)
TRIGGERFISH (RHONDU)
In Maldivian waters it’s very common to see these enchanting creatures in specific locations. Namely, South Ari Atoll, Thaa Atoll and Gaaf Alif Atoll. Easiest-way for an encounter with these mysterious creatures, is to get on a liveaboard, with a planned tour of such locations. After a little searching around for these giants, getting close and gently swimming alongside these amazing creatures will be a breathtaking experience. Additionally, choosing any resort destination which is close to their natural habitats are guaranteed to have ‘whale shark trips’.
A study, based on work in the Maldives published in the journal Geology, found that parrotfish produced more than 85% of the new sand-grade sediment on the reefs. Parrotfish can be observed in varying sizes. Maximum sizes vary with the majority of species reaching 30–50 cm (12–20 in) in length. However, a few species reach lengths in excess of 1 m (3 ft 3 in), and the green hump head parrotfish can reach up to 1.3 m (4 ft 3 in).
About 40 kinds of gorgeous, unique but hostile little Triggerfish species are interspersed all over the tropical and subtropical oceans of the world. The state fish of Hawaii is a reef Triggerfish, known as humuhumunukunukuāpua’a. With a reputably ill temper, Triggerfish despise intruders of any kind in their territory and tend to bite with their blue and strong teeth to scare off interlopers.
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ANEMONE FISH (MAAGANU MAS)
SPINNER DOLPHIN (KOAMAS)
These colourful fishes are usual members often populating almost every reef in the Maldives. One specific kind of Anemonefish found only in the Maldives and in some areas of Sri Lanka is the Black-finned Anemonefish. This fish is orange in colour, with a distinctive white stripe behind its eye. It also has an anal fin and a black pelvic. There’s a dive site in the Maldives called Anemone Thila which rough the Shallows of the Anemone.
Seeing these magnificent creatures leaping in and out of water at high speeds is truly a mesmerizing view. It’ll be a show of a lifetime. Maldives is home to an abundant number of dolphin fauna and whale species. Special excursions dedicated to watching dolphins are available in almost every Maldivian resort, perhaps even swim with these active and playful dolphins.
HAWKSBILL TURTLE (VELAA) Seven types of sea turtles are found in the world. The Hawksbill turtle, found mainly in coral reefs in the Maldives is considered to be the most fascinating of them all. Hawksbills occupy several other habitats such as shallow coastal zones, lagoons and mangrove estuaries where sponges are abundant and sandy nesting areas are close by. Apart from sponges, they like to feast on jellyfish as well.
WHITE TIP REEF SHARK (OSHAKOLHU HUDHU MIYARU) White tip reef sharks, recognized by the white tip on their dorsal fins are gentle sharks which feed on small bony fish, octopuses and sometimes crustaceans such as crab and lobster. White tips do not need to constantly swim to breathe which allow them to rest for most of the day under rocks or just on the sea bed. The sharks are most active at night when they hunt. Their long tube-like bodies make it easy for them to go into caves and grab prey from tight spaces. Watching these sharks hunt is a must see and would be possible on night diving trips offered from many resorts and dive centers of the Maldives. Even if these sharks grow four to five feet long, they are not territorial nor do they see humans as food so getting close to them is not dangerous. Doesn’t this make diving with these sharks even more desirable?
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MANTA RAY (EH MADI)
EAGLE RAY (VAA FIYA MADI)
MORAY EEL (VEN)
Manta rays are gentle kite-like giants of the ocean who swim so effortlessly and gracefully. They glide in the ocean ever so calm in their own pace. Two mantas swimming together would look like as if they are taking part in an elegant dance, spiralling and crisscrossing one another so effortlessly. The gentle giants can be as big as seven meters across and can weigh over a ton. Mantas are not dangerous at all; they only eat plankton and don’t pose any threats to humans. Many divers say they actually enjoy human company and would entertain divers in some cases by doing tricks such as loop-the-loops. Not only do they do tricks, under the surface, mantas have also been spotted leaping out of the ocean just like dolphins from time to time. These gentle giants always travel in packs so witnessing them swim together will always be a treat. Hannifaru Bay in Baa atoll is a sweet spot for mantas, the manta feeding frenzy attracts many visitors every year.
Eagle rays usually swim in big flocks, gliding through the water all together almost coordinated. These rays would also cruise the oceans solo from time to time, using their duck beak like mouths to burrow through sand to find small creatures like shrimps. Most eagle rays found within the Maldivian waters have beautiful white spots spread all over their backs which make the already majestic creatures even more alluring.
More than a 100-different species of moray eels, each with different sizes and with different patterns can be found lodged in small caves in the reefs. Morays are great at hiding in plain site by using the patterns on their bodies to blend in with their surroundings. They use this to hide from both their predators such as large groupers and barracuda and also their pray like small fish. There is a vast array of moray eels in the Maldivian reefs as the reefs have many different corals in spectacular colours.
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BEGIN THE SUN SIYAM EXPERIENCE Begin an enthralling experience that will last you all your life as one of the grandest, happiest moments of your life.
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY: SHUMI
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GETTING TO KNOW SHUMI One of the most celebrated divers in Maldives.
Shamoon is a diver, educator, and realized his lifelong dream of being an explorer, having dived every reef in the Maldives and been on projects with the likes of BBC and National Geographic, has taught awareness classes in London and even founded his own dive school in the heart of Austria. (now closed) There were a few things along the way that enticed him, and nudged him along on his incredibly wonderful journey into the exciting world of Diving. The story is full of ups that had him flying to far-off lands like Austria where he dove in frozen lakes, and downs that had him exploring the depths of the deep blue Maldivian oceans.
FIRST BREATH UNDERWATER. EUREKA! One day when Shumi volunteered to help the boat crew of a resort launch, scrape the barnacles off the hull and the mosses that collect over time, he had the foreign yet magical experience of putting on a scuba tank - and took his first breath underwater. Shumi remembers this moment as an inspirationally vibrant moment resonant with pureclarity and realization. ‘’I know it. I finally know what I want to do with the rest of my life’’ – and so Shumi, walks away with an answer to a question that he always had locked away in his heart. The question of how he and the sea should finally entwine. He was going to be a diver. He knew it, in the core of his very being. He knew it!
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1. WHO DO YOU ADMIRE, AND WHY? My parents. They’ve always been a constant source of inspiration and strength.
2. WHAT HAVE YOU ALWAYS WANTED AS A PET WHEN YOU WERE YOUNGER AND WHICH? A dog. Golden retriever, to be specific. I think they are caring.
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3. WHAT’S A TYPICAL DAY LIKE FOR YOU? PLEASE DESCRIBE WITH DETAILS? I only really and truly fully relax on my own. Give me a sun lounger, a pool and a sea view, and I’m happy with my regular coffee and that’s when my day officially starts. By then I’m already a little impatience to jump into the water. 9 o’clock brings the first guided dive – and new faces. The trip constitutes of a ’dhoani’(a type of Maldivian boat) ride to nearby reefs and a lot of fun. After coming back, I take a light meal before the second trip. I also help take care of all required tasks like taking care of the equipment, cleaning and the dive bills – At Sunset; I take a fresh shower and socialize with people around. After that I go to bed.
4. APART FROM DIVING DO YOU HAVE ANY SKILLS THAT PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT? Cooking, Surfing and Sailing.
5. IF YOU COULD BE ANYWHERE RIGHT THIS MINUTE, OTHER THAN HERE, WHERE WOULD YOU BE? Under the water.
6. WHAT DID YOU WANTED TO BECOME WHEN YOU WERE 10 YEARS OLD? A Nautical Captain.
7. IF YOU AND I WERE AT BAR IN GERMANY, WHAT WOULD YOU ORDER? An espresso.
8. FINISH THIS SENTENCE. ON SUNDAY MORNINGS, YOU CAN USUALLY FIND ME... Giving my morning briefing to guests waiting for their first dive or on the chair with a coffee waiting for the sun-rise.
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9. WHAT IS THE LEGACY YOU WISH TO LEAVE BEHIND? I want to be remembered for helping people. I hope the actions I have invested into
- Teaching guests and tourists when they visit Maldives. - Educating Locals and Tourists, about the different fascinating underwater species. - I wish we could pass Maldives to the next generation
preserving the beautiful Ocean and shorelines still continue to speak for themselves once I’m gone. Most importantly, I want my children to remember me as a good father.
16. WHAT WOULD BE YOUR PERSONAL MOTTO? Live Simple. Be Humble. Work Smart. And Give endlessly.
10. WHAT ARE THE SKILLS THAT MAKE YOU A REMARKABLE DIVER, YOU ARE TODAY? My Passion for the ocean, easy-going, calm, patience and the ability to make people happy.
17. WHAT’S YOUR ADVICE FOR SOMEONE WHO LOOKS AT YOU AS A ROLE MODEL? Educate yourself so that you may educate the people whom you’re responsible for. It is not enough to put the tank on and go under water. Be diligently and passionate.
11. NAME THREE WORDS THAT YOU WOULD USE TO DESCRIBE YOURSELF? Responsible, respectful and studious.
12. WHAT DO YOU WANT TO MAKE SURE YOU ACHIEVE BEFORE YOU DIE NO MATTER HOW LONG? Getting sponsored by an internationally recognized company like Gates, to be financially buoyant in educating people about Maldives.
18. WHAT’S YOUR ADVICE FOR A TOURIST COMING FROM ABROAD, TO DIVE IN THE BEAUTIFUL TROPICAL WATERS OF MALDIVES? Respect cultures and the underwater culture too. Sincerely give thought to Mother Nature and be informed on the conduct of diving. Dive responsibly!
19. WHAT ARE THE TRAITS YOU INHERITED FROM YOUR FATHER BEING YOUR BIGGEST ROLE MODEL? He was an altruistic person, putting others first.
13. WHAT ARE THE GOALS YOU WISH TO ACCOMPLISH IN THE NEXT 10 YEARS BEING IN YOUR THIRTIES? By the time I’m 40, I’d like to have an underwater videography firm that works in close relation to a marketing agency in order to enable school children have information about Maldives. Traveling around the world conducting programs on the risk we face on globalwarming and the yearly rise in our sea level. calling out to all people of the world, to take
20. WHAT ARE YOUR IMMEDIATE PLANS FOR 2018? Video projects, documenting various marine-life at all locations, all over the Maldives and to create a huge database especially, in Fuvahmulah. Also documenting the pelagic surrounding of the atoll.
part and experience the beauty of diving. I’ve dived around the world, but there’s nothing quite like the Maldives.
14. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING WHEN YOU ARE WORKING AND WHEN YOU ARE NOT? When you’re going for a dive, there is a moment when one portion of your mask is submerged in water, and the other is just above the surface – and this is when you take your first breath underwater. It’s an adventurous feeling. When I’m not working, seeing my kids is my pride and joy.
21. WHAT’S THE ONE DIVE THAT YOU WANT TO MAKE BEFORE YOU DIE? Diving with great-white sharks in the deep blue, open ocean without a cage.
22. GIVE US THREE HAPPY MOMENTS – WHICH YOU LOOK BACK UNTO IN YOUR LONG, SUCCESSFUL CAREER? - Working as a cruise director in the Aggressor fleet- one of the biggest dive fleet in the world.
15. WHAT ARE SOME CAUSES YOU DEEPLY CARE ABOUT? - The excess of Resort Hotels and Liveaboards and its impact on the fragile Ecosystem.
- Working with BBC to document the underwater photography of Maldives. - When I first saw a Tiger shark which was almost 15 feet swimming near. - The two weeks I spent working with ScubaZoo – a company affiliated with Nat Geo.
- Getting rid of Garbage, without polluting the Waters.
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