Maldives Finder 2012

MALDIVES FINDER

THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE OF MATATO | 2012 EDITION w w w . m a l d i v e s fi n d e r . c o m

Inside Inside Inside

ide side Inside side nside nside e Maldives Finder 2012

Maldives Finder Issue 02, 2012

Photographer: Felix Hug / eyesonasia.net Resort: Velassaru Maldives

Production Team Hussain Fazeel Hussain Ihuvan Mohamed Shafraz Naeem Ajuhadh Zuhair Hussain Faarih IBRAHIM IUJAZ HAFIZ mohamed mauroof jameel (andhu) Squid Media takes care to ensure that all facts published herein are correct. In the event of any inaccuracy please contact the Editor at shafraz@squidmedia.net

Published by: Squid Media Pvt. Ltd. MF Building (4/FL) Chaandhanee Magu Male', Republic of Maldives. studio@squidmedia.net squidmedia.net @SquidMediaGroup /SquidMediaGroup /SquidMediaGroup 04 | Definitive Guide of MATATO

Inside Inside MATATO

H.Reef View (1/FL) Dhoohimeri Magu, Male’, Republic of Maldives Tel : (+960) 334 4929 / Fax: (+960) 334 4909 Email: info@matato.org Web: www.matato.org

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Maldives Finder 2012

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No need to get your feet wet thearti.

Water Sports Mecca Author Thom. as Pickard looks into why Maldives is reknowned for its watersports.activities as well as to why and what are the different activities visitors to this tiny island nation can look to experience.

Traditional Souvenirs of the Maldives

cle looks into different options available for visitors who are interested to visit the country to enjoy the beauty of the Maldiv. ian waters through some unique experi. ences without having to get their feet wet.

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MATATO At the heart of the Maldivian Tourism Industry Maleeh Jamal Travel & Tourism Fairs Maldives Participates in 2012

Reefs Reborn Ann-Marie Kitchen-Wheeler Take only Pictures, Leave only footprints Adrian Neville No need to get your feet wet Mohamed Shafraz Hafiz Water Sports Mecca Thomas Pickard Shark Conservation & Dive Tourism Nishan Perera MENIMAL: The future sound of Maldives Maizan Azlym A Maldives adventure Gary Elsworth The face of VILLA Mohamed Shafraz Hafiz

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The articles look into major traditional sou. venirs which are made in the Maldives. It looks into Lacquer works Wood Carvings Dhoni Crafts Coconut shell products Mat weaving and Coir ropes.,

In the details of a design: A story on Maldivian Interior designer Fathmath Salah (koki) Ifham Niyaz Remembering the past.. with appropriate food Ahmed Nazim Sattar 5 reasons to experience Maldives on a liveaboard Mohamed Shafraz Hafiz Maldives : Colours of the Ocean Mohamed Shafraz Hafiz & Mohamed Shafraz Naeem Traditional Souvenirs of the Maldives Maldives.net.mv Inspiring peace, solitude & relaxation

Must See Websites

The ultimate battle for survival Maldives.net.mv 2012 Travel Trends Abdullah Ghiyaz The hidden fountains of paradise Maldives.net.mv

Traditional Boat Building in the Maldives Ali Rilwan

Definitive Guide of MATATO | 05

Ground Handling Airport Assistance Hotel Booking & wholesaling Tailor made Programs Inbound & Outbound travel Incentive travel Port handling Aviation Services Luxury holidays ...your one- stop solution

Inner Maldives Holidays H. East Light Ameer Ahmed Magu Male' Republic of Maldives Tel. +960 300 6886, Fax. +960 3330 884 E-mail: info@innermaldives.com innermaldives.com /innermaldives @innermaldives

Inner Maldives Holidays

CONTRIB Maldives Finder is built upon the hard work and goodwill of several contributors, each one of them amazing figures in their own right.

Whether they bring their expertise as key figures in their fields or have something important or interesting to say, the force of these personalities carries this entire publication through. We would like to thank our contributors and acknowledge their efforts to make Maldives Finder what it is.

Adrian Neville Travel Writer

Thomas Pickard Photographer

Adrian Neville lived in the maldives and writes the definitive guide book: “Resorts of Maldives”, now in its third edition.

Having tirelessly reviewed every single resort, he is now continuously asked “which is the best for me?”

Thomas Pickard is an Australian born photographer, who began his freelance career in 2006 during a two-year stay in the sun-soaked. In between epic surf sessions at the local surf breaks, Thomas spent his time photographing island culture, commercial fisherman and five-star resorts for magazine clients.

Nishan Perera Marine Biologist & Avid Scuba Diver

Gary Elsworth Underwater Enthusiast

Author of the book “Coral Reefs of Sri Lanka”, Nishan is an experienced diver and a marine biologist with over 14 years in the field. Currently pursuing his Doctorate, Nishan Perera have dived extensively around the coasts of Sri Lanka and written several scientific papers and reports.

Gary started diving just two years ago after doing his certification during a brief trip back to his native England from Singapore where he is resident. Since then he has made up for lost time having done over 230 dives, many of them in Indonesia. Over the last year he started using a Canon G11 compact digital camera with a Canon underwater housing, but strictly to capture memories, not awards!

Anne-Marie Kitchen-Wheeler Marine Biologist and Researcher

Indra Swari Underwater Photographer

Anne-Marie Kitchen-Wheeler is project manager and photographer of the “Manta Ecology Project”. Anne-Marie has dedicated her life to the study of Manta Rays and the “Manta Ecology project”, which began in November 2001 when Anne-Marie was a dive guide on a liveaboard safari boat which sailed across the Maldives archipelago.

It all started with curiosity about the world beneath the water, but that one experience back in 1995 has continued until today for Indra Swari, a veteran of over 1100 dives. Since her earliest dives, her eyes have been drawn to the small creatures of the sea. With the aid of her macro lens, she now concentrates on capturing their beautiful colors and intricate details wherever and whenever she dives.

Ifham Niyaz Writer

Mohamed Nazim Historian

Ifham Niyaz is a freelance writer with an interest in writing about people and their experiences. Her recent work includes artist profiles commissioned by the National Art Gallery and explorative writings on Maldivian women based on Pyrard de Laval’s voyage to the Maldives.

Ahmed Nazim Sattar, a keen researcher of history, holds a degree in Arabic with Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies. His book, King Kalaafaan Manuscripts is a wonderful achievement that will help researchers of Maldivian history. Nazim Sattar is currently studying law in the Maldives National University.

lai Rilwan Environmentalist

Maizan Azlym Writer

Ali Rilwan is executive committee member and co-founder of local environmental NGO Bluepeace. He’s the one of the main contributors of articles to Bluepeace website and the blog

Maizan Azlym writes extensively about Maldivian art, culture, history and environmental issues. His works have been featured in local and online magazines. He founded Maldivian Psychedelic Arts, a group that advocates creativity and originality in the Maldives.”

Maleeh Jamal Secretary General of MATATO

Abdulla Ghiyas Deputy Managing Director (Inner Maldives Holidays)

With over a decade of experience, Maleeh is currently the Secretary General of MATATO responsible for its overall management.He served at Maldives Tourism Promotion Board (MTPB) and Ministry of Tourism. During his tenure at MTPB he also oversaw the press strategy, public relations and media. Maleeh has a Masters Degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Rochester Institute Technology, New York, USA.

Abdulla Ghiyas is a young entrepreneur and the Deputy Managing Director of the leading and multi –awarding winning company: Inner Maldives Holidays and other subsidiaries. He was also the honouree of Ten Outstanding Young Persons Award 2010 by Junior Chamber International Maldives.

BUTORS MALDIVES FINDER

Media Contributors Mohamed Shafraz Naeem

Ahmed Fahud Faiz

Ibrahim Iujaz Hafiz

Mohamed Mauroof Khaleel

Mohamed Sifah Saeed

Hussain Asthar

Maldives Finder 2012

Editors Note Assalaamu alaikum. Peace be unto you.

Welcome to the second issue of Maldives Finder. Last year we had an issue packed with great pieces on local sensations such as bodu beru band Harubee, and informative articles from personalities such as the legendary Neville Coleman, an inductee in the International Scuba Hall of Fame. The publication was distributed at major tourism and travel fairs to receive a great amount of positive feedback.

It’s a particularly important time for the Maldivian tourism industry. The global economy and the distribution of spending power is changing and with them the identity and tastes of the international tourist. As new avenues open up for travel in the Maldives, the tourism game is moving at a rapid pace and the industry must evolve to remain relevant.

With p hoto Asia D grapher, Mic ive Exp o 2011hael Awe at , Singa pore

To leave behind the strong and established tourism identity of the Maldives was bold but times are changing and we must change our image to adapt. With all that is changing both locally and globally this is absolutely necessary. Maldives Finder, as a celebration and symbol of Maldives as a brand, embraces this.

New markets are opening up and we must devise new strategies to penetrate them without alienating the established tourist base. Only the strongest brands can persevere while new ones spring up to challenge the establishment. The industry has always been in flux but the coming years will see greater changes than ever.

New chains and properties are already in development, some set to debut in 2012. Each will bring subtle alterations to the overall identity while fortifying what lasts. Exciting new ideas and experiences will accompany new iterations of old market preferences. It’s never a quiet moment in the tourism industry.

Maldives Finder is no longer a novelty. Though we have an impressive install base our sophomore effort is important as it’s often the most telling of a publication’s strength and sustainability. We’ll do what we always do: provide you promotional material with strong and informative content written with just you in mind.

Look to us to find a strong brand. We will always be relevant. But above everything we will provide you with a quality read.

Once again, assalaamu alaikum.

le at 1 Nevil rian don 201 d A Lon riter ith w WTM

@ShafrazHafiz Editor

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Minister of Tourism Arts & Culture,Dr.Mariyam Zulf launches the first issue of Mald ives Finder at ITB Berlin 2011a

Definitive Guide of MATATO | 11

Maldives Finder 2012

MATATO Executive Board Members

Mr.Mohamed Khaleel President

Mr.Mohamed Riyaz Vice President

Mr.Abdulla Ghiyas Vice President

Reollo Travel & Tours

Lets Go Maldives

Inner Maldives Holidays

Mr.Mohamed Maleeh Jamal Secretary General

Mr.Abdulla Suood Treasurer

Mr.Ibrahim Shareef Executive Board Member

Idea Management

Tropical Ocean Holidays

AAA Travel & Tours

Mr.Ibrahim Shiham Executive Board Member

Mr.Ali Ibrahim Executive Board Member

Mr.Hathim Hassan Executive Board Member

Mr.Ibrahim Nizam Executive Board Member

Yacht Tours Maldives

Vista Travel & Trade

Island Pearl Holidays

The Grand Holidays

Definitive Guide of MATATO | 13

Maldives Finder 2012

Photo: Fahud Faiz

MATATO

at the heart of the Maldivian Tourism Industry Article by: Maleeh Jamal

Maldives Association of Travel Agents & Tour Operators (MATATO) is the most active tourism related association in Maldives. Since its humble beginning the association is steadily progressing for the betterment of travel agents and to the broader tourism sector. The association’s membership now stands over 70, including resorts, foreign operators as associate members.

The official publication of MATATO ‘Maldives Finder’ was an extremely successful venture. Over 15,000 copies of the magazine were distributed across the globe. The magazine was also used as an in-flight magazine of some of the airlines and was available at VIP and CIP lounge of Ibrahim Nasir International Airport. The second edition of the magazines would be launched during ITB Berlin in 2012.

Established in 2006 by a group of enthusiastic tour operators in Maldives, MATATO is living up to its mission of “Taking the travel and tourism industry of the Maldives forward through unity, empowerment and co-operation”.

It is regrettable that in the past 40 years of travel agency operation in Maldives ample research has not been carried out on the travel agents industry. MATATO understood the importance of such a study and requested relevant authority’s urgency of the same. As a result UNDP was kind enough to fund for such a research. A professional research firm carried out an indepth study of the travel agents industry in Maldives last year. The final research document is available for our members.

The findings were overwhelming. The strategic frame work outlined in the report would pave for a progressive future of the industry. In addition a code of conduct for MATATO members was also developed which would enhance the

MATATO as a membership driven association has achieved numerous milestones during 2011. MATATO successfully organized travel fairs and represented the destination in the largest emerging markets such as China and India. MATATO and its members had presence in many other major travel exhibitions and networking events across the globe.

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Maldives Finder 2012

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A professional research firm carried out an indepth study of the travel agents industry in Maldives last year. The strategic frame work outlined in the report would pave for a progressive future of the industry

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Photo: Fahud Faiz Definitive Guide of MATATO | 15

Maldives Finder 2012

reliability of MATATO members. It ensures MATATO member’s high standard in their operations. It would give impetus to the existing MATATO preferred travel agents scheme. Furthermore, a draft regulation was also part of the project. It is expected that the new travel agents regulation would come into effect during 2012.

The much awaited MATATO awards ceremony will be held during the first quarter of 2012. We hope the MATATO awards act as a platform to appreciate the contributions of key players and act as a motivator for the tourism industry.

MATATO annual general meeting was held during October 2011 and a new executive board was elected. Mohamed Khaleel replaced the former president Yousuf Riffath. The new board is committed to learning lessons from the past, creating opportunities in the present and making strides towards a progressive future of the association.

We would like to welcome all our new members and thank the existing members for their continued support and dedication.

It’s obvious that MATATO will always be at the heart of the tourism industry for our members and for the betterment of the tourism industry of the Maldives.

Photo: Fahud Faiz 16 | Definitive Guide of MATATO

Photo: Fahud Faiz

Maldives Finder 2012

The New Executive Booard of MATATO General Secretery of MATATO (left) amd the former president of MATATO (right) with the Secretary General of UNWTO, Dr.Taleb Rifai (middle).

MATATO participates at BITE 2011 at Beijing, China

During the MATATO 2011 General Election Definitive Guide of MATATO | 17

FITUR on 18-22

Parque Ferial Juan Carlos 1, 28042 Madrid, Apdo. De Correos 67.067, Spain

BOOT on 21-29

Messe Dusseldorf GmbH, D-40001 Dusseldorf, Germany

FESPO on 26-29

Exhibition Center Zurich, Wallisellenstrasse 49, CH-8050 Zurich, Switzerland

FEBRUARY

SATTE on 10-12

Hall 8-12A, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, India

Holiday & Travel Show on 7-9

The Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre (SECC) , GLASGOW, G3 8YW, United Kingdom

EUDI Show on 16-19

Fiera Milano City, Padiglioni, 14, 15, 16, 20145, Milano, Italy

BIT on 16-19

Expo cts via G. Govone, 66 - 20155 Milan, Italy

MARCH

ITB on 7-11

Messe Berlin GmbH, Messedamm 22, D-14055 Berlin, Germany

MITT on 21-24

Krasnaya Presnya Exhibition Complex, ZAO Expocentre, Moscow, Russia

GITF on 1-3

China Import and Export Fair Complex (Area C) Guangzhou, China 510010

APRIL

Marine Diving Fair on 6-8

Ikebukuro-Sunshine City Convention Center, Hall C & D, Ikebukuro, Tokyo

Emirates Holiday World on 27-29

The Event Centre - Al Ras Ballroom and Al Baraha Ballroom, Crowne Plaza, InterContinental Hotels Dubai, Festival City

Travel & Tourism Fairs Maldives Participates 2012

JANUARY

MAY

ATM on 30 April - 3 May

Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

JUNE

BITE on 15-17

China National Convention Centre, 7 Tiancheng East Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100105, China

SEPTEMBER

IFTM Top Resa on 18-21

Paris Porte de Versailles Exhibition Centre, 75015 Paris, France

JATA WTF on 20-23

Tokyo International Exhibition Center, 3-21-1 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0063, Japan

Luxury Leisure Fair on 19-21

International Exhibition Center (IEC) - “Crocus Expo”, 143400 Moscow, Russia

OCTOBER

TTG Incontri on 4-6

TTG Italia S.p.A - RIMINI FIERA -Via Emilia, 155 - 47900 Rimini, Italy

CITM

Shanghai New International Expo Centre, 2345 Longyang Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai - China

NOVEMBER

DEMA Show on 14-17

Sands Expo Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

WTM on 5-8

ExCeL London, 1 Western Gateway, Royal Victoria Dock, London Docklands, E16 1XL, United Kingdom

DECEMBER

DRT Expo on 15-17

Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center, Wanchai, Hong Kong

HEART OF THE OCEAN solitary . serene . sensual The only one of its kind, the Water Villas of Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa south of the Equator in the Maldives, are like pearls in oysters offering the choicest decor to the stunning seascapes that surround it, promising a truly sensational, surreal and unforgettable experience.

Fasmeeru Building 5th Flr, Boduthakurufaanu Magu, P.O. Box 2034, Male, Republic of Maldives Tel: +960 332 9889 Fax: +960 331 2832 Email: sales@crowntoursmaldives.com

WWW.CROWNTOURSMALDIVES.COM

REEFS

REBORN Article by: Anne Marie Kitchen-Wheeler Images by : Mohamed Shafraz Naeem

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In 1997-1998 an event known as an El Niño (full name El Niño/La Niña Southern Oscillation or ENSO) occurred in the Pacific and Indian Oceans causing unprecedented bleaching and subsequent death of corals worldwide

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Maldives Finder 2012

In 1997-1998 an event known as an El Niño (full name El Niño/La Niña Southern Oscillation or ENSO) occurred in the Pacific and Indian Oceans causing unprecedented bleaching and subsequent death of corals worldwide. The effects were particularly bad in the central atolls of the Maldives where up to 95% of hard coral died. The species most affected were the attractive branching and table corals so loved by divers and snorkelers as they tend to grow in the shallower waters around lagoons and channels. The bleaching was caused by much higher than normal surface temperatures.

cried at the decimation I observed. The reef tops at Nassimo and Kuda Rah thilas were wiped out, now just a flat limestone plateau. The fish were still there, but something was definitely missing. Bad press followed, and soon the world knew about the lack of coral in the Maldives. Ironically, the more southern atolls were hardly touched and the corals continued to grow abundantly. This was ironic because at the time, there was only one resort in the south (Equator Village in Addu atoll) so few tourists were able to appreciate the luxurious corals that still grew nearby.

The warm-bath like temperatures being enjoyed by tourists in the Maldives during April and May of 1998 (temperatures of up to 34ºC were reported) caused imbalances in the relationship between the coral animal which creates the coral and its symbiotic algae which helps the coral photosynthesize sunlight and which gives the coral some of its colours. The corals were so stressed they “evicted” the algae (causing the bleaching) and then the coral animals also vacated so the white coral skeletons were now effectively dead and crumbled to rubble in a matter of months. I was here in March1998 enjoying the beautiful coral landscapes around North Male atoll and the strangely warm sea temperatures. I returned a year later and

Recovery commenced immediately and scientists reported coral re-growth throughout the central atolls within a year, however it took at least until 2003 for the recovery to be obvious to divers. The reefs on the west side of Ari atoll were particularly abundant with table corals by this time and we all expressed amazement at the speed of growth of these table corals, some of which were already 2 m in diameter (in only 5 years). More species started to grow and by 2006 the reefs were covered in a variety of hard corals. Re-growth was being reported across the central atolls and we all gave a gasp of relief. The reefs were being reborn!

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Maldives Finder 2012

By 2012 my perception (as a diver who has frequently dived in the Maldives since the early 1990’s) is that the reefs are in a similar state as pre-1998 ENSO. Yes, the reefs are different, because we cannot expect that exactly the same species will regenerate in the same place and some sites still do not look as pretty as in 1997, but other sites are MUCH better, so we now dive in different places. We must remember that the state of the reefs is a dynamic thing. The reefs are created and destroyed by nature. Whether a storm which flips over large shallow table corals or further ENSO events (the 2002, 2005 and 2010 events fortunately caused little effect in the Maldives) we should accept them as Mother Nature’s way of clearing to allow new growth, in the same way as a forest fire is now understood as a natural and beneficial phenomenon. What we should be concerned about is the combined impact of global warming on these ENSO events, and the complication of ocean acidification on coral reef recovery after bleaching.

to regal angelfish and sweetlips, these fish eat, are cleaned and sleep on the reef. Additionally there are relationships between these smaller reef dwellers and large pelagic fish like jacks and tunas and even sharks and rays. The bigger fish are attracted to the reefs to visit “cleaning stations” inhabited, particularly by small wrasse which perform the important task of removing dead skin and parasites on the larger fish, whist getting a meal from the bits they remove. Many of the famous shark and ray sites of Bathala Kanthila, Fotteyo, Maaya Thila, Lankan Reef and Dhonkalo are important cleaning station sites. Damage the reef and you damage the habitat of the cleaner fish so the sharks and rays go somewhere else to get cleaned. Additionally the spawning corals (and other animals on the reef which spawn) supply food for hungry mantas and many other pelagic fish (which may, in turn, feed bigger fish). If the reefs are gone, the feeders will have to move elsewhere. The Maldives reefs are so prolific due to the well supplied food chain.

In the meantime we should enjoy these reefs. Whether the delicate Acroporas of table and staghorn corals to the sturdy massives of Porites and Pavona we should remember that the corals form the homes of the millions of fish which live within the reef. From tiny orange anthias and blue chromis, through

So next time you are out on the reef enjoying the pretty corals and colourful reef fish, spare a thought for the fine balance that Mother Nature maintains. Please think what you can do to help keep the reef pristine and remember the eco tourism ethos of take only photos and leave only footprints.

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Maldives Finder 2012

Maldives Finder 2012

Take only Pictures leave only footprints Photos & Article by: Adrian Neville

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Maldives Finder 2012

‘Take only pictures, leave only footprints’ sounds like the perfect green ethic for tourists but take it too literally and you miss the chance to engage with the people and traditions of your destination. If you get the chance to buy a Thundu Kunaa, I urge you to take that home along with your pictures.

If you manage to get to Gadhoo, you can meet and support the last inheritors of the finest craft tradition still existing in the Maldives.

The Maldives was once renowned for its fine cloth, interwoven with threads of silver and gold. That has disappeared. Gold and silver smithing continues on just a few islands. The extraordinary and quite unique skill of coral carving has sadly died out, leaving only the intricate cable work designs, like Celtic knots, on tombstones and mosques for us to wonder at. The Thundu Kunaa is, with unanimous agreement among experts, the finest grass mat in the world. It is still being made today and with the help of tourists, the craft cannot just survive but come back strongly.

Although Gadhoo make the finest mats, Rathafandhoo and Nadala also have their weavers. All three islands are in Gaaf

box that makes it play. Her young daughter, Dhaha, is nearby, learning what it takes to be a weaver. One day she will learn the skills and patterns from her mother, just like Aneesa did from hers.

The work does not allow a let-up in concentration. Nimble fingers run the reeds across the lines of string, like picking a tune on a harp. A tan thread goes in two lines, out three, in two more and out five, lifted and snipped. A black thread is taken 28 | Definitive Guide of MATATO

Dhaalu Atoll in the far south of the country. Once this was remote from tourism but now they can be reached from the new resorts of Park Hyatt, Ayada, Robinson Club and Jumeirah Devanafushi. Other islands in the atoll are designated to become resorts and the number of safari boats is increasing as word spreads of the great surf breaks hereabout and the pure beauty of the uninhabited islands.

From beginning to end every aspect of a mat’s production is natural, in its literal sense. Nothing has been updated: there is nothing artificial and no short cuts. The dried reeds go through weeks of processing to achieve the different colours. Bark, roots and leaves are the essential dyes, variously boiled with palm toddy, iron filings, coconut milk and turmeric. The wooden looms are pegged to the ground with sticks and tied to the roof with coir rope. The fine threads that are the skeleton of the mat are spun from the bark of young hibiscus trees.

Aneesa, a weaver in Gadhoo, spends a good part of every day sitting three inches above the ground on a narrow, wooden stool, her legs stretched out straight in front of her. She is tucked into the simple horizontal loom like the key in a music

through another series, then tan again and a short run with yellow. A wooden block knocks it all tight and the process repeats.

Any little mistake will be visible. Put the tan thread in one place too early and the sharp line has a tiny aberration. The weavers cannot see the work as they make it; the mats are woven upside down. The designs and how to produce them are formulas committed to memory.

Maldives Finder 2012

The width of a mat is the first decision and then particular designs or motifs are chosen to fit that width. A small mat, such as the ones now made for the tourist market (100cm x 45cm) will integrate perhaps three separate motifs, the medium size mats (155cm x 55cm) will have six or seven, while the large mats (200cm x 75cm) will use between ten and twelve. A good weaver will have mastered more than twenty.

Although each one has a name, nothing is really known about the designs, where they came from or for how many generations they have been passed from mother to daughter.

Traditionally, the large mats were for the undholi (the swing beds), the medium-sized mats were either prayer mats, covers for a particular lounging chair (a planter’s chair) or for children to sleep on. The small mats were placed under incense bowls.

The mats are expensive relative to other souvenirs but the money you leave with the mat-weaving community is how much more valuable than your footprints? And what you take away beside your pictures is an example of a very special craft, willingly shared.

Definitive Guide of MATATO | 29

Maldives Finder 2012

No need to get your feet wet By: Mohamed Shafraz Hafiz

Maldives has become synonymous with the ultimate tropical holiday destination. We have recently become prominent in the international spotlight for an aspect of our nation’s natural beauty that’s often not considered: fragility. This serves to add a layer of the diaphanous to the natural wonder, especially as global environmental policies in the coming years will determine much of what will happen.

The sea is the single most prominent feature of the Maldives, the single element that ties it all together. While its sparkling blue stretches, and waves lapping at white beaches can be appreciated on any kind of holiday, the majority of the wonders the sea offers lies below the surface. Vibrant coral gardens house life moving at an altogether different pace, a world that is as beautiful as it is different.

Appreciating this world is, however, an esoteric experience. You need to spend time taking courses and learning how to master sophisticated equipment to cross the threshold. This can be daunting, especially to those who only want a casual experience.

It’s no longer necessary to be a certified SCUBA master or possess any technical expertise to appreciate the underwater Maldives. Unique experiences have been crafted to your taste so that you no longer have to get your feet wet to enjoy underwater splendour.

Maldives Finder 2012

LIME SPA aldives uvafenfushi M

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Among the more unusual underwater concepts is the underwater spa at Huvafenfushi. The spa consists of an area built underwater especially for you to relax and undergo rejuvenation processes designed by experts.

The spa comprises rooms with oceanic themes, draped with sheer fabrics, and cushions that recreate visual and tactile aspects.

The spa is lit with the hyper real colours of tropical life to create an experience that is decidedly evocative of the biggest feature of the spa: the underwater view.

Aromatherapy, body scrubs, massage styles from either the East or the West, face and eye renewal, Eastern rejuvenation rituals, and specific signature experiences are only some of the other delights offered by the spa.

Everyone’s needs are different, and the experience can be customised to your specific needs by the experienced staff who can provide a personal lifestyle consultation.

Photo Credit : Huvafenfushi Maldives Photo Credit : Anantara Kihavah

Plates Restauran t@ Anantara Kihava h Villas Anantara Kihavah’s Sea.Fire.Salt.Sky dining complex sets itself apart by going further and bringing together elements that create culinary ecstasy that blends remarkably with the setting to come together into a new dining concept.

Whether you want an original creation or something classic, with a unique underwater wine cellar and an expert Master Chef at your disposal, expect only the best from Anantara Kihavah’s underwater restaurant as you watch the aquatic life at play and let the shimmering waters of the depths calm you.

07 | Definitive Guide of MATATO

Refined and relaxed, Anantara Kihavah’s restaurant will create a dreamlike experience, one so impressionable that it’s very easy to forget that it’s only part of a much broader dining concept.

Want to eat 16 feet below sea level? Conrad Maldives Rangali Island offers dining at the undersea restaurant. Put together a spectacular view, incomparable ambience and atmosphere, and the finest dining to end up with a clear winning formula.

Ithaa Restaurant @ Conrad Maldives Rangali

The Ithaa Undersea Restaurant is the first of its kind in the world. Offering unique menus that are entirely seasonal, what better way is there to connect with the natural beauty of the underwater world while being subject to the whims of nature?

With the stylish decor, the excellent food and service, the incomparable display of vibrant life at play, Ithaa Undersea Restaurant is the first of its kind that combines the pleasures of fine dining and the alien beauty of the underwater world.

Photo Credit : Conrad Maldives at Rangali Island

Sub Six Underwater Club@ Per Aquum Niyama The experiences we’ve listed so far are distinctly mellow and almost exclusively relaxation oriented but not so the Per Aquum Niyama Sub Six underwater club. Why settle for calm or for mundane? The world’s first underwater club, Niyama creates a pulse thumping ambience unlike any other. As the sea swirls around you, the lights flash, the music lifts you up, and the night never ends.

Opening in 2012 Dance to your heart’s content in an unforgettable setting.

The design melds the ultra modern with marine motifs.

Make no mistake, the Sub Six is chic and has flair. The setting, ambience, and the well-stocked bar will help you find the mood you want and help you indulge yourself and let go completely beneath the waves.

Photo Credit : Whale Submarine

Last but not least, and so obvious that one mightn’t think of it: a submarine! The Whale Submarine is the largest passenger submarine in the world and can take up to 50 passengers on an adventure as deep as 150 metres below surface. This is the Maldivian parallel of a bus tour.

The Whale Subm

arine

Experience underwater in style and comfort as the Whale Submarine cruises through Maldivian waters, typically to a maximum depth of 40 metres below the surface. There are a variety of dives the submarine goes on, including historical shipwrecks, shark feeding sites, or beautiful reefs. Safe, exciting, comfortable, the 45-minute submarine ride is an essential attraction.!

Definitive Guide of MATATO | 07

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Water Sports

MECCA Article By: Thomas Pickard

Maldives Finder 2012

Situated in the vastness of the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is an island nation made up of an 1,120 islands sprinkled over 26-atolls. Though known as a year-round tropical holiday destination, all the islands combined account for just 1 percent of the country’s area. The remaining ninety-nine percent is glorious ocean. Add in year round warm waters thanks to the Maldives location near the equator and what you have is a must-visit water sport destination. What follows is a look at just some of the great water based activities you can do on your next Maldives sojourn.

Peering into an underwater world Snorkelling is one of the easiest ways to see a whole other side of the Maldives. Unlike scuba diving, snorkelling is much easier to learn and requires a minimum of equipment – just fins, snorkel and a mask. If you do nothing else during your stay, give snorkelling a go.

If you have never snorkelled before and are feeling a bit apprehensive, sign up for a short introductory course. For experienced snorkellers talk to the dive centre staff about the better places to snorkel at your resort. Resorts with reefs just off the island – known as house reefs – will often have dedicated channels, allowing access to the outer reef. Here fish

congregate around the reef and you have the best chances of seeing larger marine life like turtles, eagle rays and even sharks. Resorts lacking a good house reef will offer twice daily dhoni rides to a nearby reef. Participants usually have to sign up and pay a small fee to cover the cost of the dhoni ride, but it is always worth it.

Harnessing the wind Kite boarding is a blend of kite flying, wind surfing and wake boarding and is one of the fastest growing sports in the world with around 250,000 riders globally. With the country’s large lagoons and favourable winds, kite boarding in the Maldives is now a common water sport with schools at most of the larger resorts.

Learning the basics and getting yourself to a point where you can do unassisted launches will take you about five days, with two to three hours of tuition daily. You will start on a smaller kite, learning the basics of water body dragging before moving onto a medium sized kite and learning how to read the wind.

All going to plan you will graduate with your first unassisted launch with a large kite. If everything clicks, you can spend the remainder of your days blissfully carving your way around the lagoon.

Photo Credit : Chaaya Island Dhonveli

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Maldives Finder 2012

Riding an endless wave When you combine an 8-month surfing season (March to October) with consistent swells, year round warm waters and numerous point breaks, it is easy to see why nomadic surfers make the pilgrimage to the Maldives each year.

The main surfing areas are concentrated in North and South Male’ and Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll. For resort-based surfers, you can’t go past Dhonveli Beach Resort and Hudhuran Fushi Resort. Both offer resort-only waves right off the beach and boat transfers to any of the nearby breaks. The breaks of South Male’ Atoll are great for when the swell is too big in North Male’ Atoll – Guru’s, Kate’s, Natives and Last Stops all fire in big swell conditions. For the more adventurous, a weeklong surf safari trip to the seldom-visited Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll in the southern Maldives may be more to your liking.

Photo Credit : Madoogali Island Resort

Into the deep blue Diving is one of the main drawcards of the Maldives. With a plentiful supply of reefs, thilas, caves, wrecks and large pelagics, diving in the Maldives is never boring. If you are coming to learn to dive, then you will need to complete your PADI Open Water certification. Taking a week, you will learn many things, including the affects of pressure on the body and how to maintain your buoyancy. Your time will be split between studying theory and diving. Lessons start in the lagoon, before moving to open water dives where you will be able to dive to 18-metres.

The first few times you don scuba equipment, you will feel weighed down by equipment and tubes going everywhere. Yet in the water, as you vent the air out of your buoyancy device and start a slow free fall into the turquoise blue below, you will forget about the equipment and become an underwater astronaut, free to explore the amazing under water realm of the Maldives.

Photo Credit : Island Hideaway at Dhonakulhi

Maldives Finder 2012

Photo Credit : Chaaya Island Dhonveli

Photo Credit : Holiday Island Resort & Spa

Hoisting the sails With an abundance of shallow lagoons and just enough wind, the Maldives is a great place to try catamaran sailing. With a minimum of instruction you and a friend can be out sluicing across an azure coloured lagoon in no time. Sailing is more about finesse than physical strength and is an enjoyable way to get away from the island you are on for a whole new perspective.

Despite the terminology sailing is easy to learn. If you have never sailed before, complete an hour-long course to learn the essentials. Your classroom is paradise and if you get too hot, have a quick dip to cool off.

Other great water sport activities include lagoon kayaking, wind surfing, banana boat rides and water skiing. Just head to your resorts activity desk and ask for the complete menu of available water sports.

Credit :Guide Madoogali Island Resort 07Photo | Definitive of MATATO

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Amid growing pressure on marine resources and intense competition from other destinations, collaboration between sectors and successful marketing are key to the growth of the dive tourism industry in the Maldives

shark

conservation dive tourism &

success, challenges & opportunities Article By: Nishan Perera

Images By : Mohamed Shafraz Naeem

Maldives Finder 2012

While the pressure on sharks and manta rays continues to grow due to both target fisheries and by-catch, recent years have seen an increased awareness about the plight of sharks and rays. Several nations have introduced greater regulation of shark fisheries and several island nations have taken steps to ban shark fishing, spurred on by the tourist industry that is benefitting from shark diving. Palau took the lead in declaring the world’s first shark sanctuary and has been followed by the Maldives. The dive industry and conservationists in Fiji, the Bahamas and other dive destinations are also calling for greater shark protection. While events at international conventions have shown that global moratoriums are hard to achieve individual nations are taking action, and in most cases it has been initiated by the dive industry that has grown to become a significant segment of the global tourism market. The Maldives in particular is a beacon of hope for shark conservation in the central Indian Ocean, a region with a poor history of marine conservation.

Green Sea Turtle

Whale Shark

46 | Definitive Guide of MATATO

The true value of sharks and manta rays is being recognized with the growth of the dive industry and the demand for diving with these large animals. Studies conducted in the Bahamas, South Africa, Palau, Honduras, Belize, Maldives, and Australia show that tourism revenue from live sharks significantly surpasses potential shark fishing revenue. A study by the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) estimated that an individual shark in Palau was worth nearly $2 million in total tourism revenue through travel, accommodation and diving expenses incurred by tourists who travel to Palau to dive with sharks. Ironically, Palau considered encouraging shark fishing a few years ago but opposition from the tourism and conservation lobbies has resulted in such plans being shelved.

The AIMS researchers concluded that local residents now gain an estimated $1.2 million annually from the shark-diving trade, while the government reaps about $1.5 million.

The value of shark and manta ray diving is naturally dependent on the success of a particular country in marketing itself as a niche dive destination for sharks and manta rays. The Bahamas for example has marketed itself as the “shark diving capital of the world” and has developed unique dive experiences to cater to the varied interests and dive levels of tourists. Palau has successfully marketed several of its premier dive sites, particularly the world famous ‘Blue Corner’ as a signature dive for viewing grey reef sharks, while neighboring Yap island has marketed itself for its manta ray encounters. Increasingly, dive destinations are beginning to market specific dive experiences that help identify them from the competition and allow them to tap into niche markets. While large pelagics such as sharks and manta rays have always been a major attraction for divers, their value has becomes even more significant considering the degradation of many coral reefs as a result of coral bleaching.

The Maldives has built a reputation for excellent shark and manta ray sightings, and recently two specific experiences, namely diving and snorkeling with whale sharks in Ari Atoll and manta rays in Baa Atoll have grown in popularity. But for a large part this has been more a result of positive diver experiences and efforts of individual operators rather than a concerted

Maldives Finder 2012

Manta Ray

effort by the entire Maldivian dive industry to market specific dive experiences. Greater collaboration within the local dive industry would not only facilitate the development of a specific identity for the Maldives in the global market but also provide opportunities for better relationships with the fishing industry and improve marine conservation efforts.

Making conservation work requires the buy in of all stakeholders and achieving this is based on the benefits of conservation being shared among all stakeholders. Understandably, the dive industry and commercial fisheries have been in conflict due to the competing non-extractive and extractive uses. While the declaration of the Maldives shark sanctuary is seen as a positive step by the dive industry it has no doubt been received with far less enthusiasm, and in some cases anger and disappointment by many fishermen. While fishermen may benefit indirectly they may feel marginalized by such legislation due to a direct loss of revenue. Many island nations have sought to overcome this by allowing local communities and fisheries societies to administer local Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Such MPAs often charge tourists a user fee that is collected directly by the local fisheries corporative or village council, thereby providing a direct financial benefit to the local community.

benefits and leads to job creation in the tourism sector as an alternative to fishing, and would therefore be embraced by many fishing communities. However, such thinking has often failed to consider local community perceptions, especially the nonwillingness of many fishermen to take up fixed income livelihoods at the cost of what they perceive as greater economic independence through fisheries. While alternate livelihoods may be attractive to some fishers, many remain opposed to giving up a traditional way of life. Therefore finding the balance between marine protection and fishing and a more harmonious relationship between the dive and fisheries industries will require a compromise from both sectors.

Grey Reef Shark

While the Maldives has established many protected dive areas they remain open access areas and do not provide a direct financial reward to the local fishing community. It has been a popular concept that conservation provides long term

Definitive Guide of MATATO | 47

Blue Stripe Snapper

making travel plans while 25% were willing to pay up to 10% more if they felt their holiday was more environmentally friendly. This seems particularly significant among adventure travelers engaged in nature-based activities. A National Geographic Traveler report compiled in 2002 revealed that for almost 75% of adventure travelers, responsible travel practices play a key role when choosing a destination or tour operator. Most respondents were also willing to pay more if the travel provider and destination had sustainable resource use policies.

Despite the pitfalls, frustrations and conflicts the Maldives remains one of the best dive destinations in the world, and this has been influenced greatly by good fisheries management. However both industries need to work together to ensure their success as both the dive and fisheries industries continue to expand. Additionally, astute marketing and developing a signature dive experience that promotes the Maldives will be key to the growth of the Maldivian dive industry in an increasingly competitive global market.

Compared to many nations, the Maldives still boasts of healthy fish stock, aided greatly by the use of sustainable fishing methods. While gill net and drift net fisheries decimate fish stocks around the world the almost exclusive use of lines for fishing in the Maldives has resulted in a positive image for the nations fishing industry.

The dive industry needs to highlight these to a greater extent to promote the Maldives as a dive destination with good marine resource management policies. This could also be combined with more knowledge based dive experiences that focus on conservation in order to provide a a wholesome travel experience. The demand for environmentally friendly travel destinations is growing rapidly and presents a niche market. A survey conducted by the popular travel website Trip Advisor revealed that 40% of respondents would take environmentally friendly tourism into consideration when

White Tip Reef Shark 48 | Definitive Guide of MATATO

Whale Shark

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Article By: Maizan Azlym

All Images By : MASRAH Uber Events & Artist Management

Maldives Finder 2012

Menimal is the explosive alter ego of Manal, an ambitious young DJ from the Maldives. His energetic dJ-sets tranform the dance floor to a launching pad and hurls everyone deep into the Electronica universe. Though he is only in his twenties, he is already a pioneer of Electronic Dance Music (EDM) in Maldives, as well as one of the ambassadors of the local Underground Music Movement.

Music has always inspired Manal and felt right at home immersed in a sea of different sounds. In 2003 he experimented with softwares like Cakewalk and Sonic Foundry Acid, “It was really interesting to manipulate audio by chopping, stretching and layering over drum loops to create completely different sounds. It just captivated me.” he passionately remembered.

54 | Definitive Guide of MATATO

By 2007 he scraped enough to buy his first DN-D4000 CD player and a mixer which he fondly recalls having only two volume faders and a cross fader. He resumed to perfect his sound for months until he was introduced to EDM by Muku, now a UKbased Maldivian DJ, it had a profound effect on him.

Manal was fully initiated the following year at a Dance Music Festival in Malaysia, “It was a life changing experience for sure, it helped me to understand the scale and magnitude of the global EDM movement. It was unlike anything I heard before. The music, people, lights and everything in perfect unity.

It all made sense. I realized this is where I belong. This is what I want to do.” and thus!! Menimal manifested into being to bring forth and mediate the message of

Maldives Finder 2012

Electronic Dance Music to the shores of Maldives. Menimal embodies the raw animalistic energy and creative persona of Manal.

After his first 2006 New Year’s gig in Coco Palm Bodu Hithi resort, Menimal soon became the resident DJ of Conrad Maldives Rangali Island Resort where his sounds evolve and diversified. Tourism is the only platform for DJs to stand up on.

Menimal believes there is potential to create entertainment based tourism in Maldives instead of catering only to the luxury market. Coffee houses and Cafés are great venues, it’s unfortunate not many recognize the business potential.

He has performed at many historically defining events and festivals in Maldives, including DUST (Dhivehi Underground Sound Test) organized by AFADU (Associated Future Artists of Dhivehi Underground) in 2007. The event is revered as the first EDM event in the Maldives. He also performed at E4Electro, the first Electro event held in capital Male’.

Menimal collaborated with other local artists to quench his thirst of experimenting with the wide range of genres. CHI was formed with Ammu, Appi, Simon and Shonkey purely as a downtempo experimental project that produced a trademark sound.

They played at Conrad Rangali for an year and got the chance to perform for Miss France 2011 at Coco Palm Bodu Hithi resort.

CHI has presently entered a hibernation period Definitive Guide of MATATO | 55

Maldives Finder 2012

while Menimal continues to explore the soundscape with other acts like, Tourmaline Tree and Trinity Test. Recently he adopted O.D.O Em as a more chill out alias to Menimal.

The local Electronic Dance Music (EDM) scene is still very young, it was quite recently it pupated from its larval stage. These are very trying times in Maldives for artistic freedom, Menimal explained, especially for EDM to fully grow its wings and take flight. Simon, Shonkey, Thuttey and Menimal conceived the Underground Music Movement to keep EDM from getting ostracized by the restrictive cultural laggards. The support gotten for the events illustrated the importance of its function in the society. “The world is changing and we must try to accommodate this change the best we can by freeing ourselves from the cultural bondage.”

56 | Definitive Guide of MATATO

There are so many talented DJs in the Maldives, but there aren’t enough platforms to showcase or put the talents to use.

“We have artist managers now. What we need are recording companies to harness these talents and set the ball in motion for the industry to fully establish in Maldives.”

What’s next for Menimal? He is presently making most of his creative period and experience to work on his studio album. The Underground Music Movement will be organizing Electronic Dance Music (EDM) events this year.

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Maldives Finder 2012

aa maldives maldives adventure Article by: Gary Elsworth Images by : Indra Swari

58 | Definitive Guide of MATATO

a

Maldives Finder 2012

s adventure

a mal Definitive Guide of MATATO | 59

Maldives Finder 2012

As we approached the Maldives we got our first glimpse of the amazing azure blue sea, the incredible coral formations and the many atolls that form the Republic of Maldives. For some in our group it was a welcome return journey, for many of us it was a much anticipated first visit to the islands and the first chance to dive in the waters of the Indian Ocean.

We were soon on the ground at Male airport and after the usual scrabble to recover our many bags from reclaim (surely the worst part of any dive trip, particularly if like us the art of travelling light hasn’t quite been mastered and you resemble an army on maneuvers!) we were outside the airport and both surprised and relieved to find ourselves at the waters edge and being welcomed straight onto a boat to be whisked to our waiting live aboard, surely the easiest transfer we’ve ever experienced!!

Once on board it was time to settle in and relax after our journey from Singapore and Indonesia and to finally learn a bit more about the days ahead and what options we had. The trip had been organized through our friend Mohamad Shafraz Naeem and he and his fellow dive guide Afsah Damps gave us a great overview of what we could expect to see and what options we had for our trip. And those options were amazing, a huge variety of things to see and we wasted no time in getting started, setting up our equipment and getting into the water at Banana Reef, a spectacular coral slope and wall, which even in fading light of the late afternoon gave us a great first impression of what lay ahead of us.

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Maldives Finder 2012

Over the following days we dived a huge assortment of sites around the North Central Province, and although the visibility at that time of year was not as good as it can be, we were impressed by the sheer number and variety of fish we saw on each dive including large tuna and barracuda, napoleon fish who were incredibly curious about us and came so close, turtles, surgeon, many white tip and grey reef sharks (almost guaranteed every dive!) honeycombe moray eels and a good many more.

During one night dive at a site called Maaya Thila, we were treated to a large number of white tip sharks enjoying the easy pickings of fish attracted by our lights. We just stayed in one place and enjoyed the show with sharks shooting in all directions around us and completely unfazed by our presence. Amongst the sharks were a few large Moray Eels also enjoying the feeding opportunity but whose presence and behavior was a lot more intimidating than the sharks!

On another day we were lucky to see some passing whale sharks from the boat, which unfortunately kept on passing so no chance for a dive with them, but still great to see these large gentle creatures in the water.

For those keen on looking for the small stuff, you’ll be rewarded by the many tiny creatures such as shrimp nestled comfortably on the bubble corals, crabs riding on the sea cucumber, pink-eyed gobies, beautiful varieties of nudibranch and many more.

Apart from great reefs and sea life there are a number of very interesting wrecks in these waters, most in relatively shallow depth of 20m to 30m making it easy to explore them. We dived a couple, one a japanese fishing vessel (Kuda Giri wreck) and the other a larger cargo vessel (Macafushi Wreck), both well worth a visit.

We ended the trip with a bit of sight seeing in Male, around the harbor side markets then an end of trip dinner overlooking the harbour before our last night on the boat and then the next morning being dropped off right back at the airport where it all started.

We still have a lot of The Maldives to see and will definitely be back, particularly to dive at the world famous Hanifaru and see the spectacular sight of hundreds Manta Ray in one place.

Definitive Guide of MATATO | 61

IMAGINATION ISMOREIMPORTANT THANKNOWLEDGE...

Albert Einstein

Maldives Finder 2012

07 | Definitive Guide of MATATO

Maldives Finder 2012

Article By: Mohamed Shafraz Hafiz

One of the most powerful homegrown corporate entities in the Maldives, Villa Group has been leading trade and tourism for over twenty years. But unlike most corporations, Villa very decidedly has a face.

Qasim Ibrahim is Villa. You won’t find anyone to dispute this.

Planted firmly as a leader in every field, it can’t be denied that the Villa group is what it is because of the vision of its founder and pioneer.

The scale of Qasim’s vision is monumental. It’s necessary to touch upon the scope of his creation to appreciate this. The scale and the sure hand with which Qasim steers Villa Group past new boundries are amazing.

One of the firmest foundations of Villa Group is in the tourism sector, where Sun Island, Paradise Island, Lankanfinolhu are established as premier destinations. There are standard and a quality attributed to the Villa brand, not least of which can be attributed to Qasim’s committed personal involvement in the development of the properties. Complementing the destinations is the travel agency Villa Travels & Tours, another giant on the scene.

Maldives Finder 2012

Another significant, perphaps the founding aspect of Villa is its role as an importer and trader of diesel, lubricants, and gas With facilities that rank as the strongest storage and production capacity for marine gas oil and motor gasoline in the region – a spectacular accomplishment for a homegrown company from a little nation like Maldives. Complementing the Villa Hakatha brand (hakatha can be translated as ‘energy’ or ‘power’) is a housing materials brand.

Villa Group has been involved in the shipping since 1978, and c urrently operates a growing fleet including cargo ships, oil tankers, tugboats, barges and reefer vessels in addition to high-speed powerboats and dhonis (the local make of boat).

Villa’s Engineer & Project Development team comprises architects, civil engineers, land surveyors, among those from various other disciplines, and is responsible for much of the

66 | Definitive Guide of MATATO

successful dredging projects carried out in the Maldives, all the while being committed to community development.

Villa Group has also been committed in the fishing industry, specializing in collection, storage, processing, and marketing of tuna. The Horizon Fisheries brand processes around 150 metric tonnes from the nation’s four fishing zones a day.

Villa also serves as a powerful force in Maldivian IT, seeking to empower Maldives as a global force in addition to retail.

It may surprise some to learn that this vast empire has the most humble of origins. Qasim Ibrahim founded the group in 1986 as a local trading enterprise. This was pre-dated by the humble origins of Qasim’s ‘QIM’ Mafannu Villa proprietorship in 1977, which would eventually become the giant we know as Villa Group today.

Maldives Finder 2012

There’s an aspect of Villa Group often overlooked. The company is also a family. Qasim Ibrahim’s strong principles on creating and developing new talent reverberate through the entire corporate frame; his vision incorporates that it’s the efforts of the employees that are the heart of the corporation. You don’t apply for jobs at Villa. You apply for careers. There’s progression and growth.

Something Villa isn’t commonly acknowledged for is being a pioneer of corporate social responsibility, especially in education. The Villa Foundation has been financing higher studies for Maldivian students for years, and the recent advent of the Villa College further cements this image. Health care, various community and social projects, and eco-responsibilities only added to this.

Villa has recently broken new ground in the Maldives on 1st October 2011 with is first private airport in the country. Maamigili airport is a Villa Group enterprise, and is accompanied by Villa Air, the airline offering affordable and efficient service throughout the region.

Qasim Ibrahim’s work does the talking for him. He has made a formidable empire out of this air. He has made himself a key figure in a deeply significant period of political Maldivian history by taking on key roles during a long transitional stretch. He has created sustained community projects to give back to the society.

No matter how you look at it, Qasim Ibrahim is a major figure in modern Maldivian corporate history. From developing top class resorts, creating strong models for corporate responsibility, owning and airline and the first private airport in the Maldives, Qasim is a pioneer of every industry he touches.

Definitive Guide of MATATO | 67

Traditional Boat Building in the Maldives Photos & Article by : Ali Rilwan

“

“

Although the tools used in the building of dhonis have changed, little has changed of its basic design. As in the past, the boats are still being built without a documented plan. The design and symmetry of the boat emerges as the boat is being built.

Maldives Finder 2012

Boat building is one of the best craftsmanship islanders of the Maldives have acquired. For many centuries, boats build in the Maldive Islands are classified according to the shape and size of their hull.

Traditional Maldivian boats (Dhoani) were capable of sailing across the Indian Ocean to East and Far East and across the Mediterranean Ocean as far as Rome. These boats were commonly built out of what is locally available, such as coconut hardwood with a pointed bow, outboard rudders at each side, and squire sails.

The Arab merchant Sulaiman made several voyages between China and the Persian Gulf in the ninth century A.D. In his curious account of Maldives, he says that the people of these islands “built ships and houses and executed all other works with a consummate art”

Traditional boat builders work by the accuracy of the eye and the skill is passed down from generation to generation in the Maldives. The master builder works entirely from his memory and draw no design. Evidently, the Maldivian traditional boat builders over the centuries would not have deviated much from the conventions but some changes in design did occur according to the needs of the users and progressive adaptations took place through newer technology.

Traditional Maldivian boats with two distinctive features, triangular or lateen sail, and for its stitched construction can be classified in the category of Arab dhow.

Boats of Maldives up today belong to a single technical tradition which can be characterized as ‘stitched-plank’.

‘Stitched-plank’ technique involves passing coir made out of coconut fiber through holes drilled at the edges of the planks.

The practice of stitching planks slowly gave way to the use of wooden dowels rather than by iron bolts or nails. These dowels are still made from mangroves hard wood such as iron wood.

wood and coconuts. A normal fishing dhoani used to be around 10 metres, however the modern fishing vessels can be twice the size or even larger.

The thought of a boat made out of stitch planks together seems strange. It has been widely in use in many parts of the world.

Until the arrival of Portuguese in the fifth century, sewn boats dominated the Indian Ocean.

Although the tools used in the building of dhoani have changed, little has changed of its basic design. Imported hardwoods are used in the place of coconut wood, which was used in the past to make the hull. Copper rivets are used to hold the planks together instead of coir, which was used for the purpose even half a century ago. The square sail made of coconut fronds gave way to a triangular lateen sail. The basic design of dhoani has proven to be seaworthy and has been tested and tuned for centuries.

A dhoani may be as small as 3 metres used mostly to travel across short distances for trawling. Islanders often use these small dhoani to sail across to nearby islands for collecting fire70 | Definitive Guide of MATATO

Maldives Finder 2012

Definitive Guide of MATATO | 71

Komandoo Maldive Island Resort

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In the Detail of a Design

A story on Maldivian Interior Designer Fathimath Salah (Koki) Article By : Ifham Niyaz

Maldives Finder 2012

Fathimath Salah’s stimuli are very visible at Niru Studio, an office space built at her home. It is lined with the details, collectables, and the kind of subtle little things that say a lot about the person using the space. Like the framed watercolour painting of a flowered balcony, a window, and a carved wooden door from Florence, a vintage Italian Vespa scooter frame showing a 1940s iconic female, a silver and glass rosary hanging from the door knob, and two large embroidered pictures, gifts from her mother, hanging on the walls facing her workstation. From a large bookshelf, she points out Geoffrey Bawa as one her favourites

safari boat productions. She said she wanted to tweak things a bit, to add more to a certain detail, or to make a design more practical or pleasing to her taste. She did not know then that a girl could grow up to find an engagement in such a profession. But since realising that she liked details and working in diverse, fast paced projects, and with encouragement from her family, she decided go forward with Interior and Product Design as an ideal profession. Since then and in between her post graduate studies, Fathimath earned her experience as a designer at local studios Mooinc and Riyan, before establishing her own Niru Studio at the beginning of 2010.

I asked her why she designs. She said she likes playing around with the details of things. As an elementary rule, she reasons that a design must be functional at the very core element of its creation, and that it must fit the place and person, while being aesthetically pleasing.

At just twenty eight years of age, with a measure of intense creative work done within various projects in her short career, Fathimath Salah has become an established Interior Designer, with majority of her clients from the tourism sector including Hilton Conrad Maldives, Kuramathi, and Waldorf Resorts. She regards the diversity in everyday work needs as one of the drivers for her interest in design work, noting its requirement for collaboration with different artisans and clients.

Fathimath’s interest in creating things started at a very young age, with inspiration amassed from growing up around craftspeople and boat builders who worked in her father’s TMA Lounge

Ari Lounge at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

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Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

Maldives Finder 2012

Kuramathi Island Resort

Most tourist resorts, she notes, are built as spaces that reflect an element of Maldivian-ness in their design. To explore the idea of Maldivian-ness as a design concept, I asked her how she translates that certain concept to her design work.

Fathimath explained that her inspiration for assimilating Maldivian-like elements comes from traditionally used objects and pieces of local villages. Objects like the holhuashi (wooden benches near the seaside) commonly seen at each island docking area, un’dholi and joali (rope filled swings and seats), faanooz (kerosene lamps) used long before islands started using electricity, and jaali (latticed frames) of old houses, especially of how light comes through the openings and how its’ shadows change with the travelling sun. I asked her to choose her favourite from such objects and she named the faiijehi en’dhu (foldable simple bed with wooden legs and a reclinable canvas) for its ability to pass as a modern design that retains its intrinsic Maldivian laid back feel.

Fathimath being a young artist working in a dynamic environment, I wanted to know how she stays receptive to fresh inspiration that is required to create relevant and distinctive designs. She puts it down to being affected and inspired by day to day familiarities that she comes across in her travels, within the Maldivian islands, in Asia and further. She makes a

note to document what she comes across with photographs and sketches. “For example”, said Fathimath, “a hand-woven basket with an intricate pattern is inspiring, how light can travel through its small openings is interesting enough for the idea of it to be used in the design of a sliding screen built for a room at Conrad Maldives. Similarly, an idea explored with wooden carvings in a mosque in Utheemu can be translated into the design of a bedside head board, as was done at Manafaru Resort.”

In addition to travel, Fathimath reads. She notes the book Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts which talks about ways of making observations of objects and surroundings, such as noticing writings on a mundane wall, a certain sense of dress style worn by a passer-by, and everyday things such as free postcards of movies and city graphics. She reckons it is important to see how others view objects and what an observer sees in its features and detail. “After all”, she asks, “why does a tourist even stay in a room? I think the physical existence of a room is quite irrelevant.” Fathimath affirms it is the atmosphere, the sea, sand, trees, and winds that a traveller wants to observe and experience, and that is what she tries to recreate when she designs a space that complements its habitat.

Fathimath Salah graduated from the Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia first with a Bachelor of Built Environment and Engineering (majoring in Interior Design), 2002-2004, then with a Post Graduate Diploma in Interior Design, 2005. She then went on to complete her Masters in Interior and Product Design at the Academia Italiana, Florence, Italy, in 2008. Her notable works at Niru Studio include detail design at Conrad Maldives refurbishment (2011), consultation of Velingandu Island Resort public area (2011), and detail interior and product design at Hilton, Conrad and Waldorf Resort airport lounge at the seaplane terminal, Ibrahim Nasir International Airport (2010).

Other notable projects include her collaboration in detail architectural and interior design of Seagull Café, Male’ through Riyan Pvt. Ltd. (2009) and interior design work on Gurahali safari boat.

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MAP OF

MALÉ

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11 SULTAN PARK

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PLACES OF INTEREST HOUSE 1PARLIAMENT PALACE 2PRESIDENTIAL MOSQUE / MINARETE 3FRIDAY OFFICE 4PRESIDENT’S CENTRE 5ISLAMIC COURT 6 SUPREME

MARKET 7 FISH MARKET 8 LOCAL 9 NO.1 JETTY ART GALLERY 10 NATIONAL MUSEUM 11 NATIONAL FERRY TERMINAL 12 HULUMALE’

13 POST BULDING OF MALDIVES 14 BANK TRADE CENTRE 15 STO HEADQUARTERS 16 POLICE FEERY 17 AIRPORT HOSPITAL 18 ADK

SHOPS 19 SOUVENIR OF CEYLON 20 BANK 21 HSBC BANK OF INDIA 22 STATE

MAIN ROADS Boduthakurufaanu Magu

Fareedhee Magu

Majeedhee Magu

Ameer Ahmed Magu

Orchid Magu

Medhuziyaaraiy Magu

Chaandhanee Magu

OTHERS ATM

HOTELS

6

rememberingthe

past... with appropriate food

Article by : Ahmed Nazim Sattar Photos by : Mohamed Mauroof Khaleel

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How the Maldives monarchy treasured the remembrance of a fallen king for more than four hundred years

Maldives Finder 2012

Until recently Maldivians did not celebrate their birthdays, but laid elaborate feasts on the death anniversaries of their ancestors. Maldivians were careful in erecting tombstones over their lost relatives, to preserve the date of their death, the anniversary of which is observed by almsgiving and prayer on the part of the surviving members of the family.

The discovery of the Kalaafaan Manuscripts in 2008 demonstrated par excellence how this tradition of remembering the past was carried out by successive kings and queens for more than four hundred years, over the death of a slain king, Kalaafaan in 1609. The documents proved that, what amounted to a small fortune, was spent to sustain the remembrance of this King, who in many ways was better remembered dead than alive.

The Find Following the first multiparty presidential elections in the Maldives in October 2008, the first democratically elected president Mohamed Nasheed was sworn in on 11th November 2008. Having assumed the position of Head of Government, the President moved his new administration to the President’s Office.

It was during the setting up of the new administration in the President’s Office by the new government, that President Nasheed discovered box-loads of old manuscripts in the President’s Office in danger of being discarded. Having rescued these priceless manuscripts – more than 1100 documents – the President commissioned a team of competent people to conduct an extensive study on the manuscripts. A subproject of this painstaking endeavour resulted in the study of ten of these “paper grant” manuscripts relating to the tomb of the slain king Sultan Ibrahim III (1585-1609), popularly known as King Kalaafaan. This tomb is located in the island of Hangnameedhoo in Alifu Dhaalu (Ari) Atoll, where the ship carrying the slain king was brought by the tide. The king was buried by the side of the main mosque of the island. For more than four hundred years, this tomb has been revered by Maldivians, rulers and people alike. Documents providing for the upkeep of this tomb were inscribed by many of the kings and queens who came thereafter.

‘Food of Death’ Sultan Ibrahim III (1585-1609) was the only son of the legendary Maldivian hero Sultan Mohamed Thakurufan the Great of Uteemu, who liberated Maldives from Portuguese domination according to Maldivian historical annals. Born in Uteemu Island circa 1547, the King met a tragic death, on 4 February 1609, at the hands of Malabar pirates and was buried in Hangnameedhoo Island, Ari Atoll.

For more than 400 hundred years, ‘death food’ was prepared to remember the unfortunate king buried in Hangnameedhoo Island. The manuscripts that were recently discovered attest to this tradition.

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The importance ‘death food’ is described by François Pyrard de Laval (ca. 1578 – ca. 1623) who was held captive in Maldives, having been shipwrecked on Baa Atoll in 1602. Pyrard was a Frenchman who is remembered for a personal written account of his adventures in the Maldive Islands from 1602 to 1607(1609?). Ibrahim Kalaafaan was the Maldives king who held Pyrard captive in Malè for more than 5 years.

He writes: They keep a festival of the dead, with many superstitious observances. On the day, the king, with all his wives (who have not permission to go without their houses but on this day only), pays a visit to the sepulchres of his predecessors, and to those of persons held to be saints in their religion; there he makes offerings, burns perfumes, and presents some dida [flags], as we should candles. Everybody, too, goes to visit the graves of his kindred and friends, and presents as many portions of food as he has dead relatives and friends. The food is laid aside by the Moudins of the neighbouring temples [mosques], who offer as many separate prayers as there are portions. All the graves of those who have kinsmen and friends living are visited, and replenished with white sand on that day, and perfumes are burned while the prayers are said. (Pyrard V.1 pp 144-145)

Previous page: Manuscript giving direct transliteration to Thaana script of the main land grant of 1609 (which was written in the old Dives Akuru script) relating to king Kalaafaan’s tomb. The manuscript has not been dated but is believed to be early 20th century. Measurement: 42.2cm X 31.8cm (Manuscript No. FO-86); above top left: Wooden inscription in the tomb of Kalaafaan’s chief queen, Kanba Aisha in Malè Friday Mosque; above right: gravestone of chief queen inside her tomb. The queen died in 1666; above left: Kalaafaan tomb and mosque in Hangnameedhoo.

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Maldives Finder 2012

If Rice be the Food of Death …

From King Kalaafaan manuscripts, we know the endowments to the tomb is extensive, with banana plantations and toddy-sugar producing coconut tree plantations bequeathed to the tomb. In addition many inhabited islands encompassed the “guild” of Kalaafaan’s tomb.

The manuscripts also give instructions on how food is to be consumed on the king’s annual death-day and every Friday: Whoever eats from the proceeds of any of the produce aforementioned in this Grant, shall pray for the salvation of this Lord every day having recited Sura Fatiha and Ikhlas and the Two Protection Suras and having supplicated thus shall wipe out if any dust is collected on the tomb; and on every Friday eve, each one, upon reaching the day of his turn, having measured a laahi (approximately 1kilo) of rice shall bring a rice dish to the Mosque where the tomb is laid, and shall feed it to a Muslim and shall recite the Sura Fatiha; and whosoever is unable to conduct in this manner at the required time and place, shall conduct the same wherever he may be, having fed (a Muslim) and recited the Sura Fatiha; and as compensation for the day this Lord was martyred, every year on that day, having prepared a feast suitable for ten people, and having assembled them and recited the 30 Sections (of the Quran) and fed them, shall pray for the salvation of this Lord; (Paper Grant relating to the Death of King Ibrahim III Kalaafaan (1609AD); Measurement: 78.7cm X 31.8cm; Manuscript No. FO-105) It has been decided to display copies of the manuscripts discovered in the President’s Office, with explanatory texts, in the land adjacent to Kalaafaan’s Tomb, in the island of Hangnameedhoo, for the information of visitors and Maldivians alike.

Further information: King Kalaafaan Manuscripts: How the Maldives monarchy treasured the remembrance of a fallen king for more than four hundred years,

by Ahmed Nazim Sattar, National Centre for Linguistic and Historical Research, Malè, Maldives, 2010.

Above left: Land grant, written in Dives script, describing the enormous wealth left by King Kalaafaan’s chief queen Kanba Aisha Rani Kilege, on her death in 1666. Pyrard calls her “the richest lady in all the islands”. Manuscript measurement: 148.6cm X 29.5cm (Manuscript No. FO-111).

Right: Tomb of Ibrahim Iskandar I in Malè Friday Mosque. It was left to this king of the Uteemu Dynasty to consolidate the remnants of the civil war fought among members of his family four decades before his reign, following the death of Kalaafaan in 1609.

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5 reasons to experience Maldives on a Liveaboard

By: Mohamed Shafraz Hafiz

Photo Credit : Ark Royal

Maldives Finder 2012

Mobility

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Photo Credit : Ark Royal

Liveaboards gives you the freedom to access a much wider array of dive spots. Not being confined to spots near the island, you travel to the best dive spots of the day. Watching the boat move travel through the silky blue water, you eagerly await to see what you next big adventure is. Normally 3 dives are done daily and no dives are done at one location.

Variety

Having access to the vast ocean not only gives us the option to move to different locations. It also gives you the opportunity to see the unique marine life as well as experience different type of diving, which can be done in the Maldives, including “Thila”Dives, Reef Dives, Wreck Dives, Channel Dives etc. You are able to see large schools of colorful fishes dancing in the ocean, Amazing multi colored corals swaying from side to side, friendly sharks swimming close to you and play dates with Napolean wrasses.

However, a trip to Maldives on a liveaboard cannot be complete without diving with the Manta Rays or snorkeling with a Whale Shark. You get the opportunity to go and look for these magnificent creatures and swim with them.

Photo

Cred

dit

Maldives Finder 2012

Adventure

Setting aside scuba diving, the cruise alone is an adventure itself to treasure.

Cruising through the atolls of the Maldives, you often get to stop at a local fishing village and enjoy the day experiencing the culture, talking to the natives and being Maldivian for a day.

You can also anchor right next to an inhabitant island and just have the whole island for yourself and ending the night with fresh barbeque at the beach with the fish that you have caught.

Photo Credit : Anastasia

Photo Credit : Anastasia

:

Affordability

Liveaboards are comparatively cheaper than island stay. Current Local liveaboards are there to cater to each and every customer ranges. For visitors who are actually coming here for the underwater experience there is no real alternative to being on a ‘safari’.

Whichever liveaboard it might be, one thing is for sure.

The crew will make you feel right at home and be there for your every need with a smile.

Photo Credit : Ark Royal

Photo Credit : Ark Royal

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Maldives Finder 2012

Photo Credit : Dhainkambaa

Getting away from it all Disconnect yourself from the hectic life outside. Sail across the ocean with a breeze from the pristine clear waters of the Maldives. Keep yourself free from technology. Watch the sun set with no disruptions with a cocktail. Watch dolphins jump out of the water and interact with you right next to the boat as it cruises by.

Photo Credit : Manta Cruise

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MALDIVES

Colours of the Ocean MOHAMED SHAFRAZ NAEEM & MOHAMED SHAFRAZ HAFIZ

Jewel Fairy Basslet (Pseudanthias squamipinnis) - female Often found in large schools on the top reefs, jewel fairy basslets start their lives as females. They change into males when there is an opening to preside over the the rest of the harem of females.

Manta Ray (Manta alfredi) A protected species in the Maldives, mantas are very intelligent animals. It has the largest brain-to-body ratio of all sharks, skates, and rays on Earth.

Golden Moray (Gymnothorax melatremus) At a maximum length of around 18 inches, this colorful eel does not grow as large as most other eels.

Coral Grouper (Cephalopholis miniata) Groupers are built very streamlined to ‘sprint’ short distances usually to hunt unsuspecting prey.

Bulb-tantacle anemone (Entacmea quadricolor) These are identified easily due to the oresence of a swelling which appears a short distance from the tip. It is recorded that bulb tentacle anemone hosts are hosts to 13 kinds of anemonefish.

Common Lionfish (Pterois miles) Lionfish have the best of both worlds as one of the most spectacular fish to see but also one of the most venomous in the ocean. However, they do not attack unless they feel threatened.

Peacock Mantis Shrimp (Odontodactylus scyllarus) Peacock mantis shrimps are some of the most beautiful creatures ever to grace the sands of the ocean. It has the fastest strike in the world and is the most lethal combination between an insect and a sea dwelling invertebrate you will ever come across.

Brittle Stars (Ophiothrix purpurea) Brittle stars inhabit rocky shallow coastal areas and are found clinging to sponges, gorgonians, and corals. They are quite brittle, breaking off easily - therefore the common name.

Clark’s Anemonefish (Amphiprion clarkii) Called anemonefish because of their symbiotic relationship with sea anemones, they are some of the few fishes that are able to live among anemones without being stung by their tentacles. Because other fish can’t get so close to anemones, clownfish are safe from predators among the anemones.

Indian Flame Fairy Basslet (Pseudanthias ignitus) The gorgeous gradations of fiery reds, bold oranges, and vibrant yellows of the Indian flame fairy basslet add color and vitality to the reefs.

Purple Fire Goby (Nemateleotris decora) Nearly always seen in pairs, purple fire gobies exhibit excellent colouration which can can only be seen at lower depths where there is natural light.

Monocle Hawkfish (Paracirrhites arcatus) Lacking a swim bladder, the monocle hawkfish spends most of its time perched on corals watching for prey.

Bluegreen Puller (Chromis viridis) These fish are found in large schools over reefs and in lagoons, often among branching corals.

Red-spotted Coral Crab (Trapezia rufopunctata) These small crabs take shelter between the fingerlike branches of a hard coral formations such as those found in the shallow portions of a healthy reef.

Maldives Anemonefish (Amphiprion nigripes) This species of the iconic anemonefish are called Maldivian anemonefish because they are unique to Maldivian waters.

Maldives Finder 2012

AUTHENTIC TRADITIONAL SOUVENIRS OF THE MALDIVES

Article By: Maldives.net.mv

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Maldives Finder 2012

Since the beginning of tourism in Maldives during the 1970’s the local crafts have gained a vast popularity among tourists. The various crafts and handiwork of Maldivian craftsmen have always intrigued travelers from all over the world. However over time the magnificent works of art has fallen victim to rising tides of cheap imitations and unauthentic replicates.

While this may be due to the high production costs from traditional methods, when applied to large scale production, unauthentic products cannot even come close to the real ones in both beauty and uniqueness. Souvenir shops in the city and in islands usually trade both cheap imports and original local handicraft.

For travelers it is vital to know that what they are paying for is authentic works of art.

Definitive Guide of MATATO |105

Maldives Finder 2012

LACQUERWORKS DHONICRAFTS Also known as “Liye Laajehun”, Maldivian lacquer works are and always has been a magnificent art which has produced creative designs that have survived through the Maldivian history. Since ancient times, the techniques have been applied to create vases, jewelry boxes, and kitchen utensils of fabulous beauty, for the royals of Maldives.

It is a highly decorative art carried out by skilled artists in which lathes are used to paint layers of colored lac over shaped wood.

Usually the artist starts with a bright color and ends with a dark color such as black. The artist then uses a sharp tipped object to carve designs exposing the bottom layers. A finishing polish is applied and the work is ready for use.

COIRROPES

those fruits that can be used during all stages of its maturation.

In fact the coconut palm, one of the most abundant palm trees in Maldives, is the Maldivian national tree and has been used for multiple purposes throughout history.

The trunks are used for timber while the husks are used to make coir ropes.The leaves are used for weaving mats and creating thatching for roofs. The eakles are used to create brooms. The shell is cleaned, dried, and polished, before it is used to create ornaments or other works of art. “Raa Bandhi” is a container created from two coconut shells joined to increase capacity. It is used to collect and stor toddy from coconut palms.

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Dhonis or sail boats are a major invention of Maldivians as they were the first modes of transportation among Maldivians.

They are designed to withstand the vigor of the oceans and to provide swift motion. Crafting of miniature models of these ancient works of art is known as Dhoni crafting.

Such models of varying sizes and quality are available in Maldives. Maldivian artists use timber which is carved into models that represent the ancient vessels. The parts are polished and varnished before they are constructed into models.

Maldives Finder 2012

WOODCARVINGS COCONUTSHELL PRODUCTS Due to the remoteness and abundance of plants in Maldives, ancient natives used wood from the trees to create objects to optimize their work and fulfill their needs. Objects such as kitchen utensils and containers were carved from wood. The carvings are sometimes polished and can represent magnificent designs.

Wood carving has evolved to create works of art such as miniature models that represent the early Maldivians and their culture. These wood carvings are sometimes painted and sometimes subjected to lacquer work. Carvings of images and text into wood was also carried out by early Maldivians. Traditional Maldivian mosques have large wooden planks with text carved into them.

those fruits that can be used during all stages of its maturation.

In fact the coconut palm, one of the most abundant palm trees in Maldives, is the Maldivian national tree and has been used for multiple purposes throughout history.

The trunks are used for timber while the husks are used to make coir ropes.The leaves are used for weaving mats and creating thatching for roofs. The eakles are used to create brooms. The shell is cleaned, dried, and polished, before it is used to create ornaments or other works of art. “Raa Bandhi” is a container created from two coconut shells joined to increase capacity. It is used to collect and stor toddy from coconut palms.

MATWEAVINGS Mats or “Kunaa” were vital to the early natives. They were mostly used for seating and sleeping among other uses. Mats have also been delivered as royal gifts by the Maldivian Sultans. The artistic designs created during the weaving are still comparable to modern textures. However the technique used is very simple and mostly it is just the creativity of the weaver that produces astonishing designs.

Definitive Guide of MATATO | 107

Maldives Finder 2012

Inspiring peace, solitude & relaxation

Surrounded by untouched reefs, turquoise water and pristine beaches, this breathtaking luxury resort offers an unrivalled level of style, personalized services and privacy. Spectacular & sleek, with unprecedented privacy, Zitahli Kuda-Funafaru is destined to inspire peace, solitude and relaxation.

07 | Definitive Guide of MATATO

Maldives Finder 2012

You have got the whole world to yourself. Enjoy your time in the the endless saltwater pool.

Super Deluxe Beach villas with pool have oversize deck and a private plunge pool enabling you to cool off from the day’s sun

Making time to indulge in the spa experience is essential to any holiday

Deluxe Aqua Villas are located over the azure blue waters of zitahli kuda-funafaru

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Maldives Finder 2012

Breeze through our casual restaurant and enjoy international cuisine at your leisure

The zitahli suite is secluded from other villas and offers absolute privacy and luxury Definitive Guide of MATATO | 111

info@arkveturemaldives.com | www.arkventuremaldives.com

Maldives Finder 2012

Mustseewebsites visitmaldives.com The most visited website in the Maldives, Visit Maldives have been one of the oldest and most inform. From general visitor information to major industry news, Visit Maldives offers information, contacts to all the resorts, travel agents, live aboards as well as city hotels is currently operated by Maldives Media & PR Corporation (MMPRC).

maldives.net.mv Emerged in 2011, The website is fast growing to be one of the most visited website for the latest tourism news on Maldives. Clean, nice and easy to navigate layout, Maldives.Net.MV is the fastest growing website . Does not have too much general information on Maldives but makes u with daily updates on the website

dhonisaurus.com A unique website to come up in 2011 as well. Dhonisaurus introduces resort reviews both through them as well as independent visitors. Reviews from the website are provided by Adrian Neville, a famous name i who is the author of the book Resorts of the Maldives which is in its 5th edition now.

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Maldives Finder 2012

Mustseewebsites maldivescomplete.com Great website done by a visitor who fell in love with the country on his visits to the Maldives. Aesthetically could do better but more information in there about Maldives than most other websites. Informations on resorts are included with a very good resort finder component which visitors can use to find their resort based on preferances. Site is also available in Chinese.

matato.org Offician website of Maldives Travel Agents & Tour Operators, this provides the information on the industry. Most information related to Travel Agents & Tours Operators are taken care of.

tnmv.net Nice website with loads and loads of information. Currently not updated regularly, TNMV was once a real major news source on Maldives. Neat feature on the website include visitors to compare hotels rates from all major online booking services and compare prices.

shafraz.org Personal website of Mohamed Shafraz Hafiz, Editor of the publications Maldives Finder & FlyMEGA. He blogs about his thoughts and views on things that are happening in the tourism industry in the Maldives., visions and ideas related to the industry.

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atollscuba.com dive@atollscuba.com

SURVIVAL The Ultimate Battle for

Aurticle By : Maldives.net.mv

Photo By : Ibrahim Iujaz Hafiz

Maldives Finder 2012

Photo By : Tiny Island Volunteers

The soft sandy beach glows in the moon light. Suddenly something washes ashore. Slowly it pulls itself onto the beach and begins to crawl. With two flipper-like projections, it pulls itself towards the tree line. It is a sea turtle, visiting its birthplace to lay the eggs.

All of a sudden the quietness of the night is disturbed by a group of men. They rush towards the reptile and turns it over.

The turtle’s strong flippers rendered useless, the poachers cut open its belly. With tears streaming out of its marble black eyes, it flaps its flippers in pain, as the poachers clean out its internal organs.

The meat, shell, eggs and other parts of the turtle are harvested. The poachers have killed not just a single life, but a reptile that lived the earth long before the birth of man, along with its young. Poaching for turtles has almost led its population to the brink of extinction.

With its grand beaches and thriving marine life, Maldives provides an optimum environment for turtles to breed and feed.

Sea turtles visit Maldives for its variety of seaweeds, which are a delicacy for sea turtles.

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Turtles can take about 10 to 15 years to reach breeding age, and in many cases they breed every few years rather than annually. Sea turtles lay their eggs on dry, sandy beaches and immature sea turtles are left to learn and survive among the powerful predators. While crabs and sharks are among their most common predators, birds also feed on hatchlings.

Large numbers of eggs are deposited in holes dug on the beach which are then covered and left to incubate. After hatching, the young turtles squirm their way to the surface and head toward the water, attracted to the sunlight reflected by the sea.

While turtles spend large amounts of their lives underwater, they breathe air and must surface at regular intervals to refill their lungs. This also allows them to live on land for long periods of time.

Maldives is home to five species of turtles. Green Turtles, Hawksbill Turtles Olive Ridley Turtles, Loggerhead Turtles, and Leatherback sea turtles have all been seen in Maldives.

However leather back sea turtles have not been known to nest in Maldives.

Maldives Finder 2012

Photo By : Tiny Island Volunteers

In its efforts to save marine turtles, a law was earlier introduces which prohibited poaching. However the law expired after 2005 and poaching was and still remains in some islands as common practice. The decision was made on 21st June 1995 to prohibited catching or killing of any marine turtle species. Though their sale, import and export of its products was banned for ten years, turtle eggs and nests were not protected under the ban.

Tiny Island Volunteers is a company registered in the United Kingdom and involved in turtle conservation. Founded by Mauroof Khaleel and his wife Hana Thompson, the organization was initially geared towards bringing in foreign volunteers like teachers, aerobics instructor and coaches. Tiny Island Conservation is their Maldivian Non Governmental Organisation which the programme runs through, in collaboration with other island NGOs like Naifaru Juvenile.

“Me and my wife Hana, we founded this we were bringing in qualified volunteers such as preschool teachers, aerobics instructor and coaches. We got interested in turtle conservation because many foreign volunteers wanted to be involved in it,”

Photo By : Tiny Island Volunteers

Mauroof said. “We work with other NGOs, like Naifaru Juvenile.

Their contribution and hard work is also vital for our success.”

The marine conservation project which began recently has been their most successful project. With their own marine biologist they aim to create awareness among the younger generation to conserve the endangered turtles.

The organisation is based in Lhaviyani Atoll Naifaru, where they have their own Marine Conservation Centre. Volunteers are granted the opportunity to help the community in many ways including teaching the young students of the island. They also participate in activities such as snorkelling and beach patrol.

“We conduct beach patrols on Lhaviyani Dhidhoo, which is one of the best turtle nesting spots in the area. We look to see if any turtles nested on the island, or if any nests have been damaged. But unfortunately the government has given that island for resort development, it is sad,” Mauroof said.

“But we are certain that even on Dhidhoo none of the eggs survive, because the island is famous among poachers too.

Photo By : Tiny Island Volunteers

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They hunt the turtles and take their eggs, which are then sold for Rf3 each. We want the public to be more aware, especially children. We want them to know that turtles are not pets,” he added.

While a full survey about turtles in Maldives hasn’t been conducted yet, they have conducted minor surveys on some five islands of Baa atoll and some other atolls, to gather statistics on nesting and survival of the turtles.

“Poachers and those who feed on turtles should be taught that turtles can be toxic. Turtles feed on seaweed which has a substance that is toxic to humans,” Mauroof noted.

Apart from their Marine Conservation Centre, they also have a Sea Station where they keep the turtles until they grow to a certain age. The turtles are usually kept for about a year to increase their rate of survival before being released into the wild.

“We keep the turtles at the Sea Station, to allow them to recover and grow. We want to increase their chances of survival before we release them into the ocean. The turtles are looked after by our marine biologist,” Hana said.

President Mohamed Nasheed recently visited the conservation center. During the visit he was briefed on the turtle conservation programme. The President also released a turtle from the first batch of turtles in the nursery to the sea station, where they will grow until the turtles would be released.

Within the past eight month the program has received so much support that they have brought in over 40 volunteers. Volunteers can stay for a maximum of three months.

\ “We are actually expanding the programme in the next few months to Velidhoo, as we want to spread the conservation message as far as we can. Currently we have a great centre and team in Naifaru that runs through the joint NGO, Tiny Island Consevation, in partnership with Tiny Isand Volunteers. So Naifaru Juvinile will also team up with Velidhoo Future Foundation,” Hana said.

According to Mauroof they are planning on pursuing for a legal act to protect turtles and their eggs. Their hard work is already producing results, as an increasing number of fishermen and children have begun to hand over turtles caught in nets and kept in captivity.

While we mark the World Turtle Day today, we at Maldives Promotion House support their attempts to conserve turtles and to expand their efforts. We wish them luck and will support them in every way we can. We want the Tiny Island Volunteers to know that we understand that turtles are neat and not meat.

Almost every local island in Maldives is blessed with a sandy beach, a lagoon and a house reef. Would it not be nice, to one day witness the turtles emerge from their shells into the embracing freedom of the sea? Would it not be blissful to see their little black heads pop out of the sand, and to know that you helped them achieve their rightful place among other thriving species?

Their flippers flapping. Their tiny little bodies wriggling towards the sea. To return long after you have aged, to lay their eggs for the next generation to witness.

Photo By : Zinaf

Photo By : Zinaf 120 | Definitive Guide of MATATO

Photo By : Zinaf

Photo By : Zinaf

Photo By : Zinaf

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Maldives Finder 2012

Photo Credit : Meeru Island Resort & Spa

After the success of last year’s ‘2011 travel trends for Maldives’ article with positive feedback and appreciation from industry peers and various stakeholders - it is my pleasure to write something about ‘twenty-twelve’, even though admittedly I do find the task a little daunting.

Like last year, I spent much of this year in research reading magazines, traditional newspaper publications, talking to colleagues over the phone on their feedback from the industry, attending a few travel trends seminars at the World Travel Market last November, and most of all - reading online.

It is always a good feeling knowing the answers and seeing the majority of predictions made last year turn out to be true.

2012 is set to be an exciting year with many various and major events happening around the globe such as the Summer 122 | Definitive Guide of MATATO

Olympics in London, World Expo in Korea, the centennial of the Titanic sinking, the elections in the United States, Russia, India, and France – all of which could have an impact on travel and tourism.

Inbound travel into Maldives in 2011 was impressive - with an estimated figure of over 900,000 tourists arriving last year.

Mainly Asia Pacific dominated the market with over 40% growth coming from this market compared to 2010. Europe was estimated at 7% growth, Africa 14%, the Americas 26%, and the Middle East 25% growth compared to 2010.

2012 will be the landmark year in Maldivian tourism - not because it will be the 40th anniversary of our tourism industry, but because it is the year Maldives will hit seven figures in tourist arrivals - finally achieving the big ONE MILLION.

Maldives Finder 2012

Travel Trends 2012

Article by : Abdulla Ghiyas

This year Russian and CIS countries are expected to make a rebound - with figures set to increase rapidly with the opening of more charter flights and connections. China will remain the dominant market and the fastest growing market with a forecasted growth of 25-40% expected. From Western Europe we will see Germany and Belgium continuing to grow given the robustness of their economies.

“ � w

From Asia, Japan and Korea might start to show a slow recovery given the decline in arrivals in 2011/2010, the same goes for Italy, the United Kingdom, Portugal and Greece given the economic climate in these countries. There is less promise of growth in long haul travel unless something dramatically happens to speed up the world economic recovery or the strengthening of the Euro.

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Maldives Finder 2012

KPMG, one of the largest business and financial advisors in the world, advises operators to ensure that they are looking closely at the underlying economic cycle, changing customer demographics, current business plans and seasonality of cash flow to make sure that they have the full picture of risk in their business. KPMG warns 2012 could be a make or break year for tour operators. While the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) believes that travel agents are set to bounce back in 2012 - given the completely erratic nature of recent years: from the snow storms to volcanic ash, to worldwide civil unrest customers are definitely more in tune for the need for travel agents.

If there is something to be on the lookout for in 2012 it will be ‘M-commerce’, and the rapid advancements in travel technology. Mobile travel apps ranging from city guides to booking systems have opened up a whole new world. The influence of User Generated Content (UCG) such as consumer reviews, comments or ratings will play a more vital role and its integration with online booking sites will also be another top trend.

Growth of the mid-market will be important trend as well. In light of the economic instability in Europe, I think value added packages will once again become very attractive. This instability will help grow another trend – guest houses and mid-market hotels which will expand throughout the region in 2012. This will be most visible to the consumer with the emergence of clearly defined mid-market hotel chain brands.

Spas are becoming important to both the leisure and business traveller. Nowadays, they are a necessity rather than a luxury, just as a health and fitness club is today, as more and more people seem to be looking seriously at their personal health and well-being. The controversy in Maldives has put spotlight on this area and like we believe that this market will expand and grow further.

Consumers booking online will be another top trend. Maldives hotels will heavily switch to the online channel. Potential and existing clients are becoming tech-savvy experts. They know what they want, and are far more capable in looking for it easily accessing information about our hotels through digital tools. The key priority is to be on top of the latest online tools and aggressively develop our digital services and presence: from mobile apps to E-Marketing, to our loyalty programs.

Social Media creates opportunities never envisioned before.

It influences how you are positioned on Google, your reputation can be damaged or enhanced within a blink of an eye, social commerce is coming, and all this is going mobile and will happen electronically in real-time. It is a revolution for the hotel industry, and it is just the beginning. As a company you have to wonder how much to invest and how to invest. The Return on

124 | Definitive Guide of MATATO

Investment is still not clear, and there is a risk on spending too much on something that might be worthless.

Rounding out the most important travel trends for 2012 is the very short lead time of the advanced booking. This can be attributed to customer’s growing expectations of a modern and connected 21st Century, and the availability of airline capacity to specific destinations, which in turn relaxes customers urgency for an advanced booking and allows guests the opportunity to search at the last minute for bargains. Guests are looking for addedvalue and in terms of preferences and behaviour patterns, travellers are still taking vacations and travelling widely but they demand ‘that little bit extra’ more than ever. They are still looking for quality of service and personalized experiences but added value is a key factor while selecting their accommodation.

Maldives Finder 2012

Photo Credit : Medhufushi Island Resort Photo Credit : Island Hideaway at Dhonakulhi

Definitive Guide of MATATO | 125

Aticle by: Maldives.net.mv Photos by : Mohamed Sifah Saeed

Maldives Finder 2012

A southern most haven in the paradise of Maldives, completely secluded from the rest of the country composed of a geography that contrasts with the rest of the archipelago, Fuvahmulah is an atoll island with natives that speak their own dialect of the Dhivehi language of Maldives. Roughly five kilometers by one kilometer with a submerged reef that extends for about three kilometers south east, the island is surrounded by coral boulders and rough waves.

Perhaps the most intriguing features of the island are its two lakes formed from the ancient lagoon in the center of the island. According to the locals the southern end was open, providing a channel connecting the ancient lagoon with the ocean. Due to violent ocean swells and the lack of an outside lagoon the only way into the island was through this channel, providing

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protection against pirates. However the channel was closed by coral growth and collection of debris. Over the ages, the inner lagoon lost its salinity and all that remains today are two small fresh water lakes, wetlands and marshy taro fields.

Research into the lakes show that the bottoms of the lakes are filled with decayed corals that have turned into white clay. The forefathers of the locals used the clay to shape it into pots and other vessels. The protected lakes are still lined with a thick layer of clay covered by a pinkish layer of minerals known to the locals as “Rai Madu”. The lakes are now listed as protected areas under the law. The locals use the area to spend time with friends and to enjoy. The natives have always spoken of and believed in the heart of their hearts, of the healing abilities of the lake wa-

ter. Further research into the lake water shows that the water is filled with minerals and perhaps more healthier than mineral water.

The smaller northern lake, known as “Dhandimagu Kilhi”, is preferred by locals who often use the area for recreational and enjoyment purposes during holidays. Picnics are common and local youth often use the lake for swimming. Since the lake is also home to an abundance of small fresh water fish, the lake was used for leisure fishing as well. While damaging the area or disrupting their natural beauty is prohibited by law, the lakes can be used for recreational purposes such as swimming. The tall reeds that grow around the marshy wet land and lake are used to weave mats among other uses.

Maldives Finder 2012

One of the natives told us a tale, of how his son was healed by the water. “My son has a skin condition, his skin dries and cracks up very quickly. I couldn’t find a permanent cure. So I took him to the lake. We played and swam. We had fun and we were happy. After we returned I found out that his skin was beginning to get better. Within the following week, his skin had healed and he was perfectly healthy,” a native from “Fuvahmulah” told us his experience of the lake water.

The much deeper and bigger southern lake known as “Bandaara Kilhi” is usually left alone. During earlier times the lake was used for swimming and different areas of the lake were named after different houses of the island. While visitors and locals do visit the lake for its blissful scenery and natural beauty, locals usually don’t use the lake for swimming due to its depth.

According to the natives, during ancient times the lake was used to store their harvest and gatherings to keep them safe from animals and pests. The local tales speak of a hut that was built at the center of the lake on stilts. The wooden stilts are still visible beneath the water surface. The fruits and vegetables that were harvested and gathered were then stored inside the hut for transportation to the capital Malé.

The locals also used the “Bandaara Kilhi” to culture fresh water fish. The lake fish was earlier used as food during low fisheries and rough seas. The two lakes of Fuvahmulah can also be used as a tourist attraction as the whole island is unique in its geography. While the island is full of natural beauty and a rich cultural heritage it is a wonder to be beheld. It is a community of people that lived for a long time depending only on the surrounding resources, and separate from the rest of the country.

Being isolated they have developed a very different kind of unity, as rather than just islanders they are brothers and sisters.

The lakes are filled with tales of unimaginable romance and happiness. A native told us of his teenage romance tied to the lakes. He began his enthusiastic tale saying that “I was with my girlfriend when we met a friend of mine also with his girlfriend. They were sitting under one of the huge mango trees.”

“The fruits were ripe and they were enjoying the mangoes fresh from the tree. After we had some mangoes we decided to visit the lake. So I went home, changed my clothes and met them at the lake,” he paused as if lost in thought.

“We had fun as we moved through the wet lands spread out in all directions.

We collected wood and barbecued while we cooked some soup. After we enjoyed our meal, we climbed one of the tall trees and made a flag out of a shirt.”

“Then we went into the forest and we would lose ourselves in its natural beauty. It is really difficult to find your way through the forest. But eventually we did, as the flag would show us the way,” I could see the glow in his eyes as he reminisced over his past.

“Afterwards we swam through the lake. I would make my way through the shallow water dragging my girlfriend along, as she floated on the water with her hands around my neck. It was pure bliss, swimming through the water is like a natural spa experience. There is nothing quite like it,” he spoke of those moments engraved in his memory.

“With the clear blue sky spread above, and the fresh lake water spread all around you, as you bask yourself in the warmth of the sun, those memories become etched in your mind. The lake is the heart of our community. It ties the bond between every romance, every family and every person. It is the glue that holds us together.”

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Maldives Finder 2012

MATATO PREFERRED MEMBERS Since 2006, MATATO remains the only travel & tour operators association representing the interests of tour operators in Maldives.

Membership of MATATO offers the very best opportunities to meet your key contacts in the same place at the right time. With a sronger and wider membership than ever, there has never been a better time to maximise business opportunities and join MATATO.

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100 Percent Maldives Pvt. Ltd H. Bodukunnaaruge, 3rd Floor, Janavaree Magu, Male’, Republic of Maldives www.100percentmaldives.com info@100percentmaldives.com Tel: (960) 330 1515 / Fax: (960) 333 1877

Blue Horizon Pvt Ltd M. Meedhoo, Male’ Male’, Republic of Maldives, www.blue-horizon.com.mv mail@blue-horizon.com.mv Tel: (960) 332 1169 / Fax: (960) 332 8797

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Get Into Maldives Pvt Ltd. H.Thuniya Building, 7th Floor, Boduthakurufaanumagu Male’, Republic of Maldives, www.getintomaldives.com info@getintomaldives.com Tel: (960) 330 8505 / Fax: (960) 330 6845

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AAA Travels S.T.O Trade Center, Orchid Magu, Male’, 20-02, Maldives. www.aaa-resortsmaldives.com, shareef@aaa.com.mv Tel: (960) 332 9889 / Fax: (960) 333 7126

BOC Travels H. East Light, Ameeru Ahmed Magu Male’, Republic of Maldives, www.boctravels.com info@boctravels.com Tel: (960) 300 6886 / Fax: (960) 300 6885

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H.I.S Maldives Pvt Ltd. H. Megnolia, Moonimaa Hingun, Male’, Republic of Maldives, www.hismaldives.com.mv info@hismaldives.com.mv Tel: (960) 333 7703 / Fax: (960) 331 8274

Ace Travels Maldives Pvt. Ltd H. Faalandhoshuge Aage, Male’, Republic of Maldives, www.acetravelsmaldives.com ruwan@acetravelsmaldives.com Tel: (960) 334 3510 / Fax: (960) 334 3511

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Angsana Resort & Spa Maldives Velavaru Angsana Velavaru, South Nilandhe Atoll(Dhaalu Atoll), Republic of Maldives. www.agsana.com manas.sinha@banyantree.com Tel: (960) 676 7101, Fax: (960) 676 0029

Captain Holidays Maldives Pvt Ltd. H. Thuniya, 8th Floor, Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Male’, Republic of Maldives, Tel: (960) 334 6004 / Fax: (960) 333 2751

In Maldives Pvt Ltd. Ma. Ali Boutique, Orchid Magu, Male’, Republic of Maldives, www.inmaldives.com.mv bunny@ inmaldives.com.mv Tel: (960) 334 3508 / Fax: (960) 334 1853

Aquamaldives Pvt. Ltd H. Sunrise Villa-3, Hiyaleegoalhi Male’, Republic of Maldives. www.aquamaldives.com info@aquamaldives.com Tel: (960) 334 3091 / Fax: (960) 334 3092

Crown Tours Maldives Pvt. Ltd. Fasmeeru Building, 5th Floor, Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Male’, Republic of Maldives, www.crowntoursmaldives.com sales@crowntoursmaldives.com Tel: (960) 332 9889 / Fax: (960) 331 2832

Inner Maldives Holidays Pvt. Ltd. 4th Floor, Jazeera Building, Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Male’, Republic of Maldives, www.innermaldives.com info@innermaldives.com Tel: (960) 331 5499 / Fax: (960) 333 0884

Diethelm Travel the Maldives H. Megma, 4th Floor, Sikka Goalhi Male’, Republic of Maldives, www.diethelmtravel.com lalith.o@diethelmtravel.com Tel: (960) 330 8761/ Fax: (960) 330 8642

Island Pearl Pvt. Ltd. Champa Building, 6th floor, Orchid Magu, Male’, Republic of Maldives. www.islandpearl.com.mv travel@islandpearl.com.mv Tel: (960) 332 5994 / Fax: (960) 331 7840

Dream Vacations M.Beach Roadge-1 floor,Muranga Magu, Male’, Republic of Maldives, www.dreamvacationsmaldives.com info@dreamvacationsmaldives.com Tel: (960) 300 8881 / Fax: (960) 301 8881

Island Voyages Ma. Rangiri, 03rd floor, Rahdhebai magu, Republic of Maldives. www.islandvoyagemaldives.com sales@islandvoyagemaldives.com Tel: (960) 330 0810 / Fax: (960) 330 0812

Absolute Maldives Pvt. Ltd. 39, Orchid Magu, Male’, Republic of Maldives. www.universalresorts.com reservations@absolutemaldives.com Tel: (960) 333 2211 / Fax: (960) 332 3595

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Atoll Discovery Pvt. Ltd G. Roazaree View, 2nd floor, Husnuheenaa Magu, Male’, Republic of Maldives. www.atolldiscovery.com info@atolldiscovery.com.mv Tel: (960) 334 0800 / Fax: (960) 332 0597

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E-Two-Travel Rohrackerweg 17, D-73529, Germany e-two@t-online.de www.malediveninseln.de Tel: +49 (0)7171 8709800 / +49 (0)7171 949325 Fax: +49 (0)7171 949326

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J Hotels and Resorts Pvt Ltd H. Vilares,2nd Floor, Finihiyaa Goalhi, Male’, Republic of Maldives, www.jhotelsresorts.com nadhy@jhotelsresorts.com Tel: (960) 332 1331 / Fax: (960) 332 1616

Beijing Sunshine Holiday RM 701-702 BD, 3 Henderson Center, No.18 Jianguonennol Street, Beijing China www.yg008.net reservations@sunshineholiday.net Tel: 008610 65188956 / Fax: 00 861 065188950

Equator Land Pvt Litd.

H.Sandhaa, Lansimoo Goalhi, Male’, Republic of Maldives, www.equatorland.com info@equatorland.com Tel: (960) 330 1002 / Fax: (960) 330 1002

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Leisure Maldives Pvt. Ltd. STO Aifaanu Building, 6th Floor, Male’, Republic of Maldives, www.leisure.com.mv shamoon@leisure.com.mv Tel: (960) 331 4037 / Fax: (960) 331 4038

Best Choice Maldives G.Swan Lake, 3rd Floor, Dharumavantha Magu, Male’, Republic of Maldives. www.bestchoicemaldives.com admin@bestchoicemaldives.com Tel: (960) 333 5775, / Fax: (960) 331 7997

Exciting Maldives Holidays Pvt. Ltd. H. Coil, Majeedhee Magu, Male Male’, Republic of Maldives, www.excitingmaldives.com sales@excitingmaldives.com Tel: (960) 330 8777 / Fax: (960) 330 8776

Leisure Travels Pvt Ltd Ma.Dhooni Thundi, Saimaa Goalhi Male’, Republic of Maldives, www.theleisuretravels.com sales@theleisuretravels.com Tel: (960) 334 2543 / Fax: (960) 334 2544

FlyBy Maldives Pvt. Ltd. M. Meedhufaru, Orchid Magu, Male’, Republic of Maldives, www.flybytravels.com info@flybytravels.com Tel: (960) 300 5500 / Fax: (960) 300 6600

Lets Go Maldives M. Boadu, (Lets go tower) 1st Floor, Male’, Republic of Maldives. www.letsgomaldives.com info@letsgomaldives.com Tel: (960) 334 7755 / Fax: (960) 330 7755

Atoll hideaway Holiday Maldives Pvt. Ltd H. Ratulaage, Violet Magu, Male’, Republic of Maldives. www.atollhideaway.com info@atollhideaway.com Tel: (960) 333 3556 / Fax: (960) 333 3778

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Honors Maldives Pvt Ltd. H.Jazeera Bld.,7th floor, Male’, Republic of Maldives, www.honorsholidays.com info@honorsholidays.com Tel: (960) 334 0055 / Fax: (960) 334 0066

Capital Travel & Tours Pvt. Ltd. M.Banff, 4th Floor, Majeedhee Magu, Male’, Republic of Maldives, www.capitaltravel.net capital@dhivehinet.net.mv Tel: (960) 331 5089 / Fax: (960) 332 0336

Big Sea Maldives Pvt. Ltd G . Aaraamuge, Male’,Maldives, Dhoohimeri Magu Male’, Republic of Maldives, www.bigseatoursmaldives.com bigseatours@dhivehinet.net.mv Tel: (960) 300 2650 / Fax: (960) 330 2650

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Maldives Finder 2012

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Maldive Tours Pvt Ltd M. Bageecha Villa, Chandhanee Magu Male’, Republic of Maldives, www.maldivetours.mv sales@maldivetours.mv Tel: (960) 300 6661 / Fax: (960) 300 6662 Maldive Scuba Tours Innovation House, Bolder Road, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk 1p32 7b5, United Kingdom www.scubascuba.com accounts@scubascuba.com Tel: (44)01284748010 / Fax: (44)01284748011

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Robinson Club Maldives H. Maaram, 5th Floor, Ameer Ahmed Magu, Male’, Republic of Maldives. www.robinson-maldives.com executive-secretary.general@robinson.de Tel: (960) 300 9094 / Fax: (960) 300 9093

Tropical Collections Maldives Pvt Ltd. Ma. Dhooni Thundi, Ground Floor, Saimaa Goalhi Male’, Rep.of Maldives www.tropicalcollection.com info@tropicalcollection.com Tel: (960) 300 8811 / Fax: (960) 300 8822

Scaevola Travel Pvt Ltd Aagadhage,7 floor,Boduthakrufaanu Magu Male’, Republic of Maldives, www.scaevolatravel.com info@scaevolatravel.com Tel: (960) 300 2006 / Fax: (960) 300 2005

Tropical Ocean Holidays H. Megma, 5th Floor, Sikka Goalhi, Male’, Republic of Maldives. www.tropicaloceanholidays.com sales@tropicaloceanholidays.com Tel: (960) 300 8811 / Fax: (960) 300 8822

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Vani Maldives Ma. Petrel, 2nd Floor, Iskandharu Magu Male’, Rep.of Maldives

Marble Hotel Marbal Hotel, Kabaa Aisa Rani Higun, Male’, Republic of Maldives, www.marble.mv reservations@marble.mv Tel: (960) 330 2678 / Fax: (960) 332 6237

Shades of Maldives H. Vilaress, 1st Floor, Finihiyaa Goalhi, Male’, Republic of Maldives, www.shadesofmaldives.com md@shadesofmaldives.com Tel: (960) 330 4007 / Fax: (960) 330 4006

Mega Global Air Services (Maldives) Pvt.Ltd H. Sakeena Manzil, Room 5B, Male’, Republic of Maldives www.mgcharter.com info@megair.net Tel: (960) 300 6670 / Fax: (960) 300 6671

Silver Sands Pvt Ltd. M. Chandhaneege, 2nd Floor , Alhiviaa Magu, Male’ 20292, Maldives www.silversandstravel.com thoufeeq@silversandstravel.com Tel: (960) 300 2737 / Fax: (960) 332 0577

Voyages Maldives Pvt ltd Ma.Narugis,Chandhnee magu,Male’,Maldives Male’, Rep.of Maldives www.voyagesmaldives.com info@voyagesmaldives.com Tel: (960) 332 2019 / Fax: (960) 332 5336

Panaroma Comcare Pvt.Ltd M. Bangufadige irumathybai, Majeedheemagu, Male’, Republic.of.Maldives www.fi-es.com ikram.hassan@fi-es.com Tel: (960) 332 9232 / Fax: (960) 331 0719

Splendid Asia Pvt. Ltd. G. Kasthoorige, 2nd Floor, Alikilegefaanu Magu, Male’, Republic of Maldives. www.splendidasia.com naseer@splendidasia.com Tel: (960) 331 2460 / Fax: (960) 331 8945

Villa Holidays Pvt Ltd 1306, 13/F, Beautiful Group Tower, 74-77 Connaught Road, Central Hong Kong www.villaholidays.com.hk info@villaholidays.com.hk Tel: 00852-2851-9190/ Fax: 00852-2857-6575

Paradise Holidays and Tours Co.Ltd Rm tol, empress plaza it-ip chatham raod south tsim sha tsuz kowloon honk kong www.paradiseholidayhk.com alan@paradiseholidayhk.com Tel: 852 25213633 / Fax: 852 28823234

Sun Ocean Pvt Ltd 1st Floor, G. Penzy Nectar, Alikilagefaanu Magu, Male’ 20292, Maldives www.sunoceanmaldives.com sales@sunoceanmaldives.com Tel: (960) 332 9013/ Fax: (960) 332 9014

Villa Travel & Tours Pvt. Ltd. H. Siffa, Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Male’, Republic of Maldives. www.villatravels.com ali@villatravels.com Tel: (960) 333 0088 / Fax: (960) 333 2777

Paradise Holidays Pvt. Ltd. Star Building 3/9 , 1st Floor, Fareedhee Magu, Male’, Republic of Maldives www.parahol.com info@parahol.com Tel: (960) 331 2090 / Fax: (960) 331 2087

Sun Travels & Tours Pvt. Ltd. H. Maley-thila, Meheli Goalhi, Male’, Republic of Maldives. www.sunholidays.com sales@suntravels.com.mv Tel: (960) 332 5977 / Fax: (960) 331 8273

Vista Company & Travel Services Pvt. Ltd. M. Ronville, 3rd Floor, Fareedhee Magu, Male’, Republic of Maldives. www.vistmaldives.com vista@dhivehinet.net.mv Tel: (960) 332 0952 / Fax: (960) 331 8035

Pearl Holidays Pvt. Ltd. H.Hirifushi, Asrafee Magu Male’, Republic of Maldives, www.pearlholidays.com ibrahim.didi@pearlholidays.com Tel: (960) 334 0783 / Fax: (960) 334 1079

Sunny Maldives Pvt. Ltd. H. Holly Wood, 3rd floor, Kaani Goalhi, Male’, Republic of Maldives. www.sunnymaldives.com sales@sunnymaldives.com Tel: (960) 333 8527 / Fax: (960) 333 8528

Prop Pvt. Ltd. M.A. Picnic, 2nd floor, Majeedhee Magu, Male’ Republic.of.Maldives www.proptravels.com prop.construction@hotmail.com Tel: (960) 334 2790 / Fax: (960) 331 6796

Surf Travel Pvt Ltd 2nd Floor, H.Aagadhage Building, Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Male’ 20292, Maldives www.surftravelmaldives.com info@surftravelmaldives.com Tel: (960) 331 7227 / Fax: (960) 332 1771

Reollo Pvt. Ltd. H.Beach Tower, 3rd floor, Male’ Republic of Maldives. www.reollo.travel mohamed.khaleel@rello.com Tel: (960) 334 6004 / Fax: (960) 333 2751 Resort Life Maldives Pvt. Ltd. Ma.Daisy Villa, Anona Goalhi, Male’ Republic of Maldives. www.resortlifemaldives.com direct@dhivehinet.net.mv Tel: (960) 334 5767 / Fax: (960) 334 5766

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The Grand Holidays Ma. Raahaa, 3rd Floor, Koaru Kendi Magu, Male’, Republic of Maldives. www.thegrandholidays.com admin@thegrandholidays.com Tel: (960) 334 0970 / Fax: (960) 3340971

vani@dhinet.net.mv Tel: (960) 332 5808 / Fax: (960) 332 5807

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World Link Travels Pvt. Ltd. H. Lhoheege, 3rd floor 3B, Majeedhee Magu, Male’, Republic of Maldives. www.worldlinktravel.com.mv worldlink@dhivehinet.net.mv Tel: (960) 331 6516 / Fax: (960) 331 6518

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Yacht Tours Maldives Pvt Ltd H. Vilares, Finihiyaa Goalhi, Male’, Rep.of Maldives www.yachttoursmaldives.com nadhy@yachttoursmaldives.com Tel: 00852-2851-9190/ Fax: 00852-2857-6575 Your Maldives Pvt Ltd Penzy Aage, Alikilagefaanu Magu, Male’, Maldives Male’, Rep.of Maldives www.yourmaldives.mv asif@yourmaldives.mv Tel: (960)999 7008/ Fax: (960) 332 1058

Travel Point Maldives Hulhumale’, Ferryterminal, block26, Hulhumale’Rep.of Maldives www.travelpointmaldives.com info@travelpointmaldives.com Tel: (960) 300 1522 / Fax: (960) 300 1522

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