Lacquer work
Liyelaa jehunWooden boxes and vases turned and coated in red, yellow and black lacquer, a craft from Baa Atoll.
Shops
Shop where the island shops
Lacquer work, woven mats, hand-carved dhoni models and local spices, plus the island shops where you can pick up snacks, sun cream and a SIM card.
Shops
Shops and souvenirs
Island shops are joining now
Every inhabited island has small general stores for snacks, water and toiletries, and many have a souvenir shop near the harbour or the bikini beach. Ask your host where to go.
Made in the Maldives
Six things worth taking home
Woven mats
Thundu kunaaFine reed mats woven by women in Gaafu Dhaalu, with natural dyes and geometric patterns.
Dhoni models
Hand carvedSmall wooden copies of the traditional Maldivian boat, made by island boat builders.
Rihaakuru and dried tuna
FoodThick tuna paste and smoked dried fish (Maldive fish), the base of many island dishes.
Local sweets
Bondi and huni hakuruCoconut and sugar sweets, often wrapped in leaves, sold at island shops and cafés.
Island-made clothing
Sarongs and printsLight sarongs and shirts, useful for covering up when you walk through the village.
Good to know
Shopping on a local island
- Don't buy coral, shells or turtle shell. Taking them out of the country is against the law.
- Fridays: many shops close for midday prayers, and some close briefly at other prayer times.
- Bring some cash. Small shops may only take rufiyaa or US dollars.
- Buy local: ask whether a souvenir was made in the Maldives. Many are imported.
Run a shop?
List your shop or souvenir store free, with opening hours and what you sell. Visitors message you directly.
List your shop