Habitat Maldives
Updated: Sep 20
Fiery sunset behind a tree silhouette
Habitat: Maldives
I’m planning my escape from lockdown as this blog is published. Back in March I thought about doing a 3-part photo journal, but thought it would span just a few months. That being said, we shall see if this is indeed the concluding “entry.”
Sunset sky and tree silhouette
Winds of Euphoria
A study of element & color
Tranquil Fascination
Sunrise on the beach, arms open
The winds of euphoria are lullibyes for a soothing dream
Rainbow over the lagoon
Life in the Maldives is one of integration with nature and a feeling of awe for these enchanting isles that invoke a sense of “heaven on Earth.”
Wooden dhoni boat on the beach
The South-West Asia country has an elevation of just 1.5 meters, making it the lowest in the world. The archipelago stretches across 90,000 square kilometers.
Sandpiper shorebird on the rocks
There are about 1200 islands in a chain of 26 atolls. From top to bottom, it’s 820 km from northern-most island to Addu atoll south of the equator.
Leaning palms over a turquoise lagoon
It’s 130 km from east to west. Most of the islands are uninhabited, and some are not much more than slabs of coral and a pile of sand with a palm tree or two.
Asian koel on a branch against blue sky
The Maldives have attracted the world’s most reknowned scientists to ponder upon its creation. In 1842, Charles Darwin presented his theory after studying coral atolls in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
Hermit crabs on fine sand
Darwin said that the coral reef grew along the edges of volcanos that rose from the ocean. After a volcano receded, the reefs remained circular, protecting a lagoon within.
Golden sunset reflected in the lagoon
Over time, these lagoons were filled in with dead coral and organic materials, and thus the islands born.
Vibrant tropical flowers
Peaceful vibrations and vibrant colors are bound to put your mind and body to tranquil ease.
Crimson sunset along the shoreline
In more recent times, scientists discovered that fish have greatly assisted in the formation of the islands. Parrotfish eat coral polyps. The excrement of this stony coral has built entire fine-sand beaches.
Heron beneath a palm over the turquoise reef
The species and habitat of the Maldives exemplify astounding and beautiful biodiversity.
Rainbow and storm clouds over the mangrove
Mangroves create an entire ecosystem, and like other wetlands around the world, they are facing a high risk of erasure by development.
Shallow coral reef in turquoise water
The diverse companion ecosystem, rightfully known as “rainforests of the sea,” is the shallow coral reefs.
Dolphin breaching beyond the breaking wave
Indeed, the majority of the Maldives is of water; hence, the majority of animal life is aquatic.
Black sea urchin on the coral reef
From the cetaceans (mammals) there are many types of dolphins and whales, to multitudes of tropical fish, manta ray, shark, and turtle. It’s no wonder there’s never a dull moment on the water.
House crow with a catch in its beak
The sky is home to many birds seen catching fish every day from the rocks or swooping across the ocean.
Indian Flying Fox fruit bat in the trees
The Indian Flying Fox (Fruit Bat) don’t seem to know that they’re reputation is for being a creature of the night. They dart across blue skies and turquoise lagoons to hang upside down from the trees.
Local fisherman on a motorbike down an island lane
You’ll never see a place from the eyes of someone who has the knowledge of generations.
Family fishing from the rocks in a turquoise lagoon
For every generation, there is a preceding generation that paved the way to this point. Work hard to contribute to the future.
An elder and a child on the beach
Without the contributions of our ancestors, we would not have arrived by way of an already carved path today.
Full moon rising over the island
Stories have lain hidden for centuries scattered across the atolls. One could spend a lifetime exploring its corners, learning about the previous generations, and history of ancient explorers in these remote and hard to reach parts of Earth.
Bioluminescent blue wave breaking over the night reef
The Maldives was an important crossroads in the ancient spice route. Seafarers traversing the Indian Ocean stopped for supplies or due to shipwrecks sailing between Asia, Africa, and the Arab world.
Island fishermen on the reef flat at sunset
The country’s culture and traditions revolve around the sea, and of course, fishing, the always abundant food source.
Traditional dhoni moored offshore
The stylish Dhoni is unique to the Maldives and their direct neighbors Sri Lanka and South India. The early boats had sails and were commonly built from the wood of coconut trees. Nowadays, most sails have been replaced with motors.
Locals on the jetty beside the reef
Due to a small population and a unique, tight-knit community, the local Maldivian people have a mellow vibe with less pressure than most societies in the world.
Blazing orange sunset behind a dhoni silhouette
They are very friendly. In some places, they have rarely seen foreigners, so it can help to break the ice by taking an initiative by saying hello!
Golden hour seen through branches
The spoken and written language of the Maldives is Dhivehi. At the time of this writing and not expected anytime soon, Dhivehi is not in Google Translate.
Pastel sunset over the reef rocks
It’s a hybrid comprised of the peoples who’ve influenced the archipelago, including English, Hindustani, Portuguese, Persian, French, and Arabic. The writing and characters of the alphabet have an Arabic influence.
Dinghy in a shallow lagoon with palm shadows
There is a sense of pristine cleanliness in this island chain of pearls. It becomes evident that the people have a heightened sense of tidiness and organization seen in the daily activity of routine and maintenance.
Fisherman casting a net in the shallows
The equatorial weather and elements in the Maldives are relatively mild-mannered compared to other latitudes. However, like anywhere else, it serves one well to be aware of the surroundings and environment.
Island beach with boats and palms
A nice thing about arriving in the Maldives is that it’s convenient and hassle-free. You’ll step off your plane, pass through customs, and step directly onto a speedboat that takes you to your hotel or charter boat.
Garden lizard on a tree trunk
Stepping away from the hustle and bustle of the city island of Malé as well as the luxurious yet corporate high-end resorts, one immediately feels the sensation of going back in time.
Palms leaning over turquoise shallows
Simultaneously, the Maldives have all the modern amenities, cell towers, internet, and in fact, among the highest literacy rates internationally. A return to basics coexists with reaching for the stars.
Tropical blossoms and bougainvillea
Before 2008, tourists went only to the high-end exclusive resorts and did not visit the resident islands.
Sunset clouds mirrored in the lagoon
Today’s tourism industry has diversified. The general population has opened guest lodges and tour operations that accommodate varying budgets.
Peeling wave at dawn in an empty lineup
Every year wave riders and beach enthusiasts travel to the Maldives from around the world. It is rightly known as one of the best ocean sport wonderlands, and most desirable places to go.
Banyan jungle canopy
There are only two main seasons. Iruvai, the north-east monsoon, translated from the local Dhivehi language means, “hot and dry.” It runs from mid-January to mid-April.
Cream hibiscus blossom
Hulhangu is the south-west monsoon, meaning, “hot and west,” and runs the other half of the year, from mid-April through to mid-December.
Fiery sunset over the turquoise shore
Don’t underestimate the sun while in the refreshing ocean, as water tends to magnify its strength. Hydration and plenty of drinking water is crucial to prevent heatstroke. Sunscreens will wear off faster than usual. Watch out for falling coconuts. Be aware of where you stand!
Red hibiscus flower
The more we’re aware of our environment, the slower time goes by, allowing us to intuitively assimilate the Earth’s moments. Whether or not we are conscious of the subtle details, they still exist.
Sunrise salute on the beach
