A’SALAM

ALAIKUM

On local islands, bare sand streets are lined with ancient coral-stone houses and brightly coloured cement buildings. Palm trees jump from behind walls and give way to dense forest at the margins of the town. Women and men sit in joalis (traditionally made seats using wood sticks and coir ropes), the women making cadjan leaf roofing (woven coconut leaves) and children ride bikes up and down the street.

Join our Community Education and Outreach Manager for a tour of one of the 11 inhabited islands in Laamu Atoll, L.Hithadhoo. The island has a population of 900 people, boasts an extensive mangrove forest and a 400 year old mosque. Experience the local culture while visiting the mosque, a local school and the homes of Hithadhoo’s welcoming residents.

Don’t forget your manners by greeting people in the street with ‘Peace be unto you’ in the local language of Dhivehi  ‘A’Salam Alaikum’ (A-saloom alay-coom) and remember to cover your shoulders and legs to show respect for the Islamic culture.