In the Maldives, while Eid customs have seen significant changes with time – modern music concerts and shows held in the capital city of Male’ and other islands – there is a renewed focus on reviving traditional sports such as Baibala, now held annually as a competition during which local teams vie for a grand prize.

Throughout the years, though, the one thing that has not changed about Eid festivals is that they are a way to transcend the mundane tasks of everyday life and look beyond, for the ultimate truth and light of humanity.

Sh. Lhaimagu youngsters in the Maldives disguise themselves with a paste made from water, flour and colouring. As part of Eid celebrations, something to look forward to in the Maldives - especially in the islands - people get disguised as 'maali hedun' and walk around the island. For kids, it's a frightening sight, while youth enjoy it. Photo courtesy of Flickr/mustharshido

A Day of Prayer and Feasting

Eid is celebrated throughout the small island nation of Maldives, which converted to Islam in 1153. Local celebrations begin soon after sunrise with the citizens – men, women and children – dressing up in their newest and finest clothing to attend the Eid prayer in a large congregation to seek divine blessing. The prayer is followed by the khutbah, or sermon, reminding everyone in the community about their responsibilities and obligations, like the need for goodwill, kindness, mercy and generosity toward their fellows and humanity as a whole.

After the Eid prayer, everyone heads home to elaborate feasts consisting of biriani and similar rice dishes, as well as different varieties of spicy curries, all followed by a helping of mouthwatering local desserts such as bondibai. Friends and loved ones are more than welcome to join; one may enjoy a hearty meal at two to three houses for breakfast alone. Most of the morning and afternoon is then spent visiting friends and distant relatives, exchanging greeting and gifts.

Boduberu, a dance in the Maldives, is similar to songs and dances found in East Africa. It is likely that the music was introduced to the Maldives by sailors from the Indian Ocean region. Boduberu, known commonly as 'Baburu Lava' (Negro Song) first made its appearance in the Maldives around the 11th century. Photo courtesy of Flickr/Badr Naseem

An Evening of Dance

Evening is a time for dances and other festivities held especially in the islands, including Boduberu, which is a traditional Maldivian mix of songs and dances for both men and women, all performed by beating drums. There is a distinctly African influence to it.

Dhadi Jehun is another traditional Maldivian stick dance performed in a smooth rhythmic fashion. Each dancer holds a 90-centimetre-long stick, called a dhandi, which he knocks against that of a partner. The dancing is done to the rhythm of the music and the sticks.

Finally, there is Kadhamaali, during which people of all ages participate enthusiastically in a fun and exciting traditional game. Each performance, which begins with banging on drums and a kadhaa (a copper instrument) usually involves around 30 men who don different costumes representing evil spirits and ghosts, called maali.

In the capital city of Male’, National Security services accompanied by brass bands and cadets parade through the streets.

Exactly one year ago, we started featuring one picture each week on The Travel Word. We spotlighted favourite images pulled from our growing collections on Flickr (here and here).

We also asked the photographer or owner of each selected Photo of the Week to submit a short and revealing text about it – covering the subject of the photo, the general location, the experience of taking the picture, technical aspects of photography etc.

These text-image combinations have proven to be very popular. We believe that this has a lot to do with the special emphasis we have placed on the honesty of the image. All taken or sourced by our franchise partners, who are local travel experts in their destinations, they conveyed (we believe) something special. We weren’t looking for postcard images, even if we did end up focusing on a gorgeous sunset or backlit kid. We still always knew we were looking at a place through the eyes of someone who’s seen lots of kids and sunsets and knows their worth or when a scene comes along that really is exceptional.

The Shortlist

Our methods were decidedly unscientific. For each month, The Travel Word team singled out one photo of the month. To this list of 12 we added four wild cards that had made a particular impression on us. This list of 16 we put to a group of five skilled photographers for their assessment.

Below is the resulting list of nine images, ranked in order, with comments from the judges:

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+ Winner: Photo of the Year: The Dazzling Colours of Sunset, the Maldives

Comments:
“Nice composition, perfect exposure. I like that the photographer chose
to silhouette the people and the bridge. It definitely makes me want
to be there!”

“This stunning sunset in the Maldives is a classic example of being in the very-right place at the very-right time. What separates this sunset photo from most is the focus the people on the pier gives the viewer. Taking us far away and drawing us into the scene, in doing so we end up wishing that we ourselves were right there in the photo.”

“Sunsets never get old, and this one is quite spectacular. There is something really inviting about the whole scene, and I deeply envy those people on the pier.”

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+ First Runner Up: Mt Yasur Eruption, Tanna Island, Vanuatu

Comments:
“I like the abstract quality of this image. Proper exposure could be
challenging and this is nicely done.”

“I’ve never seen a live volcano up close, and given that I live in Brooklyn in New York City, I count that as a good thing. This view of a sudden and unexpectedly powerful eruption is an instantly-accessible peek into a foreign world. I like the easy way it reminds me of everything we don’t expect to run into in the course of a regular day.”

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+ Second Runner Up: Boats Bob in the Waters of Melissani Lake, Kefalonia, Greece

Comments:
“Crystal-clear waters in a shocking blue against the weathered gray stones of the surrounding cave walls – what’s not to like? This image has a simplicity and a purity to it. It’s a casually-composed shot, a day in the life of some guys who just happen to work in this incredibly beautiful spot.”

“I chose this one because it just had it all. The photograph itself is beautiful, it is wonderfully shot and of a spectacular moment in what looks to be an amazing place.”

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Other Favourites of Our Judges:

+ Yummy Penny Bun Mushrooms in Latvia

Comments:
“This basket of mushrooms picked in Latvia looks simply stunning. The photographer has found a whole world of textures and rich colours framed by the equally tactile grass and basket. The high contrast and dappled light creates a larger-than-life image that makes me crave mushroom soup.”

“Here’s a beautifully composed image that has a nearly artificial tone to it suggesting a leisurely adventure that’s always fantastic: mushroom picking. The photograph with its colors, the arrangement of the mushrooms in a basket, takes the viewer right back to fairy tales and stories of enchanted forests.”

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+ Gorillas in Our Midst, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda

Comments:
“Gorillas make very good models and the one in this picture is nearly human in its cinematographic expression. The image has a curious temporality as it freezes the movement of a beast that’s decidedly about to do something. The frame is suggestive of movement and one is tempted to imagine what’s beyond the frame and beyond the time frozen in it.”

“This handsome portrait of the gorilla really struck me. You can really feel the impact of his stare through the photograph; it was captured perfectly. I really have to give it to the photographer for getting that close.”

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+ Sifting Rice for the Day in Muang Sing, Luang Namtha, Laos

Comment:
“This photo of a girl carrying out what is for her a day-to-day chore offers for the casual viewer a brief window into her world in a photo filled with context and brought to life with action. In the background, the rural character of her village on stilts is clear and everything about her from her unwashed clothes to her slight Mona-Lisa smile gives you a wealth of detail in this brief snapshot of her day. Contrasting this detail the rice is a blurred fountain of movement and adds a bit of magic to the every-day.”

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+ Traditional Soap Making, Tripoli, Lebanon

Comment:
“Travel photography is a genre where the portrayed object is more important than the image itself. It’s a matter of finding the most peculiar scene, place or event and then register that in a way that is pleasant to look at. A row of ladies stirring soap in steamy cauldrons is as catchy as a photograph can be.”

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+ Fire-Knife Dancing in Samoa

Comment:
“I love fire as a photographic element; it’s stark and full of motion, and when you capture it right you can almost hear the sizzle and crackle. This shot made me think about how performance is a kind of shorthand, in some ways. While the picture was taken at a hotel during a cultural program, it still evokes dark nights on sandy beaches, on foreign shores.”

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+ Young Novice Monks in Vientiane, Laos

Comment:
“Very nice shot of the playful interaction. Many people are too intimidated to photograph strangers, but the people we meet are such an essential part of the experience.”

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The Judges

We extend sincere thanks to our five judges for their time and effort. We value their professional opinions and their readiness to share them with us.

+ Ian DeLaune is a New York-based artist working primarily with issues of media and information dissemination, and drawing on a wide array of digital and analogue techniques. He received his MFA in 1998 from SVA and currently works and teaches at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn.

+ Linus Gelber is a photographer from New York City, where he shoots cityscapes and live performances (notably burlesque) and sees way too many movies, if such a thing is possible. His work is represented by Getty Images. Linus would like to go to Antarctica one day, and if you knew how he felt about New York winters you’d think that was weird too.

+ Richard Jephcote has taught traditional photography and Photoshop in colleges in North London and created several films through the artistic collective Tea Fuelled Art, which he co-founded with writer/composer George Lewkowicz and artist Katherine Harding. In addition to freelancing in photography/design and filmmaking, he has been pursuing an MA in Filmmaking (specialising in cinematography).

+ Born in Brazil, Rafael Pinho took up photography after finishing his architecture studies. He set out as a freelancer in 2005 in Belo Horizonte and spent the following years between Berlin, Reykjavík and São Paulo. His work has appeared in Modern Painters (US), Forum AID (Sweden), FFW Mag! (Brazil), Nýtt Líf (Iceland), Trip and Tpm (Brazil).

+ Although Jennie Zeiner received her undergraduate degree in Journalism, it is her images that have appeared in Reader’s Digest, Fast Company, Forbes, Money Magazine, Inc., BusinessWeek, Newsweek, ComputerWorld, Utne Reader and Village Voice. Her corporate/advertising work has been used by Bank of America, General Motors, FedEx, FCB, VISA, Mastercard, Larry King, Disney Latin America and Discovery Network.

To many, the Maldives, with its islands scattered in a swirl of diamonds, is a heaven on earth. Its language, culture, history and, most importantly, its peaceful way of life are unique to the island-nation.

Picture the scene: You’re sitting on the slowly cooling sands, watching as the sun’s last rays of the day paint the sky with a beautiful range of colours and tones. The waves of the Indian Ocean gently lap at your feet and a soft breeze blows.

You can truly indulge yourself here, alongside Mother Nature in all her beauty. Restore and re-explore your inner peace, swim through the crystal-clear waters as the infinite rays of a golden sunset tickle your senses and blaze the sky with gold. Take in a deep breath of the pure, fresh air and slowly feel your worries fade away.

The Maldives is an awesome destination for lovers of the ocean and the sports it offers. You can choose from a variety of activities, such as waterskiing, jet skiing, windsurfing, snorkelling or parasailing. Diving is a must as The Maldives have some of the best diving spots in the world. Or if you are feeling lazy just head down to the beach with a book and catch up on your reading.

The second of the finalists to have received a visit from the Wild Asia team was the Soneva Gili resort, the first all-over-water lodge of the Republic of Maldives. Located off the shore of an idyllic stretch of powdery sand on Lankanfushi Island in the North Male Atoll, the posh resort boasts 45 luxury villas, which offer a simple yet sophisticated design and luxurious comfort, all perched on top of the crystal sea. The limited number of villas allows for exceptional service by attentive staff at a guest-to-staff ratio of 1:6. The villas and other buildings are constructed and crafted from renewable and certified-sustainable sources.

Responsible tourism is engrained in all aspects of the operation, stemming from the founders, Sonu and Eva, who are committed to running an environmentally and socially responsible business. Over the years, the entire team at Soneva Gili has embraced this goal and act as stewards for improving their environment and local communities. At Soneva Gili, they realize the fragile and important ecosystem in which they operate and know that in order for their business to thrive, they must have an extremely low environmental impact along with positive social impact in local communities.

One of the best practices at Soneva Gili is the strong commitment to local employment and workers’ welfare. The resort guarantees excellent staff conditions, as well as extensive training in environmental management for all employees. Soneva Gili believes that the success of its business depends, amongst other things, on its qualified, motivated and happy staff.

The resort also practices responsible tourism through some innovative carbon- and waste-reduction measures. Since 2008, a ‘carbon tax’ of two percent has been included in Soneva Gili’s guest villa rates to offset flight-related emissions. This money is used to finance clean-energy projects and community development in developing countries, such as India, through a non-profit organization called The Converging World.

Soneva Gili, Lankanfushi Island, Maldives

The resort has also invested a great deal in innovative technologies. For example, a desalinization plant is used to provide all water for the operation, including drinking water (thus not importing any plastic water bottles onto the island). The implementation of heat-recovery systems that capture hot exhaust from the generators in order to heat water for the entire resort is yet another example. The resort also has its own organic gardens and sources produce from local farms and fishermen as much as possible, thereby reducing air miles and non-biodegradable packaging.

In terms of social contributions, 0.5% of Soneva Gili’s annual revenue goes into a Social and Environmental Responsibility Fund (SERF) that supports national and international programmes on health, education, conservation and community development. Soneva Gili strives to empower local NGOs and promote economies. They understand the importance of being a leading role model in local environmental conservation and social empowerment and try “to create innovative and enlightening experiences that rejuvenate guests’ love of SLOW LIFE.”

Soneva Gili’s “S.L.O.W. L.I.F.E.” concept – Sustainable, Local, Organic, Wholesome, Learning, Inspiring, Fun, Experience – is the real treat for guests who stay at this resort. An extremely relaxing and pure environment, friendly staff and management, superb and healthy food, and the true feel of a Robinson Crusoe adventure while indulged in luxury is what Soneva Gili is all about and why many guests repeatedly return. The resort exemplifies a holistic approach to responsible tourism, and its passion and commitment toward the environment and local community shine.

Tune into The Travel Word in the coming weeks to read about the remaining four Responsible Tourism Award finalists from Cambodia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Thailand. Winners will be announced on 21 October 2010 during the Responsible Tourism Award ceremony at ITB Asia in Singapore (20–22 October 2010).

Together with the Awards will be a Responsible Tourism Forum and networking session jointly organised by Wild Asia, ITB Asia and The Blue Yonder. Themed ‘CSR in Travel,’ the forum will feature the Award finalists, winners, CSR leaders and green entrepreneurs among others. ‘CSR in Travel’ will cover topics such as tourism and sustainability, greening the supply chain and communicating Responsible Tourism, as well as share Responsible Tourism experiences by successful tourism operators, NGOs and social enterprises working in Asia.

Making squid cages on an Andaman Discoveries tour in Phang Nga, Thailand

“We received a selection of high-quality checklists and this proves to show that the network and awareness of RT is building up,” said Deborah Chan, Wild Asia’s Programme Manager. “Travel operators from around the region are truly striving to make a difference for a better and greener future.”

Wild Asia shortlisted two choices in each category: large-size accommodation, small- to midsize accommodation and tour operators. These were determined after careful review, research, discussion and debate of all applications by a judging panel composed of responsible tourism (RT) experts, academics, conservationists and eco-consultants.

Frangipani Langkawi Resort, Langkawi, Malaysia

Judges first examined all of the completed checklists submitted by the applicants, which outline best management practices and specific RT efforts. Then, through a scoring system, the panel analyzed and ranked each answer from the entry forms. Given the extremely high calibre of this year’s entrants, judges were impressed by the broad and innovative application of RT practices. It was such a close competition!

Winners will be announced on 21 October 2010 during the Responsible Tourism Award ceremony at ITB Asia in Singapore (20–22 October 2010).

The Shortlist

Large-size Accommodation
* Frangipani Langkawi Resort (Langkawi, Malaysia) – In addition to getting its guests and staff involved in their RT practices, Frangipani Langkawi practices and promotes environmental conservation.

Heritance Kandalama, Dambulla, Sri Lanka

* Heritance Kandalama (Dambulla, Sri Lanka) – The unique architectural design blends the hotel into the natural surroundings and maximizes natural light. The structure is built on a raised platform allowing for the flow of water and movement of wildlife under the hotel.

Sarinbuana Ecolodge, Bali, Indonesia

Small- to Mid-size accommodation
* Sarinbuana Ecolodge (Bali, Indonesia) – Environmental conservation and community empowerment figure prominently as commitments to the highest standards of sustainability, also including a reliance on local, low-impact, sustainable materials and businesses.

Soneva Gili, Lankanfushi Island, Maldives

* Soneva Gili (Lankanfushi Island, Maldives) – Technological innovations help Soneva Gili focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving natural resources and effectively managing energy and waste.

Pepy Tours, Cambodia

Tour Operators
* Pepy Tours (Siem Reap, Cambodia) – Pepy Tours believes tours should be adventurous, educational and responsible, all at the same time. They also involve the community through educational, volunteer and tour programs.

* Andaman Discoveries (Phang Nga, Thailand) – Community leadership and participation through open dialogue inspire respectful interaction between visitors and local communities, and ensure direct economic benefits to the communities.

Cape Town's Table Mountain is one of the finalists in the New Seven Wonders of Nature, as well as a whl.travel destination

It is now time for the world to speak and choose the final seven. Optimistic estimates are that 1 billion votes will be cast starting now, throughout 2010 and into 2011, when the official list will be unveiled.

TO ADD YOUR VOICE TO THE TALLY, START HERE.

whl.travel Destinations in the Mix

whl.travel is delighted to note that, of the 28 finalists, eight are covered by the network:

• the Amazon – see Manaus: the Brazilian Port of Entry to the Amazon Rainforest)
• the Dead Sea – take a tour
• Iguazu Falls – see Finding Heaven in Foz do Iguassu
• Jeita Grotto – take a tour
• Komodo National Park – take a tour
• Maldives – learn more about it and then read about Whale Shark Encounters in the Maldives
• Puerto Princesa Underground River – take a tour
• Table Mountain – why not Abseil off Table Mountain

More Information

The nomination and voting process is being led by the same team that oversaw the New Seven Wonders of the World, during which 100 million votes were counted.

Somewhere along the line we have all heard of the Maldives, renowned for their turquoise waters and year-round idyllic weather. With over 1,000 islets and 26 atolls, the Republic of Maldives is located in the Indian Ocean about 700km southwest of Sri Lanka.

A classic and gentle snorkeller-whale shark encounter

Beauty through purity is one of the things that make the Maldives a premium romantic location targeted by honeymooners. However, unlike the typical visitor, why not jump at the occasion to see the country from a completely different perspective: supporting protection of its underwater world. Enhance your understanding of the atolls and reef islands that offer some of the world’s most exquisite diving by getting involved in a whale shark protection programme.

Putting Protections in Place

Whale shark encounters happen throughout the year around the atolls of the Maldives, chiefly on the outer reef of the South Ari atoll, a whale shark hot spot very popular with snorkellers, who converge there on a daily basis. What most are not aware of though is that in recent years the sharks of the Maldives have been deliberately killed to fuel the high demand for fins and meat in the Asian market. This has been happening illegally around the atoll and legally outside it. Fortunately, to stop this from occurring in Maldivian water, the Maldives has made its first contribution to the marine ecosystem by developing a protected area for whale sharks. This initiative is backed by the government, diving professionals, representatives of the local community and biologists.

The dorsal fin of a whale shark almost completely cut from its body

Visitors to the marine protected area will be governed by guidelines that regulate traffic, especially limits on maximum boat speeds and the number of boats and humans per shark. The government of Maldives endorsed these guidelines in June 2008 and the local community has been brought to understand how important it is to preserve the whale shark. Beyond respect for the survival of the species, everyone realises that without them, locals and dive centres will lose a major source of income.

Known as the top predators of the marine ecosystem, sharks have been around for 400 million years and play a very important role in marine life. Predators though they may be, they are still just another animal, challenged by the normal life cycle, which for sharks includes limited reproductive opportunities, slow growth and late maturation. All these factors, in addition to the huge pressure fishing exerts on them, contribute to their fast-declining population.

A December 2008 meeting about the Marine Protected Area

The Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWSRP) was established in 2006 to protect the whale sharks. One of the main tasks of this programme is to look into the population and behaviour of whale sharks in the Maldives. This is managed through an international genetic analysis and tagging project as well as through photo-identification and prey surveys.

What Can You Do?

How can you get involved in protecting whale sharks? First of all, get close to where the project is being run: the Conrad Resort and Spa on Rangali Island in South Ari. The hotel organises two one-day trips per week for guests eager to participate in the photo-identification process of all sharks encountered. In addition, the MWSRP is about to start a round of research trips (April through June, as well as one in December) and on the lookout for research volunteers. One of the perks of this task is free diving with these endangered giants of the sea.

The Conrad guest research trip found the MWSRP's 100th shark

If you can’t join an expedition, the best way to help is by asking your tour operator for a briefing on the whale shark encounter guidelines, not buying any shark products and making a donation in cash or equipment to the MWSRP. Moreover, while you are in the Maldives, make a visit to Digurah Island, a typical Maldivian island where you can purchase genuine local crafts, and Dangethi Island’s cultural centre.

Finally, spread the word about the Maldives’ efforts: its marine protected area, the research being undertaken by the MWSRP and a ban on shark fishing including the export, import and sale of shark products.

For more information about the Maldives, including accommodations, tours, activities, all your travel needs and lots of insider tips, contact your local whl.travel connection: Afrah, Shanoon and the team from Canopus Maldives at www.maldiveshotels.mv.