EID CULTURAL EXPERIENCE IN MALDIVES
An invitation to preserve the Maldivian identity.
Hosted by Ali Assadhu
To book, please fill out the form at the bottom of this page.
An Exclusive Experience
May 31st - June 12th 2025
The Local Living: Eid Cultural Experience is your chance to celebrate Eid al-Adha like a local. Over 10 days, you'll become part of the community, take part in age-old traditions, and experience the true island life. It all happens in Kinbidhoo—a small island of 900 people, rich in culture and heritage, and the home of your host, Assadhu, where Local Living began.
Day 01 - Welcome to the Maldives
Touch down in Malé and hop on a domestic flight to Thimarafushi Airport. From there, a speedboat will take you to Veymandoo, your first stop before Kinbidhoo. As you step onto the island, Take the evening to relax, soak in your new surroundings, and prepare for the cultural adventure ahead.
Day 02 - Discovering Island Life
Meet the Locals, hear their stories, and learn about the customs that make Maldivian culture so unique. You’ll get a detailed briefing on what to expect during Eid—its deep significance, the customs you'll witness, and cultural do’s and don’ts to respect while experiencing it firsthand.
Day 03 - Island Hopping and Excursions
Spend a full day exploring the uninhabited islands of Thaa Atoll. Snorkel vibrant reefs at a few stops along the way, then enjoy a fresh local BBQ lunch on a secluded island. As the day winds down, set off in search of dolphins, the perfect ending to the day.
Day 04 - The Build-Up to Eid: Bodu Kun’bus
The island is alive with anticipation. Today, you’ll witness the preparations for Bodu Kun’bus, an iconic Kinbidhoo tradition. Islanders gather in the community square. Kun’bus, a sweet treat enjoyed before Eid prayers. This long-standing practice brings the entire community together in joyful collaboration.
Day 05 - Behind the Scenes: Building the Eid Gondu
Eid traditions don’t just appear overnight—they are crafted with skill and dedication. Today, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how locals construct the Eid Gondu.
Eid Gondu is a long-practiced Maldivian tradition that signals the beginning of Eid celebrations by lighting "Eid Gondu." The tradition involves the Locals collecting wooden logs and oshi from nearby uninhabited islands, building the structure, and setting it aflame at dawn on Eid day.
Day 06 - A Taste of Maldives
Today, you’ll be sharing a traditional kitchen with the locals to learn the art of traditional Maldivian cuisine. Work alongside Locals to prepare dishes that have been passed down through generations—coconut-based treats, and sweet delicacies made especially for Eid. Enjoy a home-cooked meal and experience the warmth of Maldivian hospitality firsthand.
Day 7 – The Start of Eid Celebrations
Eid officially begins when the Eid Gondu is set on fire—a symbolic start to days of celebration. The Locals gather to pray the Eid prayer and afterwards the whole island is gathered at the haruge to have a communal meal just before all the activities begin. This includes the traditional dances from both men and women.
Day 8 – The Beyya
Beyyas are supernatural figures brought to life by the islanders of Kinbidhoo during the third day of Eid al-Adha. These imaginative creations are deeply rooted in local folklore, inspired by tales of monsters emerging from the sea. Youll get a behind the scenes of locals crafting these and afterwards these are brought into the island streets and both Locals and beyyas join together for a dance and celebrations.
Day 9 - Ilibo and Bodumas: Crafting and The Midnight Parade
Spend the day watching locals create Ilibo and Bodumas, elaborate figures that come alive in the nighttime spectacle. These massive, mythical creatures require days of intricate craftsmanship, and today, you’ll witness the final touches before they are paraded through the island. As darkness descends, the Ilibo and Bodumas roam through the island, collecting Ulhaali (offerings) and interacting with the crowd.
Day 10 – Koadi: The Grand Finale
Eid comes to a dramatic close with Koadi, one of the most awaited traditions. In the morning, locals prepare Koadi, an intricately decorated structure that serves as the heart of the final celebration. Throughout the day, the excitement builds, with the entire island coming together for one last night of festivities. By evening, the streets are filled with music and laughter as the Koadi. The celebrations stretch long into the night.
This Local Living: Eid Cultural Experience is your gateway to an authentic Maldives experience. Whether you’re a photographer, a cultural explorer, or simply someone looking for something truly unique, this experience will leave you with stories, connections, and memories for a lifetime.
PRICES
$1600 - Twin Sharing basis
$1800 - Single Room
Deposit: $700
Full payment 30 days prior to the arrival date.
What's included in this experience
1- Best available Guest house nearby the island Kinbidhoo – TWIN/SINGE occupancy (share with another participant of the same gender)
2- All the domestic transportations.
3- Return Flights from Velana international Airport - Thimarafushi Airport
4- 3 standard meals and non-alcoholic beverages per day
5- Photography guides
6- A Taste of Maldives - A locals culinary experience.
7- Island Hopping and Excursions tour on Day 3
Excluded in this experience
1- International flight to arrive and depart from / to Maldives
2- Travel insurance.
3- Alcoholic beverages, personal expenses, tips
4- Services and transportation are for listed activities only
5- Charges will be applied for any additional requests
To book the experience please fill out the form below.
Thank you!