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Maldivian Surfers Take Away Major Awards At International Surf Challenge
Maldives Promotion House – The Maldivian surfer Abdullah Areef took the third place in the Men’s Open Division of the 6th annual Monsoon Mayhem International Surf Challenge at Desaru Beach in Malaysia, battling it out in a 25 minute challenge. Raditya Rondi from Indonesia went first and Mohd Nazrin “Super Yen” from Malaysia went second. The fourth place went to Gilang from Indonesia.
Moreover the entire Bodyboard Division was dominated by Maldivians. Ali Khusruwan took the first place and Ibrahim Shiman took second place. They were followed by Ali Javeed who went third and Mohamed Luhushan who went fourth. Ismail Miglal was awarded the best wipeout.
The final day started up with 3-4 foot waves closing out on the inside sandbars and rain squalls blowing in and out, but for the Men’s Open finals the conditions cleaned up and allowed thrilling finale to the three-day Monsoon Mayhem competition.
Abdullah Areef was satisfied with his third place finish, and said “I’m glad I got into the finals, so I can go back home with a trophy. The waves got much cleaner for the final, which made for a great ending. I’ve really enjoyed the event, and I want to do a lot more ASC events this year for sure, that is my plan for 2012.”
The Asian Surfing Championship tour is just starting its second season, after having sanctioned a total of 9 events held in four countries, Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Thailand in 2011. The Monsoon Mayhem is the first event of 2012 season.
The Monsoon Mayhem International Surf Challenge took place on the golden sands of Desaru Beach, located an hour’s drive east of Johor Baru and approximately 1.5 hours by car from Singapore.
During the three days of the event, the surfing action included the Men’s Open Division, Women’s Division, Masters (over 35 years of age) Division, and a Bodyboard Division, with over 80 participants coming from Australia, Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, the Maldives, Singapore, and of course Malaysia.
Monsoon Mayhem International Surf Challenge 2012 Contest Results
Men’s Open Division
1. Raditya Rondi (Indonesia)
2. Mohd Nazrin “Super Yen” (Malaysia)
3. Abdullah Areef (Maldives)
4. Gilang (Indonesia)
Women’s Open Division
1. Annissa Flynn (Thailand)
2. Nur Hawani (Malaysia)
3. Michaela Partin (USA)
4. Brenda Lee (Malaysia)
Master’s Division
1. Toshikazu Kirusji (Japan)
2. Sean Gilhooley (Australia)
3. Decha Sithidej (Thailand)
4. Hideyuki (Japan)
Bodyboard Division
1. Ali Khusruwan (Maldives)
2. Ibrahim Shiman (Maldives)
3. Ali Javeed (Maldives)
4. Mohamed Luhushan (Maldives)
Best Local Johor Surfer – Haikal (Tanjung Balu, Malaysia)
Best Malaysian Surfer – Mohd Nazrin “Super Yen” (Cherating, Malaysia)
Best Wipeout – Ismail Miglal (Maldives)
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Siyam World expands activity line-up with 3K run and race
Part of the Lifestyle Collection of Sun Siyam, Siyam World has never really done “ordinary.” And with two of its most high-energy island experiences now firmly on the weekly roster, families, groups and anyone with a competitive streak have even more reason to book that trip.
Lace Up: The Siyam World 3K Wellness Run
Every week, guests gather at the start line for the Siyam World 3K Wellness Run, where good vibes meet great views. Clearly marked pathways guide the way to a marathon-style route around the island but the rules are simple: go at your own pace, take in the views, and enjoy the moment. Run it, jog it, or power-walk it with a smoothie in hand. No judgment here. Cross the finish line and you’ll earn an exclusive Siyam World 3K Run badge, the most stylish souvenir you’ll take home, and the ultimate bragging rights for completing a 3K on the most epic island in the Maldives. It’s all about moving, smiling, and enjoying the moment.
Game Faces On: The Amazing Race
For families and groups ready to turn up the heat, The Amazing Race is exactly what it sounds like, chaotic, competitive, and seriously good fun. Teams of up to five kick off at the starting point before racing across the island, completing challenges and hunting down clues at every turn. Five challenges. Multiple locations. Zero time to waste. It’s a test of speed, teamwork and quick thinking with a generous helping of chaos thrown in for good measure. And the rewards? Very worth running for. The winning team takes home a complimentary excursion, second place hits the waves on a banana boat, and third place gets behind the wheel at the Maldives’ first-ever resort based electric go-kart circuit. Not a bad consolation prize.
Whether you’re chasing that runner’s high, racing your kids across the island, or just looking for something a little different from the usual sun-lounger routine, Siyam World delivers. Every experience is designed to bring people together, keep the energy high, and create the kind of memories that don’t fade with the tan.
A World Beyond Your Wildest
Siyam World’s summer offer makes it easier than ever to say yes. Save up to 45% off, enjoy USD 150 resort credit, and settle in to Premium 24hrs WOW! All-inclusive from the moment you arrive. Stay 4 nights and a seaplane transfer is on the house — stay 7 and that extends to two guests, plus a floating breakfast for two. And for families, children under 12 stay completely free when sharing with adults. The only question is how long you can stay. Book your stay now.
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SO/ Maldives introduces ‘Fight Fit’ wellness activation
On Saturday, 25 April 2026, SO/ Maldives will stage its “Fight Fit” island activation as part of the resort’s ongoing 120 Days Fitness Challenge, bringing together fitness, wellness and local collaboration in a resort-wide programme.
Developed in partnership with Fight Soul Maldives, a local fitness collective focused on combat sports, the activation is designed to offer guests both participation and live viewing experiences while also bringing a local element into the resort’s wellness programming.
A key part of the activation is the Muay Thai Guest Workshop, where guests will have the opportunity to train with fighters from Fight Soul Maldives. Open to different fitness levels, the sessions will introduce the basics of Muay Thai through drills, technique-based training and group activity.
The programme will extend across the island through a series of activities including sunrise yoga, beach combat training, aqua yoga accompanied by DJ music, and sunset fight showcases. According to the resort, the aim is to combine physical activity with the island setting through a range of structured wellness experiences.
The activation will also include a healthy menu developed to support fitness and balanced living, in line with the resort’s wider wellness focus.
Guests will also be invited to take part in a skincare workshop and ritual linked to the launch of products from Comfort Zone. The experience will introduce skincare practices based on science and sustainability as part of the broader wellness programme.
In the evening, the programme will continue with foam parties, fire dance performances, and live Muay Thai and kickboxing exhibitions featuring athletes from Fight Soul Maldives.
Through “Fight Fit”, SO/ Maldives is presenting a wellness-led island activation that combines fitness, lifestyle programming and collaboration with local talent.
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Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives introduces indoor mini golf experience
Resort experiences are increasingly shaped by the need for flexibility, with guests seeking activities that can be enjoyed beyond peak sun hours, creating a natural demand for engaging indoor spaces and particularly in tropical destinations where brief, seasonal rain showers are part of the island rhythm.
Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives builds on this evolving guest preference with the introduction of its new 8-hole Indoor Mini Golf Centre, adding a playful and interactive dimension to the island’s leisure offering. The space was officially unveiled at a recent opening, where a guest was invited to mark the occasion, setting the tone for an experience centred around shared enjoyment and light-hearted moments.

The indoor mini golf course offers a relaxed, air-conditioned space where guests of all ages can take part, whether as a casual game between families, a friendly challenge among couples, or a fun addition to group stays. It provides a comfortable alternative to outdoor activities while maintaining the sense of energy and connection that defines time on the island, regardless of the weather.
The addition builds on the resort’s existing indoor facilities, including billiards, table tennis, and a dedicated kids’ playroom, creating a more rounded leisure experience that caters to different moods and moments. Outdoors, guests can continue to explore a wide range of activities, from beach volleyball and futsal to badminton, diving, and both motorised and non-motorised water sports.

As one of the first resorts in the area to introduce an indoor mini golf experience, Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives continues to evolve its offerings in line with how guests choose to travel today, blending activity, comfort, and shared experiences in a setting designed for both relaxation and discovery.
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