Holiday Travel Facts about the Maldives

CAPITAL

Male’

INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Ibrahim Nasir airport
Located in the Hulhule island close to the capital city Male’
(Interesting to note that, you will be transferred directly to the resort island without even entering Male’.)

NATIONAL LANGUAGE

Dhivehi

NATIONAL RELIGION

Islam

POPULATION

Approx. 350,000

CURRENCY

Ruphiya

AVERAGE TEMPERATURE

30c all year around

INDEPENDENCE

Maldives gained its independence In 1968 from the British

WHERE IS MALDIVES LOCATED

Maldives is an island nation in the Indian Ocean located south west to Sri Lanka and India. Their closest neighbour is Sri Lanka where you can fly within an hour from Male’.

GEOGRAPHY OF MALDIVES

Maldives, meaning ‘chain of islands’, infact it consist a double chain of islands. It consists of 1200 islands. Only 200 are inhabitant.
One of the unique characteristics is that None of the coral island is above 2meters. It is located in the warm Indian Ocean attracting abundance of underwater life in crystal clear turquois color water.

MAIN INDUSTRIES

Their economy revolves around Fisheries and tourism. But tourism is the leading industry.
Maldives also has the largest seaplane operation In the world.

TOURISM IN MALDIVES IN A NUTSHELL

Tourism began roughly in 1972 opening of two resorts – Kurumba and Bandos island.
It has then developed to over 105 resorts to date. Tropical Vacations has allotments with 80 resorts guaranteeing you the lowest rates at anytime.

In the year 2015 It was recorded over 1.2 million tourist arrivals in the Maldives.

MALDIVES TOURIST VISA

You do not need a pre-entry visa to visit Maldives. On arrival you will be given a tourist visa which is valid for 30 days and is free of charge. You must hold a valid passport.

TRANSFER METHODS

You will be transferred to your resort either by a Seaplane, domestic flight, speed boats or a combination of both or all of them depending on which resort you are check-in to.

Note Seaplanes are not pre-scheduled but depart according to the int. flight arrivals. So there could be a waiting time of approx. 60-75mins after you’ve checked out from immigration. If you are a photographic enthusiast best to keep the camera in your hand when you board as your hand luggage might put at the back depending on how full the flight is. Some resorts have a landing deck where you can directly get off to the resort island whilst some have a speed boat standby to take you a short distance to the resort when the seaplane lands close by.

Speed boats are a fun way to transfer but we usually recommend a transfer time 30 mintues or under as otherwise it will be an exhausting journey specially just after a long flight. So consult our team when choosing your resort.
Also, if you are sensitive to seasickness or sustain a bad back pain the Speed boat transfer might cause you trouble. Incase if you do decide to choose a resort which must be transferred via speedboat, take the rare seat as the swell will be mildly less.

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE FROM MALE’

If you arrive to Male’ after 4pm then it is likely that you have to spend overnight in Male’. The reason being, the Speed boat and Seaplane transfers only operate from sunrise to sunset.

Also on your departure, some of the domestic flight transfers may begin at the sunrise even though your flight from Male’ depart late in the day. This is to rest assure that you do not miss your flight.
Please also be informed that the resorts confirm the departure flight details from their resorts only the previous night as they only receive the confirmed list after 18hrs.

A RESORT FOR EVERYONE

Maldives resorts are most popular among couples for it’s secluded ‘one island one resort’ concept. But Maldives has plenty of very good family friendly resorts with well-equipped day care centres.

Maldives is also best for solo travellers too and it’s safe to travel.

There are some resorts offer adults only sections in the resort ideal for couples to be a little intimate with.

CLOTHING

In Male’ and other inhabitant islands, it is strictly govern under Muslim customs. Therefore you must not wear revealing clothes, avoid public displays of affection ( even a quick kiss away) and do not bring or consume liquor and pork. Either of this will be punishable offence under Maldivian law.

But all of this will be lifted when you visit the resorts. But please note nude sunbathing is prohibited. Other than that, you are free to wear any swim wear and consume liquor and pork as you wish in the resort islands.

TAXES

Maldives Resorts charge 26.2% Gov taxes and also a tax called Green tax, $6 per person per night. Please be aware that most of the booking sites do not include this in their total prices on screen. All our prices we show or provide are inclusive of all taxes + return transfers.

WI-FI

Most of our travellers visit Maldives to be disconnected from the modern world. But some may need to connect online for business or pleasure. Please check with your resort for Wi-Fi connectivity. Depending on the resort you stay your Wi-Fi can be chargeable or free.
The speed is generally slow. If you have Wi-Fi in your room it could be faster than other areas.

IDEAL RESORT

While everywhere in Maldives is breathtakingly beautiful, our best recommendation is to choose a resort a little further from Male’. The reason being since Male’ is the capital and a busy port as they import pretty much everything, it can be a distracting view in the sea to experience many cargo ships passes by. There are some resort islands close to Male’ yet are away from these routes. Please consult us for further details.

Best tip is that if you have to take a seaplane transfer then chances are that your resort can be located in isolation from all the shipping routes.

WATER VILLAS

One of the most demanding room categories in Maldives are the Water villas built away from the land. It is a surreal experience to wake up in the morning and walk straight in to the warm clear water in the sea. Some water villas have its Jacuzzi on the wooden deck facing the sea. Some have glass floor area in the lounge which gives a direct view of the sea below. It is certainly special in the Maldives for its clarity in water to catch the sight of the amazing marine life.
The downside for some maybe, the distance that it is from the island and its main restaurants and bar. If you prefer short walks then it might be best to book a room on the main island. But you can also choose the option in-room dining just for you and your partner.

Perhaps you can split your stay in Water villas and a beach villa?

IDEAL MEAL PLAN

Food among other things must ship in to Maldives and they are expensive than your usual holiday to Asia. Hence our best advice is to choose atleast half board option as there are no alternative options to dine out in the private islands. If you choose bed and breakfast plan, it is likely that you will spend a lot on your meals. If you liquor consumption is high it is definitely advantageous to pay the extra supplement and take the All Inclusive option. Best tip is that if your liquor consumption is moderate then it’s best choose halfboard or full-board meal plan.

It is advisable to check your bills and retain them to make sure that you are aware what you have spent.

SNORKELLING

The most popular activity in Maldives is snorkelling. The islands with house reefs have the gift of offering you snorkelling just around the island to explore the magical marine life of Maldives. But in some resorts you will have to swim further or take a short boat ride. Snorkelling equipments are available on rent cost on average US$8-10 + taxes per hour. Alternatively, you can also carry your own snorkelling equipment’s.

Maldives sea is calm most of the time, but please strictly stick with the guidelines and safety precautions laid out by the resort at all times.

HOUSEBOATS

Another fascinating alternative way to spend your time in the Maldives is choose to stay in a houseboat. There are more than twenty of these floating houses or boats travel around the Atolls usually for a week or two exploring the magnificent marine life. The tour include are picnic island hopping with BBQ nights and visit to the resort islands as well. A stay Houseboats are ideal for serious divers and snorkelers.