Magical Maldives

The Maldives is the smallest Asian country in both size and population. It is an island nation in the Indian Ocean formed by approximately 1,190 islands grouped in a double chain of 26 atolls, lying just off India’s Lakshadweep Islands. The Maldives is the lowest country in the world, with more than 80% of the country’s land less than one metre above sea level. The Maldives waters are noted for their colourful coral reefs, home to 300 species of fish. The coral reefs act as a natural barrier against the tropical storms, floods and tsunamis. Seaweeds grow on the skeletons of dead coral. The corals reefs are like the rainforest for marine life. The lack of vegetation and wildlife is supplemented by the abundant marine life. The largest island of the Maldives is Gan.

 

Some General Information

Capital : Malé

Official Language : Dhivehi

Religion : Sunni Islam

Currency : Maldivian Rufiyaa ( MVR )

Time Zone : + 5 hours GMT

Temperature : The temperature of Maldives ranges between 24 °C and 33 °C throughout the year. Although the humidity is relatively high, the constant cool sea breezes keep the air moving and the heat mitigated.

Sightseeing : In recent years, The Maldives has successfully marketed its natural assets for tourism. Unpolluted waters and beaches, small coral islands, diving, abundant fish and glorious sunsets. The first resort to be established was in 1972 and since then, 95 islands have been developed and over 90 resorts catering to visitors presently.

 

Getting There

Maldives has 2 international airports and 3 domestic airports. The two international airports of the country are the Malé International airport and the Gan International airport. The three domestic airports are the Kaadedhdhoo airport, the Hanimaadhoo airport and the Kadhdhoo airport. There is no national carrier.

Getting to Maldives is quite easy. The best way to reach this country is by air. Practically all visitors arrive at Malé International Airport, located on Hulhulé Island, which is next to the capital Malé. The airport is served by a wide array of flights to India, Sri Lanka, Doha, Dubai and major airports in South-East Asia, as well as an increasing number of charters from Europe. A number of airlines like Indian Airlines, Thai Airways, Pakistan International Airline, Air Lanka and Malaysian Airlines offer flights to Maldives. Flights to Maldives are available from different places like Dubai, Colombo, Thiruvananthapuram, Kuala Lumpur etc. You need not get a visa before reaching Maldives. After reaching the main airport people are taken to their desired either by seaplanes or speedboat. But if you want to get a mesmerizing view of the island you must go for the seaplane.

Gan Airport, on the southern atoll of Addu, also serves an international flight to Milan several times a week.

MLE:  3322075

www.airports.com.mv

 

Tourist Information

 

MTPB at the Airport

The Maldives Tourism Promotion Board has a counter at the airport arrival terminal to provide information and assistance to tourists arriving in the country and provide a variety of brochures in different languages for guests.

 

Resorts

 

The luxury resorts of the Maldives, with their outstanding architectural exterior and interior designs, offer satisfaction-guaranteed hospitality and customer service. Elegant and stylish bedrooms, private swimming pools and Jacuzzis, excellent dining facilities, amazing spa facilities and the stunning setting will make your luxurious holiday one that you would treasure all your life.

If you have a booking with a resort, transfer is usually arranged prior to your arrival. The options of speedboat or seaplane transfer where available is for you to choose from. For transfer to resorts close to the airport, motorboat or dhoni transfer is quite convenient. Even if you make a resort booking while in Malé, transfer arrangements are often made by the resort.

The Maldives has one of the largest seaplane fleets in the world, not surprising for a country with 99% ocean and more than a thousand islands. The low altitude seaplane journey offers you the additional opportunity to experience a breath taking bird’s eye view of the country.

 

Travel Tips

1. Cover yourself properly when visiting inhabited islands and Malé  . For men shorts and a shirt are acceptable. Women are expected to cover their bodies and thighs.

2. While swimming trunks, bikinis and other beachwear is the norm on the resort, they are not acceptable on inhabited islands. Remember that nudism in public places is prohibited.

3. Traditionally Maldivians eat with their fingers. If you wish to follow the local tradition keep in mind that it is considered unhygienic to touch food with the left hand. If in doubt use a spoon.

4. Be conscious of the delicate local environment. Do not touch or pick corals when diving or snorkelling.