The Maldives are a small South Asian country located in the Indian Ocean. This island country is a popular tourist destination, due to its beautiful beaches, lush greenery, lagoons, and Maldivian coral mosques. Hence, the tourism industry has flourished a lot over the years, giving rise to several hotels and resorts for providing accommodation to foreign tourists.
Are The Maldives Worth The Visit?
People love to stroll around the sandy beaches, enjoying the cool sea breezes and watching the calm waves of the Indian Ocean. Tourists enjoy various thrilling water sports, like snorkeling, kayaking, or diving underwater to have a view of coral reefs and other aspects of marine life. the delicious seafood cuisines of Maldives also attract lots of food lovers, due to the spicy tastes and flavors of these foods.
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Visa for the Maldives
Foreigners do not need to apply for a visa to visit the Maldives. So they only need to carry a passport having a validity of a minimum of 1 month, along with receipt of online hotel booking, return flight ticket to their homelands, and a filled-up Traveler Health Declaration form.
Do pack a lightweight outfit
Since the Maldives has warm and sunny weather, tourists should pack lightweight clothes, like a tunic, shorts, light cotton shirts, a bath suit or bikini, linen summer pants, and comfortable evening wear. They should also carry a straw hat, sunglasses, and a pair of sandals or flip-flops to enjoy the vacation on this island.
Don’t Forget Your Sunscreen
Sunscreen lotion or cream is an important thing to pack for visiting the Maldives, mainly while enjoying the water sports here. However, only coral reef-safe sunscreen made by renowned brands should be bought for visiting this island.
Best Time to Visit the Maldives
The months from November to April comprise the best period for visiting the Maldives. The climate is pleasantly cool and dry at this time, in contrast to the humid season of the summer. Thus, tourists can enjoy all types of outdoor activities during this peak tourist season.
How to Go to the Maldives
Since the Maldives is an island nation, tourists need to avail flights run by different airlines to reach Velana International Airport in Male, the main airport of this country. Dubai to Maldives flight is direct while tourists from other South Asian and European countries mostly need to take connecting flights to reach there.
All About Transportation In The Maldives
Seaplane is a unique mode of internal transport in the Maldives, which flies at a very low height and offers a magnificent view of the island. Seaplanes are now operated by Trans Maldivian Airways and each seaplane holds 15 passengers. Ferries, speedboats, and taxi boats are available for sightseeing in the Maldives. Taxis are also available in Male and Addu, which are the two prime cities of this country.
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Don’t drink alcohol outside the resorts
As the Maldives is a Muslim country, alcohol is strictly prohibited here. However, foreign tourists can have alcoholic drinks in the resorts of this island, as alcohol is allowed only inside the resorts. So they do not need to carry drinks with them while visiting this country.
Do dress modestly outside the resorts
Due to the conservative nature of a Muslim country, tourists are expected to dress modestly while they are outside the resorts in the Maldives. Men and women should wear garments that cover their shoulders and knees. Hence, no one should wear sleeveless tops or shorts and women need to wear loosely fitted and full-sleeved dresses.
Do be aware of environmental risks
Tourists should act responsively towards the environment, for which they should not leave rubbish on the beach or throw garbage into the sea. They need to take care of the natural beauty and cleanliness of the beaches, as well as the health of coral reefs and other underwater creatures. Therefore, they may try to use recyclable objects in resorts, which will not pile up on the dumped garbage.
What to See and Do in the Maldives
While snorkel tours here are not as popular as Oahu, there is still some great reefs to see. The most popular is Banana reef to the north of Male anf offers a spectacular view of coral reefs, overhangs, and various unique species of marine life. Hulhumale Island and Artificial Beach in Male are favorite spots for swimmers and snorkelers. Mulee’aage Palace, National Museum, Tsunami Monument, and Theemuge are other notable tourist attractions of the Maldives. People also love to visit Maadhoo Beach, Fulhadhoo Beach, Fua Mulaku Island, and Adaaran Club on Rannalhi Island.
What To Eat In The Maldives
Prime Maldivian cuisines include fish soup called Garudhiya, shredded smoked tuna called Mas Huni, Maldivian lobster, Rihaakuru or fish paste, fish curry, Maldivian vegetable curry, fried yams, and banana flowers salad called Boshi Mashuni. People love baked dumplings called Gulha, reef fish cutlet, and Bis Keemiya for their evening snacks. Saagu Bondibai or sago pudding, Kulhi Boakibaa or fish cake, and Aluvi Boakibaa or Cassava coconut cake are the popular desserts.
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Keep Eyes Open For Tax And Hidden Costs
Some luxury resorts may charge extra taxes on their foods and drinks, about which tourists need to be careful beforehand. Hence, it is best to check the prices of menus mentioned on the websites of these resorts before booking accommodation there. Already, people need to pay 10% food tax and 8% service tax in the Maldives, above which they need not pay any extra cost for their meals.
Learn The Local Language
Dhivehi is the local language of the Maldives, which is derived from the Sinhalese, the prime language of Sri Lanka. Tourists can learn a few common words of this language, to make interactions with local people easier. However, most people can speak English here, for which tourists do not have any problem communicating with others.
Where To Stay In The Maldives
It is convenient for tourists to stay in Male city, mainly near the airport or to different tourist attractions. There are several luxury resorts in the southern part of Male, from where tourists can have easy access to all facilities. Some people also prefer to stay in resorts built on remote islands of this country.
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Therefore, the vacation to the Maldives can be memorable for first-time visitors, with the help of any reputed travel agency.
