Maldives

The Maldives, a cluster of emerald islands scattered across the Indian Ocean, offer the classical fantasy of a tropical paradise: palm-fringed, sparkling white beaches, turquoise lagoons, clear waters and coral reefs teeing with colourful marine life. With an average temperature of 30°C, it is the perfect year-round holiday destination for the sun-worshipper.

Maldives

Useful Information for Maldives

Top Highlights

Malé (pronounced ‘mar-lay’)

The island is about 2kms long and 1km wide, and is completely covered in buildings and roads. It is the political, cultural and economic centre of the country, but is very clean and the people friendly. The inner harbour is where boats from the airport and resorts dock. You can walk right around the island, in 1 1/2 hours, via Boduthakurufaanu Magu.

Highlights include

Grand Friday Mosque, a white mosque with gold dome and modern-style minaret; Malé Markets - the Fish and Produce Market face the waterfront.

The Resorts

Are located on a number of Atolls - North Malé Atoll, South Ari Atoll and Baa Atoll; and range from 3-star to 5-star resorts, some with Spas; and offer a range of activities.

Country Dialling Code:
+ 960
When to Go:
Best time to visit is during the north-east monsoon period between Dec and Apr. The weather is hot and dry with only the occasional shower. Feb and Dec tend to be the busiest months. During the south-west monsoon period between May and Oct, it is windier, wetter and more humid. May and Jun are particularly wet.
Electricity:
No national electricity grid, resorts rely on diesel-powered generators. 220V to 240V, 50Hz AC. Most resorts have multiuse sockets. Most common type is a plug with three square pins.
Capital:
Malé
National Language:
Dhivehi (English spoken at resorts)
Currency:
Rufiya (Rf) All resort expenses will be billed in US dollars.
Tipping:
If the service is good, it is customary to tip, ie: room staff, waiting staff, bar staff and porters. Can tip in US$ and is widely accepted.
Bargaining:
Is limited to tourist shops and island village souvenir shops.
Credit Cards:
Visa, American Express & MasterCard are widely accepted in Resorts.
Customs:
Alcohol cannot be brought into the country, and it will be taken away but returned when you leave. Alcoholic beverages are available at the resort.
Geography:
The Maldives are about 600 km south-west of the tip of India. Comprising of some 1190 tiny islands, no more than a couple of kilometres across and a few metres above sea level, forming 26 atolls.
Gateway Airport:
Malé International Airport, which is on a separate island, Hulhule, about 2km east of Malé Island.
Speedboat:
Resorts more than 10-15km away from Malé Airport offer speedboat transfers.
Dhoni:
The traditional all-purpose vessel of the Maldives. Slow but ideal for transfers to resorts close to Malé Airport.