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Maldives

Maldives

  • Continent: Asia
  • Region: south west of India, Indian ocean
  • Average temperature: 28c to 29c
  • Ideal duration: 3 - 5 days
  • Currency: Maldivian rufiyaa (MVR)
  • Best time: December to march
  • Visa policy: visa on arrival for almost all countries
  • Budget: expensive
  • Air connectivity: male airport is an international airport and is well connected from most countries in Asia directly or via India, sri lanka, and uAE.

" SUNNY SIDE OF LIFE"

Maldives Tourism

The Maldives is a country made up of many islands in the Indian Ocean, famous for its fancy houses built on water. It is a beautiful place with sandy beaches, located near Sri Lanka, perfect for a fun vacation, a romantic getaway, or just relaxing.

The Maldives is a collection of 1,192 coral islands grouped together in natural atolls. However, there are only 200 islands where people live. Every resort usually takes up a whole atoll.

Imagine having a room on a platform that extends into the water. The floor of the room is made of glass, so you can see manta rays and reef sharks swimming underneath it. When you walk out of your bungalow built above the water, you will see a beautiful view of turquoise water.

The Maldives is made up of 26 atolls, which are circles of coral reefs around a lagoon. These islands are well-known for their amazing diving experiences. The Maldives has beautiful blue waters that are home to many different types of marine animals and colorful corals.

Male is the main city where businesses and financial activities happen. This city has the best airport that is connected to the government branches – executive, legislature, and judiciary. People who love history will be very satisfied here because the city of Male has many old buildings and important historical sites. You can reach Male by taking a ferry boat from the international airport. It is possible to easily travel to other islands in the Maldives from Male using a ferry or seaplane, but it can be quite expensive.

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE TRAVELING TO MALDIVES

Speedboats are great for the South and North Male Atoll, located near the airport, taking about 15-40 minutes to get there, which is convenient for catching flights anytime.

For traveling to the southern and northern areas of the Maldives, a domestic flight or seaplane is a good choice. The airplane arrives at a small island, and from there, you can reach another island by a speedboat. The second island with resorts is about 1 hour and 30-40 minutes away by flight, plus the speedboat ride.

Seaplanes are a great option for islands that are far away, operating only during daylight hours from 6 in the morning to 4 in the afternoon, occurring every 30 minutes or every 1 hour. If you arrive in the evening, it’s advisable to book a hotel room for one night on either Hulhumale or Male Island.

If you prefer staying in a budget-friendly hotel, consider Hulhumale or Maafushi Island, both located near Male Airport. While there are more islands nearby, the ferry to reach them costs about $60 per person. You need to contact homestay or hotel owners to help you reserve seats on the ferry and obtain its schedule.

Regarding alcohol, it is not allowed in the Maldives. However, some hotels in Hulhumale and Maafushi have speedboats that can take you to the water, where you can enjoy drinking alcohol. Private island resorts are allowed to serve alcoholic beverages.

When booking a hotel, it’s recommended to choose a plan that includes all meals, such as breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This is known as full board or all-inclusive. The all-inclusive plan includes alcohol and activities provided by the resort, while the meal/full board plan covers all meals in the package. Food in the Maldives is usually costly.

MOST OF THE RESORTS IN THE MALDIVES OFFER INDIAN FOOD

You can use credit cards like American Express, Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club, JCB, and Euro Card in many places in the Maldives.

Everyone, both adults and children, must pay the green tax. Usually, it is part of the bundles or the price of the hotel.

You are not allowed to take corals, shells, and other sea treasures from the Maldives and bring them home.

You are not allowed to bring alcohol into the Maldives from another place.

CURRENCIES IN MALDIVES

Given the touristy nature of Maldives, USD is for the most part acknowledged by resort islands, liveaboards, lodgings, eateries, travel specialists, neighborhood islands, and gift shops. Most of the exercises can be organized by your resorts, and an gathered installment can be made to the resort by the conclusion of your remain, by cash or card. The capital city of Male manages installment by USD as well. Separated from USD, Euros and Pound Sterling can moreover be utilized. Major Worldwide Credit Cards like American Express, Visa Card, Ace Card and JCB Card are all acknowledged.

LOCAL CUSTOMS TO LEARN BEFORE YOU TRAVEL

The culture and customs of the Maldives have been influenced by India, Sri Lanka, and North Africa because of the traders who traveled through the Indian Ocean. Even though life in the island resorts is very calm and laid-back, there are some rules of behavior that must be obeyed.

  • Women must wear bikinis for swimming or sunbathing, but they need to have a top on.
  • Wear the right clothes when you go to eat.
  • If you're visiting places where people live in the Maldives, like Male, remember it's a religious country. Be respectful of their culture by dressing modestly. Cover your upper legs with pants or skirts, and make sure tops cover your upper body, including shoulders, without being too revealing.
  • When you go to mosques, women should cover their heads, and both men and women shouldn't wear shorts.
  • You can't drink alcohol on islands where people live, but resorts have alcoholic drinks for you.
  • Tipping isn't required, but people expect it. The 10% fee added to your bill usually doesn't go to employees. Your waiter, boat crew, or room attendant will appreciate tips of $5 to $10.

THE LANGUAGE SPOKEN IN MALDIVES

The primary language used in this country is called Dhivehi, and it has different versions or ways of speaking in different regions. It is in a different language family than English and is called Indo-Aryan. However, because it is a popular place for tourists, many people can speak and understand English. In the local language, people often say these phrases: – Hello is Assalaamu Alaikum. – Yes is Aan. – No is Noon. – Good is Ran’galhu. – Thank You is Shukuriyaa.

SHOPPING IN MALDIVES

The country offers a variety of shopping options for both locals and tourists. From local markets to luxury boutiques, there is something for everyone. You can find traditional handicrafts, clothing, accessories, and souvenirs to take back home. Make sure to explore the different shopping areas and bargain for the best prices.

Male is the primary place to go shopping in the Maldives. Its streets are filled with stores that sell products from around the world. Majeedhee Magu is a very popular place to go shopping. You can find clothes, makeup, jewelry, electronics, and food there. Orchid Magu and Chaandhanee Magu have many stores that sell different kinds of local souvenirs. The Sto Trade Centre is also located in Orchid Magu. Stores on the populated islands also offer items like genuine lacquer artworks, tiny traditional boat replicas called dhoni crafts, carved wood objects, woven mats, products made from coconut shells, ropes made from coconut fiber, and clothes.

You should go to the Male Local Market and Fish Market just for the experience, not necessarily to buy anything. When you walk through the markets, you will see bright and colorful fruits and vegetables. You can buy fruits, vegetables, dried fish, fresh fish, green coconuts, and spices at this place. As a visitor, you are welcome to buy local ingredients. Most resorts have shops where you can buy famous brands from around the world. You can easily buy important things like food, stationery, medicines, and cosmetics.

NIGHTLIFE IN THE MALDIVES

The nightlife in the Maldives is usually quiet, and most of the fun activities happen at the resorts. The beautiful islands that are mainly known for being popular places for couples may not seem like a great spot for going out to clubs. However, there are some hotels that have bars and nightclubs on their property. Some impressive places are the trendy Fifteen Below at W Retreat and Spa, the special underwater Subsix Nightclub at Per Aquum Niyama Resort, and the popular Reethi Beach Resort. Join beach parties where you can enjoy barbecues near the never-ending sea and have a selection of only a few types of wine to choose from.

EXCHANGING MONEY IN THE MALDIVES

It’s not a good idea to change a large amount of your money into MVR because there aren’t many times when you can use it. You might have to sell it back at a lower price than what you bought it for. You can exchange money anytime at the Male International Airport when you arrive. You can take out money from ATMs, but you have to pay a small fee.

MALDIVIAN FOOD

Traditional Maldivian food is made using three main ingredients – fish, coconut, and a type of food called starch. The food here is a mix of Sri Lankan and Kerala flavors but also has its own unique taste. Eating in Male is the best chance to taste the local food. You should definitely try the traditional food at the ‘hotaus’ or cafes in the area. Because we are an island nation, we rely on fish as our main source of protein and nutrition. Tuna is the most popular type of fish that we enjoy. Sometimes the fish can be broken into flakes or pounded to be used as a condiment to add flavor. Another option is to stuff it inside dough to make a pastry called “short eats.” Curry dishes made with coconut milk and a paste made from roasted onions, chili peppers, herbs, and spices are commonly eaten. Mas riha and kukulhu riha are well-liked dishes made with fish and chicken, each with a mixture of spices. Roshi or flatbread is the usual/typical bread that is eaten with rihas. Garudiya is a fish soup made from cured tuna. Rihaakuru is a fish paste that people eat with rice every day. Kulhi boakibaa is a fish cake made from tuna and coconut. Start your day with a Maldivian breakfast called mas huni, which is for people who eat fish, and barabao mas huni, which is made with pumpkin for vegans. Eat curries throughout the day and finish with dhonkeyo kajuru, a fried banana cake that has vanilla or rose water flavor. The people who live in the Maldives do not drink alcohol, but alcohol is available in the resorts. Enjoy sipping on refreshing coconut water or try raa, a drink made from palm trees, while you relax in the sun. There is another amazing place to eat on this island – dining underwater, in the fascinating world under the sea. The sea restaurant, Ithaa, and Conrad are some well-liked choices. This is definitely a costly thing, with a meal for two costing around $400. The hotels usually offer well-liked food from around the world. For anyone who doesn’t want to try the local food, there is nothing to worry about.

If you want to have fun or just chill, Georgia has things you’ll like. Let’s get ready to have fun in Georgia. Put on your dancing shoes and come have a great time!

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