Maldives: all about the islands and relaxation

The Maldives is not only paradise islands with white sand and turquoise lagoons. In this article, you will find all the necessary information about the state of the Maldives - currency, weather, language, religion, kind of transport and the beginning and development of tourism in the Maldives today.

Male is the capital of Maldives | Asad Photo Maldives

Geography and interesting facts

Country made up of water

The Republic of Maldives is a state situated in the Indian Ocean, an archipelago consisting of 1,190 slands grouped into 26 atolls. An atoll is a group of ring-shaped islands surrounding the lagoon. By the way, it is the only word that has become internationalism, originating from the Maldivian language. Only 200 islands out of 1,190 are inhabited, and about a hundred of them offer hotel complexes and resorts. The entire state is 90,000 square kilometres, but 298 square kilometres of them are land. Therefore, 99% of the country is said to be made of water.

The largest island has a length of about 8 kilometres. There are no hills or rivers in the Maldives. The highest point in the country - about 2.4 metresove sea level!

Maldives | Asad Photo Maldives

Interesting facts

• Being one of the top countries for honeymoons and romantic getaways, the Maldives makes the list of countries with the highest number of divorces.
• Coconuts are considered to be one of the main products in the Maldives. Local people use them to make meals and drinks, souvenirs, dishes, interior items, and even use them in magic - they write texts from the Koran on them. It is considered a widespread tradition among residents and hotels to treat guests with drinks based on coconut milk.
• The Maldives almost have no cars. Firstly, it is not necessary often because distances are small. Secondly, there is not a single car dealership here, and the tax on the car import is 100% of the cost. Thus, only wealthy residents can afford such a luxury. In the meantime, every sixth resident of the capital has a motorcycle.
• The Maldivian economy is based on tourism and fishing.
• About a dozen species of whales and sharks live on the coral reefs of the Maldives. Those who want to see the largest fish on Earth - the whale shark - go to the Maldives.
• The Maldivians call themselves “Dhivehi” and refer to the country as “Dhivehi Raajje”, which means “Kingdom of the Dhivehi people”.

Fishmongers in the Maldives | Asad Photo Maldives

Population, religion and culture

Population

The population of the Maldives is about 400,000, which is the lowest number among Asian countries. At the same time, about one-third of the Maldivians live in the capital of Male, which makes it one of the most densely populated cities in the world.

The first inhabitants of the Maldives were Indian colonizers. It is not known when exactly they came to these lands, but already in the third century BC, representatives of the Marathi and Gujarati were here. Later, Senegalese, Arabs, Malays and North Africans joined. Today, you can still feel their influence on the traditions and culture of the Maldivians.

Residents of Male | Asad Photo Maldives

Religion and holidays

The Maldives is the smallest Muslim country in the world. It is interesting to know that, according to the Maldivian Constitution, only Muslims can have Maldives citizenship. Moreover, the open practice of other faiths is punished by law.

• Since the Maldives is a very religious country, most of the festivals and celebrations here are associated with Muslim beliefs. Firstly, of course, it is Ramadan, during which all residents fast, and most establishments in the Maldives are closed during the day.
• Another significant religious event in the Maldives is Eid al-Adha (Festival of the Sacrifice), which is held in honour of the prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), who sacrificed his son to God. This holiday lasts 4 days and ends with the Hajj. People hold special prayers, sacrifice animals and meet with relatives and friends.
• Another big holiday is Kuda Eid, which marks the end of Ramadan and falls on the first day of the Islamic month of Shawaal. For 3 days, Maldivians go to mosques in the morning, and in the evenings, after the advent of the month, they prepare a special holiday menu and invite friends and relatives.
• National holidays are important too. The Maldivians celebrate Independence Day (from United Kingdom), National Day (the victory day of Mohamed Thakurufaanu Al Auzam over the Portuguese occupation in 1573), Republic Day, Victory Day (over terrorist groups from Sri Lanka) and others.

The Islamic Centre in Male | Asad Photo Maldives

National crafts

The Maldive Islands are very famous for its dance and music traditions. One of the landmarks and usual entertainment in the resorts is a bodu beru. It is a performance, which combines drumming on a set of drums made from a coconut tree - a bodu beru itself - and a dance of the same name. In addition, there are many other dances, such as Dhandi Jehun, Thaara, Gaa Odi Lava or Bandiyaa Jehun, Maafathi Neshun, Bolimalaafath Neshun, which are danced only by women.

National crafts are also interesting. Maldivians are skilled craftsmen in weaving mats, making coconut ropes and calligraphy.

A Maldivian resident | Asad Photo Maldives

Time, currency, taxes and mobile connection

Time

All islands of the Maldives are in the same time zone (the fifth from Greenwich) - UTC+05:00. Since 2018, Maldivians have refused to change to winter and summer time. As the Maldives is very close to the equator, sunsets in all seasons fall here in the interval from 17:45 to 18:30. But for the comfort of guests who are used to later sunsets at world resorts, some luxury hotels on some islands set their own time, which is 1-2 hours different from the Maldivian one.

Currency

The national currency is the rupee, which equals approximately 0.07 US dollars.

Tax

A tourist tax in the Maldives is about $ 25. In most cases, it is already included in the flight ticket price. Or you can pay it in cash or by card at the Taxcounter of the airport. All prices in the Maldives exclude taxes and tips.

Mobile communication

Mobile communication on the islands is provided by 2 operators - Dhiraagu and Ooredoo. The first is considered to have better coverage and is more popular among tourists.

Sunset in the Maldives | Sebastian Pena Lambarri

Maldivian tourism and its features

Until 1972, travellers did not even think about the Maldives, and only fishermen lived here. In the 60s, a runway was made on the site of the current airport. Once in Sri Lanka, the Italian travel agent George Corbin met with an employee of the Maldives Embassy. He was looking for unbeaten islands where he could send tourists. Therefore, in February 1972, the first group of reporters was brought to the Maldives. Then, in October, the first resort was opened - in the Kurumba Village and on the Bandos Island - due to the runway and capital proximity. The resort was immediately 100% booked until the end of the year.

In 2009, tourists were officially allowed to stay at local people. Thus, the era of guesthouses began.

Now more than 1 million tourists come to the Maldives every year. Most of them are Asians.

The Maldives is considered the safest tourist destination in the world.

Arrival at the Maldivian resort | Asad Photo Maldives

Climate and the best time to relax in the Maldives

The Maldives has a tropical climate. The average temperature here ranges from 24°C to 33°C. The Maldive Islands have 2 distinct seasons: the winter northeast monsoon from November to March and the rainy southwest monsoon from June to August. Therefore, it is better to go on a vacation in the Maldives in winter or early spring.

• High tourist season falls in the second half of December-March. At this period, the temperature is about 30-31°C during the day and 25-26°C at night. Water is constantly 26-28°C. It can rain at any time, but rains are mostly short and warm.
• In the off-season, there is a threat of a storm. In such cases, the boats between the islands stop operating, and you risk missing your flight.

Due to climate change and global warming, the Maldives is third on the list of countries at risk. They can go underwater due to rising sea levels by 2100.

Milaidhoo Island | Asad Photo Maldives

Necessary documents to travel to the Maldives

• To travel to the Maldives for up to 30 days, residents of Russia, Ukraine and Belarus do not need a visa, but you will need to fill out a migration card. Usually, it is handed out on board, but if, for some reason, it doesn’t happen, you can find it at the airport.
• In addition, you must have a passport valid for at least 6 months at the time of departure.
• You may also be required to present a confirmation of accommodation in the Maldives (tourist voucher or hotel confirmation) and a return ticket.
• Sometimes they are also asked to confirm solvency. This means proving that you have an amount equivalent to 50-100 dollars per person per day.
  
  

Capital and airport

Male Velana International Airport

The Maldives has only one international airport - Male Velana International - with three terminals: the International Terminal, the Domestic Terminal and the waterdrome Seaplane Terminal. The Airport is in the capital of Male, and all tourists from other countries arrive here. Here they go through passport control and baggage checks for alcohol. Hand luggage is scanned obligatorily, and checked-in baggage - selectively. If your baggage receives a red mark on it, it means that it needs an additional check for alcohol. The matter is that import of alcohol into the country, even from duty-free, is strictly prohibited. If you still bought it, your bottles will be seized and stored in special lockers, and you will get a special ticket. This ticket will you pick up your alcohol on the way back from the country. After passing all the controls and receiving your baggage, you will be met by a representative from the hotel you have booked, or a transfer company representative if you stay at a guesthouse. Each hotel has its own desk at the airport.

Male Velana International Airport | Asad Photo Maldives

Male as the main city of the Maldives

Male is considered the commercial, financial and administrative centre of the country. In the case of big storms, the city has strong protection in the form of high concrete water breakers. However, recently, divers have discovered another serious threat to Male - a huge crack in the reef on which the city is built. In this regard, development in some parts of the island has been officially prohibited. Due to the high population density, renting a house in Male is almost equal to the cost of renting in Los Angeles.

Male is the capital of Maldives | Asad Photo Maldives

Transport

If your hotel is located on one of the farthest islands, there are 3 ways to get to it:

1. Aerotaxi or seaplane. They are booked along with accommodation, and hotels make air travel lists. The schedule is drawn up 1-2 days before departure. The weight of the luggage that you register should not be more than 20 kilogrammes, and hand luggage - 5 kilogrammes. Each extra kilogramme will cost about $ 9. At the same time, the maximum allowable weight of checked-in baggage cannot exceed 30 kilogrammes.
2. Speed ??boat. It’s usual for hotels located near the airport.
3. Local airlines. You can fly to the nearest airport from your island and then take a boat.

Please note that domestic flights in the Maldives operate exclusively during the day. Therefore, if you plan to live on the distant islands that you need to fly to, it is better to arrive in Male as early as possible.

Seaplane in the Maldives | Asad Photo Maldives

The Maldives has only 10 domestic airports.

Some large resort islands offer free minibuses - buggies, which will take tourists where they need to.

Accommodation

The main accommodation options in the Maldives include hotels, villas, guesthouses and the so-called “Liveaboards”.

• Resorts are luxury hotel complexes, each located on separate islands, with a full range of necessary services and their own bikini beach. They receive guests all days of the year and often focus on a specific audience: families, couples, wealthy tourists, the elderly and so on. A vital feature of the resorts is that you can drink alcohol here.
• Guesthouses are private houses that owners lease to tourists. They are comparable to three-star hotels. Unlike higher star ranking hotels, guesthouses are located on inhabited islands, mainly near Male, and are designed for a small number of tourists - from 6 to 40. Most often, they provide not only accommodation but also many other services: transfers, meals, tours and activities. This type of accommodation is believed to have the best development prospects.
• Liveaboards are ideal for those who travel to the Maldives for diving. Diving from a liner is the best way to see everything. Most often, liveaboards depart from Male, but there are also routes starting from the northern and southern islands. In this case, you will need to fly them by domestic flight. Usually, trips on such liners last 7 days, but there are also 10 days. As a rule, Liveaboards package offers include accommodation in cabins of various categories, full board, standard diving equipment, insurance and the Internet. Some packages may also include round trip airport transfers and even domestic flights. To get permission for diving, you must provide a certificate confirming that you have been trained.

According to local statistics, accommodation facilities in the Maldives can simultaneously accept about fifty thousand tourists. At the same time, almost 60% stay at hotels.

Villa in the Maldives | Asad Photo Maldives

Beaches and the sea

The sand on the Maldivian beaches is white, not yellow, because of its corallite origin, while most beaches consist of quartz sand. Only 5% of the world’s beaches can boast white sand.

Swimming in the Maldives is very safe. Yes, there are sharks, but they are reef sharks, completely harmless. There are no snakes and scorpions in the Maldives. You can only meet small lizards and crabs, which you should not be afraid of at all.

Swimming in the Indian Ocean | Asad Photo Maldives

The most beautiful resort islands:

• Maafushi (considered one of the best for romantic trips)
• Vaadhoo (features the “Sea of Stars” - bioluminescence)
• Milaidhoo (part of the Biosphere Reserve with incredibly rich vegetation and breathtaking views)
• Ukulhas (the cleanest resort island with the best bikini beaches in the region)
• Nalaguraidhoo (features the largest resort in the Maldives and the best water bungalows)

Milaidhoo Island | Asad Photo Maldives

Entertainment in the Maldives

The Maldives is a mecca for fans of water sports. Most resorts offer rentals of mini catamarans (up to 5 metres long), canoes with or without an instructor and the lagoon sailing. Or you can sail on kayaks while exploring the area. Especially cool emotions await you when renting a kayak with a see-through bottom. That’s where you can enjoy the beauty of not only the lagoon and islands but also of the underwater world.

Canoeing | Asad Photo Maldives

Another unusual way to explore the underwater kingdom of the Maldives is to ride underwater scooters. They are equipped with a self-contained breathing environment, which allows you to comfortably plough the ocean at a depth of 5 metres with a speed of about 2 km/h.

For those who crave more extreme sports, the Maldives offers:

• Flyboarding (flights on a special board driven by water flow reactive power)
• Freediving (diving without any equipment)
• Water scooter, jet skiing
• Kitesurfing (riding on a board moving with a kite)
• Parasailing (flying with a special parachute while being fixed with a long cable to the boat)
• Windsurfing

Professionals will like the monsoon wind season from May to October, but, in general, windsurfing in the Maldives is available all year round.

Water scooter riding | Asad Photo Maldives

Diving

• Maldivian coral reefs make up 5% of the world’s reef territory. It is the habitat of the biggest variety of living organisms in the region and the seventh on the planet. Before diving, you need to take special courses. The most widespread courses are offered by the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI). They consist of 9 practical and 3 theoretical lessons, plus an exam. In total, the course takes 6-9 days. For those who do not have much time, some diving centres offer a four-lessons course with a dive on the resort’s reefs. Before you sign up for any of the courses, you need to undergo a physical examination and have special insurance for diving. No more than three dives are permitted per day, and all should be carried out under the supervision of a licensed instructor.
• The Maldives also practice night diving. Corals then open more; lobsters, shrimps and lionfish go hunting; and phosphorescent plankton illuminates the ocean. It all looks fantastic!
• The most common places for diving are the atolls of North and South Male, Ari. South atolls are known for corals and places for observing sharks and barracudas, while north atolls have fascinating reefs in shallow water. Also, Maldivian divers can see caves, shipwrecks and the unique nature of the UNESCO heritage - Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve.
• In general, diving in the Maldives is possible at any time of the year. In January-April, the water and sky are cleaner, and from October to November, the ocean is darker due to abundant plankton, but you can see more of huge fish during this period. The maximum depth allowed for diving is 30 metres.

Diving in the Maldives | Sebastian Pena Lambarri

Surfing

There are also areas between the atolls that are ideal for surfing. Moreover, romantic Maldives is known as a centre for extreme surfing! It is best to come to conquer the local waves (average height - 2 metres) from April to October. The most famous surfing spots in the Maldives are Himafushi, Thamburudhoo, Thulusdhoo Point and Kuda Villingili, as well as the south atolls of Laamu and Gaafu Alifu / Gaafu Dhaalu. It’s better to go to the latter in January-March, and you can go to Laamu from August to November.

If you want, you can buy specially designed surf tours in travel agencies in Male.

And, of course, various inflatables, bananas and tubes that are so usual for our resorts can be found in the Maldives.

Surfing in the Maldives | Sharon Ang

Fishing

Maldives has 3 fishing zones:

• Reef waters where you can catch tuna on a fishing rod
• Inter-atoll waters for hunters of mackerel and sailfish
• Coastal waters where you can catch a good tuna too

Fishing in the lagoons is strictly prohibited.

Fishermen can quench their excitement in the territory of almost a hundred resorts. Some even provide special fishing boats with fixed chairs, fishing rod holders and a fish finder system. Also, there is another option for night fishing - on a Maldivian dhoni boat. Usually, it lasts about 6 hours, and your entire catch can be prepared deliciously by the restaurant chef at your resort.

Boat in the Indian Ocean | Mrconguito

Dhoni cruises

In general, dhoni is a widespread transport in the Maldives. It is a wooden sailing vessel with an elegant, highly curved bow. It is used to move between the islands, go on mini-cruises, fishing, snorkelling or watch dolphins. The average speed of such a boat is about 13 km/h. Most of dhoni boats are not for long sails since they do not have any amenities (kitchen, restroom, etc.). However, there are also specially equipped elite dhonis with everything you need on board.

Maldivian boats dhoni | Miro Alt

Other activities

• In the evening, some resorts organize an amusing entertainment on the beaches - crab race. The locals draw a track through which the crab should reach the finish line. Guests play the role of jockeys. The winner is the one whose ward is faster.
• The waters of the Maldives archipelago are the habitat of many species of fish, whales and dolphins. The resorts organize three-hour excursions to observe these living beings by diving on special submarines.
• If you want to appreciate the unreal beauty of the islands from above, you can use a 20-minute photo flight by plane over the lagoon.
• About fifty dance floors and karaoke stages of the Maldives await fans of nightlife.

The islands offer many activities aimed at showing guests the national culture and life. For example, many hotels hold weekly workshops on cooking their favourite Maldivian dishes. In the evenings, local dancers and artists perform for guests at many resorts. One of the most striking performances is said to be “Dhandi Jehun” - a lively dance performed by somewhat large groups (an average of 30 people). At the same time, all movements are perfectly synchronized.

Nightlife of Maldives | Rayyu Maldives

Museums and attractions

Things to see in the capital

Typically, all the famous attractions of the Maldives are in Male. Among recommended places to visit are:

• 17-century Friday Mosque made of coral stone. Its walls still preserved scripts in Arabic and Old Maldivian, and the mosque itself is surrounded by tombs of famous figures, also made of coral stone. It is still open for visits and prayers.
• There is a minaret nearby known as “Munnaaru”. Even though it was built back in 1675, the building was perfectly preserved and used to invite believers to prayer until the 80s of the last century. Then, this function has been transferred to the minaret in the Grand Friday Mosque.
• Immediately opposite Munnaaru, there is a small structure of white-blue colour that will catch your eye. This is Medhu Ziyaarath - a monument to Moroccan Abul Barakat Yoosuf Al Barbary, who brought Islam to the Maldives in 1153.
• The same street also has the palace Mulee-aage, which now serves as the Official Residence of the President, and Sultan Park.
• The National Museum deserves special attention. This traditional building with two floors has exhibits devoted to life in the pre- and post-Islamic periods of the country. There is a separate section that tells about the development of the Maldivian police.

Mulee-aage Palace | Asad Photo Maldives

Attractions of other islands

The most popular attraction located outside the capital is Utheemu Ganduvaru, home of Sultan Mohamed Thakurufaanu, in Utheemu in Haa Alifu Atoll. Mohamed Thakurufaanu is considered a local hero. He led the army of naval partisans in the 16^th century and managed to save the Maldivians from the Portuguese occupation and the forcible conversion to Christianity. Utheemu Ganduvaru is the house where he was born and spent his life. The building was built in a unique traditional style, the likes of which no longer exist. Later, Mohamed Thakurufaanu Memory Centre was built near the house.

Activities for body and soul

Spa

A spa is just a must-have in the Maldives. There are more than a hundred top salons on the islands, in the capital and even at the airport. Locations can be the most unusual: panoramic salons on special stilts around the lagoon, on beaches, among tropical gardens, in temple sanctuaries, and even separate Spa islands! The specifics of the Maldivian Spa are determined by many elements, including the rhythm of the tide washing the lagoon, the use of natural oils from local plants, various types of procedures and techniques. Each resort has its own Spa techniques. Particularly popular techniques are anti-ageing and detox programmes, sand scrubs, pineapple and papaya or algae wraps, and therapy for adaptation after changing time zones.

In addition, for the first time, the Maldives has introduced Spa procedures at a depth of 8 metres underwater, with amazing views of the rich world of the Maldivian reefs. Such an underwater Spa is available in the resort of North Male Atoll.

Many Spas offer a variety of Ayurvedic practices such as abhyanga, shirodhara, warming massages and others.

Massage at the Maldivian resort | Lily Beach Resort & Spa

Yoga

Many resort hotels in the Maldives have their own yoga instructors who give classes in special pavilions, rooftops or piers. Classes can be either individual or group or pair. The Maldives offers a unique option for experienced practitioners - yoga on a special board for rowing in the expanses of the ocean with aqua meditation.

Yoga on the Indian Ocean beach | Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

Fun for kids

All family-friendly hotels have kids’ clubs and areas with experienced animators and babysitters. For children from 10 years old, there are many schools and centres where they can study and engage in water sports, as well as other activities.

Playground at the resort | Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

Cuisine

Products and national dishes

The main products in the Maldivian cuisine are coconuts and fish, which are in abundance here. The ideas in the preparation and presentation of these products are unlimited. An alternative to fish is chicken, which is most often cooked in curry sauce with coconut milk.

• Some Maldives hotels offer their traditional breakfast - mas huni - mashed tuna with coconut flakes, onion, chili and lime juice. It’s all accompanied with grilled whole wheat flour pancakes - roshi.
• It is best to try the local cuisine in the Male restaurants or the island teahouses, where residents like to spend time with hedhikaa - small snacks. Basically, these are spicy snacks, similar to samosas, and most often with fish filling.
• Other popular snacks are gulha (smoked tuna fish balls with onion, coconut, ginger, lime and chili) and kulhi boakibaa (baked squares of rice, tuna, chili and coconut).
• Garudhiya is a watery dish that we would call tuna soup, but the Maldivians use it as a sauce for the rice.
• Maldivians’ favourite dish is a tuna-based paste called “rihaakuru”. It can be mixed with boiled rice, chili peppers and onions, spread on warm roshi, or just eaten with chili or green mangoes.
• In some Maldives, locals grow vegetables: taro, sweet potato and breadfruit tree. The fruits of the latter are often included in the nutrition of some islands as a key ingredient. Curry or various snacks are usually made from it.
• If you are after desserts, you should try huni folhi (some sort of pancakes with coconut-honey paste) and foni boakibaa (a casserole of coconut, rice flour, sugar and rose water).

At the end of the meal, waiters usually serve a tray with nuts and betel leaves and lime paste with cloves. 

Maldivian cuisine | Asad Photo Maldives

Restaurants

Most resorts offer buffets or barbecue, but some resorts near Male have world-class restaurants with excellent seafood and Chinese, French, Indian, Italian, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Thai and fusion dishes.

Besides, the Maldives has the first underwater restaurant entirely made of glass at a depth of 5 metres. Later, the Baa Atoll resort has opened another one with wine storage underwater!

Underwater Restaurant Ithaa | Asad Photo Maldives

Vacation Prohibitions and Rules

• In the Maldives, drinking alcohol is allowed only in hotels and tourist resorts.
• Importing alcohol with you, as well as pork products, is strictly prohibited.
• During Ramadan, some places even ask tourists to avoid smoking, drinking alcohol and eating during daylight hours. Only restaurants that are far from the main roads can serve tourists.
• As in many Muslim countries, Friday and Saturday are considered weekends in the Maldives. Be very careful that your departure and arrival to the islands do not fall on Friday. This day, transport does not operate, and you will not be able to leave the territory of the island where you are.
• It’s strictly prohibited to swim and sunbathe in bikinis on the inhabited islands where the locals live. Now, however, special beaches for tourists are being opened, and they are called “bikini beach”.

Beach for Maldivian residents | Asad Photo Maldives

Useful Tips

• Diving within 24 hours after the flight is strictly prohibited.
• There are no pharmacies on the islands, so take care in advance about medicines that may be useful to you.
• Almost all state institutions on the islands, including banks, post offices and markets, are open from Sunday to Thursday from 07:30 to 14:00-15:00 with short breaks for prayers. Large shops and supermarkets in the capital are open from 07:30-09:00 to 21:00-22:00. Tourist establishments and cafes open at around 11:00.
• Everything is closed on Friday, and public transport does not operate. Be sure to pay attention to this when planning your trip and choosing the day of departure and arrival.
• Please note that the Maldives accept dollars issued only after 2009.

Dollars | Alexander Mils