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About Maldives
Often described as 'one of the wonders of the world', the
islands of the Maldives have to be seen to be believed.
It's a country made up of more than 1,000 islands, unique atolls formed from the
coral barrier reefs that surround each one, encircled by the most magnificent
white sands and lapped by crystal clear lagoons that are brimming with marine
life.
The Maldives has been populated for the past 3,000 years and its people are a
mixture of travellers who settled there from all over the world. Its fascinating
culture combines African music with South Asian cuisine and many traditions are
directly related to the seas its people have depended on for centuries.
Geography
The Republic of Maldives lies south of India and west of Sri Lanka, on the
equator, and its 1,190 coral islands form a collection of 26 major atolls that
stretch 820km north to south, and 120km east to west, deep in the Indian Ocean.
Just over 200 islands are inhabited and 87 are dedicated to exclusive resorts.
It's a nation with less than one per cent land mass over 99 per cent sea with no
island longer than about 7km or higher than 1.3m above water level.
Language
Dhivehi is the most common language in the Maldives, but English is also widely
spoken and there is little problem with visitors making themselves understood. A
variety of languages are spoken by the resort island staff including English,
French, German, Italian and even some Japanese.
Climate
The Maldives sits in the calm equatorial belt and the temperature remains at a
steady 30 degrees Centigrade, with sunshine all year round. The driest months
are from December to April, and the sun is at its hottest from February to April
and coolest in December. The most humid months run from May to November.
Health
No vaccinations are required unless visitors are travelling from areas where
yellow fever is endemic, in which case proof of yellow fever vaccination is
required. Almost all resort islands have a resident doctor and decompression
chambers are within easy reach for diving emergencies.
Spas
Travellers seeking a pampering break can be spoiled in the Maldives, home to
numerous excellent spas. Some are owned and managed by resorts, others are well
known spa chains operating within the hotels. There are a huge number of
services on offer, often combining traditional Asian therapies with classic
European spa techniques.
Shopping
The place to shop on the Maldives is Male.
* Majeedhee Magu, the main road on the island, for well-stocked shops selling
just about everything including clothing, jewellery, cosmetics, watches,
electronics and more, open until 11pm.
* Local market on the northern waterfront for stalls selling fruit, vegetables,
homemade sweets, pickles and dried fish.
* Chaandhanee Magu, the second main road on the island, for souvenir shops, many
selling items from Singapore.
Dress code
The Maldives is Muslim and, while the dress code is European-style on the resort
islands (although topless bathing is strictly forbidden), women would be advised
to dress moderately while walking in Male.
Money matters
The Maldivian currency is the rufiyaa, which is divided into 100 laarees. The US
dollar is the most commonly used foreign currency and resort islands accept most
hard currency cash, as well as travellers' cheques. The majority of resorts are
authorised money changers and credit cards are widely accepted in hotels and
most restaurants, including American Express, Visa, Master Card, Diners Club and
Euro Card.
Most banks are in Male and open from 8am to 1.30pm Sunday to Thursday, or 9.30
to 12.30pm during Ramazan (Ramadan).
Taxes
There is currently no VAT or income tax charged in the Maldives.
Economy
The Maldives economy is quite simply based around tourism and fishing, with
trade and shipping the third largest earner for the country.
Electricity
220 to 240 volts, 50Hz AC. Standard socket is UK-style three-pin, so
international adaptors are essential for non-UK visitors.
Time and telecommunications
The Maldives is five hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. Interestingly, many of
the resorts operate one hour ahead of Male time to give guests more daylight in
the evening and a lie-in during the morning. However, this makes it important to
check whether transfer times are quoted in Male Time or Resort Time.
TV channels
Nearly all resorts and Male hotels include satellite TV, local TV and radio.
Internet access
Most resorts make Internet access available to guests and some top end resorts
provide wi-fi areas for laptop use. There are Internet cafes and wi-fi hotspot
areas in Male and elsewhere on the islands.
Visa and entry requirements
Entering the Maldives is simple. Visitors must be in possession of a valid
passport, return ticket and know the name of their resort hotel. No visa is
required for a stay of up to 30 days and there are no restrictions on foreign
nationals entering the country.
 Suite 402, Albany House
324-326 Regent St,
London W1B 3BL, UK |
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