"A Garland of Islands" & "Money Islands"
Photo Credit: Isabra/Pixabay
Why visit Maldives?
A tropical relaxation paradise best known for badminton, beaches, fishing, golf, kayaking, kneeboarding, marine life, natural landscape, sailing, scuba diving, snorkeling, spas, surfing, sunsets, tennis, turquoise lagoon, volleyball, yachting, wakeboarding, water sports, and windsurfing.
A popular destination for:
- Amateur & Professional Photographers
- Bucket List
- Destination Wedding
- Groups: Family, Friends and Multigenerational
- Honeymoon
- Milestones: Anniversary, Birthday, Retirement and Vow Renewal
- Ocean Cruises Embarkation/Disembarkation
- Proposal
- Romance
At a Glance
- Souvenirs to Buy: Black-coral jewelry, colorful island fabrics, lacquer work, stamps, wood carvings, and woven mats.
- Local Cuisine to Try: Boshi Mashuni (banana flower salad). Garudhiya (fish soup). Huni roshi (bread). Mas'huni Roshi (breakfast). Masroshi (snack). Paratha (flatbread). Saagu bondibai (pudding). Tuna Curry.
- Local Drink to Try: Raa (traditional). Sai. Tea.
Veligandu Island. Photo Credit: Suzy T/Unsplash
Fun Facts
- In 1972, the first tourist resort opened, Bandos Island Resort and Kurumba Village (Kurumba Maldives).
- In 1998, rising sea-temperatures killed two-thirds of their coral reefs.
- Archipelago of 1190 coral islands, only 202 are inhabited.
- Has approximately 120 exclusive island resorts.
- Asia's highest population growth rates.
- Largest operators of seaplanes in the world.
- By law, there are no dogs.
- Lowest country in the world.
- Gan is the largest island.
- Marine ecosystems sponges display anti-cancer and anti-tumor properties.
- Islands were mentioned in the Ancient Sangam Tamil Literature as "Munneer Pazhantheevam" or "Older Islands of Three Seas".
- Offers over 2,000 species of fish.
- Westernmost islands are connected by roads over the reef (Addu Atoll).
- Smallest Asian country by land area.
- Known to hold the highest national divorce rate in the world.
- Over 9 million tourists visit annually.
- Royal dynasties ruled Malé (capital) "Kings Island".
- No archaeological artifacts have been discovered from the first Maldivians.
Kuredu Island. Photo Credit: Pixabay
Special Holidays/Occasions
- Annual Events: (April) Party with a Purpose Festival, Ramadan, (August) Whale Shark Festival, (September) Eid Festival, and (December) Fisherman's Day.
- Holidays: New Year's Day, Presidential Address Holiday, March Equinox, Government Holiday, Ramadan Start, Labor Day/May Day, Eid ul Fitr, Eid al Fitr Holiday, June Solstice, Public Holiday, Hajj Day, Eid ul Adha, Eid ul Adha Holiday, Independence Day, Muharram/Islamic New Year, September Equinox, National Day, Milad un Nabi, Victory Day, The Day Maldives Embraced Islam, Republic Day, and December Solstice.
Photo Credit: rn858/Pixabay
Good to Know
- No cost VISA is issued upon arrival and valid for 30 days.
- English is widely spoken.
- Vulnerable to tsunami waves.
- Nightlife is limited.
- Diving Season is October - April.
- Surf Season is April - October, best breaks along the eastern edges of North Male' Atoll and South Male' Atoll.
- Travel between islands is by either boat, domestic flight, or seaplane.
- Monsoon Season is May - October (southeast).
- Only a few of the islands are large enough to support automobiles.
- Dry wind Monsoon Season is December - March.
- Non-Muslims are prohibited from becoming citizens.
- Onward/return ticket and sufficient funds are required for entry.
- Diving options are drift dives, kandus (underwater channels for drift dives), and thilas (underwater land masses).
- Transportation in Malé is by bus, foot, or taxi.
- Henveiru District offers the best cafes and restaurants (Malé).
- Against local law to openly practice any religion other than Islam.
- Illegal to enter with alcohol, pork, or religious items of worship.
- Camouflaged Stonefish inject a painful venom.
- Aloe vera aids with sun and wind burn.
- Same-sex relations is illegal.
- Respect local Islamic customs and laws.
- Dress codes vary by islands.
- Has limited medical facilities.
- Compression chambers are available on Bandos Island, Kandholhudhoo Islands, and Villingili Island.
- Due to conservative culture, women should dress conservatively, cover shoulders, chest and knees.
- Traffic moves on the left of the road.
- Known issues concerning abuse, corruption, lack of religious freedom, and unequal treatment of women.
Photo Credit: Nightmanx/Pixabay
This international destination requires:
- A valid passport with six months of validity and one blank page for entry stamp.
- Tourist VISA required.
- Yellow Fever Vaccination required from select countries.
- Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $10,000USD.
Photo Credit: BDK/Pixabay
- Best Time to Visit: November - April
- Coolest Month: January
- Hottest Month: March
- Peak Season: December - April
Photo Credit: Pixabay
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All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.