Malta

Malta Flag

Why visit Malta?

Ideal for beach loving historians for their ancient culture, archaeological sites, architecture, birdwatching, breathtaking scenery, caves, churches, diving, hiking, medieval cities, museums, rock climbing, snorkeling, and water sports.

Photo Credit: Gin/Pixabay

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Brass, ceramics, copper metalwork, dolls, gold filigree, hand blown glass, lace, silver, tiles, weaving, and woodwork.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Bragioli (beef dish). Fenek (rabbit). Figolli (cake). Gbejna (cheese). Kusksu (soup). Lampuki (fish dish). Mqaret (date dessert). Qubbajt (almond nougat). Stuffat Tal-Fenek (rabbitt stew). Timpana (pasta dish).
• Local Drink to Try: Chardonnay (local wine). Chardonnay (local wine). Cisk (beer). Kinnie (soft drink). La Valette (wine). Savina Maltese (coffee). Savina (liquor). Sovrini (liquor). Zeppi (liquor).

Azure Window or Dwejra Window, Gozo Island. Photo Credit: Sarah Nakal/Pixabay

Fun Facts

• Has two uninhabited islands: Filfla (southern coast) and St Paul's (northern coast).
• Amongst the ten smallest countries in the world.
• Home to seven megalithic temples amongst the oldest free-standing structures in the world.
• The three largest islands: Malta (Malta), Gozo (Għawdex), and Comino (Kemmuna) are inhabited.
• Tourists outnumber the residents.
• Has over 360 churches, averaging one church for every 1,000 residents.
• Malta has no permanent rivers or lakes.
• The €10 Maltese commemorative coin cannot be used in any other country.
• Has no phone area codes, numbers are eight digits.
• Has three large natural harbors: Grand Harbour (East), Marsaxlokk Harbor (Southeast), and Marsamxett Harbour (West).
  
• On a child's first birthday, symbolic objects are placed around the child, whatever is grabbed first is said to be a sign of their adulthood fortune. Examples: Book = Teacher, Calculator = Accountant, Pencil/Pen = Writer, Rosary Beads = Clergy, Thread = Fashion, and Wooden Spoon = Chef.
  
• For centuries it was considered an island of North Africa.

• Alexander (2004), Gladiator (2000), Midnight Express (1978), Munich (2005), Sons of the Sea (1925) and The Count of Monte Cristo (2002) were filmed here.

Popeye Village. Photo Credit: Callisto Schmidt/Pixabay

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (February) Alarme!, Carnival, (March) Freedom Day, (April) Malta International Fireworks Festival, (May) Festival Mediterranea, (June) Battle of Malta, (July) Farsons Great Beer Festival, Isle of MTV, Malta Arts Festival, Malta International Jazz Festival, Triq Cinemoon Festival, Valletta Jazz Festival, (September) Delicata Wine Festivals, Malta International Airshow, Notte Bianca, (October) BirguFest, Hamrun Chocolate Festival, and Notte Bianca.
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Feast of St Paul's Shipwreck, Feast of St Joseph, Freedom Day, Good Friday, Worker's Day, Sette Giugno, Feast of the Assumption, Feast of Our Lady of Victories, Independence Day, Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Republic Day, and Christmas Day.

Bay Blue Village, Malta.  Photo Credit: Pixabay

Good to Know

• Trotting Races are popular in the winter.
  
• Golden Bay and Mellieha Bay are popular beach spots.
  
• Armier Beach, Ghajn Tuffieha and Gnejna Bay are small beaches. 
  
• Offers the best scuba-diving conditions of Europe.
  
• Sliema, St George Bay, St Julian Bay, and St Paul Bay are popular for waterskiing.
  
• Mellieha Bay, St Paul Bay and St Thomas Bay are popular for windsurfing.
  
• Cuisine is Italian and Greek influenced.
• Simple assault, pick-pocketing, and petty theft are known to occur. 
  
• Water is known to be mineral-laden, but still drinkable.
  
• Buses are the primary means of public transportation.
• Most businesses are closed on Sunday.
• Illegal drugs are severe.
  
• Terrorists are known to enter and exit the country undetected.
  
• Has only one airport, Malta International Airport (MLA).
• Local blood oranges are best from December - March.
  
• Drive on the left side of the road. 

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport with six months of validity and one blank page for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA not required for visits under 90 days.

Mellieha, Malta. Photo Credit: Nick Fewings/Unsplash 

• Best Time to Visit: May - September
• Coolest Month: December - March
• Hottest Month: August
• Peak Season: May - October

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: City of Valletta, Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, and Megalithic Temples of Malta.

Basilica of the National Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of Ta' Pinu, Għarb, Malta. Photo Credit: Mojpe/Pixabay

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                                               All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice. 

Mali

Mali Flag

"Mali Empire"

Why visit Mali?

For the seasoned adventurous traveler seeking to experience Africa's ancient artifacts, desert landscapes, festivals, markets, tribal dance, wildlife.

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Blankets, indigo cloth, leather goods, multicolored beads, pottery, and wood carvings.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Alabadja (meat dish). Bouille (dessert). Jollof Rice. Maafe (peanut stew). Tiguadege Na (national dish).
• Local Drink to Try: Djablani (ginger juice). Malian Tea.

Fun Facts

• Eighth largest West African country.
  
• French is the official language. Over 40 African languages also are spoken throughout.
  
• The country's economy revolves around agriculture and mining. 
• Africa's third largest producer of gold.
• Folklore says the Sundiata Keita (1190-1255), First Emperor changed himself into a hippopotamus upon his death (Sankarani River).
  
• Amongst one of the hottest countries in the world.
  
• Culturally, married women are blamed for their spouses appearance and misbehaved children.
• Children play with bundles of rags shaped like a ball.
  

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (January) Gouin Festival, (February) Desert Festival,
  Diamwari Festival, Segou Festival, (March) Daoula-Ba Festival, (April) Dogon Mask Festival, and (June) International Rails Festival.
• Holidays: New Year's Day, Armed Forces Day, Martyrs' Day, Easter Monday, Workers' Day, Africa Day, Independence Day, Christmas Day, Mawlid, Prophet's Baptism, Korité, and Tabaski.
  

Good to Know

• Slavery remains in practice.
• The Rainy Season is April - October.
• Prone to droughts.
• Largely exports cotton.
• High rate of child malnutrition.
  
• Gender inequality exists.
• Terrorists groups are prevelant.
• Kidnapping of tourists is a known concern.
• Avoid demonstrations.
• ATM's are not widely available.
• Child marriage is practiced.
• Medication, medical facilities and treatment is very limited.
• Prevalent diseases: Malaria, Rabies, Meningococcal Meningitis, and Yellow Fever.

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport and one blank page for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA required.
• Yellow Fever vaccination required. 

Prone to floods, high humidity and windstorms.

• Best Time to Visit: November - February
• Coolest Months: November - February
• Hottest Months: March - May
• Peak Season: August - September

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Old Towns of Djenné, Timbuktu, and Tomb of Askia.

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"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page" ~ Saint Augustine

                                               All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice. 

Maldives

Maldives Flag

"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

Photo Credit: Pixabay

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

Ready to embark on custom and personalized services, your journey begins with Louvet Travel? 

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"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page" ~ Saint Augustine

                                                 All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice. 

Malaysia

Malaysia Flag

Why visit Malaysia?

Ideal for adventure tours, bazaars, beaches, birdwatching, bicycling, cave, coral reefs, culture, ecotourism, fishing, golf, hiking, indigenous tribal, remote rain forests, sailing, vibrant old ports, wildlife, and windsurfing.

Capital City, Kuala Lumpur. Photo Credit: Pixabay

At a Glance

• Souvenirs to Buy: Neetle nut sets, brassware, carvings, gold brocade, kites, ornamental kris, pewter, silver brocade, silverware, songket fabrics, woven batik, and wooden masks.
• Local Cuisine to Try: Akok (sweet dessert). Apam johol (sweet rice cake). Asam Pedas (meat stew). Durians (fruit). Gulai (curry stew). Ikan Bakar (fish fish). Ikan Goreng (fried fish). Keropok Lekor (fish fritter). Kerutuk Daging (traditional dish). Kuzi Ayam (curry dish). Mee Bandung Muar (noodle dish). Murtabak (stuffed pancake. Nasi Dagang (rice dish). Nasi Lemak (leaf wrapped rice). Pek Nga (breakfast bread). Puding Diraja (dessert pudding). Rendang (beef dish). Roti Canai (flatbread). Roti John (breakfast sandwich). Satay (skewered meat). Sup Kambing (soup). Just to mention a few!
• Local Drink to Try: Air Bandung (cold pink milk). Air Janda Pulang (traditional). Arak Putik (white liquor). Barley Juice. Nutmeg Juice. Teh Tarik (tea). Tiger Beer. Water Chestnut Juice.

Tea Plantation, Cameron Highlands (Pahang, Malaysia) Photo Credit: FonthipWard/Pixabay

Fun Facts

• Gunung Mulu National Park (Sarawak Chamber) has the largest cave system in the world.
  
• Home to the largest parasitic flower, Rafflesia in the world.
  
• Bowling is an extremely popular sport.
  
• Temenggor Lake (Terengganu) is the largest manmade lake in Southeast Asia.
  
• Has 118 airports.
• Considered one of the world's largest exporters of communication products, electrical devices, IT, and semiconductor devices.
• Mount Kinabalu is the tallest mountain.
  
• Popular sports played include badminton, bowls, field hockey, hockey, horse riding,  martial arts, squash, sailing, skateboarding, and tennis.
  
• A narrow causeway and a bridge links to Singapore. 
  
• Leatherbacks and Olive Ridleys are known to nest annually on Terengganu "Land of Turtles" beaches.
  
• Taman Negara is one of oldest tropical rainforests in the world.
  
• One of the world's largest producers of palm oil.
  
• Along the ancient spice route culture and cuisine is influenced in Chinese, Javanese, Indian, Malay, Sumatran, and Thai.
• State of Kelantan is popular for fying giant Wau kites and playing Gasing, a game of spinning tops.
  

Batu Caves Sri Murugan Perumal Kovil, Selangor, Malaysia. Photo Credit: Pixabay

Special Holidays/Occasions

• Annual Events: (January) International Surfing Competition, Le Tour De Langkawi, MyBalloonFiesta, Royal Langkawi International Regatta, Thaipusam Festival, (February) Pasir Gudang World Kite Festival, (March) Tanjung Tuan, (April) Malaysia Water Festival, Petronas Malaysia F1 Grand Prix, Regatta Lepa Semporna, (May) Miri International Jazz Festival, Tadau Ka'amatan Harvest Festival, (June) Melaka River Festival, Sarawak Gawai Festival, (July) Malaysia Mega Sale, Rainforest World Music Festival, (August) Bazaar Ramadan, Mooncake Festival & Hungry Ghost Festival, (December) Fabulous Food 1Malaysia, and The Dragon Boat Festival.
  
• Holidays: Muhammad's Birthday, Hari Merdeka, Chinese New Year, Wesak Day, Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Hari Raya Puasa, Hari Raya Qurban, Deepavali, Christmas, Labour Day, Awal Muharram, and Malaysia Day.

Kellie's Castle, (Batu Gajah, Kinta District) Perak, Malaysia. Photo Credit: Esther Choi/Pixabay

Good to Know

• Permission to enter and remain is solely at the decision of and discretion of the Malaysian Immigration Department.
  
• Travelers should have a high tolerance for heat and humidity.
• Does not recognize or permit dual nationality.
• Predominantly an Islamic country, majority practicing Muslims.
• Eastern states of Sabah and Sarawak (Island of Borneo) have special entry requirements. 
• Alcohol is strictly controlled.
  
• Carry your passport with Malaysian entry stamp with you at all times.
  
• English is often fluent in Kuala Lumpur.
  
• Smallest stated, Perlis remains of the old-world charm.
  
• A multi-cultural and ethnic country.
  
• Coastal areas of eastern Saba have land and water curfews.
• Windsurfing is popular on Stulang Laut Beach.
  
• Surfing is best November - March along the East Coast (Cherating).
  
• Top ranked beaches are Juara Beach (Tioman Island), Tanjung Rhu (Langkawi), and Terengganu (Perhentian Kecil Island).
• The east coast area boasts in beachfront fishing towns and villages.
  
• Sarawak offers unspoiled countryside.
  
• Death penalty is used for serious crimes such as drug trafficking, kidnapping, murder, and terrorism. 
  
• Homosexuality is illegal with up to 20 years in prison and/or whipping.
  
• Monsoon Season is October - February.
• Air quality fluctuates by seasons.
  
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is subject to incarnation.
• Kuantan (Pahang state) off the east coast offers some of the nation’s most popular beaches (Cherating).
  
• Fishing is best in Aur, Pemanggil, and Tioman.
• Central Kuala Lumpur is known to have violent crimes against passengers from Taxi drivers.
  
• Dry Season is July - October prone to wildfires.
• It's deemed illegal to distribute religious literature of another faith to Malaysian Muslims. 
• Counterfeit medication is commonly practiced so avoid pharmaceutical purchases.
  
• Avoid tap water consumption.
• Human trafficking and sex trafficking are known problems.
  
• Sipadan Island ranks one of the top dive sites in the world.
• Prevalent disease: Dengue, Chikungunya, Leptospirosis, Malaria, and Zika.
• Sharia Law forbids Muslims from drinking alcohol. 
  
• Online scams target Americans for bank overpayments, contracts with promises of large commissions,  gold purchases, inheritance notices, job offers, lucrative sales, money transfers, romance, and work permits.
• Closely monitor your credit card transactions due to high fraud risks.
• International Driving Permits (IDP) is used in conjunction with a valid U.S. Drivers License.
  
• Healthcare and treatment is below our U.S. standards.
• ATMs use six-digit PIN's which causes issues with four-digit PIN's.
  
• Labuan Island, Langkawi, Tioman, and Pangkor are duty-free shopping.
  

Perhentian Islands (Besut District) Terengganu, Malaysia. Photo Credit: Manusama/Pixabay

This international destination requires:

• A valid passport with six months of validity and one blank page for entry stamp.
• Tourist VISA not required for visits under 90 days.
• Currency Restrictions for Entry/Exit: $10,000USD.

Wat Uttamaram (Buddhist Temple), Pasir Mas District, Malaysia. Photo Credit: Wonmee/Pixabay

• Best Time to Visit: December - February
• Coldest Month: December
• Hottest Month: May
• Peak Season: June - September

(Malacca River) Malacca City, Malaysia, Photo Credit: Sharonang/Pixabay

Your Must-See & Do

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Archaeological Heritage of the Lenggong Valley, Gunung Mulu National Park, Kinabalu Park, Melaka and George Town Historic Cities of the Straits of Malacca.  

 

LEGOLAND Malaysia, Johor, Malaysia. Photo Credit: FonthipWard/Pixabay

Ready to embark on custom and personalized services, your journey begins with Louvet Travel? 

Your one stop source: Accommodations I Air I Car Rentals I Cruises I Disney I Excursions I Tours I Transfers I Travel Insurance I Villa Rentals

Stay connected, find us online: Alignable Facebook  LinkedIn  Pinterest  Twitter 

"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page" ~ Saint Augustine

                                                 All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.