Maldives Travel Guide
Maldives Travel Guide
Maldives Travel Guide : The Maldives is a true definition of Paradise and recognized among the most romantic destinations in the world that is why it is popular with honeymooners, this beautiful island is found in the Indian Ocean and spreads over approximately 90,000 square kilometers. The island is popular for its white sandy beaches, turquoise lagoons, a romantic, peaceful atmosphere set in the bliss of Indian Ocean, the coral reefs of the Indian Ocean are teeming with colorful fish and fascinating sea life.
Maldives is a perfect destination whether you are looking for a relaxing holiday with your friends or family or a honeymoon getaway.
What you need to know before you go
Flight Time – From the United Kingdom, the flight time is between 10 and 11 hours on a direct flight.
Currency used in Maldives – Rufiyaa (MVR)
Languages spoken – the main language on the island is Dhivehi or Maldivian. However, there are various dialects including Malé spoken in the capital, Mulaku, Huvadhu, Maliku, Haddhunmathee, Mulaku and Addu.
Time difference – The Maldives is 5 hours ahead of the United Kingdom.
Visas: all travelers receive a free, 30-day tourist visa on arrival
When is the best time to visit the Maldives?
The Maldives Islands are always warm, sunny and tropical making the islands a year – round destination. However, there are certain times of the year that are better to visit than others.
Peak season = December to March
Monsoon season = May to November
The best time to visit Maldives Islands is from November to April making it the ideal destination for some winter sun, temperatures are good all year round and can reach 31°c and don’t tend to drop below 24°c even in the evenings.
The rainy season peaks in June, this season receives heavy rainfall though the rainfall tends to come in short bursts as the rainclouds move over the island. The highest rainfall in the northern atolls is from May to November and in the Southern atoll, in November to March.
January to April are the driest months, there is little rainfall and low humidity.
Maldives is a popular destination during Christmas and New Year so it might be more expensive at this time of the year.
What to pack for a holiday in the Maldives
Maldives is a paradise for water lovers and a swimwear is a must whether you are going to take a dip in the waters or just lounge on the swimming at your resort. Also carry a sarong to cover up wen you are out of the water on a boat trip or when heading for lunch after a morning swim.
The weather in the Maldives is beautiful, make sure you pack light weight clothing in cotton in linen such as summer dresses, shorts and tops.
If you plan to visit Malé – the capital of the island, you will need to cover your knees and shoulders, carry lightweight trousers or a long skirt paired with a t-shirt. Also take a shawl to cover up when necessary.
Carry a pair of comfortable trainers for days of exploring and flip flops for the beach.
Carry sunscreen and make sure you apply it regularly to protect you from the sunrays, do not forget sunglasses and a sun hat.
Snorkelers, remember to carry snorkel and mask. Many resorts offer these either for free or for a small cost buy you may like to take your own. Also bring an underwater camera to capture the incredible sights beneath the waves.
Getting around the Maldives
There are many vehicles operated by the locals offering transport around the island, there is are also buses and taxis that will take you from the airport into and around the capital city Malé, in Hulhumale and Addu while on your visit.
Beyond these cities/towns, there are very few roads and much of the transport takes you on or over the water, below is a full guide on key ways to getting around the Maldives.
Boat: there speed boats to take you to your island on your first arrival, it is also a convenient way to island – hop if you want to explore the Maldives beyond your own resort.
Seaplane – these small planes will fly you over the water from Malé Airport to your chosen island resort, this is a wonderful experience providing the most breathtaking views. Note: these plains only fly during the day.
Bike: this is the most popular wat to explore the islands of Maldives, there are plenty of bicycles at the resorts that you can use and it is the perfect way get around, explore at your own pace and stop off when you want to.
Apart from traveling from your accommodation, transport is not much need on your trip. You will spend most of your time relaxing and simply soaking up the sun and swimming in the sea.
What are the top tourist attractions in the Maldives?
You don’t want to visit this beautiful destination and miss its top attractions. Here are a few of our highlights:
Snorkeling and diving – Maldives is an archipelago in the Indian Ocean famed for its azure waters, on your holiday you shouldn’t miss exploring what lies beneath the surface on snorkeling and diving, in the waters of Indian Ocean you will see clownfish, angelfish, parrot fish, whitetip reef shark, green sea turtles among others as they swim amid the spectacular coral reefs spotted among shipwrecks.
You can jump straight in and snorkel or head out on a boat trip to dive. You can also do a night dive after the sun goes down and you may see the bioluminescent plankton light up the dark waters.
Dine Under the Ocean – book a table at Ithaa on Conrad Maldives Rangali Island – an award winning restaurant situated 5 (Five) meters below the sea level. From the restaurant, you will see the world beneath the water without getting wet at all and enjoy a four – course lunch or six course dinner. Through the glass you can watch the sea life through the glass as it swims right past your table.
To dine here, you need to be staying at this resort. Also, other resorts in Maldives boast their own underwater restaurant and these include 5.8 Undersea Restaurant at Hurawalhi Island Resort and M6m at OZEN Life Maadhoo.
Water Sports – there are a wide variety of watersports, the Maldives is a great place for surfers to catch a wave however if you want to take things slow, you can go for stand-up paddleboard, windsurfing, parasailing, ride on a banana boat or fun tube.
Spa: Maldives as a destination is designed for pure rest and relaxation, there is nothing better than a treatment to pamper yourself and let your stresses float away. Many resorts host over water spas or treatment rooms where the glass floor provides amazing sights of the color fish and coral as you enjoy the treatment.
With all the information above, you are now ready for a Maldives Holiday. Book your Holiday With Petnah Travel and Tours
