Maldives – Heaven on Earth
Paradise
The Maldives is a South Asian island country in the Indian Ocean, consisting of twenty-six atolls comprising more than 1,000 coral islands. Its capital and largest city is Malé. Its stunning natural beauty, crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches attract millions of tourists yearly for relaxation, scuba diving, snorkelling and diving to enjoy the fantastic coral reefs surrounding the islands, home to diverse marine life.
The official language is Dhivehi, although English is widely spoken, especially in the tourism industry. The Maldives has a population of around 530,000 people, with the majority living on the island of Malé. The country’s economy heavily depends on tourism, and the country is known for its efforts to combat climate change, as rising sea levels significantly threaten the low-lying islands.
The Maldives offers a sense of escape and tranquillity, as many resorts are on their private islands, providing a sense of seclusion and privacy. The hospitality and warmth of the Maldivian people contribute to a welcoming and enjoyable experience.
THE BEST TIME TO VISIT
The best time to visit the Maldives is between November and April. The climate is warm and tropical, with average highs at a consistent 29°C to 31°C year-round and average lows rarely falling below 24°C.
January to April are the driest months, with little rain and low humidity, making this peak season at the resorts.
Culture:
Steeped in rich culture and tradition, the Maldives culture is heavily shaped by Indian, Sri Lankan, Malaysia, Arab, Persian, Indonesian and even African influences.
Please make sure to respect religious sites and dress conservatively.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Language:
The official language is Dhivehi, strongly influenced by the major languages of the area, with the Sinhalese language of Sri Lanka being the most similar. English is commonly spoken at the tourist resorts.
Currency: The ‘Maldivian Rufiyaa’ is the local currency, but USD is widely used.
Banks & ATMs:
Bank of Ceylon – Malé Branch · Bank of Maldives · Commercial Bank of Maldives · Maldives Islamic Bank · The Mauritius Commercial Bank and ATMs are widely available.
Plugs and Sockets:
There are six associated plug type in the Maldives: D, G, J, K & L, so highly recommended to carry a universal adaptor. The Maldives operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.
Safety:
Petty crime, and terrorism is prevalent, so be vigilant, but generally quite safe.
Emirates, flydubai, Etihad Airways, Oman Air, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, Air Mauritius, EgyptAir and Flynas all fly non-stop to Maldives, along with many other International airlines.
Search Skyscanner for many great airfares.
