Maldives Travel Guide

Basic Facts of Maldives

Location: in southeast Asia, an island on Indian Ocean, 675 kilometers (419 miles) from Sri Lanka in the northeast, 113 kilometers (70 miles) from Minicoy Island in the north
Area: 90,000 sq km (34,749 sq mi), including territorial waters
Population: 410 thousand
Language: Dhivehi, English
Currency: Rufiyaa
Time Zone: UTC+5 (no daylight saving time)
Capital: Male
Administrative Division: 21 administrative districts, including 20 administrative atolls and Male City
Religions and Beliefs: Sunni Islam

Top Things to Do

Although Maldives is the smallest country in the world in land area, it is very rich in culture, which is attributed to the foreign emigrants and varied history in different times. The country is well-known for its tourist industry, thus there is a very close tie between its culture and tourism. The architecture is distinctive with bright colors. Maldivians live on fishing and their food is mainly fishes, especially tuna.

Out of the thousands of islands, top 6 destinations are as below:
1. Male: to experience Maldivians’ pious faith in Islam and the prosperity of Maldives in Friday Mosque (Hukuru Miskiy); to feel the classical civilization that history has left in thrones, crowns, old weapons, and ancient exquisite handicrafts in the National Museum.
2. Sheraton Full Moon Island: to enjoy one of the most fully equipped hotels in Maldives, have a good time in the peaceful and beautiful spa canter, challenge water sports, and feel the romance in outdoor bars.
3. Iru Fushi: to relax at soft beaches and lush tropical woods, watch undersea coral reefs and tropical fishes in water bungalows with glass base, and let children have fun in kids club.
4. Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa: to experience the breath-taking wreck diving, and spend time in the romantic and fine double water bungalows.
5. Kihaad Maldives: to relax at the peaceful island, white beaches, vast lagoon and aquamarine seas, and watch or swim together with whale sharks.
6. Lily Beach Resort & Spa at Huvahendhoo: to have a good rest on the famous Lily Beach, have an unforgettable honeymoon trip, dive and might be lucky enough to see turtles.

Also it is worth a try to taste some fine foods: the Maldive Lady, a kind of mellow cocktail without alcohol; Dhufaa Echetai, a mix of diced betel, lilac, and sour fruits, wrapped by betel leaves; sea foods, such as grilled fish, curried fish, fish soup, and fried fish.

Best Time to Visit Maldives

It is always good to travel, but the cost is lower from May to August. The country is hot throughout a year, with an average temperature of around 30℃ (86℉).

Rainy season is from May to October, when it is the most cost-effective period to travel. Though it rains now and then, the rain stops in a short time.

Dry season is from November to April, when it is the peak season for travel. It is always sunny and ideal to take beach photos and go diving.

Transportation

Male International Airport is the main international airport in the country, offering flights to and from Kuala Lumpur, Colombo, Singapore, New Delhi, Dubai, Bangkok, London, Paris, etc.

Inside the country, speedboat, Dhoni Boat, and seaplane are common means of transportation. Besides, visitors can take flights to remote islands, like Gan, Hanimaadhoo, Kadhdhoo, and Kaadedhdhoo.

Maldives Travel Tips

1. It is wise to take beach shoes with thick soles, since there are coral fragments or small corals mixed into sands, which might hurt your feet.

2. As Maldives is an Islamic country, men are not allowed to wear shorts, and women are not allowed to wear slip dress or short skirts in temples.

History

The authority claimed that the history of Maldives could be traced back to the 12th century, but it is much earlier according to historical records. Maldives was firstly written into history books in the 2nd century by Ptolemy as an island group in the west of Sri Lanka consisting of more than 1,200 islands. In the 5th century, immigrants from south Asia settled down here and brought in more advanced culture. In the 12th century, Maldives became an Islamic kingdom. As of the 16th century, it underwent invasion by Portugal, Netherland, and Britain in succession. In 1965, the country gained complete independence and grown to be a world famous tourist resort.

Geographical Features

The highest point of Maldives is also the lowest among the countries all over the world. It is the most even island country in the Indian Ocean, with 26 groups of natural atolls and 1,192 coral islands. 199 islands have been inhabited and the rest are deserted. The average island area is 1 to 2 sq km (0.4 to 0.8 sq mi), and average altitude is 1.2 meters (3.9 feet).