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Maldives           |
The Maldives, a group of about 1,200 islands, separated into a series
of coral atolls, is just north of the Equator in the Indian Ocean. Only
200 of the islands are inhabited.
Many of these tropical atolls and islands are simply gorgeous, with swaying
palms, white sandy beaches and deep-blue lagoons; none of the islands
rise higher than 7.8 ft. above sea level.
The Maldives was long a sultanate (a territory ruled by a sultan), first
under Dutch control, and then under British protection. It gained independence
from the United Kingdom in 1965, and three years later, declared itself
an independent republic.
Over the last few decades the Maldives has transformed itself into a popular
fishing, scuba diving, surfing and exotic resort and spa destination.
Specks of emerald green enveloped by dazzling turquoise waters like
scattered beads in the ocean; white powdery beaches, tall palms lean on
towards the sea, crystalline white sands giving way to crystal clear waters,
shades of turquoise blend flawlessly with deeper hues of blue; pristine
coral reefs and some of the most incredible underwater life on our planet.
Rising from the deep blue of the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean are
more than a thousand islands and thousands more reefs that form the Maldives.
What better place to relax and enjoy yourself than the romantic dunes
that adorn these islands. Imagine a place that is nothing but surf and
sun; where paradise meets reality. You can choose any of the ninety resorts
islands across the Maldives for your honeymoon or holiday stay; allowing
yourself the freedom to explore everything is amazing tropical wonderland
has to offer. Everything has been designed with the luxury and comfort
of travellers in mind, which is why per capita it is the busiest tourist
area in the world. Half a million people every year rediscover this paradise.
The Maldives Islands
Sunny, unique and unspoiled, the Maldives is an archipelago comprising
1,190 low-lying coral islands scattered across the equator, in groups
of 26 naturally occurring atolls which are divided into 20 for administrative
purposes.
Maldives Islands are characterized by a unique coral nature and thus they
posses unique tourism resources though in a one-sided way, namely in the
submarine and littoral environment of the islands, lagoons and reefs,
associated with the year-round tropical climate
Maldives at a Glance
Time: + 5 hrs GMT
Capital: Malé
Total number of islands: 1,190
Inhabited Islands: 2002
Population: 300,000
Major Industries: Tourism & Fisheries
Resorts: 89+
Currency: Rufiyaa (All major currencies, credit cards and travelers cheques
accepted)
Electricity: 240 AC
Access: chartered flights and scheduled flights
Visa: 30 days on arrival
Language: Dhivehi - English widely spoken
Weather and Climate: Tropical
Transport: Speedboats, Dhoni and Seaplanes
Working Hours
Banks: Sun to Thu
Government: 7.30 a.m. to 2.30 p.m.
Private Sector: 8.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.
Location
The Maldives consists of 1190 islands grouped into 26 natural atolls scattered
over an area of 90,000 sq. km straddling the equator between latitudes
7°6” north and 0°42” south and longitudes 72°32”
and 73°46” East.
Geography
The atolls of the Maldives are formed from coral structures. The atolls
are part of a greater structure known as the Laccadives-Chagos Ridge,
which stretches over 2000 kilometers. The islands are low lying with the
highest point at approximately eight feet above sea level. Ring-shaped
reef structures form the atolls and these reefs provide the natural defense
against wind and wave action on these
Resorts in the Maldives
Each resort in the Maldives is housed on a separate island by itself and
offers an exotic blend of modern luxury and isolated serenity. With no
exception, all resorts have soft sandy beaches, translucent clear lagoons
enclosed by house reefs inhabited by a variety of marine flora and fauna
and everything else you would expect on a tropical holiday – all
within only a few minute’s walking distance. However, each resort
island has its individual charm, character and ambience that can best
be appreciated through personal experience.
Travel to Maldives
Although geographically isolated the Maldives is easily accessible by
air from anywhere in Southeast Asia, Middle East and Europe. Colombo is
an hour’s journey away by air, from Singapore and Dubai it takes
about four hours and from Europe it takes nine to eleven hours to reach
Male’.
Malé International Airport
Male’ International Airport is on an island that only houses the
airport and related facilities. The airport located on Hulhule Island
is a modern well-equipped airport with all the facilities and services
one would expect from an international airport. The airport complex houses
terminals for arrivals and departures, landside shops and airside duty
free shops, restaurants, medical facilities, bank, post office and other
services. The island also houses the airport hotel.
What to pack
The Maldives is warm throughout the year. Light, cotton and linen wear
is ideal. Pack lots of tee shirts, beachwear, and wraparound skirts, cotton
shirts and shorts. For visits to inhabited islands, where most of the
streets are of compact sand, or Malé where the streets are paved,
sandals are easy to walk on. Some essential items include swimwear, sunglasses,
sunscreen and a hat or a cap. If your travel plan includes traveling to
many islands, a mosquito repellent may become handy.
Customs & Visas
Tourists are issued a 30-day tourist visa on arrival. A valid travel document
is necessary. Visa extensions are granted by the Department of Immigration
and Emigration in Malé. The import of firearms, drugs, pornography
and idols of worship are prohibited. Dogs, pigs, and pork products are
also prohibited for import by tourists. Alcohol imported under a special
license is available in all the resorts. Similarly pork products are available
at most of the resorts as well. Prohibited products such as alcohol brought
in by passengers are bonded and released at departure.
Health Requirements
An international certificate of inoculation against yellow fever and cholera
is required by visitors arriving from infected countries.
MTPB at the Airport
The Maldives Tourism Promotion Board has a counter at the airport arrival
terminal to provide information and assistance to tourists arriving in
the country and provide a variety of brochures in different languages
for guests.
Resort Transfer
If you have a booking with a resort, transfer is usually arranged prior
to your arrival. The options of speedboat or seaplane transfer where available
is for you to choose from. For transfer to resorts close to the airport,
motorboat or dhoni transfer is quite convenient. Even if you make a resort
booking while in Malé, transfer arrangements are often made by
the resort.
The Maldives has one of the largest seaplane fleets in the world, not
surprising for a country with 99% ocean and more than a thousand islands.
The low altitude seaplane journey offers you the additional opportunity
to experience a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the country.
Departure Tax
The airport departure tax which is US$ 12.00 is usually included when
you purchase your airline ticket.
Duty Free Shopping
Duty Free Shopping is only available at the departure terminal at Malé
International Airport. The lounge has specialized shops with a wide variety
of international brands selling well known products at competitive prices.
The duty free lounge has shops for toys, souvenirs, perfume, electronics,
watches, fashion accessories, jewellery, liquor and tobacco and confectionery.
