Travel tips for Maldives - what to prepare in advance and what to obey

1. It is warm all year round in the Maldives. The temperature does not fall below 27-28°C. However, the low season lasts from mid -April to October. It is characterized by winds and sometimes brings rain. Tourists who plan to go diving should not plan a trip for October and November. There is a lot of plankton in the water at this time. This makes the observation of the underwater fauna is very uncomfortable. The weather is also unstable in December. Prolonged rains occur at this time.

A trip to the Maldives is usually very expensive due to the flight. If you plan an independent trip, you can save money. Some airlines have regular flights to Male. So tickets purchased in advance or for the promotion can be quite budget.

3. Additional services are quite expensive in the country. Food and beverages, including alcohol, are imported from abroad to Male, the capital of the state. They are transported from Male to the rest of the country. This is due to the fact that few crops are grown and few products are produced because of the lack of fertile soil in the country. The locals ate mainly tuna and coconuts before the arrival of tourists. They are the basis of many dishes of national cuisine.

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4. There are many taxes in the country. They are quite high. In addition to high prices, each resort imposes two additional taxes: 10% for service and 8% tax on goods and services. This dictates high prices not only for hotels but also for all additional services: entertainment, rent, Spa. You should take this into account when planning your expenses in the Maldives.

5. Glow-in-the-dark beaches are a feature of the region. You should go to the Maldives from July to February to enjoy this incredible sight. The glow is especially bright in the new moon. You can find out the phases of the moon in advance and plan your trip for these days. The most beautiful glow is observed on the Islands of Vaadhoo, Kuredu, Finalholi, Veligandu, Athuruga, Mirihi, Vilamendhoo, Komandoo, Kandolhu, Filitheyo, Kuramathi, Meedhupparu, Ellaidhoo, and Angaga.

6. Most of the population professes Islam. This has a certain impact on the life, culture, and traditions of the population. You should note that the operations hours of various institutions may change in an inconvenient way during the Holy Month of Ramadan. This is due to the fact that believers fast during daylight hours this month.

7. Alcohol, overly explicit bathing suits on public beaches, and public displays of affection are not encouraged. This is due to the fact that the Maldives is a Muslim country, although it is open to tourists. You will not be able to buy alcoholic beverages in any store. However, there are no problems with this in resorts. Homosexuality is also condemned and punishable by law. You should cover your bare knees and shoulders when visiting mosques. Women should also wear a headscarf. You will have to take off your shoes when entering the mosque. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

8. The "all-inclusive" wording is a bit misleading. It usually includes food, drinks, use of the pool, gym, and entrance to the beach. Spa treatments are rarely included in the cost of guest’s accommodation. As a rule, they are paid separately in the SPA center. It is better to study independently the hotel's policy on the website or through a tour operator in advance.

9. The Maldives is the perfect place to forget about the "real" world. This is quite acceptable for some tourists. They want to completely distract themselves from everyday life. But this is not suitable for everyone. Please note that not all resorts offer free Wi-Fi. Some hotels charge a fee for using the Internet. Wi-Fi prices can go up to $150 a week.

10. Attractive flights over islands also have some unexpected surprises. The fee for a photo can be added to the cost of the ticket. Therefore, it is better to discuss such things in advance.

11. You should think about the transfer issues in advance. Many hotels are located on remote Islands. It's hard enough to get there. This can be done by plane, ferry or boat. Ferry is the most budget option. But it departs without a schedule. Travelers who are tired after a long flight may well spend several hours in Male trying to leave. However, some hotels provide their own Shuttle service, for money or for free.

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12. Perhaps the Maldives is the best place for diving in the world. You can dive all year round thanks to the unique climate. There are spots for beginners and professionals there. You can choose a hotel with a home reef and dive directly from the shore to save money. You can also go snorkeling on the home reef.

13. You should adhere to certain rules of behavior when communicating with Maldivians. You should not gestures actively, touch the person you are talking to, point your feet at people, and use your left hand to shake hands. It is also not allowed to take money or food with your left hand.

14. The country has its own kind of sockets. Therefore, you should bring an adapter with you.

15. Maldivians carefully monitor compliance with environmental regulations. Therefore, you should not litter. If you break this rule, you risk being fined or even deported.

This collection of travel tips for Maldives is protected by the copyright law. You can re-use the content, but only under the condition of placement of an active link to www.orangesmile.com.

Maldives guide chapters 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Colorful and unique places in Maldives

Mudhdhoo Beach

From the series “Top 15 Most Romantic Beaches on Earth”

Many travellers associate the Maldives with a high-class romantic getaway, many of whose beaches are among the best on the planet. Charming Mudhdhoo Beach is able to surprise the most experienced and discerning travellers. And we are talking not about the availability of luxury resort hotels. The beach is incredibly beautiful in the daytime, but its main secret can be unraveled only with the onset of twilight.

In the shoal of the beach, millions of shellfish live. In the darkness they emit a blue flicker. They make the beach look like a night sky, strewn with scattered bright stars. You can watch this fantastic mystery until dawn. In many ways, its current fame is due to the Taiwanese photographer Will Ho, who was one of the first to make high-quality pictures of the shining blue lights … Read all

Ithaa Undersea Restaurant

From the series “The Most Exotic Restaurants in the World”

The romantic and unusual restaurants can be found not only high in the mountains and in tree tops, but also under the water. In 2005, Ithaa ('Pearl') - the first underwater restaurant in the world - was opened in the Maldives. The restaurant immediately became one of the most famous and chic restaurants on earth. It lies on the depth of about 5 meters and is located in the small transparent capsule. Through the transparent vaulted ceilings and the hall walls one can enjoy the beauty of the underwater world. To enter the underwater restaurant, guests have to descend the spiral staircase from the special deck.

The restaurant specializes in the dishes of Maldivian cuisine. In his menu you can find many exquisite delicacies. The restaurant is located on the picturesque island of Rengali and … Read all

Cocoa Island

From the series “The Most Beautiful Islands on the Planet”

Among the picturesque Maldives you have to mention the island of Cocoa. The island surrounded by the incredibly beautiful emerald green lagoon has the extension of only 360 meters. The width of the island is about 84 meters. A few years ago, COMO Hotels & Resorts company built the chic hotel on the island. Above the water were the magnificent wooden villas, which are connected to each other and to the island with narrow small bridges.

Cocoa Island is an ideal place for quiet beach retreat. On the coast were the excellent recreation areas equipped with beautiful wooden chairs and nice straw sun screens, which do not hurt the surrounding natural harmony, for the tourists. At the beginning of the 80s of the last century, the tiny island belonged to the famous photographer Eric Klemm, … Read all

All unique sightseeing Maldives

Travel tips for Maldives - what to prepare in advance and what to obey

Colorful and unique places in Maldives

Mudhdhoo Beach

Ithaa Undersea Restaurant

Cocoa Island

Photogallery of sightseeing Maldives

Advices for popular cities of Maldives

Trip preparations to popular regions of Maldives