Ninety-nine per cent of the country’s 90,000 sq km is covered by the sea.
Maldives Tourism Office
Maldives holiday experts at WEXAS will tailor-make all aspects of your itinerary to create a Maldives holiday, personal to you.
The Maldives is a chain of about 1,190 low-lying coral islands spread across 26 atolls in the middle of the Indian Ocean They stretch out 754km north-south and 118km east-west over the equator. It has previously been claimed that this is the world’s flattest country, with its highest point less than eight feet above sea level, however, you might also claim it to be the most mountainous. Each island is the crest of an ancient volcanic mountain range, 5,000m tall, yet almost entirely submerged. Instead of being capped with snow, these ’mountains’ are topped with coral stone.
Most visitors will fly in to the airport by Male’, the capital, and take a boat-taxi, called a dhoni, on to one of the resort islands, and stay there for the duration of their trip. It is possible to do some island-hopping, however, each island offers a similar experience of gorgeous beaches and turquoise waters. Those looking to get active may choose to take a surfing safari, exploring the different waves and breaks across certain atolls, or alternatively, searching out the best dive spots throughout a region - with the chance to see coral, fish, rays and sharks.
Male’ is now completely covered by roads and buildings without a square metre to spare. Even so it doesn’t take long to look around, stopping off for refreshments in teashops to admire the white coral stone mosques and their intricate carvings. Other highlights scattered around The Maldives include the South Ari Cultural Centre in Ari Atoll, the restored wooden palace on Utheemu, the goldsmiths on Ribudhoo and exploring the strange man-made black dome on Isdhoo.
Maldives facts
Capital: Male
Language: Dhivehi.
People: South Indian, Sinhalese, Arab.
Religion: Sunni Muslim.
Size (sq km): 300.
Population: 379,174.
Population density/sq km: 1,263.9
Etiquette
Dress is generally informal, but locals who are Muslim will be offended by nudity or scanty clothing in public places. Beachwear is not acceptable in the capital, Malé, or on any other inhabited island. Cover the legs and body when entering a mosque. The Government rigidly enforces these standards. The indigenous population not involved in the tourist trade lives in isolated island communities maintaining almost total privacy. Religious customs and practices should be respected, particularly during Ramadan, when many locals will be fasting. Tipping is officially discouraged.
Shopping
Lacquered wooden boxes, reed mats, jewellery with coral, mother-of-pearl. Do not buy coral or turtle shell items, export is prohibited.
Food & drink
All food aside from seafood is imported and most resorts serve international cuisine.Seafood like tuna grouper and octopus are excellent. Curry and kavaabu (deep fried snacks made from rice, tuna, coconut, lentils and spices) are popular. The Maldive Lady is the local cocktail.
International Airports
Hulule International (MLE) on Hulule Island, 2 km from Malé.
Internal travel
Tourism is strictly regulated and visits to outer islands require a permit and being sponsored by a resident of the island being visited. Air Maldives connects many islands and resort transfers are usually by Maldivian Air Taxi on a seaplane. Local transport is by dhoni, a motorised vessel. Most islands are so small they can be walked in little time but the capital has taxis, motorcycles and bicycles.
Red tape
Visas
Issued on arrival.
Vaccinations
BCG, Hep. A, Hep. B, Rabies, Typhoid, Y. Fever2.
Driving requirements
n/a.
Reps in UK/US
UK: 22 Nottingham Place, London W1U 5NJ, tel (020) 7224 2135. US: 800 Second Avenue, Suite 400E, New York, NY 10017, tel (212) 599 6194, fax (212) 599 6195, email info@maldives.un.int.
UK/US reps in Maldives
UK, US: Both countries have embassies in Colombo (see Sri Lanka) dealing with enquiries related to the Maldives.
Currency
Maldivian rufiyaa (Rf) = 100 laari.
Finance
Most island resorts accept credit cards and traveller's cheques.
Business hours
0730-1430 Sunday to Thursday.
Safety & life expectancy
Safety information
Generally very safe with a low threat of terrorism.
Life expectancy
Life expectancy: M 63.73, F 66.58
Useful websites for travel
www.maldiveshighcommission.org/, www.visitmaldives.com, www.maldivestourism.net/, www.mymaldives.com/blog/
Local media
The Maldives News Bulletin is printed each week in English, other dailies have English sections. The government runs two radio stations and Television Maldives.
Tourist boards
n/a.
Below is a selection of some ideas for holidays to Maldives. This is simply a taste of what we can offer. If you're interested in a specific Maldives itinerary then please call one of our consultants on 0845 643 6562.
Coral Reef is a hip, luxurious and affordable option for holidaying in the Maldives. Chic and comfortable accommodation is provided in water villas on stilts and from huts overlooking the lagoon on land, and is matched with high levels of service synonymous...
Lily Beach Resort & Spa is located in Ari Atoll close to some prime dive sites and reached by a 25 minute seaplane transfer from Male. Recently renovated, the resort pioneers the concept of "Affordable Luxury", offering a great value premium All-Inclusive ... Please call 0845 643 6562 for price details.
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Lux* Maldives provides an experience of sublime beauty, elegance and service, with suites and villas perched over water or scattered along the beach in authentic luxury style.
Surrounded by a secluded lagoon and fringed by gracefully curving beaches, Lux* Mal... Please call 0845 643 6562 for price details.
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Hot and tropical. The best time to visit is between December and April. The southwest sees monsoon weather from May to November and at this time the whole country is likely to be cloudy and extremely humid.
GMT +5.
Maldivian rufiyaa (Rf) = 100 laari.
Get foreign currency online
