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Located in South Asia, the Maldives are a series of islands in the middle of the Indian Ocean. Traveling there means luxury, stunning white-sand beaches, and an underwater world you won’t believe. With unbelievable landscapes and very rich culture, the Maldives are ensured to give you the holiday of a lifetime.
Best Time to visit
Definitely not Hurricane season. In reality, the best time is between November and April. They are great months because it doesn’t usually rain within that time of the month, especially in February. The sea life is at its best during this time, ensuring an amazing diving experience. If you want for a truly amazing experience in the country visit during November for Victory and Republic Day. November is also one of the least crowded months of the year, though the temperatures are at its lowest, the average is around 75º.
How to get a Visa
Unless you are coming from India or Brunei, the country grants a 30-day long visa to anyone who visits. The only thing you’ll be required to have at customs is a valid passport and a blank page for the country stamp.
Do I need Vaccines
While when traveling to Asia you are usually required to wear some vaccines, the Maldives is not a danger zone on almost any disease. Yellow fever is recommended, and so are Tetanus, Hepatitis A and B, and Typhoid. However, the risk of getting these illnesses is minimal and the vaccine is not required to travel.
Travel safety
There are four main things you’ll need to take care of to be sure you’ll be safe during your trip to the Maldives: the food, the internal laws, island hopping, and bag security.
First, regarding the food, you should try to avoid vegetables that aren’t cooked, and try to only drink bottled water.
The Internal Laws are based upon Islam since it is an overall Islamic country. You are not allowed to enter with pork or pork derivate, alcohol, pornography, bibles or any non-Islamic religious texts. You can’t practice other religions in public, that might be a cause of deportation. And you should be extra respectful towards the Islamic religion. Also, no drugs, being caught in possession of any soft drug is considered trafficking and comes with lifetime prison.
When island hopping you should take into consideration that tourists are not encouraged to visit the non-resort islands of the country. Also, while transporting from one to another try to always check your transportation. While some seaplanes and boats are usually in great conditions, some really aren’t and you shouldn’t get on a boat that seems on a bad state under any circumstances.
Crime rates are low but petty crimes are common, especially when leaving your belongings at the beach unattended.
Finally, there is mild security warning over the Maldives for terrorist activity. However, there hasn’t been a terrorist attack since 2007.
What to pack
Pack for the beach. Packing for the Maldives is rather easy because temperature almost never drops below 25ºC. For women definitely take a lot of Maxi dresses and skirts, they are ideal for the weather and the environment in the Maldives. Carry overall shorts and fresh tees. For men, shorts, and t-shirts, maybe some shirts if you plan on going to fancier places. Definitely take a hat, sunglasses, and your attitude to have fun. Women should take a beach bag and a normal bag, and don’t forget to pack some stylish swimming suits.
Essential language phrases
When traveling to an unknown country, knowing the language is a huge advantage. While almost everyone in the Resorts islands knows English, a few key phrases are not needed.
The singlehandedly most important one is: Do you speak English? Ingireysin vaahaka dhakkan ingeytha?, or Does anyone here speak English? Mithaa ingireysin vahaka dhakan ingey mehaku eba huri tha?
Other basics are:
Yes – Aan
No – Noon
I’m sorry – Ma-aafu kurey
What is your name? – Kon nameh tha kiyanee?
My name is ______ – Aharenge namakee ______
Help! – Salaamai kurey!
Typical costs
While putting together a daily budget for the Maldives you should consider spending around $400 a day, minimum. A budget resort will cost you around $150-350 per night. And transportation for one day is usually around $10-15. Plus, food, water, and attractions. If you are going for a top end holiday, you’ll spend at least $850 a day, since Top-end rooms cost around $750 and seaplane transfers are about $400. A high-end meal will cost around $150 in a resort.
Saving tips
For cheap flights to the Maldives Tigerari might be a good choice, though it only flies from Singapore. It is easier to find a cheap travel ticket to Singapore since more flights go there.
Airbnb, couch surfing, and guesthouses are much cheaper than the resorts, so if you are on a budget is a great option.
Use local transport instead of tourist transport. You might have to look into the schemes but a $1-6 Ferry trip will save you around $90 that the speed boat will cost you.
Visit Resort islands on day trips if you can’t afford to stay at a resort. For a fraction of the cost, you can access free-flow alcohol, buffet lunch/dinner, and all-inclusive activities.
Eat like a local, we all know tourist restaurants are overpriced. Also, if you are not getting to know the food of the island you are not getting the full experience.
How to get around
When island hoping it is better for your wallet to take public transportation. However, to some of the private islands, you won’t be able to access like that, so you’ll have to take the speedboat. The Speedboat is a little pricey, usually around $100, however, if you’ll be staying at the resort or buy a package for the day it probably will be included. Other than that public transportation is pretty cheap and covers a lot of ground.
What not to do
In terms of what is overrated, don’t visit the overwater villas. They are pretty cool to the view, however, the ones that are actually accessible because they aren’t private tend to have dank-smelling bathrooms, and poorly-lit jetties.
In terms of what is not allowed for you to do is displaying affection on the streets, importing alcohol, wearing bikinis outside of your resort, drinking tap water, don’t litter the sea, don’t buy black corals or turtle shells.
The Maldives will definitely make the trip of your life if you plan it carefully. Make sure you take full experience and take as much advantage of it as possible.
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