Heavenly turquoise blue waters, lush tropical islands and Robinson Crusoe type isolation - these are just some of the images that come to mind when we think about travelling to the Maldives. Picture yourself lounging on the white sand beaches of the Maldives.Lets discover a new world altogether - a beautiful world beyond the imagination of most people. A world where you can be one of a small handful of people that have an island all to themselves. This world is called The Maldives.

Location
The Maldives are a group of tiny islands that are set in the Indian Ocean - the closest countries to the Maldives are India and Sri Lanka. There are approximately 1200 separate islands in the Maldives and only about one sixth of these are populated. The capital of the Maldives is Male' - the most densely inhabited island. But while Male' seems simply bursting from the seams, certainly there are no space problems on the other islands. Male' holds about a third of the Maldivian population while the remaining are scattered around various other islands. Flora & Fauna That Inhabit The Islands & Surrounding Waters

Contrary to the first impressions of many, the Maldives islands are not especially hospitable to plants, mainly because the soil does not have the nutrients to support a large and varied diversity of plant life. The main type of vegetation include coconut trees, vines, banyan trees as well as mangroves. Also found are Breadfruit trees and Bamboos. Flowering plants include Bougainvillaea and Frangipani.

The islands have an incredible number of colourful, tropical fish and when you visit you’re bound to see many of them. A few of these include Butterfly fish, Dolphins, Anglefish, Parrotfish and Flutemouth. The colours and shapes of some of these fish are as varied and intriguing as their names would suggest. Divers are sure to have an experience of a lifetime in the Maldives.

While there are a healthy variety of birds inhabiting the islands, there are fewer varieties of land based animals. Common to the islands are flying foxes, geckos and garden lizards.

There are over 100 species of birds - expect to see crows, parakeets, and waterhens as well as koel birds. Also present are herons, seagulls and noddys.
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Climate and Clothing

The summer never ends in the Maldives. Although it is warm throughout the year, there are slight ariations in the temperature during certain periods determined by monsoons. The Northeast monsoon, from November to April is mostly dry with very little wind, while the Southwest monsoon from May to October brings some rain and wind.
Being on the equator, the monsoons are mild and the temperature varies very little. The annual average daily temperature is between 30,4 and 25.4 degree Celsius. The average rainfall is below 2m per annum.
Light cotton clothes are recommended to ward off the heat and humidity. Nudism is an offense in the country, and visitors are requested to respect the tradition and religion of the local people by wearing clothes and cover the thighs and shoulders when visiting inhabited islands.
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Health, Currency and transport

Visitors to the Maldives do not require any vaccinations or medications against Malaria before traveling to the Maldives unless they are coming from yellow fever infected area.
The most common problems for tourist in the Maldives are sunburn and dehydration. The tropical sun is very intense in the country, and the soft breezes on the island and during boat rides can easily fool you. Some form of sun protection is necessary even for travelers with darker skin tones. A range of sun creams are available in Male’ and in most resorts. It is also advisable to wear a T-shirt when snorkeling. To avoid dehydration drink lots of fluids.
There are two hospitals in Male’, many clinics, pharmacies and a number of good doctors both in private practices and at the hospitals. A physician is also within easy reach from all resort islands.
The local currency is the Rufiya, and US$ 1.00 is equivalent to approximately 12 Rufiya. All major currencies are accepted widely in the country. The most commonly used credit cards are American Express, Visa, Master Card, Diners Club, JCB and Euro Card.

Foreign currency can be exchanged at any authorized Moneychanger or at the banks in Male’. It can also be exchanged at the airport on arrival or at the resort islands.
Transfers between the island are either by dhoni (local boats), speedboats, helicopters, or seaplanes. The transfers for visitors with confirmed your host in the destination would arrange reservations in the Maldives.
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History, Culture and People

Archaeological and historical discoveries indicated that the islands have been inhabited for over three thousand years. Being on an important trade route, Maldives was visited by people from all over the world, including Europe, Asia, Africa and Middle East

These visitors left a strong influence on the people, their religion and the culture of the Maldives.The Maldives has a population of about 270,000 people. (est.1998). The Maldivians has the beautiful and harmonious blend of feature from the mixture of Arabian to African, and Asian.

The people live a simple, laid back, and contented life-style. With ready smiles, and always willing to lend a helping hand, the Maldivians are a friendly race and make visitors feel very welcome.
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Resort, Cruising and Excursion

The ultimate concept and a totally unique experience. Imaging having your own little island as your vacation home. A short barefoot walk from your bungalow takes your to every little corner of the island, weather it is the restaurant, bar, or the dive school

All resorts have deserted white sandy beaches and translucent clear lagoons enclosed by rich house reefs. Every island has its individual charm, character, and ambience. The facilities andservices offered on the resorts vary widely.

Accommodation range from detached individual cottages to over water bungalows.If you wish to discover the secrets of the Indian Ocean hideaway, choose one of the live-aboard that cruise across the atolls.
Ranging from the smaller 3-cabin sailing boat to the bigger 75-cabin cruise ship, the on board facilities and services vary from rather basic to exclusive.
An ideal way to make more of this rare experience is to discover more of the

Maldives by taking part in the different excursions organized by your host. You could visit a local fishing village and interact with the friendly natives, try your luck on a night fishing trip, or spend the day in Male’ the capital. The opportunities are plenty and the choice is yours.
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Entry, Custom and Visa

Despite it’s geographical isolation, Maldives is easily accessible. Many Airlines offer regular schedule and charter flights from Asia, Europe, Middle East and South Africa.
Male’ International Airport is located on an island of its own which is just over a kilometer long. The island is for the exclusive usage of the Airport and is only 10 minute from the capital by boat.
A tourist visa of thirty days will be granted on arrival to all visitors with valid travel documents. A confirmed hotel reservation is required for immigration clearance. Visitors without hotel reservation should seek assistance at the airport tourist information counter right outside the arrival hall.
Strict laws prohibited the import of pornographic materials, weapons, and drugs, into the country, and the penalties are severe. Alcohol cannot be imported without a license. It should be declared at the customs and will be returned to you on departure.
The export of coral, shells and other objects remove from their marine habitat is prohibited in the Maldives. Please assist us in preserving our environment by taking only photographs and memories with you while leaving only footprints.
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Diving and Snokeling

A visit to the Maldives is incomplete with out experiencing the realms of the underwater world. If you thought the aerial view was breathing, exchange your sunglasses for a mask and take a glimpse underwater. This is the real treasure of the Maldives ishidden. Being one of the best diving destinations in the world, the Maldives offers diving opportunities for the beginner as well as for the more experienced divers.

You don’t have to be a diver to enjoy the fascinating under water world of the Maldives. A snorkel, mask and fins are your passports to enrich you holiday experience and to encounter different species of playful fish, turtles and other curious creatures that may be residing in the house reef.
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