Joanna James
Picture perfect landscapes, crystal clear water and friendly people - this is the Maldives we all know, but there's more than meets the eye. Here are 7 things you should know before going to the Maldives.
The Maldives is a conservative Islamic country and there are some laws that are strictly enforced that apply to tourists as well. Alcohol is only available at resorts and hotels and consuming it outside of the resort is illegal. Nudity is banned even in resorts, and women cannot walk in public areas in swimsuits or revealing clothing like shorts, sleeveless tops etc. Whilst they are more lenient at the airport when it comes to attire, it's always good to be respectful in a foreign country, so always carry a sarong or shawl to cover up if necessary. In addition, public displays of affection which include holding hands or even a quick kiss, are illegal.
Out of almost 2000 islands in the Maldives, only around 200 are inhabited. Most uninhabited islands are used for farmlands, industrial purposes, or picnic islands for tourists to visit on day trips.
If you've ever dreamed of flying away to a remote tropical island, then your fantasy will definitely come true in the Maldives. Most of the best resorts in the Maldives are actually set on their own private islands. However, this also means that most of the islands verge on the small side, but you're guaranteed pristine white sands and clear water all day long.
Try not to be too surprised when you get to the Male airport terminal after a long flight only to have to wait another 4 to 5 hours for your seaplane to take off. The long waits are due to the flight patterns and daily changes to pickups and drop off - so there's set schedule for the planes. In fact, most of the times the airport will only get a general idea of the flight routine the previous night! Try not to stress about it and simply make the most of the airport lounge, which on most days is quite sparse so you won't have to deal with crowds.
Days spent on the beach, soaking up the sun and sweating like crazy, you may feel like reaching for a sports drink to quench your thirst. Unfortunately, re-hydration and sports drinks are impossible to find around the Maldives because everyone just drinks energy beverages instead. However, if you are someone who is extremely active or prone to dehydration easily, it would be wise to invest in a few packets of re-hydration salt packets that are available at the international airport's pharmacy.
The Maldives is one of the top destinations in the world for viewing marine life. The Southern Atolls are famous for the large population of whale sharks, which can be viewed year-round. There are also active pods of dolphins and Manta Rays in abundance. Almost all resorts in the Maldives, like Naladhu Private Island Maldives, offer snorkeling or scuba diving experiences that allow visitors to get up close to these beautiful creatures.
Over 100 islands have already disappeared thanks to rising sea levels and erosion. This continues to be a huge problem in the Maldives – so don't be surprised if you see seawalls running around islands or pumps pulling back sand to the beaches.
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