Joanna James
It could be all fun and parties in the Maldives if you know exactly what to do, what not to do and what to expect and what not to expect – there are a few things you need to get straight before visiting.
The country that has a 100 per cent Islamic population apart from Saudi Arabia is the Maldives. The bathing suits aren't allowed, and alcohol is strictly limited to resort islands. Also, no revealing clothes or public display of affection. This may look like a lot to take in, but when in Rome...
You can't expect the same thing or the best resorts in Maldives on every resort island. Some islands are lined with palm trees and while others are known for their marine life. So, when you take your pick, know what you really want to do on your holiday.
The Maldives is an archipelago comprised of a lot of other islands. Out of these islands, only 200 islands are peopled, and the other islands are used for agricultural projects and few of them are home to exclusive resorts the likes of Naladhu Private Island Maldives.
You are lucky if your hotel sends you a vehicle to pick you up from the airport – but in most cases, this isn't true. So, be prepared to spend long hours travelling between islands. Also, the in flights are likely to be more expensive than your flight ticket to the Maldives. If your resort island is not too far from the airport, you can opt for a speed boat which costs a lot less.
The Maldives is one of the few regions in the world that boasts the presence of bio-luminescence at night. If you don't know what this is – it is the phenomenon where the water glows at night. If you are lucky, you might witness this, but there's no certainty as to when you can see it. But the odds are good if you travel to the Maldives between June and October.
A dreadful thought...due to natural erosion, the sea level has begun to rise which has sunk about 100 Maldives islands already. It is said that by the end of this century, the islands that are just five feet above sea level will completely be sunken into the ocean.
The chances are that you will stay in the same hotel eating only three meals a day. Also, as the food options are limited, a meal might cost approximately 50USD. More often than not, you will have to settle for just rice and fish unless you are lodged in a luxury hotel or resort. You won't go hungry, that's for sure, but prepare yourself to be okay with the same type of dish for every meal.
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