Joanna James
Ranked among the world's top beach holiday destinations, the Maldivian archipelago is on everyone's travel bucket list. Whether one is heading to the paradise isles for a long or a brief getaway, here are seven facts all first-timers should know.
Although the Maldives is referred to in a single name, the country is made up of 1200 tiny islands, which in turn, have been divided into 26 atolls. A vast majority of the islands in the Maldives are uninhabited and has not been touched by human development efforts and are thus in pristine condition. All international flights bound for the Maldives will land at the Velana International Airport in Male.
There's a reason why most holidaymakers hailing from the west combine a getaway in the Maldives with a stopover in neighbouring Sri Lanka. The island, which is known as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, is only an hour's flight away from the Maldives and tourists prefer to tick both destinations off their list during a trip to Southeast Asia due to this proximity. It is also less expensive to fly to the Maldives from Sri Lanka and vice versa.
Tourists may be surprised to find that those hailing from most countries will be allowed into the country without a pre-arrival visa stamp on their passports. Visa-upon-arrival will be granted for a period of thirty days for those whose passports do not expire in the next six months. Travellers will have to present proof of their impending departure by producing an air ticket with a return date. This does not apply to all travellers so checking with your Maldivian consulate website is crucial.
As an Islamic nation with strict rules pertaining to the selling and consumption of alcohol, it is illegal to carry liquor into the country. This means tourists should not pack alcoholic beverages for their trip nor purchase liquor at various airports along the way to enjoy in the Maldives. Only resort bars and restaurants at Grand Park Kodhipparu and other similar properties are allowed to serve alcohol, which is usually limited to wine and cocktails. If you happen to have any alcohol in your luggage, you will be asked to leave them with the airport's customs authorities until your departure.
Don't let the travel brochures featuring bikini-clad vacationers mislead you into slotting the Maldives in with island nations such as the Caribbean or even Sri Lanka. Islamic laws are quite strict in the country and visitors will find that public displays of affection, consumption of alcohol and smoking are all banned. Restrict bathing suits to the confines of your Maldives villas and do not venture out in Male without a conservative dress code or a shawl to cover up when necessary.
Avoid the monsoon season in the Maldives from April to October by visiting the country during the sunniest time of the year, which falls between December and March.
"Island Time" is a concept that applies to the Maldives in that most resorts and hotels will operate according to their own schedules in order to make the most of the sunny hours of the day.
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A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
