Joanna James
As one of the world's most popular beach travel hotspots, most travellers believe they know all there is to know about the Maldives. While its stunning beaches and luxury overwater villas are globally renowned, here are 9 useful facts every tourist should know before heading to paradise.
Although most visitors will be aware that the Maldives is an archipelago made up of numerous coral islands, few expect the number to be well over 1000. The island nation is in fact home to an impressive 1200 islands, most of which are uninhabited and converted to resort isles.
Dubbed a year-round beach holiday hub in most travel brochures and online travelogues, it is prudent to avoid the wet season when planning a getaway in the Maldives. This is due to the fact that the months between May and October are not suitable for water sports activities or outbound excursions. The peak travel season from December to March is the best period to head down to the paradise islands.
Ranked among the world's top diving and snorkelling destinations, Maldivian coral reefs are teeming with marine species all year round. Although HP Reef, Banana Reef and Manta Point are among the archipelago's top dive sites, nearly every house reef encircling each island is known to contain exquisite soft corals and vibrant fish species.
Male, the country's capital is a dynamic cultural epicentre that most tourists skip in favour of its isolated resort islands and far-flung atolls. Home to iconic landmarks such as the Grand Friday Mosque, Sultan Park, Republic Square and several presidential palaces, a tour of Male should be a part of every visitor's holiday itinerary.
Couples and honeymooners exploring the Maldivian capital should be mindful of the fact that public displays of affection are frowned upon by local residents. Although there's nothing preventing visitors from behaving amorously within the privacy of their beach villa or resort, it is crucial to adopt a more conservative attitude when sightseeing in Male.
As a staunch Islamic nation, travellers should be mindful of what they are not allowed to bring into the country as this not only includes alcoholic beverages but also products containing pork and tobacco. Alcohol is also difficult to find and is only served in licensed bars around the country. If tourists are in possession of alcoholic products brought from the Duty-Free outlets, these items will be detained until their departure date by local customs officials.
Water-bound adventures in the Maldives are not simply limited to underwater exploration activities such as snorkelling and diving as the country is also a surfing hotspot in South Asia. Travellers who are unable to swim, however, can sign up for banana boating tours around the coastline or even engage in a sea walk or a submarine ride to get a sense of the country's coral heritage even if these excursions rarely feature on most Maldives Things To Do lists.
Milaidhoo Island Maldives and other resort islands in the Maldives offer guests a wide variety of accommodation options that are not just limited to overwater villas. Deluxe suites, beach houses, beach villas and garden villas are equally breathtaking base alternatives for visitors.
Products made from coral, sea shells and tortoise shells are prohibited in the Maldives and tourists who have banned items in their luggage will face heavy penalties even if they were unaware of the gravity of the offence.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
