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Introduction
The Republic of Maldives is a chain of small coral islands extending 750 km across the Indian Ocean. The Maldives archipelago covers an area of 90,000 sq km; its length and width expand to 820 km and 130 km, respectively. The entire chain spreads across the equator.
Geographically, the Maldives is located in a strategic area with access to major international sea routes in the Indian Ocean. It is composed of around 1,192 islands divided into 19 atolls; however, they are officially grouped into 20 for administrative purposes. Most of its islands are uninhabited; residents live only in about 200 islands. The average height of the islands rarely reaches above 2 meters. The islands are surrounded by shallow, pellucid lagoons enclosed by coral reefs.
Islands in the Maldives can either be inhabited or uninhabited. Inhabited islands are those officially recognized as towns, villages, or fishing and farming communities. On the other hand, uninhabited islands are those with no permanently established human habitations, but may be employed for agricultural and industrial purposes. These islands are of particular interest, as they have recently been used as tourist resorts and picnic locations. Some uninhabited islands are also valuable breeding grounds of various species of sea turtles and sea birds.
The Maldives is one of the world’s most geographically dispersed countries. It is also the smallest country in Asia by both land area and population, as it houses only around 428,000 inhabitants. Malé is its capital and the most populated city.
Maldives Quick Facts:
Languages: Dhivehi, but English is widely spoken as well
Currency: Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR), though credit cards and dollars will be widely accepted. Banks and ATMs are scattered in Malé and some local islands
Time zone: GMT + 5 hours
Dialing code: +960
Religions: Primarily Islam
Industries: Tourism, fishing, agriculture, transportation, construction
Travel Codes Maldives assists you with every small detail, helping you to find the best holiday package for your vacation. There are various holiday options available in the Maldives. From budget to luxurious, we at Travel Codes Maldives provide the most affordable packages for you to make your dream holiday experience come true. Travel Codes Maldives would also be able to customize your holiday package based on your needs and budget.
When to go: We would say the ideal time frame to go to the Maldives is from December to February, because then the islands have low humidity, blue skies, and only occasional rain. Temperatures peak from March to April, and prices drop down from there as well. The cheapest time to go starts in May and lasts until November.
What to pack: The temperature rarely drops below 25 °C, so it’s good to pack plenty of lightweight clothing. The Maldives is a Muslim country, so dress respectfully when in public places such as Malé. At the resort islands, however, you are free to wear beach clothes.
Plug sockets: Electricity supply in the Maldives is typically 220 V to 240 V, 50 Hz AC. The standard socket is the UK style three-pin, so bringing a universal adapter is wise in case of device variations.
Transportation: Transportation to and from islands may be by speedboat, domestic flight, or sea plane, depending on where you intend to stay.
Local Island Holidays
The Maldives is a paradise for those who want to enjoy. This is a wonderful place to immerse oneself in the beauty of nature. Still, some people believe that the Maldives is only for the rich and middle-class travelers, but this is simply incorrect. Changes in government laws in 2008 paved the way for Maldivians to establish tourism-based businesses on the local islands. This, in turn, began the high-quality yet budget-friendly tourism industry in the Maldives.
Each of the inhabited islands is home to a range of 500 to 2,000 residents. Though there are about 200 of these inhabited islands, tourism was developed only in a few of them.
The South Ari Atoll is an area west of Malé which is one of the best spots for watching manta rays. Most of its active days are in May to September, though it is still possible to watch manta rays on other times. One of the other islands of interest, Hangnaameedhoo, has developed resorts and other local attractions specifically for tourists.
Cost of Living: The cost of living is reasonable compared to resort islands and accommodations of top quality in other countries. Rooms generally have installed Wi-Fi, attached toilets, air conditioning, and many other important tourist amenities.
Food: Local food is tasty and available for affordable prices. Many kinds of authentic Maldivian cuisine may be purchased from the local islands.
Shopping: Gifts and souvenirs like shirts for family and friends are available in abundance from local stores in the islands.
Traditions: Not only is the Maldives great for lying on a beach and basking under the sun, but it is also wonderful for experiencing culture and traditions. Since the Maldives is a Muslim country, bikinis and other revealing forms of clothing are generally frowned upon in public places. However, bikini areas for tourists do exist, and trip organizers may take you on excursions to deserted islands for which there is no dress code.
Excursions: Excursions are based on the package you bought, but are also available upon request. Activities include island hopping, sandbank tripping, snorkeling, manta watching, and many more. These activities are much more affordable compared to those organized by private resorts.
Transportation: Transportation to and from islands may be by speedboat, domestic flight, or sea plane, depending on where you intend to stay.
City- Break Holidays
Malé is the capital of Maldives. Its area is approximately 2 sq km, with about 150,000 inhabitants. The costs of food, products, and accommodations are a bit higher compared to the local islands, but these are the best versions of those resources in the country. A variety of facilities, such as restaurants, banks, and hospitals, is situated in the city.
Most favored spots for tourists include the oldest mosque in the country, Hukuru Miskiiy, or the newer and shinier Grand Friday Mosque. Meanwhile, the National Museum and various busy and noisy fish markets are where you can purchase essentials and find souvenirs. You can also try some local treats at the numerous teashops scattered around. Various excursion activities, such as snorkeling and diving, are also available to be set from the capital city.
Resort Island Holidays
In the Maldives, a couple of islands have been made to serve as resorts; one island is one resort. These resort islands are typically smaller than local islands, and are generally set with bungalows equipped with modern amenities. With hotels having about 40 rooms and guest houses from 3 to 12, these resort bungalows combined have rooms that reach up to 100 in number.
Privacy: One main reason why tourist enjoy resort islands is privacy. Local islands cannot offer this to the full, but resort islands most definitely can. Privacy is especially important for young couples. Your own bungalow is a great place to escape the quick and busy activities of everyday life, and enjoy some serenity and peace of mind. It doesn’t hurt that the islands are generally far from the local islands too, creating that unique reclusiveness from the rest of the world.
Bars and entertainment: In the local islands, there are no special places for great entertainment events. Concerts are not common there due to religion policy. The adoption of certain laws is influenced by religion. There are also no clubs and discos on the local islands. But, none of this applies to the resort islands, where the nightlife is active! There are bars, KTVs, restaurants, outdoor discos, and other several entertainment programs. At night, you get the chance to chill out with a glass of wine (though other kinds of drinks are also available) and groove to modern music.
We should note, however, that alcohol availability becomes a crucial factor for some tourists when choosing islands. Local islands generally prohibit alcohol, but this does not apply to resort islands.
Price: The prices you pay for holidays on resort islands are perfectly reasonable. After all, these islands are owned by people who will create the best atmosphere, so tourists may be satisfied and want to return again. Simply put, you get what you pay for.
Beach: With well-maintained beach without any sharp dead corals, full of green foliage, clean and organized surrounding; resorts are the best places for relaxation. It needs much attention and detail, hence requires ample amount of budget for maintenance, but you get what you paid for.
Excursions: Like in local islands, excursions are based on the package you bought, but are also available upon request. Activities include island hopping, sandbank tripping, snorkeling, manta watching, and many more. These activities are much more affordable compared to those organized by private resorts.
Transportation: Transportation to and from islands may be by speedboat, domestic flight, or sea plane, depending on where you intend to stay.