When to Go to Maldives
Anyone in search of sunshine - and that includes 99.9% of visitors
to the Maldives - is in luck. However, there are times of year that
are sunnier than others.
High season runs from December to April, neatly capturing the Christmas
and New Year markets. Expect resort rates to rise accordingly.
Rain and cloudy skies are more likely between May and November.
However, August often sees higher prices as Italians flock here
during their traditional vacation month.
For divers, visibility is better on the western side of an atoll
from May to November, and on the eastern side for the remaining
five months.
And the surf's up between March and October.
Year-round, the thermometer hovers at about 30°C.
Getting There
There are regular flights between the Maldives and Colombo (Sri
Lanka), Thrivandrum (Southwest India), Dubai (United Arab Emirates),
Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), as well as numerous charter
flights from many major Asian and European cities.
The international airport is on Hulule Island, two kilometres from
the capital, Malé. Scheduled boat transfers (journey time
15 minutes) run between the airport and Malé.
With its picture-postcard backdrops, it should come as no surprise
that the Maldives is a popular stopover for many cruise ships, despite
the fact that cruising permits are expensive.
The airport on Gan, which was originally built by the British Royal
Air Force, has acquired the tag "international". So far
there are no international passenger flights. Condor Airlines of
Germany will supposedly start flying there in November 2007, but
for now the only way into the Maldives is through Malé Airport.
Getting Around
Island Aviation Services operates domestic flights between Malé
and the islands of Kaadedhdhoo, Kadhdhoo, Gan and Hanimaadhoo. A
number of companies (notably Maldivian Air Taxi and Trans Maldivian
Airways) operate seaplanes and/or helicopter services around the
Maldives to reach those destinations not covered by Island Aviation
Services.
To explore closer to home, walking is often best as most islands
can be crossed on foot in half an hour. Malé is the exception,
with taxis readily available, and bicycles are a good option on
Addu Atoll, where several islands are linked by a causeway.
Island Hopping
Not a problem, as local charter boats known as dhonis (traditional
all-purpose vessels powered by a diesel engine) can be hired with
ease from the ferry counter at each resort and can take visitors
to island communities close to resort islands.
To travel to the outer islands which are beyond the tourist zone,
an Inter-Atoll Travel Permit is required; permits can only be issued
to those visitors who are sponsored by a resident of the island
they wish to visit.
Transfers to Resorts
It's straight from the plane onto the boat (or seaplane/helicopter)
for most passengers; dhonis from most of the island resorts meet
each arriving plane to take guests to their hotel and handle all
onward transport arrangements, provided that an advance hotel booking
has been made.
If it has not, head for the ferry counter near the jetty area at
the airport where speedboats are available for hire to take visitors
to Ari Atoll and other outlying islands.
Money Matters
The Maldivian currency is the Rufiya, which is divided into 100
Larees. The Rufiya is pegged at 12.8 to the US dollar.
There are no restrictions on changing any currency into Rufiya but
Rufiya may be spent only in Malé, where traders are perfectly
happy in any case to accept US dollars.
Hotel and travel expenses are billed in US dollars. This is the
preferred currency for the resorts although they also accept credit
cards and cash or travellers cheques in all major currencies - but
not Rufiya.
ATMs are still relatively rare in the Maldives and there are none
outside Malé. The best place to look for them is outside
the major banks on Boduthakurufaanu Magu. Cash advances on credit
cards can also be obtained over the counter at Male airport.
Holidays and Festivals
- January 1 New Year's Day
- January* Islamic New Year
- March* Mawlid al-Nabi (Birth of the Prophet)
- April* The Day the Maldives Embraced Islam
- April 27 National Day
- July 26-27 Independence Day
- September* Ramadan begins
- October* Eid al-Fitr (Ramadan ends)
- November 3 Victory Day
- November 11 Republic Day
- December* Hajj Day
- December* Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice)
*Dates of these Muslim festivals vary from year to year as they
depend on local sightings of various phases of the moon.
Maldivians are very proud of their country and deck homes and streets
with red-and-green national flags on almost every holiday. Festivals
are definitely for the whole family and men, women and children
share in the food preparation, decoration and - a vital component
of every Maldivian festival - the parade.
Celebrations are a blend of traditional and modern elements, so
Bandiya Jehun (the traditional beating of metallic water pots to
the tune of an accompanying song) or the reciting of Raivaru, a
form of poetry sung in a slow, even tune, may easily be followed
by a modern jazz number.
During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims
fast during the day and feast at night, so normal business patterns
may be interrupted. Many restaurants are closed during the day.
Some disruption may continue into Eid al-Fitr itself, although this
is generally unlikely to affect life on the resort islands. Eid
al-Fitr may last anything from two to ten days, depending on the
region.
Important Facts (visas, voltage) and Phone Numbers
A passport and return ticket are the only items really required
to qualify for entry into the Maldives. A no-cost 30-day visa is
issued on arrival. This can be extended up to 90 days when backed
by proof of sufficient funds for that heavenly resort stay, or by
a letter from a sponsor.
Alcohol may not be imported, and is not found anywhere outside the
resorts. Naturally, drugs, pornography and similar items are strictly
prohibited.
The export of tortoises and turtles, products made of turtle shells
or black coral in whole form is prohibited.
The International Code is 960. There are no area codes in the Maldives.
Emergency Numbers:
- Police: 119
- Fire: 118
- Ambulance: 102
- ADK Hospital 313553
- Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital 336658
Electricity
- voltage is 230 Volts, AC is 50 Hz and the outlets are the large
version of the British three-pin BS-546 plugs.
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