Maldives: Inside Travel Guide & Tips
The Maldives has been considered as one of the most famous romantic getaways with nearly 1190 coral and volcanic islands sprawled across the Indian Ocean. The tourists can really enjoy the charm of the Maldives as all credit goes to its crystal clear waters beneath which lurk the shoal of sharks, rays, and fishes, for a plethora of activities, and the warmth of the sun. Check out some of the inside travel tips of Maldives to have a comfortable, safe, and happy vacation. Of course, you will receive a great experience if you will follow these travel tips.
Table of Contents
Visa (Who Need, Price)
All the tourists can get a tourist visa on arrival to the Maldives no matter what nationality you belong to. As a tourist, if you are traveling to the Maldives, you do not need pre-approval for the visa. But, the person should fulfill the basic entry requirements to receive immigration clearance on arrival.
One should have a travel document or passport with MRZ that is valid for 6 months, completed disembarkation card, yellow fever vaccination certificate, confirmed return or onward tickets, and a pre-paid accommodation/hotel booking. Visa on arrival is granted to tourists just for 30 days in the Maldives.
Is Maldives Safe to Visit?
The Maldives is very safe to visit but you should maintain safety regarding health. Fortunately, Maldives has an interesting record for an isolated island country. Most of the resorts have an on-site trained nurse or doctor to control the general medical issues of the patients.
Also, regional hospitals and health clinics are available on all major atolls. However, the nation has a risk of the Zika virus which you should be taken care of. Therefore, couples trying to have a child or pregnant woman should avoid traveling to the archipelago as this life-threatening virus can cause some pregnancy complications and congenital disabilities.
Local Currency & Money
USD is broadly accepted almost everywhere in the Maldives even though Maldivian Rufiyaa is the national currency used here. Besides the local islands, almost every shop has items labeled in USD. Even though credit cards are used broadly comprising the resorts, but cash should also be kept as you might need to buy ends and odds. However, it is also complicated to look for an ATM in the vicinity of Maldivian islands hence keeping cash is essential.
Best Places to Visit in Sri Lanka
Banana Reef
Banana Reef is famous for being one of the great diving sites in the world that is situated in North Male – Atoll. It is added to the list of top Maldives points of interest. In fact, it was the foremost diving spot in the Maldives to obtain recognition for training and licensed diving. This place is in banana shape and the reef is choc-a-block with amazing cliffs, exuberant marine life, caves, overhangs, and fantastic corals. All credit goes to the myriad adventure activities.
Male Atoll
The North Male Atoll is the biggest city situated on the southern edge of Kaafu Atoll and it is the well-known place among the best destinations to visit in the Maldives. It comes in the list of the top Maldives tourism places. Being the abode of the Royal Dynasties, it is used to be called Mahal and is now popular as the Kings Island. The great thing about this place is its consistently moderate temperature all year-round. Male Fish Market, the Grand Friday Mosque, snorkeling, Scuba diving, Tsunami Monument, etc. are the major attractions of this tourist destination.
Artificial Beach
This beach is located in North Mal – Atoll and its name itself suggests that it is artificial. Among the ultimate places to visit in the Maldives, it is the favorite haunt of the swimming enthusiasts. Artificial Beach has several restrictions as per the local law and it is an open area. The beach also throws peaceful walks, several carnivals, water sports which is why it becomes the best place to visit in the Maldives for youngsters. The evenings here become attractive as music troupe gathers to perform and enjoy.
Fihalhohi Island
Fihalhohi Island is the place located at the South Kaafu and it is one of the most gorgeous and attractive places in the Maldives to enjoy. This place is beautifully surrounded by clear waters, pristine beaches, and coconut palm trees. If you are looking for a romantic getaway, then you should visit this place.
Baros Island
Baros Island is a perfect destination that will form the crowd at bay. It is mostly known for its sun-kissed beaches, luxurious boutique resort, and natural elegance. It becomes a space for an ideal vacation for honeymooners with a few bars and restaurants in the precinct of the villas.
Things to do in the Maldives
As the Maldives is an impressive place, there are various activities that you can undertake includes snorkeling and diving, a private picnic on a sandbank, dance along the Boduberu, underwater spa date, the Piano Deck at Baros, experiencing the local culture, traditional dhoni sunset cruise, and more. The above point has shown the attractions of the Maldives that every tourist enjoys.
- Get a romantic massage
- Enjoy diving and snorkeling
- See the deep ocean
- Explore the beautiful islands
- Experience underwater dining
- Have a romance in a private boat
- Get a cruise ride
- Swim with the gentle giants of the Indian Ocean
- Try underwater treasure hunting
Best Time to Visit Maldives
If you are thinking to go to the Maldives, you must know about the ideal climate during which you can have a memorable trip. The good time to visit distinct Islands in the Maldives is usually in the month of December. People also like to enjoy vacations in the Maldives during this month. The rush for tourist people goes on till the month of March. You will find this place beautiful and comfortable with perfect weather with an average temperature of 32 degrees Celcius.
How to Reach Maldives (International airport)?
If you are intending to travel to the Maldives by flight, it is better to choose domestic or regional flights from Middle East Asia as these are cost-effective options. Choose the option of flight to Male and then use a speedboat for Maldives transportation between islands to get to the specific islands. It is quite an affordable option. A round trip seaplane ride option is also there but it can be expensive and unforgettable too. Maldivian domestic flight can also be chosen for the transfer. There is no scheduled time for seaplane transfer hence flights can get delayed. You can even travel to the Maldives via bus, train, or car as per your requirement.
Getting Inside the Country
If you want to enter the nation, you can issue a 30-day free visa on arrival that is granted to all nationalities. A pre-arrival visa is not needed. One should have a valid ticket to carry the journey out of Maldives. Also, a valid passport with Machine Readable Zone is necessary to get an entry into the country. If you have these things, your entry into the Maldives is very easy. Do not forget to hold enough funds while you get there. Get around the country by using vehicles such as ferry, bicycle, seaplane, speedboat, car, train, bus, and motorcycle.
What to Shop
Almost everyone likes to have shopping no matter what is the place. In the Maldives, you can shop a variety of items such as Maldivian Sarongs, Thundu Kunaa, Dhonis, Lacquer work, fish products, jewelry, coconut products, artwork, cosmetics, and many more. You will surely enjoy shopping in this place at a reasonable cost.
What to Eat
If you are a foodie, why don’t you try different delicious foods in the Maldives? It has a lot of dishes to offer including Garudhiya, Mas Huni, Fried Yams, Masroshi, Reef Fish Cutlets, Bis Keemiya, Banana Flower Salad, Maldivian Live Lobster, Gulha, Saagu Bondibai, and so on. You will really like these tasty dishes with no doubt.
Where to Stay
You must think about the stay facilities if you are planning to visit the Maldives. A number of hotels are available in this place ranging from less expensive hotels on the local islands to the best luxury hotels and five-star resorts. It just depends on the average cost of a Maldives vacation. You should check out the pool, restaurants, bar, and kid-friendliness before you plan to stay in the Maldives.
