Maldives

Things to do - general

The Maldives is a geological marvel consisting of 1,190 coral islands that form an archipelago of 26 major atolls stretching like a string of pearls across the Indian Ocean. The top of the chain of islands lies to the south west of India. The atolls stretch southwardsfrom there and past the western side of Sri Lanka, ending just over the other side of the equator in the Southern Hemisphere. Each atoll is blessed with incredible biodiversity including an abundance of exotic corals and a rainbow spectrum of marine life.

Discover the sunshine, white sand and crystal-clear waters of a thousand ‘Robinson Crusoe’ islands with tranquil lagoons of infinite shades of blue; the ultimate combination for the ideal tropical holiday destination. Nonetheless, there is plenty more to the Maldives than just that, visit the Maldives and discover the beauty of the destination for yourself!

Key Facts

Location: Southwest of Sri Lanka, straddling the equator. Latitudes 4 degrees 17 north and longitudes 73 degrees 50 east.

Geography: 1,190 coral islands forming an archipelago of 26 major atolls. Stretches 820 kilometres from north to south and 120 kilometres from east to west. 202 islands are inhabited, 107 are private resort islands.

Climate: Generally warm and humid with year-round sunshine. Average temperature is around 29 – 32 degrees Celsius, rarely colder than 25 degrees Celcius.

What to wear: Dress is generally casual. T-shirts and cotton clothing are most suitable. In Male’, the capital island, and other inhabited islands it is recommended that women respect local customs and wear modest clothing.

Population: Approx. 338,434 according to 2014 Census.

Language: Dhivehi is the local language spoken in all parts of the Maldives. English is widely spoken by Maldivians and visitors can easily make themselves understood in the capital city. In the resorts, a variety of languages are spoken by the staff including English, Chinese, German, French, Italian and Japanese.

Economy: The Maldives’ economy has been growing at an annual average of 10% for the past two decades. Tourism is the main industry, contributing close to 20% of the GDP. Fisheries and trade follow close behind, with tuna being the biggest export.

Currency: The Maldivian currency is the Rufiyaa although US Dollars can also be used in the capital city. The exchange rate for the US Dollar is fixed at MRf.15.42. There are ATMs at the airport and in Male’. Resorts generally accept most currencies and credit cards. Commonly used credit cards are American Express, Visa, Master Card, Diners Club, JCB and Euro Card.

Education: The functional literacy rate is 98%. Educational standards are among the highest in the region and schools follow the British system of education.

Local Time:  GMT + 5 hours (DST) /GMT + 4 hours (BST)

Business Hours: From Sundays to Thursdays 0800hrs to 1500hrs in the government sector and generally from 0900hrs to 1700hrs in the private sector. Additionally, most offices in the private sector are open for half days on Saturdays. The weekend falls on Fridays and Saturdays.

Communication: Up-to-date technology and international satellite links allow the Maldives to have sophisticated communications systems. IDD facilities are available on all resorts and card phones are available on all inhabited islands. Dhiraagu and Ooredoo; the telecommunications companies in the Maldives, also provide mobile phones for daily rental and WiFi/Dialup internet services. Local SIM cards can be purchased at the airport if required.

Health: No travel vaccinations are required for the Maldives. Visitors may wish to take precautions against mosquitos (which can bite day and night) by wearing insect repellent, although resorts regularly take measures to control them. Snorkellers and divers are recommended not to touch the marine life to avoid accidental bites or stings. Health care facilities are improving almost on a daily basis. The Indhira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) in Male’ is the biggest hospital in the country. ADK Hospital, also in Male’, is the biggest private health care facility. Some resorts have in-house doctors. There are decompression chambers located at resorts in case of diving emergencies.

Country Maldives
Visa requirements

All travelers are required to go through immigration clearance upon arrival.

Inbound passenger must satisfy the following basic entry requirements before they can be considered for entry into Republic of Maldives:
• A passport or Travel Document with Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) with at least 6 months validity
• A Pre-Paid hotel booking/accommodation
• Sufficient funds to last for the intended period of stay in Maldives
• Confirmed onward/return tickets to home country or a country of Resident (not applicable for valid Resident permit holders)
• Entry facilities to their onward destinations, e.g. visas.
• Completed Disembarkation/Embarkation Card approved by Maldives Immigration
• Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate, if applicable
Tourist visa is granted for all nationalities, on arrival to Maldives. This means, no prior visa is required to arrive to Maldives as a Tourist.

The maximum number of days granted on arrival would be 30 days unless agreed by any bilateral means or Treaty. The thirty days is not for the passenger to claim, but lies at the discretion of the Immigration to grant any number of days less than or equal to 30

The period of stay granted is shown on the endorsement given on the passport. Passengers are advised to check their passports for the arrival endorsement and take note of the number of days stay given.

All Passengers Entitle on Tourist visa are not permitted to engage in any form of business, occupation, profession or paid employment while in Maldives.

Categories like Social visitors, friends ,family visitors or media and business visitors, who are not considered as genuine Tourist are highly advice to acquire a Sponsorship prior to their arrivals (if applicable), in order to facilitate the flow of passage.

Languages spokenDhivehi
Currency usedMaldivian Rufiyaa
Area (km2)Male' City

Culture and history info

Historically, the Maldives was an important crossroad in the Indian Ocean, hence Maldivian culture is a melting pot of various influences gathered from visitors who set foot there over the centuries. Influences of India, Sri Lanka, Arabia, Persia, Indonesia, Malaysia and Africa are evident in the unique culture of the Maldives. Maldivians have assimilated these influences over the years and created their own cultural identity like no other.

A proud history and rich culture evolved from the first settlers in the Maldives, who were seafarers from various parts of the world, traversing the oceans in ancient times. Since people from different parts of the world settled in the Maldives over the centuries, you can still spot some of the traditions they brought with them in Maldivian culture. Some of the traditional drumming and dancing (known as ‘boduberu’) shows African influences, with rhythmic beating of drums and some songs in a language resembling that of East African countries.

As one would expect, there is a great South Asian influence in some of the music and dancing and particularly in the traditional food of the Maldives. This includes spicy curries using coconut milk and fish as the main staples and ‘roshi’ (a thin flatbread) as a popular accompaniment. Those who aren’t fans of curries will also find a range of world cuisine available including pasta, burgers, noodles and other home comforts. The resorts boast a wide variety of international cuisine, much of which is serious competition for the world’s top restaurants. Fresh ingredients are flown in daily or grown on the islands.

However, some of the South Asian customs especially with regard to women such as the Sub Continent’s tradition of secluding women from public view are not tenets of life here. In fact, women play a major role in society - not surprising considering the fact many Maldivian men spend the whole day out at sea fishing. Many of the country’s traditions are strongly related to the sea and the fact that life is dependent on the sea around us.

Traditional handicrafts include matt-weaving and beautiful lacquer-work, usually painted in black, red and yellow. Although these traditions are less commonplace today, there are still some talented craftsmen and women who make these (matts are weaved exclusively by women). They can be found in souvenir shops at resorts and in Male’ and make a wonderful souvenir of your holiday in the Maldives.

Adaaran Prestige Vadoo

Adaaran Prestige Vadoo

Maldives
Adaaran Prestige Vadoo offers water villas with a private spa , plunge pool and a glass-bottomed bat More info
Adaaran Select Hudhuran Fushi

Adaaran Select Hudhuran Fushi

Maldives
Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi offers a holiday experience filled with sun and sea on Maldive’s More info
Adaaran Select Meedhupparu

Adaaran Select Meedhupparu

Maldives
Situated in the Maldives’ Ra Atoll, Adaaran Select Meedhupparu features spacious bungalows with view More info
Airport Beach Hotel, Hulhumale

Airport Beach Hotel, Hulhumale

Maldives
Airport Beach Hotel is located in Hulhumale just 4 km away from Male International Airport. This bea More info
Amaya Kuda Rah

Amaya Kuda Rah

Maldives
Amaya Resort Kuda Rah is a beachfront property located in South Ari Atoll. The property offers spaci More info
Ariston Dhangethi Inn

Ariston Dhangethi Inn

Maldives
Situated in close proximity to diving hot spots, Ariston Dhangethi Inn operates a 24-hour front end More info
Atmosphere Kanifushi

Atmosphere Kanifushi

Maldives
Located in the stunning and sparsely-populated Lhaviyani Atoll, Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives featur More info
Baivaru Guest House - G.A. Dhaandhoo

Baivaru Guest House - G.A. Dhaandhoo

Maldives
Baivaru Guesthouse Services provides free WiFi and rooms with air conditioning in Gaafu Alifu Atoll. More info
Bandos Maldives

Bandos Maldives

Maldives
Bandos resort is a private island located 8 Km away from Male. Bandos Maldives features spacious roo More info
Beachwood Hotel & Spa, Maafushi

Beachwood Hotel & Spa, Maafushi

Maldives
Situated in the heart of Maafushi Island, Beachwood Hotel and Spa at Maafushi offers comfortable isl More info
Cocoon Maldives

Cocoon Maldives

Maldives
  Offering an outdoor pool, year-round outdoor pool and barbecue, Cocoon Maldives is located on More info
Crystal Sands, Maafushi

Crystal Sands, Maafushi

Maldives
Crystal Sands provides modern yet cosy rooms with free WiFi on Maafushi Island. Featuring its own re More info
Dhigali Maldives

Dhigali Maldives

Maldives
Dhigali Maldives is surrounded by a large house-reef, beyond the lagoon and is a 45-minute ride by s More info
Dhigurah Retreat Beach, A.Dh. Dhigurah

Dhigurah Retreat Beach, A.Dh. Dhigurah

Maldives
Set in Dhigurah, Dhigurah Retreat Beach offers 3-star accommodation with a garden and a shared loung More info
Dream Inn, Thulusdhoo

Dream Inn, Thulusdhoo

Maldives
Dream Inn @ Thulusdhoo is set just 200 m away from the white sandy beach. It houses a restaurant and More info
Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa

Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa

Maldives
The 5 star deluxe Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa- Platinum All Inclusive is located on the island More info
Equator Village

Equator Village

Maldives
Offering an outdoor swimming pool and a private beach area, Equator Village is located in Gan. Free More info
Fun Island Resort & Spa

Fun Island Resort & Spa

Maldives
Fun Island Resort is located in South Male Atoll, a 45-minute speedboat ride from Malé International More info
Fushifaru Maldives

Fushifaru Maldives

Maldives
Located on the eastern fringe of Lhaviyani Atoll, a 35 minute scenic Seaplane ride away, this little More info
Heritance Aarah

Heritance Aarah

Maldives
Heritance Aarah – Premium All Inclusive features accommodation in Raa Atoll. This 5-star resor More info
Holiday Village Retreat, AA. Bodufulhadhoo

Holiday Village Retreat, AA. Bodufulhadhoo

Maldives
Facing the beachfront, Holiday Village Retreat offers 3-star accommodation in Bodufolhudhoo and has More info
Hondaafushi island resort

Hondaafushi island resort

Maldives
Hondaafushi Island Resort is located in Vaikaradhoo and has an outdoor swimming pool and a fitness c More info
Hotel Jen - Male City

Hotel Jen - Male City

Maldives
oasting a rooftop infinity pool overlooking the Indian Ocean, Hotel Jen Malé Maldives by Shangri-La, More info
Hotel Muraka K.Gulhi

Hotel Muraka K.Gulhi

Maldives
When you stay at Hotel Muraka in Gulhi, you’ll be near the beach and steps from Gulhi Beach. F More info
Hurawalhi Island Resort

Hurawalhi Island Resort

Maldives
Hurawalhi Island Resort offers accommodation in Hurawalhi. The resort has an outdoor pool and spa ce More info
Innahura Maldives Resorts

Innahura Maldives Resorts

Maldives
Located in Lhaviyani Atoll, Innahura Maldives Resort has a private beach area, outdoor swimming pool More info
Kandolhu Maldives

Kandolhu Maldives

Maldives
Located in North Ari Atoll, in the Maldives, Kandolhu Maldives features 5 restaurants and free Wi-Fi More info
Kihaa Maldives

Kihaa Maldives

Maldives
Located on the coconut-shaped island in Baa Atoll, Kihaa Maldives is surrounded by lush green vegeta More info
Komandoo Island Resort & Spa

Komandoo Island Resort & Spa

Maldives
Offering a spa centre and a private beach area, Komandoo Island Resort & Spa is located in Koman More info
Kudadoo Maldives Private Island by Hurawalhi

Kudadoo Maldives Private Island by Hurawalhi

Maldives
Kudadoo Maldives Private Island – Luxury All inclusive by Hurawalhi is an exclusive resort comprisin More info
Kudafushi Resort & Spa

Kudafushi Resort & Spa

Maldives
Featuring free WiFi, three restaurants, two bars and a year-round outdoor swimming pool, Kudafushi R More info
Kuramathi Maldives

Kuramathi Maldives

Maldives
Set on a beautiful Maldivian island, Kuramathi Maldives offers luxurious private villas with a flat- More info
Kuredu Island Resort

Kuredu Island Resort

Maldives
Offering a private beach area and water sports facilities, Kuredu Island Resort & Spa is a beach More info
Kurumba Maldives

Kurumba Maldives

Maldives
On a tropical private island in North Male Atoll, Kurumba Maldives features beautiful white sand bea More info
Liyela Retreat Maldives, Maafushi

Liyela Retreat Maldives, Maafushi

Maldives
Inspired by Maldives’ cultural heritage and named after the intricate flowing patterns of Liye More info
Luxe Guraidhoo Retreat

Luxe Guraidhoo Retreat

Maldives
Luxe Guraidhoo Retreat is located in Guraidhoo and offers air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi. A More info
Maafushivaru Maldives

Maafushivaru Maldives

Maldives
Located on the southern tip of the Ari Atoll is Maafushivaru Maldives, which is surrounded by clear More info
Malahini Kuda Bandos

Malahini Kuda Bandos

Maldives
Offering a spa centre and a private beach area, Malahini Kuda Bandos Resort is located in Male City. More info
Meeru Island Resort & Spa

Meeru Island Resort & Spa

Maldives
Featuring free WiFi and an outdoor pool, Meeru Island Resort & Spa offers accommodation in Meeru More info
Milaidhoo Island

Milaidhoo Island

Maldives
Milaidhoo Island Maldives is a boutique luxury resort in the UNESCO biosphere reserve, close to Hani More info
Nika Island Resort & Spa

Nika Island Resort & Spa

Maldives
The beautiful 5-star Nika Island Resort & Spa, Maldives offers stand-alone beach or water villas More info
OBLU Select at Sangeli Maldives

OBLU Select at Sangeli Maldives

Maldives
Boasting an outdoor swimming pool, OBLU SELECT at Sangeli- All Inclusive is located in North Male At More info
Ocean Grand at Hulhumale

Ocean Grand at Hulhumale

Maldives
Located just a 10 minute drive away from Male International Airport, Hotel Ocean Grand offers cosy a More info
Olhuveli Beach & Spa

Olhuveli Beach & Spa

Maldives
At the tip of South Male Atoll, the luxurious Olhuveli Beach And Spa offers an island escape with 2 More info
Olive Goidhoo, Baa. Goidhoo

Olive Goidhoo, Baa. Goidhoo

Maldives
Featuring free WiFi and a barbecue, Olive Goidhoo offers accommodation in Baa atoll Goidhoo. The gue More info
Ozen By Atmosphere At Maadhoo

Ozen By Atmosphere At Maadhoo

Maldives
Offering a year-round outdoor pool and a private beach area, OZEN by Atmosphere at Maadhoo – A More info
Paradise Island Resort & Spa

Paradise Island Resort & Spa

Maldives
Paradise Island Resort & Spa offers private villas and bungalows on an idyllic island in the Ind More info
Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa

Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa

Maldives
Enjoy luxurious stays on an exclusive island at Park Hyatt Maldives, with 5-star villas located step More info
Samann Grand, Male

Samann Grand, Male

Maldives
Located in Male City, Samann Grand offers accommodation with private balconies. Among the facilities More info
Sea Retreats, thulusdhoo

Sea Retreats, thulusdhoo

Maldives
ocated in Thulusdhoo, Sea Retreats Thulusdhoo Hostel has free bikes and a shared lounge. Boasting a More info
Season Paradise, Thulusdhoo

Season Paradise, Thulusdhoo

Maldives
Located in Thulusdhoo, Season Paradise features a private beach area and outdoor swimming pool. Amon More info
Sevinex Inn, A.A. Feridhoo

Sevinex Inn, A.A. Feridhoo

Maldives
Offering a restaurant, Sevinex Inn is located in Feridhoo. Free WiFi access is available. Each ro More info
Shangri-Las Villingili Resort and Spa

Shangri-Las Villingili Resort and Spa

Maldives
Creating harmony with nature, Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa offers luxurious villas More info
Somerset Inn - Male

Somerset Inn - Male

Maldives
Featuring free in-room WiFi and a barbecue, Somerset Inn offers accommodation in Male City. Guests c More info
South Ari Inn, Alif Dhaalu Mandhoo

South Ari Inn, Alif Dhaalu Mandhoo

Maldives
South Ari Inn offers air-conditioned rooms in Mandhoo. Among the facilities of this property are a r More info
Summer Island Maldives

Summer Island Maldives

Maldives
Boasting a private beach area and a restaurant, Summer Island Maldives is located in North Male̵ More info
Sun Aqua Iru Veli

Sun Aqua Iru Veli

Maldives
Located in Dhaalu Atoll, Sun Aqua Iru Veli – Premium All Inclusive has a fitness centre, an in More info
Sun Aqua Vilu Reef

Sun Aqua Vilu Reef

Maldives
Sun Aqua Vilu reef offers a relaxing beachside experience with its spacious villas, an outdoor pool More info
Sun Island Resort & Spa

Sun Island Resort & Spa

Maldives
The luxurious Sun Island Resort & Spa features 9 dining options, an outdoor swimming pool and fr More info
The Somerset Hotel

The Somerset Hotel

Maldives
Somerset Hotel offers rooms in the centre of Male’ City and provides free transfers from Velan More info
The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives

The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi Maldives

Maldives
The Sun Siyam Iru Fushi is a 52-acre property set in the heart of Noonu Atoll. Featuring spacious be More info
Trtiton Beach Hotel, Maafushi

Trtiton Beach Hotel, Maafushi

Maldives
Offering a year-round outdoor pool and views of the sea, Triton Beach Hotel & Spa is located in More info
Velana Beach, Maafushi

Velana Beach, Maafushi

Maldives
Offering a barbecue, Velana Beach Maldives, a beachfront property is set in Maafushi, 26 km from Mal More info
Velana Blu, Maafushi

Velana Blu, Maafushi

Maldives
Featuring free bikes and a garden, Velana Blu Maldives is set in Maafushi. Boasting a 24-hour front More info
Velassaru Maldives

Velassaru Maldives

Maldives
Velassaru Maldives offers luxurious beachfront and over-water accommodation with uninterrupted ocean More info
Veligandu Island Resort & Spa

Veligandu Island Resort & Spa

Maldives
located in Rasdu, Veligandu Island Resort & Spa features a private beach area. Offering a restau More info
Vilamendhoo Island Resort

Vilamendhoo Island Resort

Maldives
Featuring free WiFi and an outdoor swimming pool, Vilamendhoo Island Resort & Spa has a spa cent More info
Vista Beach Retreat, Hulhumale

Vista Beach Retreat, Hulhumale

Maldives
Offering a terrace and water sports facilities, Vista Beach Retreat is set in Hulhumale, 800 m from More info