The Maldives is a dream destination for many, from over 1000 islands with little huts on top to the amazing underwater life, clear water and white sand, almost every woman would love to travel to The Maldives.
The Maldives conjures images of luxurious resorts, honeymooners lounging in beachfront villas and swimming in clear waters.
All photos from the Maldives look like a picture from paradise, the Maldives is not just a destination for activities and sightseeing, it is a destination for relaxation (of the body and mind).
There are two faces to the Maldives Island, a local population with Islam as its sole religion and at such occupies the first face, and you would have to comply with every rule stated there.
The other face of the Maldives is the one we see almost every day – the resorts with beach villas and overwater bungalows.
WHAT WOMEN SHOULD KNOW BEFORE GOING TO THE MALDIVES
- Visa for the Maldives
You do not necessarily need a visa to enter the Maldives. A thirty-day free visa is usually issued on arrival; you simply need to fill in a form with your passport data stating the purpose of your visit, where are you staying and for how long, etc.
- Making Phone Calls in the Maldives
Just like any other destination outside Europe, the phone calls to your home country are quite expensive. The best way is to buy a local SIM card with phone calls and internet included. You can do that at the airport when you arrive.
- Currency in the Maldives
The local currency used in Maldives is called Rufiyaa (MVR) but you can make payments in US dollars almost everywhere. The resorts accept only USD. When exchanging dollars for the Maldives ensure to take only new banknotes and in good condition – otherwise they will not be accepted.
- Accommodation in the Maldives
The best choice of hotel at an affordable price is the Arena Beach Hotel. It is a new one, has its own beach and the staff is very kind and helpful. If you book a room with a sea view, you will wake up every day with the sound of the ocean.
Resorts start at 5,400 MVR ($350 USD) per night (not including the private speedboats you will need to arrive there).
Wild camping is not possible, your only real camping option is to ask to pitch a tent in someone’s back yard, however, this isn’t a reliable solution. Skip camping at the Maldives.
- Food
Most resorts and hotels include meals since restaurants here are rare. Traditional cuisine in the Maldives is based on fish, coconuts, and rice. Tubers like taro and sweet potatoes are common staples. Aside from all kinds of fish and seafood soups and stews, ensure you try favorites such as gulha (fried fish filled dough balls), kuli (spicy fish cakes), and dessert treats like bondi bai (Maldivian rice pudding).
Alcohol is generally prohibited but can be found at some of the luxurious resorts. Expect to pay a premium for it: beer is $8 USD. A latte or cappuccino costs 35 MVR ($2.50 USD) while a bottle of water costs 6 MVR ($0.40 USD).
- Transportation
Similar to your meals, your resort would take care of getting you around. If you are staying on the local islands, you can go on snorkeling trips and ferries between islands, which are cheap, starting at about $5 for a single trip.
Note that the only international airport on the Maldives is Male Ibrahim Nasir Airport.
THE CULTURE OF THE MALDIVIANS
Every location has its culture and most times, it is clearly seen in the behavior of its occupants or citizens. On Maafushi Island and on the rest of the other Maldives islands with a local population it is forbidden (even for tourists), to drink alcohol.
The local language is called Dhivehi but English is widely spoken. Most of the citizens of the Maldives are Muslims so there are several mosques on Maafushi Island and you will hear them every day.
Most of the beautiful and exotic resorts are owned by foreigners and not by locals.
INTERESTING PLACES TO VISIT ON THE MALDIVES
The Maldives Resorts
Majority of the stunning and exotic pictures of the Maldives you have seen are from the resorts. There are two ways to get to these resorts– all tour agencies on Maafushi (such as Maafushi Tours, Arena Beach Hotel, etc.) offer day tours to resorts close to Maafushi. You will spend 1 day with access to most of the facilities of the resorts.
The second way is to book a water bungalow and live the exotic dream of paradise.
Snorkel in the Baa Atoll
The Baa Atoll is a 1,200-square-kilometer UNESCO Biosphere Reserve brimming with manta rays and whale sharks. On a clear day, you can see the sharks below the surface. Visiting the area is strictly regulated with an 80-person capacity so as not to disrupt the precious ecosystem.
The National Art Gallery
The national Art Gallery was established in 1999, there are temporary exhibitions at the gallery, which ranges from traditional paintings and local textiles to international modern artists.
Money-Saving Tips for the Maldives
Saving money in a place like Maldives seems unimaginable but here are few things you can do to lower your budget:
- Bring plenty of cash: Though the Maldives has its own currency (MVR), US dollars are widely accepted — and you often get a better price if you pay in USD.
- Bring a reusable water bottle: The tap water here is not so safe to drink so make sure you have a reusable bottle with you. To stay safe, bring a water filter to ensure your water is clean and free from bacteria. You will save money on buying bottled water.
- Consider all-inclusive packages: The taxes and import fees on food and drink means that you really do not have many restaurants to choose from. Some hotels offer great rates, which include food, drinks, and even premium amenities such as water sports, free yoga classes, or spa treatments.
Where to Stay in the Maldives
Hostels are almost non-existent in the Maldives so you will mostly be staying in guesthouses and small hotels if you are on a budget. Here are a few suggestions to help you get started and save money:
- Dream Inn (Thulusdhoo)
- Cokes Beaches (Thulusdhoo)
- Hanifaru Stay (Kendhoo)
When to Go to the Maldives
The Maldives is a year-round destination with temperatures hovering between 23-31ºC (74-89°F). The high season runs from December to April, when airfare and hotel prices increase dramatically (especially around Christmas, New Year, Chinese New Year, and Easter).
It is advisable to book in advance if you want to visit during this period.
Whatever time of the year you wish to visit the Maldives, ensure you purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong.
Basic Travel Packing List
- Clothing
- Swimsuit
- Stretchy jeans {for easy washing and drying]
- Leggings
- Long-sleeve tops
- T-shirts
- Light cardigan
- Toiletries
- Makeup you use
- Feminine hygiene products
Miscellaneous Packing list
- A key or combination lock
- Plastic bags
- Universal charger/adaptor
- A water bottle with a purifier
Quick Tips for a smooth stay in Maldives
You do not want to go on a vacation in Maldives looking confused and stranded; therefore, it is important you learn the basics about the Maldives.
- ‘Hello’ and ‘Thank You’ in Maldivian: “Assalaamu Alaikum” and “shukuriyyaa”
- Currency: Maldivia Rufiyaa.
- Visa: 30-day visa on arrival for everyone
- Climate: Temperate and humid all year-round. Monsoon season runs from May to October.
- Best SIM cards: Dhiragoo, which you can purchase at arrivals at the airport.
- Modesty Considerations: On the resort islands, there are no dress code restrictions. However, bikinis and alcohol are not allowed on the local islands
