The Maldives is perhaps one of the most
picture-perfect beach destinations in the world. Situated in the Indian Ocean,
this archipelago composed of more than 1,000 small islands has miles and miles
of white sand beaches and crystal-clear blue waters. It’s also famous for those
over-water beach bungalows, perfect for honeymooners or couples out on a
romantic holiday.
Thankfully, it’s now easier than ever to book
a Maldives tour package and
to visit this slice of heaven on earth. Before you do, however, make sure
you’re aware of critical bits of information to make your trip so much
smoother. Here are a few to keep in mind.
No
Visas Needed
Yes, you read that right. There’s no need for
a visa to visit the Maldives for ALL nationalities. You can stay visa-free for
30 days, as long as you have a passport with at least 6 months validity upon
your arrival. You should also have a ticket for your departure, of course, one
that is valid within the 30-day duration of your stay.
It’s
a 100% Muslim Country
The Maldives is the only one of two countries
in the world with a 100% Muslim population (the other is Saudi Arabia). As
such, be mindful of religious sensibilities. For women, particularly, make sure
that you dress appropriately, i.e., no skimpy or revealing clothing unless
you’re on areas where it’s allowed. Salat, the obligatory Muslim daily prayers,
are performed five times daily: dawn, midday, noon, sunset, and night. As such,
be prepared to hear calls for prayer throughout the day. If your trip coincides
with Ramadan, note that there will be additional prayers each day.Many of the
shops will be also be closed, and many services will be unavailable for the
duration of the holidays.
No
Alcohol, Pork, and PDA
Because of their religion, there are quite a
few things that are banned in the Maldives. For one, eating pork and drinking
alcohol are not allowed. The strictest Muslims don’t even touch alcoholic
beverages or anything that contains alcohol. Other things that are not allowed
are tobacco products (at least, those without printed health warnings) and
religious texts that may be interpreted as something that can be used for
preaching or proselytizing. It’s best that you leave these products at home.
Public displays of affection are also against
the law, even quick, tiny kisses. For women, clothes that expose the shoulders,
elbows, and knees are typically not allowed. The clothing restrictions are a
little more relaxed at the airport, but it’s still better to err on the side of
caution.
Most of these rules are forgotten or at least
ignored on private resort islands, however. You can freely consume alcohol, eat
pork, wear short shorts, bikinis, spaghetti-strap dresses and tops, and maybe
engage in some PDA. As long as you’re not sunbathing in the nude, almost
everything is allowed. Just remember that when you go back to the city center
and other islands inhabited by locals, you’re expected to observe and follow
the customs.
Best
Times to Visit: November to April
For beach bums, the best time to visit the
Maldives is around late November to early April. There isn’t much rain during
these months, so you can soak up the sun as much as you like. In particular,
the months of November to January are windy and not as humid. Meanwhile, for
surfers, the best time to visit is during the monsoon season. Avid, competitive
surfers can conquer huge waves around June to August; those who are on the
inexperienced side can visit from late April to May and from September to
October, when the swells are a little more manageable. Note that the monsoon
season is considered the off-peak season, as the Maldives is still primarily a
swimming, snorkeling, and diving destination more than a surfing one.
Bring
US Dollars
The Maldivian currency is called the rufiyaa,
but it’s often easier to pay using US dollars. Some resort islands also accept
euros or British pounds. It’s best to use smaller notes, however. In the
capital, Male, you can pay using US dollars but note that you’ll be given
change in rufiyaa. There are establishments that accept credit cards, but the
fees can be a little exorbitant. Cash is still your best option.
Their
Drinking Water is Recycled
Most of the drinking water in the Maldives is
recycled and treated. It’s perfectly safe to drink, but it doesn’t have natural
minerals, so you might feel a little dehydrated. Keep this in mind, and drink
more if you need to.
It’s
Incredibly Safe
The Maldives doesn’t have a huge problem with
petty and violent crimes. In fact, it has a Level 2 threat level from the U.S.
State Department. Some of the countries that share the same rating are France,
Italy, and the United Kingdom, so that already gives you an idea regarding the
Maldives’ safety. What you have to worry about more are powerful waves, since
the Indian Ocean is known for its strong currents. For those who love posting
on social media, internet access is a little expensive, but free Wi-Fi is
usually available in resorts and hotels. You may want to download a VPN,
though, since the Maldivian government blocks some websites.
You
Don’t Need an Over-water Villa
It’s probably one of the reasons why you want
to visit the Maldives: staying in a cabana or villa in the middle of the
sparkling blue sea that you saw on social media. However, those can be quite
expensive and staying in one is not really necessary to enjoy the beauty of the
place. A hotel near the sea is more than adequate. In fact, it can even be the
better choice when it’s rainy or windy. Don’t think that you have to stay in an
over-water bungalow to have a “legit” Maldives experience.
Got all that? Now go and book that Maldives
tour package and prepare your bags. Paradise awaits!
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