Like a bird defying gravity, the plane graciously glides down towards Male' International Airport. A glance out the window and your heart skips a beat.
The magnificence of nature slowly unfolds before your eyes. Sunshine embracing the green little patches enclosed by pure white and surrounded by glistening blues, viewed from above truly takes your breath away. A vision so unique that you can't help but wonder if it is real. Only nature could have painted a picture so perfect. Only nature in its hurried motion could have created such splendor as the Maldives.
The beauty does not recede with the touching down of the plane. The little green patches transform into graceful palms that gently sway to the cool breeze, endless white beaches with sand so soft that it caresses your feet, waters so clear that you see the fish playing in the depths of the lagoons. The Maldives, a tropical hideaway, home to about 270,000 natives 1,350 different species of coral and fish.
MORE INFORMATION ON MALDIVES
GEOGRAPHY
A chain of 1190 little coral islands scattered across the Indian Ocean that forms the archipelago of the Maldives in 80- 120 km wide, stretching 860 km from latitude 7° 6"N to 0° 41"S and lying between 72° 32" and 73° 45"E. Out of the 1190 islands, only 201 islands are inhabited. Almost 99% of the country being the ocean, it is one of the most unique nations in the world.
HISTORY & CULTURE
Archaeological and historical discoveries indicate that the islands have been inhabited for over three thousand years. Being on an important trade route, Maldives was visited by people from all over the world, including Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. These visitors left a strong influence on the people, their religion and the culture of the Maldives.
PEOPLE & LANGUAGE
The Maldives has a population of about 270,000 people. (2000). The Maldivians have beautiful and harmonious blend of features from a mixture of Arabic to African, and Asian. The people live in simple, laid back, and contented life-style. With ready smiles, and always willing to lend a helping hand, the Maldivians are a friendly race and make visitors feel very welcome,
ACCESSIBILITY
Despite it's geographical isolation, Maldives is easily accessible. Many airlines offer regular schedule and charter flights from Asia, Europe, Middle East, and South Africa. Male' International Airport is located on an island of its own which is just over a kilometer long. The island is for the exclusive usage of the airport and is only 10 minutes from the capital by boat.
CUSTOMS
Strict laws prohibit the import of pornographic materials, weapons, and drugs, into the country, and the penalties are severe. Alcohol cannot be imported without a license. It should be declared at the customs and will be returned to you on departure. The export of coral, shells, and other objects removed from their marine habitat is prohibited in the Maldives. Please assist us in preserving the environment by taking only photographs and memories with while leaving only footprints.
VISA & ENTRY
A tourist visa of thirty days will be granted on arrival to all visitors with valid travel documents, A confirmed hotel reservation is required for immigration clearance, visitors without hotel reservations should seek assistance at the airport tourist information counter right outside the arrival hall.
CLIMATE
The summer never ends in the Maldives. Although it is warm throughout the year there are slight variations in the temperature during certain periods determined by the monsoon; from November to April is mostly dry with very little wind, while the Southwest monsoon from May to October brings some rain and the temperature varies very little. The annual average daily temperature is between 30.4 and 25.4 degrees Celsius. The average rainfall is below 2mm per annum.
HEALTH
Visitors to the Maldives do not require any vaccinations or medications against Malaria before travelling to the Maldives unless they are coming from a yellow fever infected area.
The most common problem for tourists in the Maldives are sunburn and dehydration, The tropical sun is very intense in the country. And soft breezes on the islands and during boat rides can easily fool you. Some form of sun protection is necessary even for travelers with darker skin tones. A range of sun creams are available in Male' and in most resorts. It is also advisable to wear a T-shirt when snorkeling, To avoid dehydration drink lots of fluids.
There are two hospitals in Male', many clinics, pharmacies and a number of good doctors both in private practice and at the hospitals. A physician is also within easy reach from all resorts islands.
CLOTHING
Light cotton clothes are recommended to ward off the heat and humidity. Nudism is an offense in the Country, and visitors are requested to respect the traditions and religion of the local people by wearing clothes that cover the thighs and shoulders when visiting inhabited islands.
CURRENCY
The local currency is the Rufiya, and US$ 1.00 is equivalent to approximately 12.75 Rufiya, all major currencies are accepted widely in the country. The most commonly used credit cards are American Express, Visa, Master Card, Diners Club, JCB, and Euro Card.
Foreign currency can be exchanged at any authorised moneychanger at the banks in Male'. It can be exchanged at the airport on arrival or at the resort islands.
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