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Maldives
Location
Southwest of Sri Lanka, on the equator.
Geography
1,190 coral islands, forming an archipelago of 26 major atolls. Stretches 820 kilometres north to south and 120 kilometres east to west. 202 are inhabited, 87 are exclusive resort islands.
Climate
Generally warm and humid. Sun shines all year through. Average temperature around 29 - 32 degrees Celsius.
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 wear modest clothing without baring too much.
Population
About 270,000 according to 1998 estimates. Origin of the Maldivians are lost in antiquity, but history reveals that the islands have been populated for over 3,000 years ago. Early settlers were travellers on the Silk Route and from the Indus Valley Civilisation. Inherently warm, friendly and hospitable by nature, it is easy to feel comfortable and relaxed with a Maldivian.
Culture
A proud history and rich culture evolved from the first settlers who were from various parts of the world travelling the seas in ancient times. The Maldives has been a melting pot of different cultures as people from different parts of the world came here and settled down. Some of the local music and dance for instance resemble African influences, with handbeating of drums and songs in a language that is not known to any but certainly represents that of East African countries. As one would expect there is a great South Asian influence in some of the music and dancing and especially in the traditional food of the Maldivians. However many of the South Asian customs especially with regard to women - for instance 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 men spend the whole day out at sea fishing. Many of the traditions are strongly related to the seas and the fact that life is dependent on the seas around us.
Language
Dhivehi is the language spoken in all parts of the Maldives. English is widely spoken by Maldivians and visitors can easily make themselves understood getting around the capital island. In the resorts, a variety of languages are spoken by the staff including English, 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. The Maldivian economy is regarded as exemplary in the region and welcomes foreign investment.
Currency
The Maldivian currency is the Rufiyaa and Laaree. The exchange rate for US Dollar at the time of writing is MRf.11.82 for the dollar. One Rufiyaa is equivalent to 100 laarees. Rufiyaa bank notes come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500. Coins are in the denominations of MRf.2.00, MRf.1.00, 50 laarees, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 laaree. The US Dollar is the most commonly used foreign currency. Payments in the resorts and hotels can be made in most hard currency in cash, travellers’ cheques or 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.
Health
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 providing sophisticated medical care. ADK Hospital is the biggest private health care facility and follows high medical standards. Some resorts have in-house doctors. A decompression chamber is within easy reach of most resorts in case of a diving emergency.
Local Time
GMT + 5 hours
Business Hours
From Sunday to Thursday 7.30 - 14.30 in the government sector and generally from 9.00 to 5.00 in the private sector, although most offices in the private sector open for a half day on Saturday. Weekend falls on Friday and Saturday.
Communication
Up-to-date technology and international satellite links allow Maldives to have a sophisticated communications system. IDD facilities are available on all resorts and card phones are available on all inhabited islands. Dhiraagu, the Maldives Telecommunications Company also provides mobile telephones for daily rental. It is also the Internet service provider.
Electricity
The electric system is 230-240 Volts -AC
Visa Formalities
Visitors entering the Republic of Maldives should fulfill the following requirement for the grant of an entry permit into the country. Possession of a valid international travel document issued by the Government of a Sovereign State. Possession of a valid return air ticket to a destination where the passenger has permission to enter, together with necessary visas for the onward journey to the next destination. Possession of minimum of US$30.00 per person per day or confirmed hotel reservation for the intended period of stay in the Maldives.
Following are exempted from this requirement.
* Diplomats
* UN Personnel
* Approved persons for employment
* Technical and other experts attached to the Government
* Those who have confirm bookings in registered tourist resort/hotels etc.
* Those sponsored by Maldivians No prior visa is required to enter the Republic of Maldives.
Entry permit will be granted to visitors on arrival at designated ports of entry, based on the immigration requirements.
An entry permit does not allow an visitor to take up employment, set up any business or exercise any profession whether paid or unpaid except with the consent and in conformity with the pertinent laws and regulations of the Maldives. However, a visitor or foreign delegation visiting the Maldives to conclude business agreements, contracts or to negotiate business transactions with their counterparts do not require work permits if the stay does not exceed the duration granted on arrival.
An expatriate must obtain a work permit from the Ministry of Human Resources Employment and Labour prior to arrival in Maldives to engage in employment. Visitors who stay beyond the period for which they have been approved may be deported. The Government of Maldives refuses admission and transit to holder of Merchant Seaman books. Disembarkation and Embarkation card shall be filled by every passenger and submitted to the Immigration Officer on entry.
Customs
The import of firearms, liquor, drugs and pornography are prohibited. An official license is required for import of alcohol. Alcohol is available in all the resorts and not sold / available in Male’. Dogs, Pigs, and pork products are prohibited. Special permission should be sought to bring the personal pets (dogs not allowed).
Port Health
Maldives being free from certain diseases that are of public health concern as well as of international importance, implementing continuous vigilance activities at Ports of entry at sea and Air, to ensure that appropriate surveillance activities are carried out effectively in safe guarding against any threat of introducing diseases are of health importance.Intensified surveillance for incoming passengers and continuous inspection of food items, and animals that were imported into the country is being carried out at all ports of the country.
In preparation for the certification of the Malaria Free Maldives, all incoming passengers from malaria-infected countries are screened. For Certification of Sanitary Port an organized Medical Service, adequate staff and equipment provides in and out passengers care and attend Medical emergencies at port.
Disinfections is compulsory for Cargo aircraft and passenger aircrafts coming from Yellow Fever and Malaria endemic areas.
Duty Free
Duty free shopping is only available in the departure terminal of the Male’ international airport. The lounge has specialized shops for electrical goods, watches, cameras, fashion, liquor, jewelry, tobacco and more.
Resort Islands, Cruise Boats, dive Boats and Male the Capital
Resorts
Maldives will spoil you. Its plush all inclusive resorts are fit for kings. Of the 1190 islands that make up Maldives, about a 89 have developed into island resorts and many more being developed to be opened soon. Many of these are all inclusive resorts with everything you need from facilities like Jacuzzis, spas, saunas, beauty saloons to recreational facilities that range from canoing to windsurfing to scuba diving to beach volley to discos and many more! Maldives has some of the finest hotels in the world such as Four Seasons, Conrad Maldives on Rangali Island, One and only resorts, Six Senses Resorts such as Soneva Gili and Soneva Fushi, Banyan Tree, Laguna Beach, Paradise Island, Full Moon Beach, club med, many of which offer ultra luxury in Maldives and special Honeymoon, wedding, surfing, family friendly resorts.
If you are in search of all inclusive resorts or Maldives packages to visit the Maldives, this is your chance to get the choicest deals for all inclusive resorts, honeymoon resorts, surfing resorts, wedding, family friendly resorts in the Maldives.
Live Aboards ( Safari Vessel )
Get resort safari packages for one of the most idyllic cruising stretches in the world. A resort safari holiday in Maldives offers the chance to spend your holiday in the Maldives cruising through the seas where natural wonders never cease - a turquoise Indian Ocean surrounding the string of tropical islands of unparalleled beauty, called the Maldives.
These resort safaris will see you skimming over crystal-clear, blue waters, exploring the exotic flora and fauna underneath, scuba-diving among the amazing coral outcrops and hopping from one incredible island-paradise to another.
Unlike in the tourist resorts, safaris will let you experience the true Maldives and let you appreciate the ravishing beauties of nature.
City Hotels and Guest Houses
If you long to see some hectic lifestyle in the Maldives, a four day stay in Male’ will do it. Male’ [GP: Male] has developed to host a number of hotels and guest houses. You have a choice ranging from hotels with superior services to guest houses for back packers.
staying in Male’ you have access to internet, shopping, diving facilities run by local and international parties and a heaps of restaurants. Getting hotel rooms in the Maldives on arrival can be difficult and it is advisable to have your room booked prior to the arrival.
Visit maldives campaign took off in the maldives and maldives islands in 1999 and set maldives on the world map
Scuba Diving
Not only do you discover aspects of the planet denied to most people, but you make a lot of good friends as well! The Maldives is famed for its rare underwater beauty. The profusion of psychedelic colours and the abundance and variety of life underwater have fascinated divers and snorkellers since Maldives was discovered as a diving destination. The highest level of visibility that one could expect- sometimes exceeding 50 metres - and warm temperatures throughout the year makes diving in the Maldives a delight you would want to experience over and over again. The Maldives has some of the best dive sites in the world and many visit the Maldives repeatedly for the sole purpose of diving.All resorts in the Maldives have professional dive schools with multi-lingual instructors and conduct courses for beginners as well as the advanced. Many of the resorts have excellent house reefs. Just a short swim from the beach and snorkellers too can experience the same pleasures from the surface.
Scuba Diving
Every resort in the Maldives caters for scuba divers and international certificates of all types are accepted. The dive schools are well equipped, and regulators, BCDs, computers, masks, snorkels and fins are available for hire. For those learning to dive resorts offer a variety of dive courses are conducted in several languages, with courses conducted in English, German, Italian, French and Japanese in most of the For those learning to dive all resorts conduct open water and advanced courses such as night diving, rescue diving, underwater photography. Courses such as naturalist and shark specialist courses have proved most popular due to the growing interest in the marine environment. At resorts, diving is conducted daily all year around and it is only rarely that diving has to be cancelled. Most resorts would have access to a protected reef on the leeward side of the island that enables them to dive even during times of rough seas and strong winds.
Snorkelling
Snorkeling over the shallow reefs of the islands is an ideal way to explore the underwater world. The house reefs of most of the islands are just a few strokes away from the beach. Even if the reef are quite shallow and one may simply walk up to the reef to enjoy its beauty. Snorkeling equipment is available at all the resorts. Some organize regular snorkeling excursions to give visitors a chance to experience the diversity of marine life and reef structures in the Maldives.
Submarine
Until today, divers are said to be the only people who truly enjoy their holidays in the Maldives. After all, what is a visit to the Maldives without experiencing its magical underwater world? Now with the introduction of the German built Whale Submarine, divers and non-divers alike can enjoy the enchanting beautiful coral reefs and magnificent tropical fish from the comfort of an air-conditioned submarine with friends, family or loved ones This incredible adventure takes place aboard the world’s deep diving largest passenger submarine! Descend to100 feet below the ocean surface and witness ocean life and other treasures, sights once only seen by scuba divers. Boasting with a 100% safety record worldwide this is a must experience for every visitor, an excursion only available in a very few parts of the world. After all how many people in the world can say that they have dived in a real submarine!
Surfing
Maldives is fast establishing itself as a destination for surfers. Surfing is relatively new to the Maldives, especially compared to more established activities such as scuba diving. However, the recent O’Neil Deep Blue Contest held in this year has placed Maldives firmly on the world’s surf map. While most of the recognized surf breaks are in Male’ Atoll, there is certainly more to be discovered. For resort based surfing it is advisable to choose one of the resorts on the eastern side of North Male’ Atoll where you could get access to a number of excellent breaks.
Fishing
Fishing is not only the lifeblood of the Maldivian economy; it is also a popular pastime among locals as well as visitors. Maldivians enjoy a variety of different types of fishing. The most popular among these in night fishing. The boat leaves the island and anchors at a reef before the sunsets and darkness sets in. the lines are tethered with hooks and sinkers and dropped overboard from both sides of the dhoni. If the fishing is good it gives a lot of excitements to everyone. If not it gives you an excellent opportunity to relax under the night sky as the boat gently rocks with the waves. Morning fishing or big game fishing involves trolling, usually outside the atoll along the reef. Fishing enthusiasts may prefer to bring their own equipment if they wish to experience the excitement during their visit.Almost all the resorts organize night fishing trips at least once a week. Big game fishing or morning fishing, if not included in the resorts weekly program, may be organized on request.
Whale and Dolphin Watching
Did you know that Maldives ranks among the top five places on Earth for watching whales and dolphins? Over 20 different species (a quarter of the world’s total) call the Maldives home. These range from the mighty Blue Whale (the largest animal alive) to the diminutive but highly acrobatic Spinner Dolphin. You may not have realized this before, but with our unbeatable diversity and abundance of whales and dolphins, plus warm clear waters, Maldives really is one the very best places in the world for whale and dolphin watching.
Other Water Sports
Not only do you discover aspects of the planet denied to most people, but you make a lot of good friends as well! The Maldives is famed for its rare underwater beauty. The profusion of psychedelic colours and the abundance and variety of life underwater have fascinated divers and snorkellers since Maldives was discovered as a diving destination. The highest level of visibility that one could expect- sometimes exceeding 50 metres - and warm temperatures throughout the year makes diving in the Maldives a delight you would want to experience over and over again. The Maldives has some of the best dive sites in the world and many visit the Maldives repeatedly for the sole purpose of diving.All resorts in the Maldives have professional dive schools with multi-lingual instructors and conduct courses for beginners as well as the advanced. Many of the resorts have excellent house reefs. Just a short swim from the beach and snorkellers too can experience the same pleasures from the surface
Tourist Information
WHAT TO PACK
Sunscreen (high spf)
Sunglasses
Hat or Cap for shade from the sun
Light cotton clothing
Lotion (Aloe Vera)
Insect Repellent
Bathing Suits
Personal diving or snorkeling equipment
Credit Card (Visa, American Express, MasterCard ) USD, EURO
AIRPORT INFORMATION
The first thing you’ll notice as soon as you get off the plane at Male’ International Airport is that the airport is on an exclusive island. From the air it looks like a giant aircraft carrier, the runway occupying most of the island. Catch a glimpse if you can. In fact to build the airport two islands have been connected through reclamation. However it is a full fledged international airport that can cater to the largest of aircraft and is well equipped with modern facilities. Located just over a kilometer away from Male’ the capital, the airport is connected to the rest of the country and resorts by boats and seaplanes.
The facilities available at Hulhule include:
* 88 transit hotel rooms in Hulhule Island Hotel,
* Business Centers.
* Internet Centers.
* Elevators, specially-designed toilets and telephones,
* Banks.
* Postal and telecommunications offices.
* Over 100 tax-free shops in both terminals.
* Food and beverage outlets serving a wide range of cuisine.
* 24-hour medical centre.
* Children's Play Area.
* Over 40 Travel agency counters.
ENTRY REGULATIONS
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 reservation should seek assistance at the airport tourist information counter right outside the arrival hall.
Prohibited Items:
* Narcotics and psychotropic substances
* Pornographic material
* Live pigs
* Religious materials offensive to Islam
* Idols (for worship)
Restricted Items:
* Arms and ammunition
* Alcohol and Spirits
* Pork and its by-products
* Dogs
* Dangerous animals
Items allowed when accompanied with certificates:
* Live plants and animals - a valid phytosanitary / sanitary certificate required
* Medicines - doctor's medical prescription required
source: www.immigrations.gov.mv and www.customs.gov.mv
GETTING AROUND
Apart from a few air services, there are no regular, scheduled transport links between the Maldives' atolls and islands. Transfers between airport and the resorts are arranged by agents as part of the resort package and are by seaplane, local boat (called dhoni), speedboat or launch.
Boats and aircraft can be chartered for special trips, though this is expensive. Not many people need to travel between resorts, but the most straightforward way to do so is usually to go via the airport, taking the same boats or aircraft which carry arriving and departing vessels.
Transport to and from nonresort islands can be arranged on cargo boats, but only by those who have the requisite travel permit. The other option is a "safari", cruising around the atolls on a live-aboard boat, with whatever stops for diving and sightseeing that we can arrange on request.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Travelers across the world are understandably more concerned about personal safety and security issues today than ever before. We would like to inform all our tourists that Maldives's track record for safety and stability is intact. Maldives's reputation as a safe and secure destination is well known and it enjoys one of the lowest crime rates in the world.
Visitors to the Maldives do not require any vaccinations or medications against Malaria before traveling to the Maldives unless they are coming from a yellow fever infected region.
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 cream 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 resort islands.
BANKS AND CURRENCIES
The local currency is the Rufiya, and US$ 1.00 is equivalent to approximately 12.85 Rufiya, all major currencies are accepted widely in the country. The most commonly used credit cards are American Express, Visa, Master Card, Diner Club, JCB and Euro Card.
Banking hours are Sunday to Thursday: 08 am to 1:30 pm.
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 wearing clothes that cover the thighs and shoulders when visiting inhabited islands.
COMMUNICATION
Communication service in the Maldives is provided by the National Telecommunication Company DHIRAAGU. DHIRAAGU provides an efficient and reliable telephone service all over the Maldives. Whether you are on your chosen tourist resort or on any of the inhabited islands of the Maldives, you will have access to a telephone. On most resorts you will have international direct dial telephones in your room. Most cruising vessels also offer phone service. If you happen to make a visit to an island village nearby, it might be good idea to take a telephone card with you. Phone cards are available at many retail establishments including the shops on your resort.
Your resort will also be able to provide you with fax service.
DHIRAAGU also operates a pager service, a GSM mobile telephone service, along with the internet and cyber cafe' facilities. Please ask us if you need any of these services.
TOURISM RELATED ORGANIZATIONS
There are many sources of information about the Maldives, each providing a somewhat different angle from the others. For general information on the Maldives you may contact the Maldives Tourism Promotion Board of the Ministry of Tourism. The Ministry of Tourism also operates a tourist information office in Frankfurt, Germany.
MALDIVES TOURISM PROMOTION BOARD
Bank of Maldives Building
Boduthakurufaanu Magu
Male’, Maldives
Tel.(960) 323228
E-mail: mtpb@visitMaldives.com
Maldives Government Tourist Information Office
Bethmannstr.58
60311 Frankfurt
Tel: 069/2740440
Fax: 069/27404422
Email: maldivesinfo.ffm@t-online.de