planning a trip to
Maldives
Here is what you need to know: Our Travel Guide
The Maldives is one of the top destinations in Asia for all types of travelers. We spent 6 days there in 2024, and while we’re beach lovers, we absolutely loved it!
It is a year-round destination, and at the end of March, we were lucky to experience great weather with just a few showers in the morning or evening. Overall, we enjoyed plenty of sunshine and beautiful skies.
To truly experience the Maldives, we visited 2 local islands. Dhigurah Island gave us everything we wanted, offering the authentic charm and beauty of the islands.
About
The Maldives, officially the Republic of Maldives and historically known as the Maldive Islands, is an archipelagic state in South Asia, located in the Indian Ocean southwest of Sri Lanka and India.
Comprising 26 atolls and nearly 1,200 islands, the Maldives is the smallest country in Asia. Its territory spans approximately 90,000 square kilometers (including sea), with a land area of just 298 square kilometers.
It is one of the world’s most geographically dispersed sovereign states and the smallest Muslim-majority country by land area. With a population of around 515,132, it is the second-least populous country in Asia and the ninth-smallest country in the world by area.
The red rectangle on the flag represents the blood of the nation’s heroes and their willingness to sacrifice everything in defense of their country. The green rectangle in the center symbolizes peace and prosperity. The white crescent moon represents the Islamic faith of the state and its authorities.
The Maldives is slowly sinking. With nearly 1,200 islands, the average height of the country is only about 2 meters above sea level, making it the world’s flattest country. This makes the Maldives particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels, erosion, and other environmental challenges. As a result, the country is gradually sinking into the ocean. However, the Maldives has implemented strict environmental laws to minimize the impact and protect its natural beauty.
The Maldives is a renowned diving destination, and for good reason. The waters around the Maldives are home to the majestic whale sharks, particularly around the island of Dhigurah. One of the key reasons for this is that the Maldives is home to the largest whale shark population in the world, making it a must-visit spot for marine life enthusiasts.
The coconut tree is the national tree of the Maldives. Coconut trees serve many purposes on the islands: they provide shade along the winding beaches, produce coconut milk and oil, and offer coconut water, a refreshing drink. The fibers of the coconut are used to make coir rope, while the wood is essential for building dhonis (traditional sailing boats). The coconut tree plays a vital role in both the daily life and culture of the Maldives.
What to expect?
Language: The official language of the Maldives is Dhivehi or Maldivian, an Indo-Aryan language closely related to the Sinhalalanguage of Sri Lanka. However, English is widely spoken, making it easy for travelers to communicate and get around.
Food: Maldivian cuisine, also known as Dhivehi cuisine, is based on three main ingredients: coconuts, fish, and starches. The cuisine offers a wide variety of dishes, and there are plenty of vegetarian options available as well.
Transportation: The most common way to travel between the Maldivian islands is by speedboat. While planes and seaplanes are available for longer distances, speedboats are still the most convenient and affordable option for island-hopping.
Money: The currency in the Maldives is the Maldivian Rufiyaa. At the time of our visit, 1€ was worth 16.5 Rufiyaa. Most places accept credit cards, and a few ATMs can be found around. We primarily used credit cards for payments.
Plugs: The Maldives uses type D plugs, with a standard voltage of 220V and a frequency of 50Hz. Most hotels will provide at least one plug adapter.
Safety: The Maldives is a safe destination for travelers of all types. The worst-case scenario would be petty theft, such as from hotel rooms or the beach, but this can happen anywhere.
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