The Maldives is a true paradise destination for travelers from all around the world. Almost all people that visited will tell you that it is one of the most beautiful locations in the entire world. The islands are true dream destinations, but you should prepare for the experience. As a first-time visitor, here are some great tips that you have to keep in the back of your mind.
Experience As Much As You Can
It is normal to fret about prices, but keep in mind the fact that the Maldives is a destination you will most likely manage to visit just once. You can indulge yourself in the experience, and you should not just stay worried about how much cash you have. Do all that you can in order to build the budget way before arrival. When you do this, you do not have to think about strict budgeting.
Experience The Local Culture
Make sure that you visit one of the inhabited islands in the Maldives because you want insights into the unique local life. Until the year 2009, only tourists with a special permit were allowed to explore islands that were not resorts. Nowadays though, most of the inhabited islands are fully open for overnight stays and day trips.
It is very easy to arrange a liveaboard trip so that you can experience the local way of living. This means you can experience boduberu (this is traditional dance and folk music), taste some hedhikaa, and wander the local villages.
Only Drink Alcohol Inside Resorts
Most locals are Muslim. This means that some strict rules exist when referring to alcohol consumption. As a tourist, you cannot bring alcohol or drink it on the inhabited islands. Fortunately though, liveaboard boats and resorts are off-limits in the sense that you are allowed to drink alcohol. You can drink as many cocktails as you want.
Be Cautious With How You Act Or Dress
On all the inhabited islands in the Maldives, you have to dress modestly. Both women and men need to avoid wearing shorts that are above knees in height. As a woman, you need to also cover your elbows and shoulders. Couples have to refrain from all public affection displays. When at home, you can dress exactly as you want. However, topless sunbathing is not allowed.
Environmental Risks
One thing you might not know is that the Maldives is the world’s lowest-lying country. Many islands barely manage to break the water surface. In fact, locals often say that dolphins can easily jump higher than the natural highest peak in the islands, which is only 8 feet high.
Because of this unique geographic location, climate change is something to worry about.
Buy Quality Underwater Cameras
When you go to the Maldives, you have to go snorkeling and even diving. When you want to try watersports, which is something that is highly recommended, make sure to take an underwater camera with you. You do want to preserve such unique memories.
Do Not Expect A Perfect Weather
When we look at videos, we always see the Maldives with bone-white sand and clear water. While this is completely real, it is not always the case. Try to organize your trip between the months of November and April. High tourist season is between the months of December and March. Starting from May, weather becomes less predictable. However, the weather is not as bad as to dampen your holiday. Temperature is always warm, even if it rains, which does not last long. Even so, it is important to be ready for this.
