Page 85 - Asian Paradises 2019-20

— Maldives —

guesthouses, with more on offer in the high-end range. Hotel Activities
rates usually include full board. There are also yachts and yacht- Seenu, the ‘second city’ of the Maldives, is the best base from which
dhonis, specially converted Maldivian vessels licensed to sleep to visit traditional Maldivian island communities, while Gan is linked
guests. Developed on uninhabited islands, some exclusive hotels by causeways to the adjacent islands and a bicycle is the easiest way
accommodate a limited number of guests while some cater more to get around and see village life. For those keen to learn to dive, all
or less exclusively to certain nationalities, notably Italian, German, resort islands have schools run by fully qualified instructors, while
French and Japanese visitors. some offer training up to professional diver level. The warm lagoon
Some resorts have better access to specific dive sites, local villages, or has coral gardens, turtles, shells, crustaceans and schools of brilliantly
Malé than others and while all offer scuba diving, some are known coloured fish. Trips in dhonis visit some of the best fishing grounds
as hardcore divers’ destinations. Bungalows equipped with modern in the world. Night fishing expeditions for snapper and barracuda or
conveniences and en suite facilities offer magnificent views. dawn excursions seeking tuna, dolphin, fish and rainbow runners are
excellent. Other pursuits include cruising from atoll to atoll in boats
Getting around with bunk beds or private cabins, yachting with professional crews,
Transfers between the islands are by either dhoni (local boats), waterskiing, windsurfing, parasailing, and beach volleyball.
speedboat or seaplane. Transfers for visitors with confirmed
reservations in the Maldives are arranged by the host. Taxis, Shopping
private cars, motorcycles and bicycles are used for transport on Malé is the best place in the Maldives for shopping, and has
the larger islands including Malé and Addu Atoll. There are two minimum duty on most items. Best buys include reed mats and
companies operating regular seaplane services in the Maldives. lacquered wooden boxes, woven sarongs called ‘felis’ in wide
Tourism is strictly regulated, and independent travel is discouraged black and white stripes, Chinese ceramics, electronic items and
as it is seen as disruptive to traditional island communities. Cruising souvenirs such as coral rings and sea shells.
across all atolls is now allowed with a permit. Climate
Food and entertainment It is warm and tropical throughout the year with a cooling sea
Almost everything needs to be imported in the Maldives, except breeze. The average daily temperature is between 25°C and
for fish, coconut and some fruit such as watermelon and banana. 32°C.
Fish and rice are the staple foods of Maldivians, with meat and What to wear
chicken eaten only on special occasions. While there are strict local Light, informal cotton and linen clothing is recommended.
laws against the consumption of alcohol, liquor is freely available at Most resorts do not enforce any dress regulations. In Malé
the resorts. The local brew, raa, is a sweet liquid from the crown of visitors must wear appropriate attire and cover up.
the palm trunk. Maldivian men enjoy ‘short eats’ (small snacks) in
the many small teahouses. Nightlife in Malé is confined to these Currency
teahouses and a few Western-style restaurants. Various resorts offer The currency is Maldivian Rufiyaa. Credit cards are accepted
weekly dances with live music from local musicians and tourists are at resorts, as well as with travellers cheques and tipping is
encouraged to hire boats and attend the dances on other islands. not discouraged.

– 83 – www.paradises.com