THE MALDIVES

THE FACTS
People: With a mere 5k radius, would you believe 80k Maldivians reside on this tiny island capital? The Maldives on a whole has a total population of roughly 320k
Language: Dhivehi Currency: Maldivian rufiyaa MRF Climate: With an average temp of 29°C (84.2°F) There really isn’t a bad time to go. Monsoon season does run May-November. FUN FACT on 11/4/1978 the temperature dropped to 17.2 & marked the coldest day ever to be recorded in the Maldives. 
Events: Ramadan. During the month of Ramedan locals begin their month of fasting, prayer and spiritual cleansing. A number of various events and festivities happen during this time. However- be prepared to find your stomach growling as you stare into the boarded up, empty and closed doors of the local restaurants
Safety: I've heard much debate lately about the safety of Male & many hotels in the Maldives have actually stopped access boats and tours into the city. Be wary, although even amidst the recent political election week (September 2013) I had no mishaps nor felt unsafe while wandering around. Keep in mind this is a STRICT Muslim country – dress conservatively & be aware/considerate of the local customs and laws.
Cost: The Maldives is a luxury destination. With many retirees, couples or newly-weds flocking here to mark a celebration. I’m not going to share my $saving tips because, well.. quite frankly there aren’t any. I will be making it my personal mission though, over the duration of my time living here, to source some out. - So fingers crossed & stay tuned.

FIRST THINGS FIRST

HOW? Typically when you find yourself at the International Airport of Male you’ve pre-booked a luxury all or semi-inclusive package with one of the resorts 6-12 months ago. The Maldives number one industry is tourism & roughly 70% of Maldivians living in Male work directly or indirectly within the industry .
WHERE? The Maldives is made up of roughly 1190 islands yet only 200 are inhabited by locals. There’s roughly 200 resorts currently up & running or being developed & prices greatly vary. On average here’s a guide on what you’ll pay.
PICKING A RESORT  Prices start from about $2500 AUD pp/pw for a standard package. Throughout low season, resorts such as Anga Island Resort offer rooms for around $330 pp/pn.  To sleep in style at one of the luxury resorts such as the Four Seasons get ready to fork out about $6500 for a weekly package.  For when nothing but the best will do  you can hire out a private villa at the exclusive Velaa Private Island Resort which will only set you back a mere $33,000 per night. (YEP!- follow the link to check out this little private paradise for rent)

For the solo travellers, young couples or any honey-mooners looking to break out of their love bubble and mix with others during their trip I’d recommend Club Med Kani. (Okay, so I’m being a little biased here because I happen to live on this island) However, if you know anything about the Club Med Spirit, or are hoping to mix, meet and mingle with others as you party on the beach while the sun sets then this is the island for you!
*Look out for my Club Med Kani Feature post coming soon. 

Day 1. Relax & Enjoy it.
So you walk off the plane & are greeted by a rep from your chosen hotel. You’re bags are whisked off and you’re guided straight onto an airport shuttle boat. (I kid you not. You literally walk off the plane, through the door & onto a boat). You climb on board & stare with your mouth open and eyes fixated on your surroundings as you bump and bounce along the crystal blue waters en route to your temporary new home. Get comfy, get acquainted, get outside & explore all the great things your resort has on offer. Each resort will have on offer a wide array of activities, tours and things to do.

SNORKLE-SELFIE. The Maldives is home to some of the best diving & snorkling destinations in the world! 

Day 2. ☑ The tourist checklist

When you can finally bring yourself to consider leaving the island paradise you’re currently lapping up, jump on a boat and head into the capital. Here’s how to kill a day in the city

1. LOCAL FOOD & FISH MARKET After tourism, fishing ranks in no 2 on biggest industry. When you step off the boat at the Presidential Wharf head to the left where you’ll see the bright and busy sight of the local fishermen loading & unloading their recent catch from their brightly coloured boats. Head inside the food markets & try out some fresh local fruit before going on to see the indoor area in which one can pick a fish from one of the many lined up on the tile blocks. For a small fee you can take your freshly purchased fish next door & watch as a line of men clean, skin, cut, jab and prepare your fish. Warning; it is a little gory. Being a vegetarian & not at all a fan of fish the sight and smell was an experience short lived.

2. NATIONAL MUSEUM Peer through the gates as you walk past & head inside for MRF50 and take a look at some of the cities artefacts, like the coral stone head of Lord Buddha.

2. ISLAMIC CENTRE See the golden rooftop of the central mosk appear as you navigate your way to the main landmark in Male. This mosk was opened by opened in November 1984 by then president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom

3. FRIDAY MOSK Don’t miss the delicate detailing that covers the walls. Friday Mosk is made up entirely of giant coral pieces that have been carved to fit together like a puzzle – using no glue, cement or binders. – As is the tomb of Sultan Iskandhar that lays infront.



4. NATIONAL ART GALLERY The only creative space to showcase local talent and exhibit some of Males finest artwork. Pieces range from photography, paintings or conceptual works. & It’s free entry!
5. SUBMARINE ADVENTURE Now that you find yourself right back where you started, and having seen the whole city (Yep, that was a full circle!) Jump on the tour boat and head for deep seas. Whale submarine owns and operates the only submarine in the Indian Ocean. Purchase tickets from the airport, Male city ticketing office or through your resort (some resorts include this as part of your package) Watch the vibrant underlife of the Maldives come to life as you slowly descend, peering out from the circular windows of the dimly lit chamber.

TIPS & FYI *
TAKE YOUR TIME You can actually jog around the whole island in roughly 45 minutes so take the time to really soak in the smells, sights and scenes as you explore- you won’t miss anything by dawdling. Go Island hopping! there’s a number of islands accessible to tourists.
KNOW THE LAWS BEFORE YOU GO- As I’ve mentioned there are strict laws in place that carry heavy penalties if not abided by. Some laws may surprise you- for example it is illegal to practice any other religion or possess non-muslim religious materials such as bibles. (Someone I work with actually had her bible and candle confiscated in customs when trying to pass through)
ALCOHOL IS ILLEGAL in the Maldives. Don’t stress- you’ll still be sipping on wine and relaxing with cocktails in the privacy of your own resort, but don’
t be surprised when you get strange looks after trying to order a beer at the local diner. Alcohol is not available in Male.
KEEP IN MIND when purchasing keep sakes to mark your trip, many of the items from the sea won't clear customs on your way back. Especially if you're Aussie & headed for the land down under. Occasionally you'll find bits and pieces made from animal or coral life & some of these are actually prohibited to export.

FUN FACT: You won't be seeing any dogs roaming the streets. This is because they are actually illegal as they're considered unclean. I had a little giggle when seeing the big red customs notice at the airport that read ‘NO DOGS’ beneath the stock standard no firearms or narcotics.