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MALDIVES
Visa info for Maldives
South African passport holders do not require visas to visit the Maldives.
A 30 day visitor’s permit is issued on arrival. Passports must, however, be valid for at least six months after the date of arrival in the Maldives.
Business Hours
From Sunday to Thursday 07h30 – 14h30 in the government sector and generally from 09h00 to 17h00 in the private sector, although most offices in the private sector open for a half day on Saturday. Weekend falls on Friday and Saturday.
Climate
The Maldives has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year round and a great deal of sunshine. The warm tropical climate results in relatively minor variations in daily temperature throughout the year.
The hottest month on average is April and the coolest, December. The weather is determined largely by the monsoons. There is a significant variation in the monthly rainfall levels.
February is the driest with January to April being relatively dry, May and October records the highest average monthly rainfall.
The southwest monsoon from May to September is the wet season. Rough seas and strong winds are common during this period.
The northeast monsoon falls between December to April. This is a period of clear skies, lower humidity and very little rain. The Maldives is in the equatorial belt and therefore severe storms and cyclones are extremely rare events. However the country is affected whenever cyclones form in the Bay of Bengal or the Arabian Sea.
Communication
Up-to-date technology and international satellite links allow Maldives to have a sophisticated communications system. IDD facilities are available on all resorts. Dhiraagu, the Maldives Telecommunications Company also provides mobile telephones for daily rental. It is also the Internet service provider.
Currency
The Maldivian currency is the Rufiyaa and 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, Mastercard, Diners Club, JCB and Euro Card.
Customs / Shopping
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).
Duty free shopping is only available in the departure terminal of the Male’ international airport. The lounge has specialised shops for electrical goods, watches, cameras, fashion, liquor, jewellery, tobacco and more.
Souvenir shopping can be done in Male’ at the northern end of Chaandanee Magu, earlier known as the Singapore Bazaar for its many imports from Singapore. Guides and vendors speaking in English and other foreign languages patiently wait to serve the visitors.
These shops are stocked with an ample supply of gifts and souvenir items. Best buys include the ‘thudu kuna’ the Maldivian mat woven with local natural fibers. Attractive too are the wooden miniature ‘dhonis’.
When shopping for souvenirs, do keep in mind that export of products made of turtle shell, black coral, pearl oyster shell and red coral is prohibited.
Electricity
The electric system is 230 -240 Volts –AC. An adapter is recommended for using appliances you bring with you. Most major hotels provide hair dryers and other amenities.
Geography
A string of pearls scattered over the deep blue Indian Ocean - the first glimpse you get of this fascinating atoll- formation confirms two unique aspects of the Republic of Maldives. Not only does it consist of the most beautiful tropical islands, but 99% of its 90.000 km² is covered by the sea. About 500km from the southern tips of both Sri Lanka and India, and 700km north of the Seychelles, 1,190 islands are spread over 26 atolls, ringlike coral formations enclosing a lagoon, which gives the Maldives its unique paradise-like appearance.
No more than 200 islands are inhabited, the rest includes the 87 tourist resorts and uninhabited islands, some of which are used for drying fish or other agricultural activities. The capital Malé, the seat of government and the centre of trade, commerce, business, health and education, is located in the middle of the atoll chain, a small island buzzing with the sounds and activities of about 75,000 people which is about one third of the population.
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.
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.
Useful Dhivehi phrases
Hello Assalaamu Alaikum
Yes Aan
No Noon
What is your name? Kon nameh kiyanee?
How are you? Kihineh?
Good Rangalhu
Thank you Shukuriyaa
I am sorry Ma-aafu kurey
Where is it? Kobaa
How much does it cost? Agu kihaavareh?
What time are we leaving? Aharemen dhanee kon irakun?
What time is it? Gadin kihaa ireh?
Where are you going? Kon thanakah thi dhanee?
How long does it take? Kihaa ireh nagaanee?
Goodbye Dhanee
Local time
Maldives time is three hours ahead of South African time.
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.
Religion
Islam is the dominant religion in the Maldives.
What to wear
Dress is generally very informal. T-shirts and cotton clothing are most suitable. Thongs or sandals are ideal footwear on the islands. In Male’, the capital island and other inhabited islands it is recommended that women wear modest clothing without baring too much. Nudism is not only illegal, but also frowned upon in the Maldives.
When to Go
While it's always hot and humid, the southwest monsoon period from May to November see the most rain, storms and the least sun. The other monsoon period is perhaps more friendly: the northeast monsoon or ruvai lasts from December to March, which are quite dry and slightly cooler months. Daytime temperatures hit about 30°C (86°F) all year round and lows average in the low 20°Cs (low 70°Fs). Daytime sea breezes also help take the edge off but nights can be quite muggy.
Festivals & Events
Ramadan
Ramadan is the ninth month in the Muslim calendar, a month during which Muslims mark 30 days of fasting. The working hours altered for the month, the government offices being open from 9.00a.m. to 1.30p.m. and the private sector also closing for the day at 3.00 in the afternoon.
Eid-ul Al’h’aa
Eid-ul Al’h’aa falls on the 10th day on Zul Hijja in the Islamic Calendar. While those who can afford are at pilgrimage at the holy Ka’aba in Mecca, for those who stay behind it is a time for celebrations and feasting.
This is the longest holiday during the year and people make preparations well in advance to visit their friends and relatives in other islands. The holiday period is between five to seven days. All over the Maldives the period is one of celebrations. Traditional sports, music and dance go hand in hand with modern sports and music. The young, old, male and female take part in the celebrations
Prophet’s Birthday
As with all Muslims, Maldivians celebrate the Prophet’s Birthday. The prophet’s Birthday is 12th day of Rabee-ul-Awwal in the Islamic Calendar. Families invite one another to their homes to share the special dishes prepared for the day.
Kuda Eid
Kuda Eid is the first day of the month of Shawaal in the Islamic Calendar. This follows the end of Ramadan and is a period of feasting. Early in the morning men and women gather at the mosque to perform prayer. At each house a feast in prepared and family, friends and neighbours are invited. This is also a period of fortunate than themselves Kuda Eid is celebrated for a period to three days during which public holiday period is observed.
Independence Day
The Independence day is celebrated on 26th July. The highlight of the day is the official celebrations held in the evening at the Republic Square. The event begins with a march past by the National Security Service and the National Cadet Corps. This is followed by drills, traditional dances and modern drills performed by hundreds of school children in colourful attire. These events are interceded by the passing of floats and processions depicting traditional and modern themes.
Republic Day
On 11th November 1968 Maldives became a Republic of the second time. The day is celebrated every year with parades and marches.
National Day
The National Day celebrates the great victory of Mohamed Thakurufaanu over the Portuguese in 1573. The National Day is celebrate on the 1st of Rabee ul Awwal, the third month in the Islamic Calendar.
Health
Sunburn
In the tropics, the desert or at high altitude you can get sunburned quickly and seriously, even through clouds. Use a strong sunscreen, hat and barrier cream for your nose and lips. Calamine lotion and aloe vera are good for mild sunburn. Protect your eyes with good-quality sunglasses.
Shopping
Garments to Electronics
Shopping is the favorite activity for the locals especially in the evenings, when it is cooler. The Majeedhee Magu, which is the main road on the island, has along its sides various shops selling goods from the smallest commodities to virtually everything you could think of. The shops are well stocked with garments, perfumes and cosmetics, jewelry, watches or electronics, to name just a few. Many find it a pleasant experience to join the throngs of shoppers on the main shopping streets in the evenings. All shops are open until 11.00 in the night, except for prayer times, when they are closed for 15 minutes.
Fish products
Canned fish produced at the canning plant in Felivaru, Lhaviyani Atoll is available in a number of shops in Male’. Tuna used for canning are caught by the traditional pole and line method, as are all fish caught in the Maldives, and therefore are ‘dolphin friendly’. Vacuum packed smoked fish and chipped dried fish are also available in many super markets around Male’. These genuine Maldivian products would make excellent gifts for a friend. Or just take some home and try them out yourself.
The Local Market
The Local Market, just a block away from the Male’ Fish Market on the northern waterfront, is divided into small stalls. Here the pace is slower and the atmosphere peaceful, compared to the hectic activity in the rest of this neighborhood. Each stall is filled with a variety of local produce mainly from the atolls. Here you will find different kinds of local vegetables, fruits and yams, packets of sweetmeat, nuts and breadfruit chips, bottles of home made sweets and pickles and bunches of bananas hanging on coir ropes from ceiling beams. Another building just next door sells smoked and dried fish
Souvenirs
It is not difficult to find your way around Male’, especially if you carry a map with you. After all it is only two square kilometers. The main street Majeedhee Magu, runs right across the island from east to west. Chaandhanee Magu on the other hand runs from north to south. Most souvenir shops line the northern end of Chaandanee Magu, earlier known as the Singapore Bazaar for its many imports from Singapore. Guides and vendors speaking in English and other foreign languages patiently wait to serve the visitors. These shops are stocked with an ample supply of gifts and souvenir items. Best buys include the ‘thudu kuna’ the Maldivian mat woven with local natural fibers. Attractive too are the wooden miniature ‘dhonis’. When shopping for souvenirs, do keep in mind that export of products made of turtle shell, black coral, pearl oyster shell and red coral is prohibited.
Go Surfing in the Maldives
Maldives is fast establishing itself as a destination for surfers. While most of the recognized surf breaks are in Malé 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 Malé Atoll where you could get access to a number of excellent breaks.
The weather in Maldives is influenced by two monsoons – the northeast monsoon and the southwest monsoon from November to April brings fine weather coincides with the high tourist season. The southwest monsoon from May to October is often wet and rainy. However, this period provides the best surf.
We have chosen just some of the many popular surfing spots, however more surfing spots are located throughout the Maldives. Contact us for more information and pricing on the various resorts located close to these surfing spots. Charges apply to surfing spots if access is by boat.
Surfing spot: Lhohi (Eastern Reef of North Malé Atoll)
Resort: Lohifushi Island
Good and hollow left-hander with two sections. Need big SE swells and high tides to work well. Best during NW – NE offshore winds. Named after the island resort Lohifushi. Access by boat from Lohifushi Resort.
Surfing spot: Piddlies / Ninjas (Eastern Reef of North Malé Atoll)
Resort: Kanifinolhu
Slow right-hander, good for beginners and long-boarders. Best on W-NW winds with a moderate S swell. However swells larger than 4 feet spoils it. Names Ninjas because many Japanese surfers seem to like it. Access by boat.
Surfing spot: Sultans (Eastern Reef of North Malé Atoll)
Resort: Tari Village Resort (Kanu Huraa)
Perfect long left, which picks up more swell and is more consistent than any other break. Rides are 75 to 100 yards long. Reserved for the exclusive use of the resort guests. Best winds; N, but can be surfed with NE – NW. Best months – February, March and April. Accessible from the shore.
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