First Timer’s Guide to the Exotic Paradise of Maldives
Quick answer: The Maldives is an easy first-timer destination: you get a visa on arrival, your resort arranges the transfer from Malé, and the driest, most reliable weather runs from November to April. This first timer’s guide to the Maldives covers the capital, island hopping, when to visit and the local customs every visitor should know.
There are only a few places in the world you can confidently call paradise on Earth, and the Maldives is definitely one of them. The archipelago is made up of a whopping 1,192 coral islands, so if this is your first trip to this corner of the world, here is the freshman’s guide to the exotic paradise of the Maldives.
Malé: The Magnificent Capital of the Maldives
The Maldives’ main international airport sits on Hulhulé Island, right next to the capital, Malé. That makes the city the first highlight most visitors lay eyes on.
Malé feels like a hypermodern Venice of the future, somewhere between neo-punk glitz and Miami glamour. The island that holds the city is only 1 kilometre wide and 1.7 kilometres long, yet it accommodates a population of over 130,000 residents.
Island Hopping in the Maldives
The Maldives covers an area of 90,000 square kilometres. Most of its islands are uninhabited, but over 100 of them have resorts and another 200 are regularly or partially inhabited.
For 50 years, travellers could only stay at the archipelago’s designated resorts. Only more recently did the government, under President Nasheed, allow residents of local islands to open guesthouses and their own accommodation.
Island hopping, travelling from one island to another within a designated area during a single holiday, has since become a popular way to see the Maldives. Even some resorts allow it in limited ways. It is the essence of the customised tropical vacation.
Good-value packages with customisable holidays appear regularly, so keep an eye out for the Maldives travel packages and offers that give you the best bang for your buck.
When to Visit the Maldives
The Maldives is a viable destination all year long. The archipelago lies near the equator, so temperatures stay fairly consistent, rain or shine.
The monsoon season, however, can spoil parts of your holiday. Here is how the year breaks down:
| Period | What to expect |
|---|---|
| November to April | The best time to visit, with the most reliable weather |
| May to October | Monsoon season; best avoided if possible |
| July and August | Rain and thunderstorms tend to be the most persistent |
Things to Know Before Your First Trip to the Maldives
Local customs and laws
If this is your first time in the Maldives, you should definitely follow certain local customs. It is a Sunni Muslim country, so keep these points in mind:
- Alcohol is not available beyond the gates of your resort.
- Homosexuality is illegal.
- Revealing outfits are frowned upon outside the resorts.
- Public displays of affection are illegal.
Tourists rarely get into trouble, especially if they keep to the resorts, but you are a guest here, so it pays to be respectful.
Visas and health
You don’t need any special vaccinations or other medical preparation to travel to the Maldives. The government follows a visa-on-arrival policy, so visitors do not need to apply beforehand, whatever their country of origin. Just make sure your passport is valid.
Money and getting around
The Maldivian currency is the rufiyaa (MVR), though you can also pay for services in US dollars, and by credit card where accepted.
If your resort is on another island, your resort representative will take care of the transfer. You will reach your destination by speedboat, seaplane or even a domestic flight. After that, all that’s left is to enjoy the gorgeous landscapes and exquisite activities on this archipelago of dreams.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit the Maldives?
November to April. The monsoon runs from May to October, with the heaviest rain and thunderstorms usually in July and August.
Do I need a visa for the Maldives?
No advance application is needed. The Maldives follows a visa-on-arrival policy for visitors of any nationality, as long as your passport is valid.
Can you drink alcohol in the Maldives?
Only at resorts. The Maldives is a Sunni Muslim country and alcohol is not available beyond the resort gates.
How do you get from the airport to your resort?
Your resort representative arranges the transfer, by speedboat, seaplane or domestic flight depending on where the resort is.
Is the Maldives Worth It for First Timers?
If you are looking for the ultimate escape from the world, the Maldives gives you that romantic “marooned in the middle of nowhere” feeling with no caveats. A touch of luxury and a sense of tropical delight follow every splash and every step. The archipelago is a surprisingly affordable equatorial dreamscape you’ll remember as the best time of your life.
