Explore Maldives

History of Maldives

The Republic of Maldives is an archipelago to the southwest of Sri Lanka and India with a rich history that dates back to the 2nd century BCE. The country’s earliest settlers are believed to be Dravidian and Indo-Aryan people. Later, other groups seeking improved living conditions, such as migrants from the coasts of India and western Sri Lanka, also made their way to the Maldives. The Maldives started as a Buddhist country with its original settlers. Then it later converted to Islam as one of the first countries to convert to do so. 

Maldives fell under the influence of European powers in the 16th century. The Portuguese arrived in the Maldives due to the availability of cowry shells and ambergris within the country. Most of the invasion attempts were repelled due to the bravery of tough warriors like Ali Rasgefaanu, who later became Sultan Ali VI. Sultan Ali VI later fell victim to a Portuguese attack and faced a martyr’s death.

Following the death of Sultan Ali VI came the darkest period in Maldives’ history when the Portuguese invaders tried to enforce Christianity upon the islanders. Thanks to the bravery and strategic guerilla tactics of Mohamed Thakurufaanu and his two brothers, the people were able to drive back the Portuguese by assassinating their leader, Andreas Andre. Thakurufaanu then became the Sultan and reigned for 12 years, laying the bricks for a dynasty that lasted for 132 years.

The island turned into a British protectorate, with the Sultan of Maldives signing a contract with the British Governor of Ceylon in 1887. Later, on July 26th of 1965, the Maldives gained independence from British rule. Three years after gaining independence, the country was declared a republic with Prime Minister Ibrahim Nasir as its first president. Maldives currently is an internationally renowned country and a member of the UN, WHO, SAARC, Commonwealth and the Non-Aligned Movement.

The Culture

Maldives’ culture is a unique blend of influences from South Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. The people of Maldives reflect many races around the world from their features and customs. The archaeological evidence shows signs of Buddhist and Hindu culture in the ancient Maldives, mostly due to the arrival of Sri Lankans and South Indian settlers before its conversion to Islam.   The traditions, customs, attire, and entertainment that the people of Maldives follow are also great ways to observe the cultural influence of different parts of the world. A prime example of this is the art of hand clapping and chanting of the song “Boduberu”, which shows the influence of African countries.

Clothes

When shifting focus to the attire of the Maldives citizens, it’s what you can expect from humid tropical countries. Casual wear and cotton clothing are common here, and most people gravitate toward the latest trends in the fashion world. The traditional wear for men is “mundu” and women wear “libaas” in most cultural events and ceremonies.

One unique aspect of the Maldivian culture is that even though it is influenced by South Asian traditions, demanding submissive roles for women is not the norm here. Instead, women are treated equally, and their roles are considered as important as those of men. 

Language

The official language of the Maldives is Dhivehi. However, English is also common throughout the country, especially in tourism-heavy areas. This means you won’t face many language barriers on your tour to Maldives. Additionally, in resorts, guest relation officers fluent in languages such as Italian, Arabic, Chinese, and more are available, further reducing language barriers for visitors

Cuisine

Similar to most other aspects, Maldivian cuisine also has a heavy influence by South Asian, African and Middle Eastern flavors. Seafood is the staple of Maldivian dishes, and South Asian influence brings out the flavor with spices. Maldives quickly became one of the top tourist destinations in the area with its scenic shores and luxury resorts. Tourism and the influence it has on Maldivian culture is visible in most of the cosmopolitan areas and its tourist-based economy.

Weather

Maldives is an island with less than one per cent land and over 99 percent sea. This makes weather one of the most important governing roles of the country and its people. To help with their day-to-day life, ancient Maldivians introduced a system of periods, “nakaiy”. Each of these periods is 13 to 14 days long and divided into two major seasons. They are the Northeast monsoon (Iruvai) and the Southwest monsoon (Hulhangu).

The Northeast monsoon, or the Iruvai, typically lasts from December to April. During this period, the weather tends to get relatively dry, and the skies are a lot clearer. With its minimal rainfall, this season is the ideal time for outdoor activities, water sports and beach vacations.

The other season is Hulhangu, the Southwest monsoon that lasts from May to September. This period is the wet season, and you can expect moderate to rough gales and increased rainfall. Due to the strong wind conditions, the sea can often be rough during this season.

The time between the Iruvai and Hulhangu periods is the transitional period (April and November). During this time, the islanders expect less predictable weather patterns with a mix of rain and sunshine. 

The Maldives experiences strong oceanic currents influenced by trade winds, reaching speeds of four knots near the capital Malé. Currents inside atolls are more settled and are affected by tides and prevailing winds. These currents vary by location and season, with April and November being less predictable. Water temperatures range from 27°C -30°C, allowing comfortable diving without a wetsuit, but extra clothing is needed during rain squalls and heavy winds.

Visas

Tourist visas for the Maldives are granted to all nationalities upon arrival. So, there is no pre-approval, but travellers must meet specific entry requirements for immigration clearance. These basic entry requirements include,

 

  • Owning a passport or travel document with a Machine-Readable Zone (MRZ) and at least one-month validity, excluding passports with extended validity. 
  • A comprehensive travel itinerary with confirmed return tickets and a prepaid hotel booking at a registered hotel is necessary. This must also include proof of financial means to support the stay or a pre-approved visa sponsorship approved by Maldives Immigration.
  • For onward destinations, travellers must meet entry requirements such as Visa and Passport validity.
  • Traveler Declaration has to be submitted electronically via IMUGA within 96 hours of the flight. 
  • Everyone except children under the age of 1 must show a Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate, if applicable.
  • Children/minors need their own passports to enter the Maldives.

 

Transit travellers who are passing through without clearing Maldives arrival immigration must also provide a complete travel itinerary. It’s important to note that a complete travel itinerary does not guarantee entry into the country. The admission verification by immigration officers at the airport falls under The Maldives Immigration Act 2007 (Sections 7 and 8). These measures aim to ensure a smooth entry process and compliance with immigration regulations. This typically applies to all travelers visiting the Maldives for tourism purposes.

Maldives Customs & Laws

Since Maldives is an Islamic state, the customs and laws are heavily influenced by Islamic principles. As a result, the legal system of Maldives comes as a blend of Sharia law with a few modern legal concepts.   Let’s understand the customs you should be aware of when visiting Maldives.   It’s illegal for tourists entering the Maldives to bring firearms, alcoholic beverages, pork products, pornography and idols of worship. There are also strict penalties that apply to those attempting to import illegal drugs.    Alcohol and pork products are only available on resort islands with a special license. In addition, most medications are allowed with a doctor’s prescription, provided the quantity is within the required amount for the stay. Moreover, travellers with significant photographic or diving equipment should inform their resort in advance or provide a detailed list to prevent delays at the airport. Also, any items left behind may be subject to import duty.   Tourists in the Maldives also must adhere to local laws implemented by the country’s government. Islamic principles heavily influence Maldivian laws, emphasizing modest dress and respectful behaviour. Homosexual acts are illegal criminal offences, so it’s wise to be discreet about your sexuality.   Tourists should always respect environmental protection measures and cultural traditions and avoid public displays of affection. Ignorance of laws is not an excuse, and compliance is necessary to ensure a positive and lawful experience in the Maldives.

Activities

The Maldives, with its pristine beaches, turquoise waters and colourful marine life, offers a paradise for travellers seeking both relaxation and adventure. Below are some of the best activities to take part in while in the Maldives.

1. Snorkeling and Diving

The Maldives is famous for its stunning coral reefs and diverse marine life. This makes snorkelling a must-do activity while in the Maldives. Snorkelling allows you to explore the vibrant underwater world just beneath the surface. The convenience of house reefs at many resorts allows for easy access to this aquatic wonderland straight from the beach for a more immersive experience. Consider scuba diving to venture deeper into the ocean and discover breathtaking coral formations, colourful fish, and possibly even encounters with sharks and rays. The Maldives boasts some of the best dive sites globally and is very good at providing memorable experiences for both beginner and experienced divers.

2. Island Hopping

Island hopping is a rare activity that you can only indulge in a few places in the world. Explore the true beauty of the archipelago of Maldives by taking part in an island-hopping exploration. Discover luxurious resort islands and inhabited natural sanctuaries with a glimpse into Maldivian daily life. Each island has its unique charm, and island hopping provides a greater understanding of the country beyond the luxury resort experience.

3. Water sports

The Maldives offers an array of water sports and adventurous activities to satisfy thrill-seeking tourists. Jet skiing, kayaking, windsurfing and paddle boarding are popular choices that allow you to enjoy crystal-clear waters while staying active. Many resorts also offer catamaran cruises, dolphin-watching excursions and fishing trips. Sunset cruises are also a popular romantic experience that allows you to witness the sun setting over the Indian Ocean.

4. Luxury getaways

The Maldives is famous for its luxury getaways and wellness retreats. The destination has exclusive resort facilities, notably featuring overwater villas with breathtaking ocean views of a crystal-clear ocean. You can indulge in traditional Maldivian-inspired cuisine, various treatments, massages, and wellness activities and enjoy finer things in life while healing and relaxing. The peaceful ambience is made even better with the calming sounds of waves and the soft ocean breeze.

5. Cultural excursions

Discovering the Maldives’ culture involves checking out important attractions like the Maldives Islamic Centre in Malé. To understand the country’s history and heritage better, join in at local events and festivals and connect with the folks around. Also, get to know Maldivian cuisine – it’s all about tasty dishes made with local ingredients, adding to your overall cultural exploration.

Travel Info

Getting to the Maldives is convenient as the archipelago is well-connected by air. Situated within a short flight from Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Europe, the Maldives is serviced by major airlines and charter flights. Velana International Airport is the main gateway and is just 15 minutes by boat from Malé. Transfers to resorts are arranged by the resorts or tour operators via speedboat, seaplane, or domestic flight. This will ensure that you have a seamless start to an unforgettable Maldivian experience.

The airport offers facilities such as left luggage, a first aid station, a bank, duty-free shops, a snack bar, a post office and a restaurant. Visitors receive a free 30-day visa with no prior visa required upon arrival. However, this entry permit doesn’t authorize employment, business setup, or professional activities without government consent and compliance with local laws.

It’s better to prepare with appropriate clothing and items like sunscreen and sunglasses since Maldives is a humid tropical country. Make sure to also pack everything that you might want depending on what you are doing while in Maldives. Abide by the local laws, be culturally sensitive, be environmentally responsible and be discreet about your sexual preferences.