The Maldives, an archipelago of small islands scattered across the vast Indian Ocean are always a delight to visit with their pristine beaches, sapphire seas and generally very pleasant climate. However as is the case with any exotic destination on the globe, it is always wise to keep the local conditions and culture in mind when visiting these magical islands.
The culture of the Maldives draws influences from Sinhalese, South Indian and Arabian elements. Practically the entire population is Sunni Muslim, and therefore pork, alcohol, dogs and the display of non-Muslim religions are forbidden on the islands inhabited by local residents. However in the resorts no such restrictions are enforced.
Notably, the weekends in the Maldives falls on Friday and Saturday; on which government offices, banks and many of the shops remain closed. Again, these conventions have little effect on the resorts, except that Friday prayers may alter the lunch hours.
The tropical Maldivian climate is by and large very pleasant, with sunny weather all year round. However the southwest monsoon brings some rainfall, especially in the period from June to August.
The official visa policy in the Maldives is remarkably simple and straightforward; every visitor receives a thirty day visa free of charge. However every traveller must possess a legitimate travel document and return ticket as well as evidence of adequate funds, which translates to a genuine reservation at one of the resorts. The visas can be extended for a period of 90 days, but visitors must disclose where they intend to stay for this period.
Luggage is invariably subjected to X-raying upon arrival, and bringing pork, pornography or alcohol is prohibited. When leaving, taking seashells or sand is similarly prohibited.
Apart from relaxing in the resorts, snorkelling and diving are popular activities in the Maldives. The islands are particularly renowned for scuba diving, with numerous dive sites offering the chance to observe abundant marine life with excellent water clarity.
When selecting Maldives island resorts, an excellent choice would be the Naladhu, Maldives. This luxury Maldives hotel offers all the amenities that the affluent visitor may desire.
