Travel Planner
Did you ever arrive at a vacation resort only to say to yourself - "I wish I had known this before I got here" or "I wish I had thought of that..."? Well, Elite Resorts is trying to take away this stress by helping you plan your trip ahead of time with some local information about your destination. Time, currency, medical, tipping holidays and even which side of the road to drive on are all at your fingertips.
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Angsana Velavaru - Saturday, 19th May - 3:17pm
Huvafen Fushi - Saturday, 19th May - 3:17pm
Huvafen Fushi Island, North Malé Atoll - Saturday, 19th May - 3:17pm
Laamu - Saturday, 19th May - 3:17pm
Lhaviyani Atoll - Saturday, 19th May - 3:17pm
Madivaru - Saturday, 19th May - 3:17pm
Madivaru Island - Saturday, 19th May - 3:17pm
Velavaru Island, South Nilandhe Atoll - Saturday, 19th May - 3:17pm
Veligandu Huraa, South Male Atoll - Saturday, 19th May - 3:17pm
Tipping is a relatively uncommon practice and at the airport it is prohibited.
Hotels arrange their own methods of rewarding staff that you may want to participate in but there is a 10% service charge added to bills.
The official currency in the Maldives is the Maldivian Rufiyaa (Rf) but USD$ is widely accepted and can be used in resorts
The electric system is 230-240 Volts -AC
All nationalities enjoy a free 30 days visa on arrival
For more up to date and accurate travel information related to governments or Visa status please visit the Maldives national website.
Dhivehi is widely spoken.
English and French are also spoken in certain areas
Veligandu Huraa, South Male Atoll (Extended forecast)
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Today
N/A
Temperature: 28°C
Barometer: N/A
Humility: N/A%
Rain fall: 60mi
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Tomorrow (Sunday)
Scattered T-Storms
Temperature: 28°C
Barometer: Sct T-Storms
Humility: 73%
Rain fall: 60mi
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Monday
Scattered T-Storms
Temperature: 28°C
Barometer: Sct T-Storms
Humility: 74%
Rain fall: 60mi
-
Tuesday
Scattered T-Storms
Temperature: 28°C
Barometer: Sct T-Storms
Humility: 74%
Rain fall: 60mi
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Wednesday
Scattered T-Storms
Temperature: 28°C
Barometer: Sct T-Storms
Humility: 74%
Rain fall: 60mi
Seasons
The Maldives has two distinct seasons; northeast monsoon created dry season which happens from January to March and a wet season brought on by the southwest monsoon in mid-May to November. The average temperature does not fluctuate by much but in the wet season, you can expect heavy regular rainfalls and larger seas conditions.
- Public Holidays
- January 1 - New Year's Day
- January 24 - National Day
- February 04 - Mawlid al-Nabi (Birth of the Prophet)
- March 29 - The Day Maldives Embraced Islam
- July 20 - Ramadan begins
- July 26 - Independence Day
- August 19 - Eid al-Fitr (Ramadan ends)
- October 24 - Hajj Day
- October 26 - Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice)
- November 03 - Victory Day
- November 11 - Republic Day
- November 15 - Islamic New Year
- New Year's Day - 1 Jan
- National Day - January 24
- Mawlid al-Nabi (Birth of the Prophet) - 04 February
- The Day Maldives Embraced Islam - 29 March
- Ramadan begins - 20 July
- Independence Day - 26 July
- Eid al-Fitr (Ramadan ends) 19 August
- Hajj Day - 24 October
- Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice) - 26 October
- Victory Day - 03 November
- Republic Day - 11 November
- Islamic New Year - 15 November
Boats are the main travel options in the Maldives, being a massive group of islands and these can be chartered, rented and there are scheduled trips. On the islands, there are bikes, golf buggies and old fashioned walking. In male Taxis are available. The traditional dhoni boats are also widely available. Also for a unique transfer, there are a number of sea plane airports that provide transport and tours over the atolls of the Maldives.
Male has improved its health care facilities dramatically over the years so that the main hospitals are of a very good standard. They also feature specialised decompression chambers due to the Maldives being a hub for divers from around the world.
Emergency numbers are:
- Fire / Police / Medical - 102
Bottle Water is recommended.
There are numerous travel insurance packages available for travel to the Maldives from your travel agent, airline or travel partner or from your insurance agent. We do recommend that you investigate packages so that you have cover for issues such as the following examples:
- Expenses incurred if a flight is delayed
- Missed flight connections - missed flight issues
- Loss of cash, cards, personal belongings
- Rental vehicle damage
- Loss or theft of sporting equipment
- Loss or theft of passports
- Assalaam Alaikum! Is the traditional greeting, welcoming visitors in peace.
- As the Maldives are strictly Muslim, no alcohol or pornography is allowed through customs and all bags are searched.
- Male itself is a dry city.
- However most islands are a little more western in approach so women need not cover up here as in other strict Islamic states.
- Nudity however, such as topless bathing, is very much frowned upon.
- Along with this influence in society, the religion has also influenced culture.
- The Islamic festival of Eid is an important event for the people. Even in the days of the monarchy, special customs were followed in the Eid. These include special drumbeats from 'Nabuskhan', a place where special events are announced and the official procession of the Sultan to the Eid prayer. In the islands special games are played. People wear new clothes and are in a festive mood.
- Over time, the customs of celebrating the Eid have changed. Now you can see western and modern music shows held in Male and other islands. In addition brass bands, cadets of schools and National security service hold parades out in the streets.
- The traditional games are also now revived including baibala.
