Maldives is an archipelagic state in the Indian Ocean. In this Maledives vlog and travel guide, we will take you to the most …
Welcome to the Maldives, the island nation often considered heaven on earth. You’re watching World Travel Guide, and in this video, we’ll show you the stunning places you simply must visit on your next trip to the Maldives. Before we start, be sure to hit the like button and subscribe to our channel for more amazing content.
### Introduction to the Maldives
The Maldives, officially known as the Republic of Maldives, are located in both the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea, just southwest of Sri Lanka and the southern tip of India. The Maldives consist of a chain of 26 atolls and over 1,200 coral islands and sandbanks. These atolls are divided into 21 administrative divisions by the government. The Maldives span over 297 square kilometers, making it a very dispersed country. The Maldives are famous for their low elevation of around just 1.5 meters above sea level, making it the world’s lowest country.
### History and Culture
While little is known about the ancient history of the Maldives, scholars and historians believe it is an old nation populated for over 2,500 years. The Maldivian race is the result of several waves of settlement from various parts of the Indian subcontinent, along with interactions with people of different races and ethnicities over several centuries. The country’s culture and traditions reflect this melting pot of influences. The Maldivian language, Dhivehi, is an Indo-Aryan language with origins in Sanskrit. Traditionally, the livelihood of Maldivians depended on the sea, with fishing being the main source of sustenance. Today, while fisheries still contribute significantly to the economy, tourism is the main source of income.
### Top Destinations in the Maldives
#### Malé
Malé, the capital and most populous city of the Maldives, is one of the most densely populated cities in the world. The city consists of a central island, an airport island, and four other islands. Prime attractions include Sultan Park, the National Museum, the Grand Friday Mosque, and the attractive artificial beach.
#### Hulhumalé
Just south of North Malé Atoll and connected to the airport lies Hulhumalé, an island that combines urban life with the delights of island living. Spanning 188 hectares, it boasts palm trees, spectacular beaches, and a strict no-littering policy, making it a great place to visit before leaving or after arriving in the Maldives.
#### Maldives Submarine Tour
Experience the Maldives’ underwater world with a unique submarine tour, offering views of coral reefs, reef sharks, and diverse marine life. The Maldives is the only destination in Southeast Asia that operates such tours.
#### Vaadhoo Island
Vaadhoo Island is famous for the “Sea of Stars,” a natural phenomenon that illuminates the shores with bioluminescent plankton, creating a magical, glowing effect at night.
#### Maafushi Island
Located 26 kilometers from Malé, Maafushi Island is larger than many other Maldivian islands and welcomes numerous tourists each year. It features cozy, affordable guesthouses and hostels.
#### Banana Reef
One of the oldest reefs discovered in the Maldives, Banana Reef is adorned with stunning caves, majestic cliffs, beautiful coral growths, and abundant marine life, making it one of the world’s most popular dive sites.
#### Alimatha Island
Situated on the eastern edge of the Maldives, Alimatha Island offers luxury cabanas, pristine sandy beaches, and celebrated scuba diving spots. The island resort is a favorite among divers seeking beautiful coral groves and sea walls.
### Travel Tips
All nationalities receive a 30-day visa on arrival, provided you have a valid passport, an onward ticket, and a reservation at a tourist facility or enough funds to cover your stay. A 12% tourism goods and service tax is levied on goods and services at tourist establishments, and a green tax of $6 per person per day is payable at tourist accommodations, except guesthouses where the green tax is $3 per person per day.
### Transportation
Speed boat transfers are common for resorts close to the international airport, while seaplanes or domestic flights cover longer distances. Taxis are available from the airport to Malé, and several daily flights operate from Velana International Airport to the 12 domestic and international airports in the country. Scheduled ferries also operate from Malé to many of the atolls.
### Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit the Maldives is between November and April, when you can expect dry, sunny days and plenty of blue skies. This is the driest time of year, with low humidity. The rainy season, or southwest monsoon, runs from May to November. Although this period sees fewer tourists, temperatures remain high, and the sea is still warm enough for scuba diving.
### Conclusion
Is a trip to the Maldives on your bucket list? Let us know in the comments.
