I N D U L G E M A L D I V E S...Maldives guesthouses even have four-star ratings and are comparable to mini hotels, with roof top infinity pools. Indulge Maldives offers a variety

I N D U L G E M A L D I V E S

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T H E M A L D I V E S ’ # 1 T R A V E L G U I D E

INDULGE MALDIVES

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MALDIVES FACTS

GEOGRAPHYThe Maldives is made up of 1200 islands. Many of these are uninhabited, sandbank or local village islands. There are 26 island atolls in Maldives. With the equator crossing through the country.

CAPITAL CITY | POPULATIONMale’ (pronounced Mar-lay) is the capital city island of the Maldives & measures only 5km square. Male’ is one of the most densely populated islands in the world, with a population of over 140 000 people. The Maldives has a total population of 400 000.

RELIGIOUS BELIEFSThe Maldives is a 100% Sunni Muslim country. Tourists should dress respectfully when in the capital city Malé, or when passing through villages on local islands. It is law that alcohol is not permitted on local islands, even for tourists. Most local islands also have a designated Bikini Beach designed especially for visitors. Only here it is appropriate to swim in bikini attire. No other religious materials may be brought into Maldives & no pork products are sold. Dress codes & alcohol laws do not apply to travellers staying at Maldives resorts or on safari vessels.

LANGUAGEDhivehi (pronounced dee-va-he) is the national language of the Maldives and uses its own alphabetic system, reading from right to left. English is widely spoken, with most Maldivians speaking fluent English as their second language.

INDEPENDENCEThe Maldives has been Independent from Portugal for 54 years & the current President came into power in Nov 2018.

WEATHEREquatorial, hot and humid year round. The dry season runs from November through to April, in which rain is less common and humidity levels are at their peak. This is the peak tourist season in Maldives. The wet season extends from May to October. During this period there are sunny spells and the temperature is around 30 degrees Celsius. The only time you may need warmer clothes is for in air-conditioning.


EXCLUSIVE LUXURY SURF RESORTSStay at an all-inclusive luxury surf resort that has the perks of access to exclusive surf breaks. Only surfers staying at exclusive surf resorts are permitted to surf the waves located at these islands. Exclusive surf resorts also have a maximum capacity of surfers staying at the island at any one time, meaning that these waves are off-limits to the public and are significantly less crowded. Each surfer will have to pay for a surfing day pass or on a per surf basis. Exclusive surf resorts offer luxury fine dining experiences, incredible day spas, kids clubs, day excursions and activities. There are less than a handful of surf resorts in Maldives. Exclusive surf resorts are perfect for honeymooners, couples or families hoping to surf quality uncrowded waves.

ACCOMMODATION GUIDE

LUXURY RESORTS & OVERWATER BUNGALOWSImagine staying in an overwater bungalow or suite on a private island? There are over one hundred private luxury resort islands dotted throughout the Indian Ocean of the Maldives. Luxury resorts in the Maldives are a popular holiday choice for families, couples and honeymooners as they offer the perfect combination of resort life, laidback luxury & ocean dwelling. Each resort offers a variety of room types from garden & beach villas, to overwater suites. Remember when staying at a resort, travellers will need to to pay for resort transfers – speedboat, domestic flight, or sea plane. These usually start from $200p.p & can reach $500p.p. depending on the distance from the resort to the airport.

5www.indulgemaldives.com [email protected]

Surf Camps

Staying at a surf camp in the Maldives means you will get all of the best insider tips each day for a particular surf break plus current surf conditions & forecasts. You will meet other surfers staying at the camp & out in the line-up, plus get a taste for local island life & local Maldivian people. A Maldives surf camp vacation is the perfect mix of culture, surfing & value for money. Surf camps will often have their own speedboats and will organize day trips to other nearby breaks for their guests.

GUEST HOUSES – Best for Budget Travellers

Guesthouses offer bed and breakfast style accommodation for budget travellers. Some Maldives guesthouses even have four-star ratings and are comparable to mini hotels, with roof top infinity pools. Indulge Maldives offers a variety of holiday packages, inclusive of accommodation, transfers, meals and some for a bunch of guesthouses and local islands. Each guesthouse is different and you will need to choose one that best suits your holiday needs. Indulge Maldives can make suitable recommendations for you based on your holiday wish list & holiday desires. Guesthouse stays begin from US$50 per night, during low season, including breakfast, with prices reaching up to $250 per night for a Maldives guesthouse.

It is possible to stay at a Maldives guesthouse and purchase a day pass or night pass to a resort. This allows a certain number of hours access to a resort’s facilities. This is a great money saver for those on a budget.

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SAFARI BOAT OR LIVEABOARDS

Set sail on the ultimate surfing or dive trip, onboard a safari boat. Enjoy drifting between Maldivian islands with an experienced diving or surf guide, in search of perfect waves. Most of these trips are all-inclusive except for alcohol and added day trips. Enjoy surfing, snorkeling, fishing as well as watching the sunrise and sunset.


Island hopping the Maldives sounds incredibly dreamy, and it is… although a little know-how is essential. Our experienced Indulge Maldives Travel Specialists have lived in Maldives for over 7 years & can plan you a dream vacation to Maldives.

Did you know is necessary to have a valid accommodation reservation before arriving in Maldives? You may be required to produce a reservation for each night of your stay to Immigration officials upon your entry to Maldives, in order to gain the free Visa On Arrival. Indulge Maldives offers a FREE Immigration Voucher so you have peace of mind when entering Maldives. It’s helpful to note, that during peak season (Nov- March) it is recommended to book your accommodation well in advance as islands as resorts fill up quickly.

Before you book, it is important to know what style of accommodation you prefer, have a clear holiday budget and a wish list of activities you would like to do whilst in Maldives. Our Indulge Maldives travel specialists can take care of your every holiday need, saving you both time & money. We can advise you on a suitable island, offer the best accommodation rates, organise island transfers, excursions & your meals. Some people believe booking with a Travel Agency is more expensive than booking online – this is in fact a huge myth as we are able to offer more competitive rates than what you will find online as we have exclusive connections with each Maldives property.

HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR ACCOMMODATION

u  What is my holiday budget?

u  What style of accommodation can I afford?

u  How long can I realistically afford to stay in

Maldives?

u  What are the main activities that I wish to do on my

vacation in the Maldives?

u  What type of transport will I require to get from the

airport to the desired resort island and how much

will it cost?

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Stay at an

island that best caters to your needs..


As most resorts in the Maldives are located on their own private islands, many locally inhabited islands are where budget travellers will find affordable guesthouse and surf camp style accommodation. Remember staying at a guesthouse or surf camp and doing day trips to a resort is a much cheaper holiday alternative to luxury resorts. Here is a selection of local islands that are perfect to travel Maldives on a budget. These islands also offer great surfing, diving and ocean facilities.

LOCAL ISLANDS

HULHUMALÉ

Hulhumale' (pronounced hool - a - marl - lay) is the transit island and is attached to the airport island Hulhule. Here you will find a long white sandy beach and inexpensive beachfront accommodation, beginning from as little as USD$50 per night. Indulge Maldives recommends Hulhumale Island for a short stay only. Many travellers use Hulhumalé Island as a transit island, before heading off to their intended holiday island. This is especially the

case if arriving at night time. For swimming at Hulhumalé Island there is no bikini beach, and it is a legal requirement to swim in t-shirt and shorts - bikini swimwear is illegal here. We can assist in finding you better than online prices at Hulhumalé Island. Our two preferred properties (budget & luxe) are located side by side are are right next door to the best café on the entire island.


THULUSDHOO SURF | DIVE | SNORKEL | PADDLEBOARD | SANDBANKS | RESORT TRIPS

Thulusdhoo (Th-oo-la-st-oo) is the perfect island if you are looking for a mix of relaxation, surf, snorkeling, culture and all things beach. Thulusdhoo Island is located 30 minutes north of the airport via speedboat, in North Malé Atoll and costs $30p.p one-way. Snorkel, dive,

swim or paddleboard directly off the tropical lagoon of the island’s ‘Bikini Beach’ or simply laze beachside in a hammock, under canopies of palm trees. Thulusdhoo Island is in close proximity to a sandbank island & resort islands such as Club Med Kani that offer day passes to outside guests. It is home to the country’s own Coca Cola factory and has a number of local cafés. Thulusdhoo Island boasts two of the Maldives’ very best surf breaks, ‘Cokes’ (a hollow right hander) and ‘Chickens’ (a long left). Our Very own Managing Director Hupa

Ibrahim doubles as Maldives Surf Photographer. He can offer drone, underwater, surf & lifestyle shoots at Thulusdhoo Island. Thulusdhoo is often a popular island for couples who enjoy adventure travel and those in search of perfect warm water waves.

SEE OUR 4 NIGHT THULUSDHOO ISLAND ESCAPE USD$360pp

GURAIDHOO SWIM | SURF | DIVE | MANTAS | SNORKELLING TRIPS

Guraidhoo is a peaceful and quiet island that is easily accessible from the airport. Guardhoo

is often regarded as budget destination for snorkeling with resident manta-rays. ‘Rip Tides’ is the main surf break here on the island and the 5-star luxury Kandooma Resort is just a stones throw across the channel. Guraidhoo Island offers plenty of guesthouses and a secluded bikini beach situated on its own mini-island. Guraidhoo is located in South Malé Atoll & is a 50 minute speedboat journey from the airport, costing$30p.p. one-way. 9www.indulgemaldives.com [email protected]

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THODDOO SWIM | SANDBANKS | MANTAS | WATER SPORTS | BICYCLE RIDES

Thoddoo is a must-see local island situated in North Ari Atoll - a 1.5hrs speedboat journey from the airport, costing $35pp one-way. Famous for watermelons, papayas and palm trees, Thoddoo Island is considered the ‘Agricultural Island’ of the Maldives. With sparkling turquoise waters, kilometres of endless palm trees, killer sunsets, bioluminescence by night and a bikini beach to die-for by day - it’s an island surely not to be missed. It’s important to note that there

are no beachfront guesthouses at Thoddoo Island. Rather all accommodation lies within the centre of the island, in the local village. Tourists enjoy riding bicycles around the island & to reach the beach, it’s a 15minute walk from the local village.

SEE OUR 4 NIGHT THODDOO ISLAND BUDGET ESCAPE $360pp

DHIGURAH DIVE | SNORKEL | SANDBANK | WHALE SHARKS | MANTAS | BICYCLE RIDES

Dhigurah is renowned as of of the most picturesque islands in all of Maldives. It is the last island of South Ari Atoll and is known as ‘Long Island’ by locals, as it stretches almost 3km in length and is only 250m wide. Dhigurah Island is located 2 hours south of the airport via speedboat

and costs $60p.p. one-way. The speedboat schedule is extremely limited with just one service daily, however there is the option of a domestic flight transfer for $135p.p. one-way, with multiple services daily. The surrounding waters of the island are renowned for their abundance of sea life including whale sharks, manta rays, turtles and large corals. It’s possible to swim with whale sharks year round at Dhigurah Island.

SEE OUR 3 NIGHT WHALE SHARK & MANTA PACKAGE


MAAFUSHI CHEAP | WATER SPORTS | DAY TRIPS – SNORKELLING, SURFING & RESORTS

Maafushi Island is the most popular & budget friendly local island for travellers. With a number of guesthouses starting from as little as USD$50 a night during the low season,

Maafushi is again another island that offers a perfect mix of relaxation, culture and all things beach. Day trips such as diving, snorkeling, fishing and surfing excursions can easily be arranged plus trips to near by resorts. Maafushi Island is located in South Malé Atoll & is reachable by speedboat within 40 minutes from the airport & costs $25p.p. one-way.

DHARAVANDOO DIVE | SNORKEL | SANDBANK | WHALE SHARKS | MANTAS

If you love snorkeling and diving, you cannot go past the incredible Dharavandhoo Island of

the Baa Atoll, which also happens to be a protected UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. During June – October, it’s possible to swim with whale sharks, eagle and manta rays and scuba-dive some of the best underwater reefs and dive locations in the Maldives, including Hanifaru Bay. Dharavandhoo is located in Baa Atoll and is 20 minutes via domestic flight from the airport & costs $199p.p. return. Alternatively, take a 2.5 hour speed boat from $55p.p. one-way.


TRANSPORT

Before arriving in Maldives you will need to have pre-organised your island transfers. It’s not possible to arrive & make arrangements at the airport.

FERRIESFerries are a very cheap transfer method for budget travellers, however be warned each island’s ferry will only operate on a once per day schedule & tickets can be booked out by local people. Ferries are designed for the local people to access the mainland Malé, therefore a day trip to a local island is not possible. A ticket will cost 40 Rufiyaa or US$2one-way and does not need to be pre-arranged. Simply turn up fifteen minutes before departure. All ferries arrive to and depart from Male’.

SPEEDBOATSAll speedboats must be pre-booked through your Travel Agent or guesthouse. Tourists cannot arrange speedboats at the airport. There is no speedboat service desk at the airport. Speedboats will service each island once or a couple of times daily. They do not run on an hourly schedule. Speedboat is the cheapest form of transfer. DOMESTIC FLIGHTSAs the islands of the Maldives are quite wide spread, it may be necessary for you to take a further domestic flight to reach your holiday island. Your resort or guesthouse will inform you of this if it is necessary & will take care of arranging your plane ticket. Domestic transfers start from $100 one-way.

SEA PLANESAs the beautiful islands of the Maldives are scattered over kilometers of vast ocean reefs, a seaplane ride may be necessary to reach your tropical destination. The resort you choose will inform you if a seaplane journey is necessary, and will provide you with costings and details, usually starting from $300p.p. one-way. Don’t’ forget to have your camera charged and ready for this spectacle of a ride. Lucky you!


MONEY

The main currencies used in the Maldives are US Dollars and the local currency – Rufiyaa

(MVR). Most resort islands prefer to accept USD$, Euros or credit cards, whilst on the

mainland of Male’ and on local islands, Ruffiya is mainly accepted. Some local islands have

ATM’s but not all islands. Be sure to check before hand & withdraw enough cash at the

airport before travelling to your holiday island if need be. It’s always advisable to carry local

MVR or USD cash with you in the Maldives.

Standard Exchange Rate

USD $1 = 15.42 Maldivian Rufiyaa


FOOD

Maldivian food mostly consists of tuna, curries, rice dishes, coconut and spices. Maldivian

food is influenced by Sri Lankan and Indian cuisines.

Popular Maldivian dishes include:

u  Mashuni – a traditional breakfast dish consisting of tuna and coconut.

u  Dhon Riha – a yellowish tuna or fish curry.

u  Bokiba – traditional tuna cake that makes a great snack.

u  Dhonkeyo Kajuru – a banana and coconut dessert.


HELPFUL HOLIDAY TIPS

u  WIFI: If you are staying in a resort you will have access to WiFi. If staying on a local

island, the guesthouse may have WiFi or you may need to purchase a tourist sim card at

the airport to have wifi access. Make sure your phone is unlocked and not restricted to a

certain network or the sim will not work. It’s only possible to get a tourist sim card at the

airport, before you arrive at the local island. You can choose a data or call package to

load on to your sim. Internet can be slightly expensive here, depending on the package

you choose eg USD$20-30. The local mobile providers are Dhiraagu and Ooredoo both

offering 4G pre-paid services and both work reasonably well throughout the islands.

u  FRIDAY – DAY OF PRAYER: The islands will be noticeably quiet on Friday’s before

2pm. All shops will be closed as it is the religious day of prayer. It’s best to purchase

items from shops or arrange transport on Thursday evenings if you require it before 2pm

Friday. In Maldives, weekends take place on Fridays and Saturdays. Shops are open on

Saturdays.

u  BIKINI BEACHES: Remember if visiting a local island, dress modestly when moving

through the local village & always check if you are at a Bikini Beach before swimming,

as it is illegal to swim in a bikini outside of a Bikini Beach.

u  WATER: Drinking bottled water is a must – even locals do this.

u  RAMADAN: Around the new moon each year. During this time, locals are fasting

during sunlight hours. Many shops are closed and it can be difficult to even find a café or

restaurant that is open, even on the mainland.

u  PRE-ARRANGE SPEEDBOAT TRANSFERS AND ACCOMMODATION at least

a few days before required & have documents for Immigration on arrival.

u  CARRY CASH as not everywhere will accept cards or have ATMs, especially on local

islands.


Kristie Murray is the Managing Director of Indulge Maldives Holidays (Australia). She is an Australian Freelance Luxury Travel Writer, professional sun-chaser, bikini collector & pina colada drinker. Kristie enjoys reviewing luxury properties & surfing exotic locations. You can view her award winning luxury travel blog you.theworld.wandering.

Kristie has travelled to over thirty countries throughout the UK, Europe, USA, Oceania and Asia. She has lived in the Maldives for 4 years since Feb 2015 and is experienced in local island hopping. Kristie enjoys sharing her passion for local island tourism with her Indulge Maldives clients & guides the Indulge Maldives Retreats.

She loves travel, writing, photography, adventure and is a life-long passionate surfer. Kristie grew up in Jervis Bay on the south coast of NSW Australia.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR


The information and materials used in this guide are produced exclusively by Indulge Maldives Holidays - Kristie Murray (Managing Director Australia & Travel Writer) and Husham Ibrahim (Managing Director Maldives & Photographer). All information contained in this book is written from the knowledge and experience of Kristie Murray and Husham Ibrahim.

This is a general guide designed to inform prospective travellers of all the essential information necessary for holidaying in the Maldives. Indulge Maldives aims to ensure an unbiased representation of the different types of holiday styles available for tourists within the Maldives. Kristie Murray nor Indulge Maldives Holidays can be held liable for the the information followed within this guide.

While the information is correct at the time of publishing, given the fast-paced changing nature of travel and tourism industry, this guide will be re-issued annually.

Accordingly, the information and material in this guide are copyright, 2019.

© Indulge Maldives Holidays

No part of this guide may be in any form reproduced by electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or any other means, or be sold or transmitted without the prior permission of the publisher, you.theworld.wandering.

Company Features: If you would like to feature your company in the e-book, please contact Kristie at [email protected]

Sales:If you are interested in selling copies of the e-book in digital or print formats, please email Kristie at [email protected]

SEE MORE AT:www.indulgemaldives.com

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I N D U L G E M A L D I V E S...Maldives guesthouses even have four-star ratings and are comparable to mini hotels, with roof top infinity pools. Indulge Maldives offers a variety