Maldives – a tropical paradise

Maldives – a tropical paradise

The Maldives – a tropical paradise, is a dream destination for many people worldwide. With its crystal clear waters, coral reefs, and white sandy beaches, it’s easy to see why. Comprising 1,192 coral islands, this archipelago is grouped into 26 coral atolls. Out of these, 200 are inhabited by locals, and 80 are home to some of the most luxurious tourist resorts in the world.

The Maldives wasn’t always a popular place for tourists. It was in the early 1970s that people began to discover the beauty of these islands. Since then, the Maldives has become one of the most visited destinations globally, with over a million people journeying each year.

The country is the perfect destination if you’re looking for a romantic and luxurious getaway. With its stunning beaches, luxurious bungalows, and unique underwater life, it’s an ideal place for couples and honeymooners. But it’s not just for them. Families, solo travelers, and divers can also have a great time in this tropical paradise.

If you’re looking for a local experience, you can stay on the inhabited islands, where the locals live and work. In recent years, privately run guesthouses have become more popular, with many options. You can also travel between the islands using the national ferry network, which is quite reliable.

There are over 100 resorts in the Maldives, with varying levels of luxury. Each resort has a private island, offering some of the most exclusive experiences you can imagine. From scuba diving to snorkeling, you can explore the unique underwater world surrounding these islands.

If you plan a trip to the Maldives, remember that the country has cultural norms and practices. The Maldives is a conservative Muslim country, so dress modestly outside the resorts.

This is a dream destination for anyone interested in marine life. The underwater world in the Maldives is simply breathtaking! With its diverse array of marine life, including turtles, manta rays, friendly baby sharks, whale sharks, and schools of brilliantly colored tropical fish, it is no wonder that the Maldives is considered one of the best diving and snorkeling destinations in the world.

One of the unique things about the Maldives is its culture. Almost all Maldivians are Sunni Muslims, and the local culture is influenced by South Indian, Sinhalese, and Arab cultures. This means certain things like alcohol, pork, and drugs are banned on inhabited islands. However, you can enjoy these things without any problems in the resorts.

It’s also important to note that the weekend in the Maldives runs from Friday to Saturday, so many businesses and shops on local islands will be closed during this time. However, resorts typically remain open, so there’s no need to worry if you’re staying at one.

Male

Maldives’ capital, Male, is a charming and friendly city and is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the Maldives beyond the luxurious resorts. With a population of nearly 150,000 citizens, Male is one of the world’s smallest national capitals, located on a 6 km2 island.

During my visit to Male, I had yet to make any particular plans, but wandering the streets and exploring the city was quite an exciting way to get a sense of the capital. One of the must-visit places here is the primary market, where you can find fresh fish, vegetables, and fruits. It’s a vibrant and colorful spot, and the hustle and bustle of the market make it a great place to soak up the local culture.

Another lovely spot in Male is the waterfront esplanade and boat harbor, where you can enjoy the sea breeze and watch the boats coming and going. It’s a peaceful and beautiful place that offers a glimpse into the daily life of Male residents.

When it comes to dining, local eateries in the Maldives are known as teashops and everywhere in Male. Here you can find short eats and tea at a reasonable price, ranging from 2Rf to 12Rf. Remember that local women don’t go into teashops in Male, but it’s common to see foreign women with male companions there.

A tip for visitors to Male: wear comfortable shoes and a hat, and remember to apply sunscreen. Maldivian women wear different clothes, from burqas to jeans, so it’s best to dress casually and conservatively during your visit.

Male is a charming and unique capital that offers a glimpse into the real Maldives beyond the resorts. It’s a perfect spot for a short visit or a day trip, and I highly recommend it to anyone traveling to this beautiful country.

Environmental issues in Maldives

The Maldives has faced environmental challenges due to the rapid development and activities on the islands. Environmental management is a top priority to protect the fragile Maldivian ecosystem, which is vulnerable to the threat of global warming and sea level rise. Some environmental issues facing the Maldives include beach erosion, freshwater resources, coral mining, waste disposal, sewage disposal, and population growth. There are strict controls on fishing and tourism operations to mitigate these issues, and twenty-five Protected Marine Areas have been established with unique rules.

All in all, Maldives is a destination that should be on everyone’s bucket list. It’s a place of unparalleled natural beauty, with endless activities to indulge in. Whether you want to stay in a luxurious resort, mingle with the locals, look for a relaxing beach vacation, explore vibrant coral reefs, or learn about a rich and diverse culture, the Maldives has it all.