HOW DO WE GET THERE?
All carriers have connections - Malaysia Airlines (MH) over Kuala Lumpur and Singapore Airlines (SQ) over Singapore; and will, in some instances, require overnight stops. We recommend you take advantage of these stops and stay a few days at the relevant transfer point. Fiesta Holidays can provide cost-effective stopover arrangements.
MH: Ex Perth/Darwin approximately 9.5 hours; ex Sydney / Melbourne / Brisbane approximately 12.50 hours - plus transit time as may be required.
SQ: Ex Perth approximately 9.5 hours; ex Sydney / Melbourne / Brisbane / Adelaide approximately 13.00 hours - plus transit time as may be required.
WILL WE BE MET AND WHAT IS THE TRANSFER TIME?
Yes, you will be met on arrival and transferred by dhoni, speedboat or seaplane, with a resultant variation in transfer time.Passengers with surfboards may need to transfer by dhoni - due to space restrictions on speedboats and seaplanes.
WHAT ARE THE FORMALITIES & RESTRICTIONS?
A 30 day visa will be issued on arrival.
Alcohol may not be imported into the Maldives, but can be purchased at resorts.
Risque magazines are considered offensive and will not be permitted entry.
OFFICIAL LANGUAGE AND RELIGION?
Language: Dhivehi, but English is spoken at resorts.
Religion: Islam is the predominant religion.
SEASONS?
Tropical climate with a year-round average of 24-30 degrees Celsius and with water temperature 27 degrees Celsius.
Winter: May-October (wet and with storms Jun-Jul).
Summer: November-April (dry and hot with light breezes)
FOOD & DRINKS?
Food: Southern Indian and Sri Lankan influences will be seen in the seafood, meat and vegetarian dishes on offer. Seafood is plentiful. Fruit is imported and limited, while meat is (mostly) imported from Australia. Vegetables are local; and salads are not often available.
Drinks: Prices will vary greatly but consider that beer will cost from US$5.00 and wine from US$20.00 (per bottle).
WATER SPORTS?
Visibility can be up to 30m when diving and wet suits are only required in order for protection from corals. Scuba diving and snorkeling are fantastic, surfing, windsurfing, sailing, deep-sea game fishing, water skiing and parasailing.
HALF BOARD: WHAT DOES IT MEAN AND WHAT IS THE VALUE?
Costs covered prior to departing from
Australia
:
Half Board: Extensive breakfast + dinner.
Full Board: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
All Inclusive: All meals + some water sports + some beverages.
Dining may not be available at all restaurants for your selected meal plan. Also note that bottled water (mineral/sparkling) will be chargable by the hotel in most cases unless stated otherwise. Please contact your travel agent for further information."
TRANSPORT: HOW TO GET AROUND?
Dhoni, speedboat or seaplane. Taxis are available in Male`
THINGS TO DO?
Island-hopping and cruise programmes, fishing and/or diving (day or night), tennis, soccer, volleyball and other land-based sports.Male` sightseeing: Islamic centre and museum.
WHAT IS THE DRESS CODE?
Casual and (often) shoeless on the resorts. Topless is considered offensive for females. When visiting Male`, you will need to cover up from neck to knee (and shoulders also).
WHAT IS THERE TO SHOP FOR?
Resorts: Souvenirs
Male`:Sarongs, small wooden items, silver, souvenirs.
NIGHT LIFE AND ENTERTAINMENT?
Most resorts offer live bands, floor shows, Maldivian dances and disco. Night fishing, diving and sailing.
DRINKING WATER?
It’s recommended you drink bottled water only.
TELEPHONE CALLS?
Phone cards are not accepted. Check call costs with the resort operator as they can be very expensive. If there’s the need to call home, make it quick and request that they call back.
WHAT IS THE CURRENCY?
Maldivian Rufiyaa: Generally used on Male` only.Credit cards and US$ (only) at resorts. Please note that Australian Dollars can not be exchanged!
POWER SUPPLY
240 VOLTS @ AC 50 cycles. Adaptors will be required as plugs are different from Australian varieties. we recommend a multi-socket adaptor.
TIPPING
Take a supply of small denomination ($1.00 and $5.00) US Dollar notes. A tip of US$1.00 should suffice for porters. For exceptional service from staff, a tip of US$1.00 per person per night of stay can be used as a yardstick. Gratuities do, however, remain a matter of personal choice.
TAKE ALONG
Books, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses and camera (underwater if possible).
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