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The Import of firearms, liquor, drugs and pornography are prohibited. An official license is required for import of alcohol. Alcohol is available in all the resorts and not sold / available in Male’. Dogs, Pigs, and pork products are prohibited. Special permission should be sought to bring the personal pets (dogs not allowed).
Duty free shopping is only available in the departure terminal of the Male’ international airport. The lounge has specialised shops for electrical goods, watches, cameras, fashion, liquor, jewellery, tobacco and more.
Souvenir shopping can be done in Male’ at the northern end of Chaandanee Magu, earlier known as the Singapore Bazaar for its many imports from Singapore. Guides and vendors speaking in English and other foreign languages patiently wait to serve the visitors.
These shops are stocked with an ample supply of gifts and souvenir items. Best buys include the ‘thudu kuna’ the Maldivian mat woven with local natural fibers. Attractive too are the wooden miniature ‘dhonis’.
When shopping for souvenirs, do keep in mind that export of products made of turtle shell, black coral, pearl oyster shell and red coral is prohibited.
A string of pearls scattered over the deep blue Indian Ocean - the first glimpse you get of this fascinating atoll- formation confirms two unique aspects of the Republic of Maldives. Not only does it consist of the most beautiful tropical islands, but 99% of its 90.000 km² is covered by the sea. About 500km from the southern tips of both Sri Lanka and India, and 700km north of the Seychelles, 1,190 islands are spread over 26 atolls, ringlike coral formations enclosing a lagoon, which gives the Maldives its unique paradise-like appearance.
No more than 200 islands are inhabited, the rest includes the 87 tourist resorts and uninhabited islands, some of which are used for drying fish or other agricultural activities. The capital Malé, the seat of government and the centre of trade, commerce, business, health and education, is located in the middle of the atoll chain, a small island buzzing with the sounds and activities of about 75,000 people which is about one third of the population.
Dress is generally very informal. T-shirts and cotton clothing are most suitable. Thongs or sandals are ideal footwear on the islands. In Male’, the capital island and other inhabited islands it is recommended that women wear modest clothing without baring too much. Nudism is not only illegal, but also frowned upon in the Maldives.
Sunburn
In the tropics, the desert or at high altitude you can get sunburned quickly and seriously, even through clouds. Use a strong sunscreen, hat and barrier cream for your nose and lips. Calamine lotion and aloe vera are good for mild sunburn. Protect your eyes with good-quality sunglasses.
Maldives is fast establishing itself as a destination for surfers. While most of the recognized surf breaks are in Malé Atoll, there is certainly more to be discovered. For resort based surfing it is advisable to choose one of the resorts on the eastern side of North Malé Atoll where you could get access to a number of excellent breaks.
We have chosen just some of the many popular surfing spots, however more surfing spots are located throughout the Maldives. Contact Holiday Tours for more information and pricing on the various resorts located close to these surfing spots. Charges apply to surfing spots if access is by boat.
Surfing spot: Lhohi (Eastern Reef of North Malé Atoll)
Resort: Lohifushi Island
Good and hollow left-hander with two sections. Need big SE swells and high tides to work well. Best during NW – NE offshore winds. Named after the island resort Lohifushi. Access by boat from Lohifushi Resort.
Surfing spot: Piddlies / Ninjas (Eastern Reef of North Malé Atoll)
Resort: Kanifinolhu
Slow right-hander, good for beginners and long-boarders. Best on W-NW winds with a moderate S swell. However swells larger than 4 feet spoils it. Names Ninjas because many Japanese surfers seem to like it. Access by boat.
Surfing spot: Sultans (Eastern Reef of North Malé Atoll)
Resort: Tari Village Resort (Kanu Huraa)
Perfect long left, which picks up more swell and is more consistent than any other break. Rides are 75 to 100 yards long. Reserved for the exclusive use of the resort guests. Best winds; N, but can be surfed with NE – NW. Best months – February, March and April. Accessible from the shore.
South African passport holders do not require visas to visit the Maldives.
A 30 day visitor’s permit is issued on arrival. Passports must, however, be valid for at least six months after the date of arrival in the Maldives.
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