Situated 700 kilometers (430 miles) from the main coast of Asia is a small country in the Indian Ocean known officially as the Republic of Maldives. It is a collection of 1,190 small islands making up a total estimated area of 298 square kilometers (115 square miles). Out of these islands, 185 are inhabited by a population of about 549,000 people. The rest of the islands serve as tourist destinations. It takes up the number one spot for the lowest sitting country in the world, having an average of 1.5 meters above sea level. This paradise of a country has made a name for itself as one of the most attractive getaways in the world. Dive in and find out the top things Maldives is famous for so you can make a perfect itinerary.
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1. Diverse marine life
With well over 1,000 different kinds of fish like sharks, 400 different kinds of mollusks, over 20 kinds of whales and dolphins, and 5 different turtle species, you will be dazzled by the diversity this country offers. While it is fairly small and does not support much of wildlife on land, it more than makes up for it with the sea life it has on display. You can explore this marine life over the course of your stay. And with 4,500 square kilometers (1,737.46 square miles) you will have your work cut out for you.
2. Pristine Maldives beaches
Some of the most beautiful beaches in the world can be found in Maldives. And with over a thousand islands making up this atoll nation, you are spoilt for choice on the number of beaches available to soak up the sun from. And while the closest beach to you is on the island you are accommodated from the beauty is you can go to whichever beach you fancy while in the country. Each beach has its character. Veligandu Island Beach, for example, invites the young families with its shallow, warm waters that are best for young children. Nika Island Beaches are a perfect getaway for couples as they offer you peace and tranquility amidst nature. These different beaches offer you different activities like snorkeling, different water sports, and swimming in the peaceful azure waters.
3. Fun water sports
Made up of 99% water, Maldives is a country fully equipped to let you enjoy all manner of water sports in the different islands. You would think that you are limited in how much you can do in and on water. But apart from swimming, scuba diving, and boat tours you have loads more of exciting activities you can do. You can explore the reefs and go swimming with whale sharks and manta rays. Enjoy the ocean in the comfort of a yatch or get adventurous in a banana boat. Get some wild fun going by fly boarding, taking a jet ski ride, or going underwater using an underwater scooter. You’ll be spoilt for choice when you are in this beautiful country.
4. Being a safe haven
Maldives is known the world over for its pristine, clear, turquoise waters and abundant marine life. Its numerous islands offer a wide selection of accommodation to choose from. The government has set up a “one island, one resort” rule, meaning that each island has a specific taste to it. It also means that the visitors who have traveled to one resort remain in their own privacy thereby restricting interactions with others. The government has also put restrictions on visitors coming from countries heavily ravaged with covid-19 in order to preserve its population from infection. It has also administered vaccines to its population to protect it from the virus. Other strict measures have been put in place to preserve this island nation’s safe-haven status.
5. Sunset dinners
One of the delights you will enjoy in Maldives is the sun setting as you recline in the evening in your resort. And one of the greatest ways to enjoy this delight is with a fine dining experience next to your loved one. Most of the resorts offer this experience, with each resort offering a bespoke approach to it. Imagine yourself floating above a lagoon with the golden rays of the setting sun bathing everything gold. That is what Anantara Veli Resort and Spa. You get alfresco dining with a selection of top-tier seafood for your palette. Dining by the beach is something you should try. And you get this with Dusit Thani. The ocean waves are lulling steps away and the ambience is set just right with gentle light as your taste buds are tantalized by exquisitely prepared meals and world-class drinks. These are just two of the best restaurants offering you sunset dinner in Maldives.
6. Exhilarating island hopping
With over 150 inhabited islands and over 900 uninhabited islands to choose from, Maldives serves adventure, marine life, and peace and tranquility on a silver platter. There are different tour companies that offer island hopping packages to give you the best of this island country. These packages can last as long as nine days to give you the best of time per island. You will engage in water sports, explore the islands, and enjoy the culinary delights on offer.
Tip from Content Creator
Did you know you can visit the tropical paradise of the Maldives without paying an absolute fortune? You can do this by visiting local islands with guesthouses and hotels rather than the expensive private resort islands that you see all over Instagram. While resorts in the Maldives have been visited by holidaymakers since 1972, the local islands have only seen tourists since 2009 when regulations changed and allowed this.
Some great local islands to consider are Fulidhoo, Thulusdhoo, Ukulhas, and Rasdhoo – but there are also plenty more to choose from! But do note that the Maldives is a Muslim nation where everyone dresses conservatively, and bikini swimwear is prohibited on public beaches. However, with tourism has come the introduction of designated bikini beaches where visitors can lounge in bikinis and swim shorts.
For more travel content, check out Type 1 Travelling!
7. Being the lowest lying country in the world
Maldives boasts the title of the lowest-lying country in the world with an average height above sea level of just 1.5 meters (1.64 yards) and with the highest point standing just 5 meters (5.46 yards) above sea level. That means that you are literally in the ocean in many places. In fact, 99 percent of the country is water. Resorts like Coco Bodu Hithi and Mercure Maldives Kooddoo that have villas right on the ocean are prime examples of the kind of accommodation that awaits you. Luxurious and downright dreamy describes it best.
8. Being the smallest country in Asia
Imagine an area spanning an area of 115 square miles (298 square kilometers). That is the total landmass of all the islands that make up the ocean country of Maldives. It is a tiny country with more water mass than landmass. The beauty in this is that it gives you an abundance of marine life to explore as you are one with the ocean. This atoll country offers you a wide expanse of coral reefs to explore. The turquoise waters offer a treat to your explorative spirit.
9. Different weekend days
Maldives happens to be a predominantly Muslim nation. That means that the country has a different calendar that it marks. Its weekend begins on Friday morning and ends on Saturday evening. That is because Muslims have their holy day on Friday. Sunday, on the other hand, is a normal working day for them. You will find that all official business in the city is closed on Friday. Shops and various other businesses are closed too. The beauty is that life in the resorts and other tourist accommodations proceeds as usual. You will not notice any change unless you’re in the capital city. The only noticeable thing you will notice is a change in the lunch hour on Friday, which is shifted to accommodate for Friday afternoon prayers.
10. Alcohol restriction
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Maldives is a Muslim state, meaning there are restrictions it has that are not found in other countries. A good example is you will not get pork in any of the inhabited islands. The same applies for alcohol. But the beauty is that the resorts and hotels that serve tourists have this beverage. The only difference is that it is pretty expensive in comparison to standard prices. You have the freedom to buy alcohol as long as you are above the age of 18 and are not a resident of Maldives. Your fun will not be hampered within the confines of the hotels.
Lose yourself in the Maldives paradise
There are few places in the world as magical as Maldives. Part of the marine mountainous region of the Indian ocean this country offers you a getaway to wash away all your troubles and renew your soul. Allow yourself the peace, quiet, and beauty of this gem and do as many of the things that Maldives is famous for as you can.
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