Holidays
in the Maldives will
disappoint culture-vultures and heritage buffs. Only in the capital, Malé, is
there evidence of the hand of history and footprint of time! ‘Action’? Well, there are no nightclubs
or discos - except perhaps at some resorts. There ARE watersports, sunsets and
stars. That’s the Maldives for you . . When it comes to
description, it's hard to resist traditional lyrical metaphors about
green-and-gold jewels scattered over velvet seas of sapphire blue. That's
exactly how this spectacular cluster of coral atolls appears when first seen
from the air and yes, the sea really is that translucent blue seen in the
photos. Comfort-lovng Crusoes will revel in the Maldives mood of barefoot
sophistication, welcome to the bluest natural aquarium imaginable. Little wonder
then that a holiday in the Maldives is truly most people's vision of
paradise!
WHAT
TO SEE
Malé
All
visitors to the Maldives pass through the little
capital Malé en route to or from their island resort. Should you want to renew
acquaintance with ‘civilisation’ during your stay there are excursions to Malé
from most nearby resorts (in the North or South Malé atolls, for example). Not a
lot happens in this clean and tidy little city with its maze of small streets -
aside from its 70,000 inhabitants going about their everyday lives. Explore the
shops of the busy main Majeedhee
Magu Street and in the local market. Wander around
the colonial-style National
Museum in the pleasant Sultan Park and admire the imposing white Islamic
Centre and 17th century Friday Mosque which dominates the skyline.
WHAT
TO DO
Scuba-diving
& Snorkelling
Many
resorts provide sailing, windsurfing, waterskiing and reef sightseeing trips by
glass-bottomed boat but above all the Maldives are prized as one of the
world's best diving and snorkelling destinations, thanks to their outstanding
and easy-to-access underwater life. Every major resort can offer a professional
dive school (with courses for both beginners and experienced divers with daily
boat trips to sites around the islands throughout the year. Night dives and
special dives for experienced divers are also a feature.
Fishing
Water
makes up over 99% of the Maldives' total area - so it’s no
surprise that these islands boast some of the world's best fishing grounds. Some
resorts offer fishing trips on modern speedboats equipped for big-game fishing.
Fishing trips can often end with a barbecue at which the day's catch is cooked
and eaten! Night fishing is also popular. Harpoon guns are prohibited.
Island-Hopping
Many
resorts arrange visits to fishing villages on neighbouring islands – and to
uninhabited islands, with a beach barbecue the day’s highlight. Moonlight island
excursions are another magical Maldives
experience.
Photo
Flights
A
number of resorts make it easy for you to view the magic of the Maldives in the most amazing way of
all - on a seaplane or helicopter photo flight. When it comes to description,
it’s hard to resist traditional lyrical metaphors about green-and-gold jewels
scattered over velvet seas of sapphire blue. That’s exactly how this spectacular
cluster of coral atolls appears when first seen from the air and yes, the sea
really is that translucent blue seen in the photos.
Dolphin
& Whale-Watching
You’ll
probably see dolphins on almost any boat journey here. Special dolphin and
whale-watching excursions are popular, with spinner dolphins the most numerous
and acrobatic and blue whales and other whale species regular
visitors.
Shopping
You’ll
need to take a day-tip to Malé if your holiday feels incomplete without a little
retail therapy. The
main street presents a variety of shops offering both local goods and
keenly-priced imported items. Try the market and the Singapore Bazaar for local
produce and handicrafts.
Nightlife
Late-night
revellers be warned.
Nightlife at the resorts is pretty low-key - although most do have informal
discos around the bar, sometimes featuring live bands. Beach parties and
barbecues are popular and many resorts also have regular cultural shows. On some
islands there are a few restaurants in addition to those run by the resorts -
but the only bars are those at the resorts. Even in Malé (where no alcohol is
available) ‘nightlife’ is confined to teahouses and a few western-style
restaurants.