Maldives
Blessed with a sunny tropical climate year-round, well watered by two mild monsoons, these pristine islands, strewn across the equator in the Indian Ocean in a garland-like atoll chain, are nature's boon to holiday makers. One impression carried home indelibly etched in the memory is lush coconut palms swaying over sugar-white sand beaches, clear lagoons merging into cobalt blue ocean abounding with coral reefs and colorful fish. This is one of the top dive destinations on the planet.

For a totally relaxing beach holiday or for honeymooners, there is nothing to compare with a resort stay. You have a wide choice, ranging from the simple to exotic. The resorts are originally uninhabited islands still preserved in their primeval glory except for the beachfront bungalows nesting among the trees with a central complex housing reception, coffee shop, restaurants and bar. A wide range of water sports are available including scuba diving. A sport growing in popularity is surfing.

Choose the full day tour with barbecue lunch on a virgin island or the half day fishing village tour. Equally memorable is the excursion to the thriving capital island Male' with its fish market, the museum, the old Friday Mosque, and the Presidential Palace.

Transfers to and from the resorts are by speedboat unless the resorts are located outside Male' Atoll. in which case a seaplane is to be preferred.

Entry
A passport or travel document, valid at least up to the departure date, is required for entry. A 30-day tourist visa is given on arrival at the airport.

Visitors without hotel reservations should seek assistance at the Airport Tourist Information Counter in the Arrival Hall. Most visitors arrive at Maldives by air. Male' International Airport is situated on the island of Hulhule,' ten minutes by dhoni (Local motorboat) from the capital island, Male'. Resort Representatives are on duty at flight times, and guests are met and greeted on arrival and departure. Transfer to Male' and the resorts are available by dhoni, speedboat, or floatplanes depending on the distance between the airport and the resort.

Customs
Import of liqueur, narcotics, pornographic literature or pictures, and firearms are strictly prohibited. Export of tortoise shell and coral is illegal.

Clothing/Dress
The Maldives is hot throughout the year. Light, summer cotton andlinen wear is ideal. Pack lots of tee shirts, beachwear, light skirts,cotton shirts, slacks and shorts. At the resorts where you'll have to walk onsoft sand most of the time, going barefoot may be ideal for some. However on visits to inhabited islands, where most of the streets are of compact sand, or Male' where most of the streets are paved, casual shoes or sandals are easy to walk on.

Regulations and norms:
It must be said that official regulations do not allow public nudity anywhere in the Maldives. Even at the beach on your resort or swimming or snorkeling around your cruise boat. At least bikinis or swimming trunks is a must. Most resorts do not allow swimwear inside the restaurants, to avoid offending fellow holidaymakers. At the in-house bars or restaurants casual cotton tropical wear is highly recommended. Visiting inhabited islands or Male' the capital requires paying a little attention to what you wear.

Most resorts would advice you on this before you leave on excursions. Please be sensitive to local norms, culture and traditions. On such visits it is important to be clad in a decent garment, shorts and T-shirts for men, and blouse or T-shirt and skirt or shorts that cover thighs for women, are minimum requirements in this 100% Muslim country. If you envisage attending a formal meeting or making a formal visit, do bring along light formal wear.

Health Facilities
All resorts have first aid facilities and on some you can get the services of a resident doctor and facilities for minor treatment. Some have clinics with separate observation rooms and small pharmacies. The Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) and the ADK Hospital are the two major hospitals in Male'. In addition there are a number of smaller clinics where you may consult a doctor. In both the IGMH and ADK doctors are on duty 24 hours of the day. Both conduct surgery and offer a number of specialist services. The country is free from malaria, yellow or dengue fever or any other plague. Certificate of inoculation is required only if arriving from endemic regions of the world.

Personal Medical Requirements
If you suffer from a permanent disability or chronic illness it is advisable to inform your resort before arrival and find out whether they can cater for your specific requirements. Most resorts cater for special dietary requirements without additional charges. If you are dependent on any medications please bring along an ample supply, together with a valid prescription in case you are required to produce it at Customs.

Best Things to Take Home: Capital Male' is the ideal place for shopping. The souvenir shops have a rich variety of local and foreign crafts. Among the best buys are hand made lacquer ware and mats woven with locally grown rush called hai, dyed and decorated with beautiful geometrical designs.

Currency: Local currency is the Rufiyaa. Hotel services are generally paid for in foreign currencies. United States Dollar is the dominant currency. Other hard currencies such as Euro are also accepted. Major credit cards accepted by the hotels are AMEX, VISA, MASTER, DINERS and JBC.

Weather
Warm. The climate is tropical. The air temperature averages 30 degrees Celsius and the water temperature 28 degrees to 30 degrees Celsius (83 degrees to 86 degrees Fahrenheit).
The islands come under two distinct seasons determined by the prevailing winds caused by the cooling and warming of the Asian land mass. The Northeastern lasts December to April. After a short spell of gusting winds, the weather subsides to a balmy breeze. The Southwestern, prevailing May to October, has clam periods too but these are interspersed with rainy days. Maldives is a year-round holiday destination.