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The Maldives is a destination often called a paradise that travelers worldwide dream of visiting. With its transparent turquoise waters, pristine white sand beaches, endless lagoons, and private resorts, it's considered a "bucket list destination" for good reason. It's the perfect travel spot, especially for those who prioritize rest and relaxation.

Maldives Travel

If you're planning a trip to the Maldives, you need to carefully consider everything from choosing your flights and booking your resort to enjoying the various local activities. This article will provide you with all the essential information you need to know before you go, ensuring your trip is as fulfilling as possible.

Note that the flight information in this article is based on travel from South Korea to the Maldives.

Essential Information about the Maldives

• Official Name: Republic of Maldives
• Capital: Malé
• Languages: Dhivehi, English
• Religion: Islam
• Currency: Rufiyaa (U.S. dollars are also widely used)
• Time Zone: 4 hours behind Korea
• Tipping Culture: It is common to give a tip of about 1 to 3 dollars to bellboys or at restaurants.
• Climate: Hot and humid tropical climate with an average annual temperature of 24–30°C (75-86°F). The dry season is from November to April, and the wet season is from May to October.
• Visa: Passport must be valid for at least six months, and a 30-day free tourist visa is available upon arrival.
• Electricity: 220V/50Hz (Korea is 60Hz). Korean appliances can be used, but a multi-adapter is needed as 3-pin outlets are common.
• Customs: As an Islamic nation, the import of alcohol and pork is prohibited.
• Cost of Living: Similar to or slightly higher than in Korea. Overall, it is more expensive than other holiday destinations.
• Card Usage: American Express and Visa cards are accepted at major facilities like restaurants and hotels, but a transaction fee may apply.
• Safety: The tourism industry is a major source of income, so it is relatively safe. However, it's advisable to avoid walking alone late at night or in secluded areas in the capital, Malé, and on local islands.

Choosing Your Flight by Airline

Direct flights from Korea via Korean Air have been suspended since COVID-19. Currently, there are no direct flights to the Maldives, and at least one layover is required. It is recommended to plan your trip with extra time to account for flight duration and the layover.

Choosing a Flight

Layover vs. Stopover

A layover means a short stop of less than 22 hours at a connecting airport or outside the airport. A stopover is a stay of 24 hours or more at a connecting city. It is possible to arrange a stopover at each connecting destination when traveling to the Maldives. Stopovers can be requested separately or may be automatically included with your connecting flight ticket. Some airports may charge an airport tax, so it's a good idea to have some local currency ready.

Flight Times by Airline

Airline (Layover City)	Flight to Layover	Flight to Malé	Total Flight Time
Etihad (Abu Dhabi)	10 hr 30 min	4 hr 30 min	15 hr
Emirates (Dubai)	10 hr 10 min	4 hr 20 min	14 hr 30 min
Qatar (Doha)	11 hr	4 hr 30 min	15 hr 30 min
Singapore (Singapore)	6 hr 50 min	4 hr 30 min	11 hr 20 min
China Eastern (Shanghai)	2 hr 30 min	8 hr 30 min	11 hr
Sri Lankan (Colombo)	8 hr 30 min	1 hr 30 min	10 hr

Airline Features

The choice of airline depends on the traveler's situation. Many airlines flying to the Maldives offer routes with stopover options, so you can consider making the most of a longer layover to explore the connecting city. Layover destinations like the UAE, Qatar, and Singapore are all attractive travel spots.

Etihad Airways

• Etihad Airways: Although it has the longest flight time, the arrival time in Malé is in the afternoon, making it convenient to check in to your resort right away. You can stopover in Abu Dhabi, and Etihad offers a free shuttle bus (approximately 1 hour) from Abu Dhabi Airport to Dubai. You can check in and drop off your luggage in Dubai for your return flight, which makes it very convenient for a stopover trip to Dubai via Abu Dhabi.
• Emirates: You can enjoy a stopover in Dubai.
• Qatar Airways: The arrival and departure times in the Maldives align well with resort check-in and check-out times.
• Singapore Airlines: Has a shorter flight time and is generally more affordable. However, the arrival and departure times in the Maldives are not ideal. You can also enjoy a stopover in Singapore.

Flight Ticket Prices

Flight Prices Ranked: China Eastern, Sri Lankan Airlines < Singapore Airlines < Middle Eastern Airlines

Prices can vary depending on the high or low season, as well as special events and promotions. China Eastern flights start from around ~520 USD, Sri Lankan flights start from around ~670 USD, and other airlines start from around ~815 USD.

Maldives Transportation

The Maldives is known for its "one island, one resort" concept. After arriving at Malé International Airport, you can use various modes of transportation to get to your resort, which can be expensive. It is important to check if the cost of transportation is included in your accommodation fee when choosing a resort. Common modes of transport include seaplanes, speedboats, and domestic flights.

Speedboat

Resorts close to the airport are reached by speedboat. Since the resorts operate their own speedboats, the schedule is flexible, allowing you to minimize waiting time at the airport and reach your resort quickly. This also has the advantage of allowing you to stay at the resort later on your departure day. Travel time varies depending on the resort's location but generally takes from 15 minutes to 1 hour.

Seaplane

Seaplanes operate only from sunrise to sunset, so you need to check your arrival and departure times in the Maldives in advance. Taking a seaplane offers the unique experience of taking off and landing on the water. When planning your trip, it's important to allow for extra time, considering the seaplane's operating hours.

Domestic Flight

Resorts located too far for a seaplane transfer are reached by a combination of a domestic flight and a speedboat. Unlike seaplanes, domestic flights do not operate on a fixed schedule. You will first travel from the airport to a regional airport near your resort, and then take a speedboat to your final destination. The waiting time for the domestic flight after check-in can range from 1 to over 3 hours, making this the longest way to get to a resort. Malé International Airport has a small lounge where you can relax while waiting for your domestic flight, depending on your resort.

Maldives Domestic Flight

Maldives Regions

In the Maldives, an atoll is a ring-shaped coral reef that encloses an island and a lagoon. The Maldives is made up of numerous atolls, and each atoll consists of many small islands. Understanding the characteristics of each atoll can be a good criterion for choosing your resort.

• Ihavandhippolhu Atoll: Located in the northern Maldives, this is a great place to enjoy snorkeling and scuba diving with diverse marine life.

• Haa Alif Atoll & Haa Dhaalu Atoll: Located in the northern Maldives, they are famous for their pristine beaches and excellent scuba diving spots.

• Shaviyani Atoll: A region with a mix of small resorts and local islands, where you can experience traditional Maldivian culture.

• Noonu Atoll & Raa Atoll: These are less-developed regions that preserve their natural beauty.

• Lhaviyani Atoll: Many luxury resorts are located here, making it ideal for a high-end getaway.

• Baa Atoll: A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, known for its unique marine ecosystem. It is also a famous spot for snorkeling and scuba diving.

• North Malé Atoll & South Malé Atoll: These atolls are where the capital, Malé, is located, and they offer a variety of tourist facilities.

• Rasdhoo Atoll, North Ari Atoll & South Ari Atoll: Popular diving areas where you can spot various sea turtles and manta rays.

• Felidhoo Atoll & Faafu Atoll: Small and quiet atolls, great for a relaxing vacation.

• Meemu Atoll & Dhaalu Atoll: Consist mainly of small resorts, perfect for a private holiday.

• Thaa Atoll & Laamu Atoll: Rich in cultural and historical heritage, these areas offer a glimpse into the traditional Maldivian way of life.

• Gaafu Alifu Atoll, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll & Gnaviyani Atoll: Relatively lesser-known areas that maintain their natural beauty.

• Addu Atoll: Located in the southern Maldives, it has good accessibility due to its international airport and offers a variety of water sports.

Recommended Travel Regions

The Maldives is a destination made up of numerous atolls formed by beautiful coral and lagoons. For first-time visitors, I recommend traveling to Baa Atoll and North Malé Atoll.

• Baa Atoll
  Baa Atoll is a region where the natural ecosystem is well-preserved. Its biggest attraction is Hanifaru Bay, where hundreds of manta rays gather from June to November, offering the unique experience of snorkeling with them. There are also many luxury resorts in Baa Atoll, making it an excellent location for travelers seeking a private retreat. The Dusit Thani resort, well-known to Korean travelers, is also in the Baa Atoll region. Baa Atoll is my number one recommendation for experiencing the natural beauty of the Maldives.

Baa Atoll

• North Malé Atoll
  North Malé Atoll is located close to the capital of the Maldives, Malé, and has good accessibility. You can easily travel by boat from Malé International Airport, allowing you to check in quickly and start your vacation. The short travel time makes it especially recommended for those planning their first trip to the Maldives. North Malé Atoll is also famous for its various marine activities. It's a great place for scuba diving, surfing, and snorkeling and is also a well-known surfing spot, making it an excellent destination for surfing enthusiasts. Additionally, since North Malé Atoll is close to Malé city, you can experience the culture by visiting local markets and mosques. It also offers a variety of accommodation options, making it a great choice for everyone from families to honeymooners.

Maldives Useful Travel Terms

Accommodation-Related Terms

• Beach Villa: A room built on the sandy beach.

• Beach Pool Villa: A room built on the beach with a private pool.

• Water Villa, Overwater: An overwater room built on the sea.

• Water Pool Villa: An overwater room built on the sea with a private pool.

• Lagoon Villa: A room located in front of an emerald-colored lagoon with no coral.

• Reef Villa: A room located in front of a deep blue sea rich with coral.

Meal Plan Terms

• BB (Bed and Breakfast): Includes breakfast.

• HB (Half Board): Includes breakfast and dinner.

• FB (Full Board): Includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

• AI (All Inclusive): Includes all meals, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, and some activities.

Others

• Atoll: Refers to a circular lagoon surrounded by a coral island. The Maldives has a total of 26 atolls.

• Reef: A ridge of rock, sand, or coral near the surface of the water, which affects the underwater environment.

• Lagoon: The shallow, emerald-colored water between an island and a reef.

• Sand Bank: A small sandbar formed by crushed coral.

• Jetty: A pier that connects the island to the sea. The arrival point at a resort is called the 'Arrival Jetty' or 'Main Jetty,' and the piers connecting islands to overwater rooms are also called jetties.

• Buggy: An electric vehicle used for transportation within the resort.

• Butler: A dedicated staff member for a guest room. It's a good idea to have a tip ready if your resort offers butler service.

• GRO (Guest Relations Officer): A staff member who speaks a specific language. For example, a Korean GRO refers to a staff member who speaks Korean.

• Early Check-in: Check-in that may be possible in the morning, depending on the resort's availability, due to an early flight schedule.

• Late Check-out: While standard check-out is at 12 PM, you can request a late check-out for a later flight departure. Depending on room availability, it may be extended for free or at a reduced rate.

Things to Do in the Maldives

• Snorkeling: You can snorkel around your resort, but you can also join a snorkeling trip by boat to a designated point in the middle of the ocean where you can see a wider variety of fish and turtles.

• Dolphin Cruise: This activity is popular with families and involves watching dolphins.

• Sunset Cruise: An activity to enjoy the sunset on the sea. If you are lucky, you might also spot dolphins.

• Introductory Dive: Most resorts have a dive shop. Even without a diving license, you can enjoy a safe dive with a guide after a simple training session, making it a great experience for beginners.

Snorkeling with Manta Rays

Recommended Itinerary (Maldives + Dubai)

• Fly with Emirates or Etihad and spend 3-4 nights at an all-inclusive resort in Baa Atoll.

• Enjoy various activities like snorkeling and scuba diving through the resort's activity shop.

• Then, travel to Dubai for a 2-3 night stopover.

• Explore Dubai's major tourist attractions like a desert tour, Burj Khalifa, and traditional markets to experience Middle Eastern culture.

• Enjoy shopping at Emirates Mall and Dubai Mall before your return flight.

So far, we've covered the essential information needed for a trip to the Maldives. While it may be a difficult and expensive destination to visit, it's a trip that will be remembered as one of the best in your life. I hope this information helps you plan a safe and enjoyable trip.

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