Points of interest Maldives: Tourism & Monuments

Practical information : Sightseeing Maldives

Timetable

Stores are generally open between 9am and 7pm. Some open earlier, or once the owner is awake, others close later. The only valid rule is that all shops are closed on Fridays between noon and two. Even resort restaurants adapt their opening hours to allow their Muslim employees to attend the mosque.

To be booked

On island hotels, group activities such as diving, sunset cruises and angling must be booked in advance. The number of places on the boats is generally limited.

Budget & Tips

The Maldives is one of the world's most expensive destinations. Since the 1990s, the country has made a 180° turn towards luxury tourism. As a result, you'll need to pay at least US$250 for a night in mid-season, and US$800 in high season. The only way to reduce your budget is to visit a local island. Overnight stays generally cost around US$90 for a double room with breakfast. But beware of transfer costs. The further away the island is from Malé, the more expensive the transfer will be.

Main events

Ramadan is the daily rhythm of Maldivian life for 28 days every year. For a month, they do not eat or drink during daylight hours. The end of Ramadan is celebrated with the Eid festival, which adds a special mood to the end of the fast, even in the island hotels.

Smokers

Maldivians are big smokers. In theory, smoking is forbidden inside restaurants, but as they are usually open to the four winds, the men smoke. On island hotels, smoking is generally prohibited in restaurants and rooms. More and more island-resorts are providing smoking areas and banning smoking everywhere else.

What's very local

Despite the humid climate and the presence of the sea, Maldivians wear decent clothes in their villages. Women cover their bodies (and often their heads) and men always wear a T-shirt. Shorts are forbidden in mosques, and women must be covered from head to toe.

Tourist Attractions & Monuments Maldives

SULTAN'S PARK

WWW.FRANCE.DIPLOMATIE.FR/VOYAGEURS

BRITISH COUNCIL

JUMHOOREE MAIDAN

SOUTHERN MOST POINT

NATURE PARK

INFORMATION DESK VELANA AIRPORT

KALHU VAKARU MISKIIY

TOMB OF MOHAMMED THAKURUFAANU

THEEMUGE PALACE

DARUMA VARITHA MISKIIY

ISLAMIC CENTRE AND GRAND MOSQUE

WOOD MARKET

HUKURU MISKIIY AND MUNNAARU

BANDARA MISKIIY

OFFICE DU TOURISME (MALDIVES TOURISM PROMOTION BOARD)

MULEE-AAGE PALACE

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF MALDIVES

MEDHU ZIYAARAIY SHRINE

MAAYA THILA

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