All You Need to Know Before Saying Yes to That Maldives Trip

Planning a trip to the Maldives can feel like stepping into a real-life postcard. With its turquoise waters, stunning coral reefs, and luxurious resorts, it's no wonder this island paradise is at the top of many travellers' bucket lists. 

But before you book that flight and start dreaming of lounging in an overwater bungalow, you need to be well-prepared.

Knowing what to expect can make all the difference between a trip filled with delightful memories and one where you can’t wait for it to be over because the wahala is plenty.

In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about visiting the Maldives from Nigeria.

Where is Maldives Located?

When you talk about tropical paradise, the Maldives will be mentioned in the top ten. Located in the Indian Ocean, this beautiful country is southwest of India and Sri Lanka. I

t has about 1,190 coral islands grouped into 26 atolls that stretch over 90,000 square kilometres. This makes it one of the smallest nations in Asia and one of the most dispersed countries in the world.

The Maldives is famous for its natural beauty. Clear blue waters surround the islands, which have white sandy beaches.

Each island is like a tiny gem in the ocean, covered with lush greenery and coconut palms.

Fun fact: of the 1,1190 islands, only 200 are inhabited. And 140 have been developed as tourist resorts.

Why is Maldives Famous?

If you’ve used Instagram long enough, the chances that you've been chased by ads talking about “A trip to Maldives” is high. But what exactly is special about this country? And why is it famous? Let's see.

Stunning Beaches and Crystal-Clear Waters:
You think you've seen beaches in Nigeria? Think again. The beaches in the Maldives are beaching.

With soft white sand, beautiful coral reefs, and a breathtaking view of turquoise stretching as far as you can see, being here is like stepping into a wonderful Pinterest travel board.

Luxurious Resorts and Overwater Bungalows:
Another reason the Maldives is famous is its luxurious resorts. The Maldives have some of the best resorts in the world, and some of them offer overwater bungalows, which are small houses built on stilts over the ocean.

Staying in one of these bungalows means you can wake up to the sound of the waves and enjoy stunning ocean views right from your room.

If you need a luxurious getaway where you can stay pampered, book your flight to the Maldives now.

Beautiful Activities to Carry Out: 
The Maldives is also a hotspot for water activities, especially snorkelling and diving. The underwater world here is a colourful, vibrant paradise.

The reefs are home to various marine life, including tropical fish, sea turtles, manta rays and whale sharks.

Snorkelling lets you explore these wonders just below the water's surface, while diving takes you deeper into this fantastic underwater world.

Perfect Pictures:
Every picture ever taken from this travel destination is a hit back-to-back. If you're looking for beautiful photos to make memories of your travel adventures, Maldives has got you covered. 

Best Way  to  get to Maldives from Nigeria

You should book in advance to get the best flight deals from any of these airlines.  This is what the pricing for a return flight booked for August looks like.

Call out: Accommodation prices in the Maldives differ according to your preference and budget. You can reserve a stay at booking.com.

Maldives Currency to Naira

The currency used in the Maldives is the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR). This money is used for most transactions and comes in both banknotes and coins.

As of the time that article was written, the current exchange rate of the MVR to the Nigerian naira (NGN) is:

1 Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) = 107.6 Nigerian Naira (NGN)

Remember that exchange rates can fluctuate, so it's a good idea to check the latest rates before you travel.

Tips for Currency Exchange and Handling Money While in the Maldives

Exchange Some Money Before You Go: 

Having some Rufiyaa on hand is helpful when you arrive in the Maldives. You can exchange a small amount at a currency exchange office or bank in Nigeria.

Use ATMs: 
ATMs are available in the Maldives, especially in larger cities and airports. They usually dispense Rufiyaa. Before travelling, check with your bank to ensure your ATM can work while you are there.

Carry a Mix of Currency:
Having US dollars and Rufiyaa is ideal as some establishments require you to pay in USD.

Currency Exchange Services: 
You can exchange your Naira for Rufiyaa at currency exchange counters in the Maldives. These are often found at the airport, major hotels, and banks. 

Tipping: 
While not mandatory, tipping is appreciated in the Maldives. Small amounts in Rufiyaa are acceptable for tips to hotel staff, guides, and other service providers.

Keep Small Denominations: 
It is helpful to have smaller denominations of Rufiyaa for everyday expenses. Larger notes can be harder to break, especially in smaller shops.

Safety: 
Always handle money safely. Store large amounts of cash in hotel safes, and avoid carrying too much cash with you.

What Do I Need for the Trip? 

As a Nigerian citizen, you don't need a visa to visit the Maldives for up to 30 days. However, there are a few essential documents you'll need:

Valid Passport: 
Ensure your passport is valid for at least one month from your entry into the Maldives. It should also have a blank page for the immigration stamp.

Return or onward ticket: 
You'll need to show proof of your return to another destination.

Hotel booking confirmation: 
Having a confirmed hotel booking is recommended, although not strictly required.

Sufficient funds: 
You should demonstrate that you have enough money to cover your expenses during your stay.

Health and Vaccination Recommendations

Consult a travel clinic: 
Before your trip, consult a travel clinic or doctor to get specific advice based on your health history and itinerary.

Standard vaccinations: 
Ensure you're up-to-date on routine vaccinations like tetanus, diphtheria, and polio.

Malaria risk: 
The Maldives is malaria-free.

Travel insurance: 
It's highly recommended to purchase comprehensive travel insurance to cover medical emergencies, lost luggage, and trip cancellations.

Sun protection: 
Pack high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the strong tropical sun. You might be tempted to say, “I am African. Nothing will happen.” Channel that temptation into getting good sunscreen.

Packing Essentials

Clothing

Swimwear: Bring plenty of swimwear for enjoying the beautiful beaches.

Lightweight, breathable clothing: Opt for loose-fitting, cotton or linen clothing for comfort in the heat.

Cover-ups: Bring light sarongs or kaftans for beach and resort wear.

Evening wear: Some resorts may have dress codes for restaurants, so pack at least one dressier outfit. Show them the Nigerian slay.

Travel Gear

Sunscreen: High-SPF sunscreen is a must.

Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from the strong sun.

Hat: A wide-brimmed hat will provide shade for your face and head.

Mosquito repellent: While the risk of malaria is low, mosquito repellent can be useful.

Waterproof bag: Ideal for carrying valuables while enjoying water activities.

Underwater camera: Capture the stunning marine life.

Travel adapter: Check the plug type used in the Maldives and bring a suitable adapter.

Call out: Need more travel ideas? Here’s why you will love visiting Rwanda.

Best Time to Visit the Maldives

Peak Season:
The best time to visit the Maldives is during the peak season (November to April).

During this time, the weather is dry, there's very minimal rainfall, the seas are calm, and you can enjoy sea activities like swimming, diving, and snorkelling.

However, this season is characterised by higher flight and accommodation prices, as well as large crowds at popular places and attractions.

Off-peak Season:
The off-peak season is the period between May and October. These period has more rainfall,, and sea activities might be reduced.

The pros are that there are fewer crowds and prices are less expensive.

Timezone Difference Between Nigeria and the Maldives

The Maldives operate in a single timezone, Maldives Time (MVT). This timezone is UTC+05:00.

Nigeria, on the other hand, is in the West African Time (WAT) timezone, which is UTC+01:00.

This brings the time difference between Nigeria and the Maldives to 4 hours. This means that when it's 12:00 PM in Nigeria, it's 4:00 PM in the Maldives.

Getting Around the Maldives

The Maldives is an archipelago, so getting from one island to another requires careful planning. Some transportation options include:

Domestic Flights: 
These are the quickest way to travel between islands, especially for longer distances. They connect the main airport in Malé (Maldives capital) to several domestic airports.

Speedboats: 
Speedboats are ideal for shorter distances. Want a fun ride over crystal clear waters? Get on a speedboat trip.

Seaplanes: 
Seaplanes are another fast medium that can reach various points on the island. Though they are more expensive than speedboats, they do the job of getting you anywhere on time.

Tips for Navigating the Islands

Plan Ahead: 
Research your chosen islands' locations and the best way to travel between them.

Consider Your Budget: 
Seaplanes can be expensive, so factor in transportation costs when planning your trip.

Check Weather Conditions: 
Seaplanes and speedboats can be affected by weather, so check conditions before your trip.

Book in Advance: 
To ensure availability, book your transportation in advance, especially during peak season.

Local Customs to Know About

Religion: 
The Maldives is a Muslim country, so Islamic customs and traditions are observed.

Greetings: 
A simple “hello” or “assalamu alaikum” (peace be upon you) is a polite way to greet locals.

Public affection: 
Avoid public displays of affection, which is considered inappropriate.

Finally! A place for singles to breathe. Thank you, Maldivians.

Dining etiquette: 
Eat with your right hand, as the left hand is considered unclean. If you’re invited to a local’s home, remove your shoes before entering.

Public conduct: 
Avoid loud or disruptive behaviour in public. 

Alcohol: 
Alcohol is only available in resort areas. Do not drink or carry alcohol in public places or local islands.

Photography: 
Always ask for permission before taking photos of people, especially women. 

Interesting Facts About the Maldives

• The Maldives holds the record for being the world's flattest country, with an elevation of just 1.5 meters above sea level.
• Only 200 out of its 1,190 islands are inhabited.
• The Maldives has been a travel destination for over 50 years.
• The Maldives comprises 26 atolls, which are ring-shaped coral reef islands.
•  The Maldives has a rich history as a trading hub connecting Asia, Africa, and Europe.
• In 2009, the Maldives made history by holding the world's first underwater cabinet meeting to raise awareness about climate change.

• Some Maldivian beaches exhibit a magical glow at night due to bioluminescent plankton.
• The Maldives is a prime destination for observing whale sharks.
• The white sand on Maldivian beaches is not ordinary quartz sand; it's a unique composition of coral and shells.

Conclusion 

Maldives is a slice of Heaven's paradise and a great place to unwind, relax and create beautiful and unforgettable memories. The tips and advice can help you plan an enjoyable trip.

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