From  our latest trip to Maldives, we keep getting a lot of questions about the trip itinerary and the island. Here are some information that hopefully would help you to plan your visit to Maldives.

Where is Maldives and how to get there (from Indonesia)?

Maldives is officially the Republic of Maldives, a tropical nation in the Indian Ocean composed of 26 ring shaped atolls, which are made up of more than 1000 coral islands. It’s an archipelago like Indonesia. Just smaller.

Based on our experience, the most convenient way to get to Maldives are via transit in Singapore or Malaysia. There is no direct flight from Jakarta to Male. Flight to Kuala Lumpur or Singapore will take about 1,5 hours from Jakarta. While the next flight from Kuala Lumpur or Singapore take around 3,5 hours. You’ll get to Male before you know it.

How to get around and how big is the country?

Maldives has 26 atolls, which are made up of more than 1000 coral islands. Atoll is chain of islands. To get from one island to another, people do usually transport with speed boat and sea plane. Depends on how far the distance is.

We can always purchase the transport ticket once we arrive in Male International Airport, but most of the time, the resort will handle and take care of the transfer once we booked our stay with them (which we really suggest you to do so).

Once you arrive to your designated island, would be very easy to go around. Most of their island are not big in size. We can easily walk around or cycling around the island.

Where to stay?

There are hundreds over or maybe thousand accommodations for us to choose around Maldives. Again, it’s back to our needs and preference of what kind of getaway that we’re looking for. Starting from the local guest house, three to four stars hotels and the five stars luxurious resorts.

Choosing which resort to stay in Maldives could be tricky but we believe that internet and social media would help us to do the research. Just make sure you know what you want. Luxurious hotel? Long and beautiful beach line? Or perfect diving and snorkeling spot? Or all of them?

Once you have the right hotel to choose, do make sure that you purchase the full board meals option with you. Most of the resort in Maldives located in one private island. So it would be one resort one island thing. This arrangement will free your access to the explore the entire island but there won’t be other place for you to get the food and drinks other than from the resort itself.

Should you wish to stay longer and choose smaller accommodation such as local guest house, there would be bigger chance for you to explore the local’s way of life and trying on their local food. The local guest house located in what they called as local island.

What languages do the people speak?

Maldivian national language is Dhivehi but English is their second language. Most of the Maldivian do speak English. Nothing to worry about.

What currency do they use?

Most of the locals use Maldivian Rufiyaa for their trading and daily usage. But knowing that the country’s number one GDP comes from tourism, USD is accepted almost every where in Maldives.

Is it safe in Maldives?

Very safe. Maldivians are very friendly. Tourism place a big rule in supporting the nation’s economy. Believe that the local do play apart to keep the tourist coming to their country.

Do we (Indonesian) need Visa to enter Maldives?

No. No Visa needed for Indonesian. So, what are you waiting for?

Is it true that Maldives is only for couple and honeymooners?

Well, it’s not completely wrong. Maldives is not only for the couples and honeymoon makers. Just like Bali, in fact we meet a lot of families with their children in Maldives. Most of hotels and resorts in Maldives come with the family villa options.

It’s lovely to see the kids in their early age do snorkeling for the very first time in the island. Watching them running around in the beach, building their sand palace. Maldives is perfect place for the whole family to enjoy.