Fulidhoo Guesthouse

Maldives is a magical garland of 1,190 islands encircled by soft white beaches and an ocean of countless shades of blue. Islands are grouped in natural atolls protected by surrounding coral reefs. You will be treated to spectacular views as you transfer from the airport by private speedboat or seaplane. Arrive at the perfect hideaway just for you where barefoot luxury combines with friendliness and true traditional Maldivian hospitality Coconut palms and an abundance of tropical plants make these islands an idyllic holiday destination. With only one hotel on each island you are cocooned in your own private resort. Magnificent beaches surrounding your island paradise lead gently into the ever warm waters of the lagoon and house reef - ideal for safe swimming and snorkeling

Stunning accommodation is provided by water villas suspended over sheltered lagoons or in beachfront villas. There is a wonderful selection of luxury room types to choose from and many feature private outdoor bathrooms, some with Jacuzzi and private pools. Hotel styles include island tropical, contemporary and traditional - something for everyone

Cuisine and service are of the highest standard while the ambience is always relaxed and informal. Restaurants and bars are often open air and toe-in-sand set in tropical gardens; for a romantic evening, dine on a deserted beach under the stars

No doubt you will succumb to the Maldivian art of doing nothing! However there is much more to Maldives. Apart from plentiful water sports there are wonderful spas for massage, body treatments and aromatherapy. There is also the opportunity to experience native culture and visit islands where local people live

The islands of Maldives are truly beautiful and yet some of the most wonderful sights are in the ocean. A haven for scuba diving and snorkeling; you will be amazed at the variety and abundance of multi-coloured fish along the coral reefs that surround the islands. It is a delight to spot turtles, rays and baby sharks as they come close to shore on their inquisitive visit!

Location

South of India's Lakshadweep islands, about 700 kilometers south-west of Sri Lanka, on the equator.

Geography

1,190 coral islands, forming an archipelago of 26 major atolls. Stretches 820 kilometres north to south and 120 kilometres east to west. 202 are inhabited, 87 are exclusive resort islands.

Visa Requirements

A tourist visa valid for 30 days is granted on arrival at Male International Airport. You will require a passport that is 6 months minimum validity and have a valid ticket to continue the journey out of Maldives.

Customs and Immigration

As Maldives is concerned in preserving and sustainable development of its environment and ecosystem it is strictly prohibited to remove any items from the natural habitats of the marine life including shells, corals etc.

Alcohol is permitted only if a license is acquired by the visitor to import it to the country. Severe punishment for drug traffickers is given Under Maldivian law. By Law the government of the Maldives proscribes the import of the following items to Maldives:

• Narcotics illicit drugs and psychotropic substances
• Pornographic material
• Religious materials offensive to Islam
• Idols (for worship)
• Pork and its by-products
• Live pigs
• Dogs
• Alcohol and spirits
• Live plants and live animals, medicine and steroids.
• Dangerous animals
• Weapons, Arms and ammunition

Climate

Maldives spans the equator and has a tropical climate. It is hot throughout the year; humidity is relatively high though the sea breeze makes it comfortable. While Maldives is a year round destination, the best time to visit is between December and April which is the dry season. The south west monsoon brings rain between May and November with windier conditions though rain showers can occur at any time. November and April are the best months for diving

Temperatures range between 23-32C and average 30C

What to wear

Dress is generally casual. T-shirts and cotton clothing are most suitable. In Male', the capital island and other inhabited islands it is recommended that women wear modest clothing without baring too much.

Population

About 315,000 according to 2009 estimates. Origin of the Maldivians are lost in antiquity, but history reveals that the islands have been populated for over 3,000 years ago. Early settlers were travellers on the Silk Route and from the Indus Valley Civilisation. Inherently warm, friendly and hospitable by nature, it is easy to feel comfortable and relaxed with a Maldivian.

Culture

A proud history and rich culture evolved from the first settlers who were from various parts of the world travelling the seas in ancient times. The Maldives has been a melting pot of different cultures as people from different parts of the world came here and settled down. Some of the local music and dance for instance resemble African influences, with handbeating of drums and songs in a language that is not known to any but certainly represents that of East African countries. As one would expect there is a great South Asian influence in some of the music and dancing and especially in the traditional food of the Maldivians. However many of the South Asian customs especially with regard to women - for instance the Sub Continent's tradition of secluding women from public view - are not tenets of life here. In fact women play a major role in society - not surprising considering the fact men spend the whole day out at sea fishing. Many of the traditions are strongly related to the seas and the fact that life is dependent on the seas around us.

Language

The language of Maldives is Dhivehi with its own grammar and script. Linguistically it is close to Hindi, Urdu and Singhalese. English is widely spoken by Maldivians and visitors can easily make themselves understood getting around the capital island. In the resorts, a variety of languages are spoken by the staff including English, German, French, Italian and Japanese.

Economy

Tourism is the main industry, contributing close to 20% of the GDP. Fisheries and trade follow close behind. The Maldivian economy is regarded as exemplary in the region and welcomes foreign investment.

Currency

The unit of currency is the Rufiyaa (MVR) with a fixed exchange rate of USD 1 = MVR 12.85. One Rufiyaa is equivalent to 100 laarees. Rufiyaa bills come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500. Coins are in the denominations of MRf.2.00, MRf.1.00, 50 laarees, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 laaree. US Dollar is the most commonly used foreign currency. Payments in the resorts and hotels can be made in in cash, travellers' cheques or credit cards. Commonly used credit cards include American Express, Visa, Master Card, Diners Club, JCB and Euro Card among others.

Health Precautions

Vaccinations are not normally required although an international vaccination certificate against yellow fever is required if arriving from an infected country.

Health care facilities are improving almost on a daily basis. The Indhira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) in Male' is the biggest hospital in the country providing sophisticated medical care. ADK Hospital is the biggest private health care facility and follows high medical standards. Most resorts have in-house doctors. A decompression chamber is within easy reach of most resorts in case of a diving emergency.

Local Time

GMT + 5 hours

Business Hours

From Sunday to Thursday 8.00 - 16.00 in the government sector and generally from 9.00 to 5.00 in the private sector, although most offices in the private sector open for a half day on Saturday. Weekend falls on Friday and Saturday.

Communication

Up-to-date technology and international satellite links allow Maldives to have a sophisticated communications system. IDD facilities are available on all resorts and card phones are available on all inhabited islands. Two telecom companies, Dhiraagu & Wataniya operate GSM and 3G cell phone networks. Internet service is mostly cable based, however, several wireless internet facilities are available.

Electricity

The electric system is 230-240 Volts - AC

Government Taxes

The sum of US$ 8, or its equivalent in foreign currency acceptable to the Maldives Monetary Authority, will be collected as Tax payable to the Government of the Maldives from each tourist per day of stay at a tourist resort, tourist hotel, tourist guesthouse or tourist vessel.

Tourism Goods and Service Tax (T-GST) will be charged on the value of all goods and services consumed by tourists in tourist establishments in the Maldives as follows:

Period	Tourisms goods and services		General goods and services
2 October 2011 - 31 December 2011	3.5%		3.5%
1 January 2012 - 31 December 2012	6%		6%
1 January 2013 onwards	8%		6%