Travel Paradise Blog

Flora & Fauna That Inhabit The Islands Surrounding Waters

Contrary to the first impressions of many, the Maldives islands are not
especially hospitable to plants, mainly because the soil does not
have the nutrients to support a large and varied diversity of plant
life. The main type of vegetation include coconut trees, vines,
banyan trees as well as mangroves. Also found are Breadfruit trees
and Bamboos. Flowering plants include Bougainvillaea and Frangipani.

The islands have an incredible number of colourful, tropical fish and
when you visit you’re bound to see many of them. A few of these
include Butterfly fish, Dolphins, Anglefish, Parrotfish and
Flutemouth. The colours and shapes of some of these fish are as
varied and intriguing as their names would suggest. Divers are sure
to have an experience of a lifetime in the Maldives.

While there are a healthy variety of birds inhabiting the islands, there
are fewer varieties of land based animals. Common to the islands are
flying foxes, geckos and garden lizards. There are also a couple of
species of snake (not dangerous).

There are over 100 species of birds expect to see crows, parakeets, and
waterhens as well as koel birds. Also present are herons, seagulls
and noddys.

The Maldives is a wonderful destination for a wide variety of travellers
from those seeking complete bliss and Robinson Crusoe type peace
and quiet (in an absolutely idyllic surrounding), to beach lovers
and diving enthusiasts to honeymooners and romantic couples looking
for some enchanting memories in one of the most beautiful places in
the world.

With a wide variety of resorts to choose from it’s important to research
the facilities in a wide range of resorts to make sure that you get
whatever it is you’re looking for. For example, some resorts may
suit more active travellers while others would be more suited to
those looking for a quiet and peaceful stay.

Situated onthe Faafu Atoll, Filitheyo is a five star resort with 125 villas of
different types.

Filitheyo offers a main restaurant, a couple of bars and a coffee shop and
several of the standard diving & recreational facilities are
available including cultural shows and live music too.

Four Seasons
Resort Maldives

 

Set in the North Male Atoll, Four Seasons is a spectacular five star resort
with 106 rooms of various types (from standard beach villas and
beach bungalows with outdoor showers to water villas).

The resort offers three restaurants and two bars and some of the features
include a healthy offering of vegetarian food as well as themed
nights.

The facilities & recreational amenities are very good - as well as
the standard Maldives offerings guests can try their hand at aerial
excursions, catamaran sailing, big game fishing and island hopping.

The resort is a half hour transfer via speedboat from Male.

Maldives At A Glance:

Introduction To The Maldives

Heavenly turquoise blue waters, lush tropical islands and Robinson Crusoe
type isolation these are just some of the images that come to mind
when we think about travelling to the Maldives. In this book
you’ll discover a new world altogether a beautiful world beyond
the imagination of most people. A world where you can be one of a
small handful of people that have an island all to themselves. This
world is called The Maldives. And this website will tell you everything
you need to know about these tiny palm-fringed islands.

Location

The Maldives are a group of tiny islands that are set in the Indian
Ocean the closest countries to the Maldives are India and Sri Lanka.
There are approximately 1200 separate islands in the Maldives and
only about one sixth of these are populated. The capital of the
Maldives is Male the most densely inhabited island. But while Male,
it seems, is simply bursting from the seams, there certainly are no
space problems on the other islands. Male holds about a third of the
Maldivian population while the remaining are scattered around
various other islands.

Everything you wanted to know about the Maldives is here.

Check out the resort
guide for a huge listing of Maldives holiday resorts to
suit every taste & budget. Want a deliciously vivid sample
of the Maldives? Check out this video:

Brief History Of The Maldives

While there are no certain facts it is
estimated that the Maldives have been populated as early as 1500 BC,
most likely explorers from India and Sri Lanaka (Ceylon). During
1152 there was a conversion to islam although there was a brief
period from 1558 to 1573 when the Maldives was taken over and ruled
by the Portugese. The islands were also under the rule of the
British in 1887. In 1965 the Maldives regained its independent
status.

Heavenly turquoise blue waters, lush tropical islands and Robinson Crusoe type isolation – these are just some of the images that come to mind when we think about travelling to the Maldives. In this mini guide you’ll discover a new world altogether – a beautiful world beyond the imagination of most people. A world where you can be one of a small handful of people that have an island all to themselves. This world is called The Maldives. And this book will tell you everything you need to know about these tiny palm-fringed islands.

 

 

Location Of The Maldives

 

The Maldives are a group of tiny islands that are set in the Indian Ocean – the closest countries to the Maldives are India and Sri Lanka. There are approximately 1200 separate islands in the Maldives and only about one sixth of these are populated. The capital of the Maldives is Male – the most densely inhabited island. But while Male, it seems, is simply bursting from the seams, there certainly are no space problems on the other islands. Male holds about a third of the Maldivian population while the remaining are scattered around various other islands.

 

A Brief History Of The Maldives

 

While there are no certain facts it is estimated that the Maldives have been populated as early as 1500 BC, most likely explorers from India and Sri Lanaka (Ceylon). During 1152 there was a conversion to islam although there was a brief period from 1558 to 1573 when the Maldives was taken over and ruled by the Portugese. The islands were also under the rule of the British in 1887. In 1965 the Maldives regained its independent status.

 

Flora & Fauna That Inhabit The Islands & Surrounding Waters

 

Contrary to the first impressions of many, the Maldives islands are not especially hospitable to plants, mainly because the soil does not have the nutrients to support a large and varied diversity of plant life. The main type of vegetation include coconut trees, vines, banyan trees as well as mangroves. Also found are Breadfruit trees and Bamboos. Flowering plants include Bougainvillaea and Frangipani.

 

The islands have an incredible number of colourful, tropical fish and when you visit you’re bound to see many of them. A few of these include Butterfly fish, Dolphins, Anglefish, Parrotfish and Flutemouth. The colours and shapes of some of these fish are as varied and intriguing as their names would suggest. Divers are sure to have an experience of a lifetime in the Maldives.

 

While there are a healthy variety of birds inhabiting the islands, there are fewer varieties of land based animals. Common to the islands are flying foxes, geckos and garden lizards. There are also a couple of species of snake (not dangerous).

There are over 100 species of birds – expect to see crows, parakeets, and waterhens as well as koel birds. Also present are herons, seagulls and noddys.

 

 

The Type Of Travellers The Maldives Appeals To

 

The Maldives is a wonderful destination for a wide variety of travellers – from those seeking complete bliss and Robinson Crusoe type peace & quiet (in an absolutely idyllic surrounding), to beach lovers and diving enthusiasts to honeymooners and romantic couples looking for some enchanting memories in one of the most beautiful places in the world. With a wide variety of resorts to choose from it’s important to research the facilities in a wide range of resorts to make sure that you get whatever it is you’re looking for. For example, some resorts may suit more active travellers while others would be more suited to those looking for a quiet and peaceful stay.

 

How To Get To The Maldives

 

Almost all visitors get to the Maldives via plane – typically, they arrive in Male, the capital from their port of departure and from there will be transferred to their resort. Transfers are usually via seaplane or speedboat. Given the stunning scenery it’s always advisable to arrive by seaplane where possible – the views of the islands from the air are nothing short of spectacular. When researching resorts and prices it’s worth remembering that some packages will be quoted with transfers built into the price while others will not. Transfers can be quite pricey.

 

Some resorts are located quite close to the airport in Male – transfer times can be under 20 minutes while other resorts further away may take an hour or even two to reach depending on the type of transfer. Keep in mind that after travelling a long distance on a flight, the last thing that you’ll want to do is spend a further couple of hours on a speedboat.

 

If your transfer is not via seaplane it is possible to ride in a seaplane during your stay – and get some stunning photos of the islands and atolls from high above.

 

 

Health & Safety In The Maldives

 

Given the huge number of resorts (many of them four and five stars) in the Maldives, it’s a relatively safe place to visit, health-wise. Visitors are advised to get immunisations for Diphtheria, Tetanus, Polio, Hepatitis A & Hepatitis B and those that intend to dive should get a medical check prior to going.

 

In addition to this, ensure that your general health is good prior to travel and consider taking a basic medical kit (although most resorts have adequate facilities to treat minor problems that may occur).

 

Dining in the resorts is usually very safe – The well known resorts have very high standards with regards to the quality of food offered and most employ highly skilled professional chefs to prepare meals for guests. The only time you may be at slightly higher risk is when eating in individual places such as Cafes in Male (though even these places are generally fine). Make sure that you drink only bottled water during your stay.

 

Some of the common health problems that may occur to travellers include heatstroke/exhaustion, motion sickness and sunburn. Some infectious diseases may include fungal infections, diarrhoea & hepatitis. Some diseases may also be spread through insects, such as Malaria & Dengue fever. Also, be careful when spending time in the water – it’s possible to pick up cuts, bites & stings.

 

The Climate In The Maldives

 

The Maldives enjoys a tropical climate which means its temperature tends to stay between 25 & 32 degrees c. The optimum time to go tends to be between December band April (this is supported by the higher prices during these times) because this is when the weather is most calm and has the least rainfall.

 

 

Activities In The Maldives

 

The Maldives offers it’s guests a huge range of activities & recreation and depending on the resort that you choose you may get to sample a few or all of them.

 

Here are the main ones:

 

Diving – The Maldives is a divers paradise, and there are options available to choose any and all levels of experience. Almost all resorts offer diving facilities of some kind and some even have their own diving schools and centres. Some resorts offer a “house reef” to guests – this can be used from the beach itself.

 

The optimum time to go to the Maldives for diving is between January and April as these periods offer the most placid seas, calmest weather and clearest waters for the best visibility.

 

Remember to bring your C-Card (diving certification card) and log book as diving centres will certainly ask to check them.

 

It’s also possible to experience “diving safaris” in the Maldives – a chance to visit various diving sites, resorts, islands and villages.

 

More experienced divers may wish to participate in night-time diving where many different types of marine life can be seen, or consider taking some underwater photography.

 

 

Island Hopping – One of the most fascinating trips available in the Maldives. Island hopping allows guests to experience life in an isolated Maldivian island. Most of the resorts offer island half or full day island excursions.

 

Sometimes, the island hopping excursion may be included in your package although this is an optional extra in many resorts. Typically, the visitors are transported to certain uninhabited islands to laze away on the beaches, perhaps enjoy a beach barbeque and do some snorkelling.

Night Fishing – What if you had to catch your dinner? This is exactly what happens in many resorts that offer night fishing. The guests are taken in a dhoni (boat) each with the tools required to catch their own fish – those that do catch something appropriate can have it prepared for dinner by the resort chefs.

 

Water Sports – Many resorts offer excellent water sports facilities such as surfing, wind-surfing, catamaran sailing, water skiing & parasailing. In many resorts there are additional fees for tuition & use of facilities/equipment so if you plan on doing a lot of these activities check what the prices are as some resorts do offer guests free use of these facilities.

 

Canoeing – Many resorts offer canoe rentals although this type of boat is more suited for guests who wish to go around their own lagoons. For safety reasons it’s usually not possible to use canoes to travel longer distances (for instance going to another island).

 

Land Based Sports – Depending on the individual resort there are some sports that guests can indulge in. Many resorts offer badminton, beach volleyball, tennis and even soccer (the quality of facilities vary with many of the upper-end resorts offering floodlit pitches). Some resorts offer squash courts. Most offer some type of games room with Carrom, ping pong, pool and a variety of board games for those wishing to expend less energy.