EXPLORE MALDIVES:

What to wear - With temperatures rarely falling below 25°C, even at night, visitors are advised to wear lightweight cotton clothing for maximum comfort. Swimwear is obviously acceptable on beaches and at swimming pools, but visitors should note that topless sunbathing and nudity are against the law. It is advisable to cover swimwear with a sarong when visiting public areas, although some resorts also insist that women's shoulders are covered. See-through clothing can be considered offensive to locals, along with very short skirts and vest tops. Evening dress codes can be rather relaxed on most of the islands, and most visitors adopt a 'smart-casual' approach. Men tend to wear smart shirts and lightweight trousers while women wear skirts, blouses or dresses. The main footwear required in the Maldives is low sandals or flip-flops. Many islands have sand pathways, making walking difficult for women wearing heels.

Noteworthy attractions include the Grand Friday Mosque in Malé, the largest mosque in the Maldives and also one of the biggest in South Asia. Located within the Islamic Centre of the city, the Grand Friday Mosque can accommodate 5,000 people and is renowned for its magnificent golden dome. Inside, the walls are beautifully decorated with Arabic calligraphy and exquisite woodcarvings that enchant the mosque's many visitors.
Malé's National Museum is worth a visit for its captivating range of artefacts. Housed in a wonderful colonial edifice, the museum features traditional costumes, royal antiquities and a hand-written miniature of the Koran. The President's Palace is also a site of interest, and while it is not open to the public, visitors may photograph its exterior.
The Maldives Fish Market offers an authentic glimpse into the everyday lifestyle of Maldivian locals. The bustling and colourful market provides a spectacular assortment of familiar and not-so-familiar sea creatures and it also sells locally-grown fruit and vegetables.

Maldivian cuisine consists mainly of fruit, fish and spicy curries. Cafes in Malé are the best places to try traditional Maldivian snacks, made of rice, tuna, lentils and spices. Local drinks include 'raa', a fermented drink tapped from palm trees, and the local tea known as 'sai'.

Most hotels have shops from which holiday essentials such as sun creams and sarongs can be purchased. Outside the resorts, island shops sell colourful island fabrics, t-shirts, and stamps, and the locally-made 'kuna' mats are popular for their attractive geometric designs. Some duty-free shopping is available, and there are attractive food markets selling local produce.

Maldivians observe all Muslim festivals, with Ramadan being the best known. Thirty days of fasting are observed by locals and working hours for the government and private sector alter for the entire month. Eid-ul-Adha is also a traditional religious festival and a time of celebration and feasting.

Credit Cards
Most resorts accept all major credit cards, and ATMs can be found in all tourist areas.

Driving
There are no hire cars in the Maldives, so travel is restricted to local taxis or bicycles. The islands are very small, and most resorts use golf buggies or minivans to ferry passengers across the islands. Boats are the Maldivian equivalent of the car for locals while tourists travel between islands mainly by seaplane or private yacht.

Electricity
220-240 volts with European, British and Indian primary socket types. Travellers are advised to take a travel plug adapter to ensure all appliances can be used.

Health
There are no major problems with disease in the Maldives, and they are malaria-free. Some islands, however, do have mosquitoes, and it is possible to catch dengue fever.
Most health issues related to holidaying in the Maldives are either diving- or sun-related. Heat stroke and sunburn can cause problems, so visitors are advised to drink plenty of water and use appropriate sun creams and sunblock. Divers may be prone to overheating if spending hours on a boat in a wetsuit, and are advised to spend time in the shade when possible.
Malé has an excellent modern hospital, and most resorts have either a doctor or nurse to deal with any health problems.

Tipping
A 10% service charge is usually added to the bill at many tourist restaurants. Although not obligatory, it is common to tip resort staff, especially the dive crew.