If there was one word to describe Maldives island, it would be paradise.
My girlfriends and I (all 4 of us) have been waiting for this retreat holiday for months and finally being there was an amazing experience beyond words!
We have to make a transit via Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (KL) from Singapore and then it was a 4 hours flight to Male, the capital island of Maldives.
Our first stop off the plane was at the airport. Now, the airport, Male and our island resort were all three different islands all together and we all have to ride a ferry or speed boat to reach any of our destination.
It was a 5 minutes ferry ride from the airport and then we have to take a 15- 20 minutes speed boat ride to our resort island. The ferry ride was USD$ 1 per trip and boy, were we surprised how clear the waters were even it was in the busy city area or even the airport! You can practically jump to swim anywhere!
When we arrived at our island resort, Thulhagiri, we were over the moon!
The blue clear waters greeted us invitingly and the lush greenery were simply idealistic with the splendid sunny weather and cool breeze blowing against our faces. The water bungalows were picture perfect in the background each time we took a picture.
We were already in love.
It was all fun, sun and play in our tiny island resort Thulhagiri. Maldives is the perfect getaway for lovers and couples on honeymoon as the island exudes a romantic setting with cosy huts for two, away from the hectic stresses of life and being able to just enjoy each other's accompany while basking in all the glory of these perfect tropical beaches.
As such, if you prefer sight seeing and shopping, this probably won't be the ideal place for you.
My girlfriends and I have a really great time lounging in the beach shores and took lots of photos. Two of them were divers and spent an afternoon diving with their German dive instructor. We also signed up for a water sports package which included catamaran sailing, banana boat ride, canoeing and fun boat. I almost died laughing out loud during the banana boat ride, suffered an aching arm muscle from canoeing and had a screaming good fun during fun boat. It was such a blast!
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At our last day before departing from this heaven on earth, we went sightseeing around the streets of Male. The local people, the Maldivians, are of Indian descent and almost most of them are Muslims. They speak Dhivehi but are fluent with their English. Since tourism is their main source of income in their 2,000 islands homeland, they generally accept USD dollars practically everywhere.
Be mindful of touts loitering around the plaza or that approaches you as they will bug you to follow them to their shops to buy souvenirs. Since the souvenir shops are just next to each other, you don't want to get souvenirs then and ending up going to the next shop, realizing you could have saved a few dollars over there. Prices are not fixed here so your bargaining skills will come right in handy here when asking for the best price.
Just some tips to share ::
1) Consistently apply sunblock and lip balm with sun protection. I cannot stress enough on this.
2) Stock up on Vitamin C before any holidays. Being sick during a vacation can be the most horrendous thing that can happen.
3) Bring your own water as much as possible as you're always dehydrated under the sun. Bringing your own water can also save you money. Buying a bottle in the resort island can be hefty, costing you USD $5 inclusive government and service tax for every bottle.
4) Don't bring liquor in. Liquor and among other things (stated in their law) are prohibited in this Muslim country.
5) Wear comfy shoes for the beach and for walking around. Comfort is primary to enjoying a good sight seeing.
And as if on cue, all good things must come to an end, we have to end our 5 days of paradaisic vacation and head back home.
See you again, Maldives.
much love,
rich xxx
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