"Paradise on earth" is the only way to describe the cluster of 1100 islands which is scattered across the equator in the middle of the Indian Ocean . The islands of Maldives are breathtakingly beautiful and environmentally unspoiled. The Palm fringed islands with sparking white beaches, turquoise lagoons, clear warm waters and coral reefs teeming with abundant marine flora and fauna makes Maldives an ideal travel vacation for tourists seeking to soak in the sun. Fishing, scuba diving, wind surfing, safari cruising are the activities you wouldn't want to leave behind.

Honeymooners and couples, create everlasting memories, singles make new friends and families share special times together. There is so much to see if you want to, especially underwater, and if you wish to take a backseat and just relax, this is the perfect place to master the "Art of Doing Nothing".

Let us show you how to discover the exceptional travel values and all inclusive resort vacations that will make your time in paradise perfect. Let us share the land we love because we know you will love it too.

CLIMATE: The sun shines throughout the year. However during the southwest monsoon, which is from April to October, rainfall increases considerably, especially in June, July and August when strong breezes may blow. Northeast monsoon, which is from November to March, is hot and sunny with the occasional tropical shower.

CLOTHING: Dress is generally casual. T-shirt and cotton clothing is the best ideal choice in Maldives . Women are requested to dress modestly while visiting the capital male' and other inhabited islands to respect the Maldives culture and religion.

LANGUAGE: " Dhivehi" is the language spoken in all parts of the Maldives . However English is widely used in Maldives and this is an advantage for the visitors. In the resorts, a variety of languages are spoken by the staffs such as English, German, French, Italian and Japanese.

CURRENCY: The Maldivian currency is the Rufiyaa (RF) and Laree. The current exchange rate is RF12.85 to US$ 1.00. One Rufiyaa is equivalent to 100 laree. Rufiyaa bank notes come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500. Coins are in denominations of 1 laree, 2 Laree, 5 laree, 10 laree, 20 laree, 50 laree, RF 1 & RF 2. As per the law, the prices in all tourist resorts and hotels have to be quoted in US Dollar and paid by foreign visitor's currency. Payments in the resorts and hotels can be made in most of the hard currencies in cash, travelers' cheques or credit cards. Commonly used credit cards are American Express, Visa, Master Card, Diners Club, JCB and Euro Card. Most of the resorts will add a surcharge up to 6 percent for payments with credit cards.

LOCAL TIME: GMT + 5 hours.

BUSINESS HOURS: The official government working week is from Sunday to Thursday from 7.30 to 14.30. For most offices in the private sector, Saturday is considered a half working day and their working hours are normally 9.00 till 17.00 hrs. Unlike most of the countries, the Maldivian weekend falls on Friday and Saturday.

IMPORT RESTRICTIONS: Import of pork products, Dogs, alcohol, pornographic material, weapons, narcotics and objects of religious characters are prohibited in Maldives . An official license is required for import of alcohol. Alcohol is available in all resorts and not sold or available in the capital, Male' or any other inhabited island. Special permission should be sought to bring personal pets.

VISA REGULATION: Upon arrival free 30 days visa will be given to all visitors based on the possession of valid travel documents. However a tourist visa does not allow the bearer to undertake any employment while in the Maldives .

A visitor should also possess a minimum of US$25 per day in the Maldives . You may be asked to produce evidence to the effect. A visitor may also be asked to produce a valid return air ticket.

Under normal circumstances, immigration formalities are fairly easy in the Maldives.

VACCINATION: All visitors to the Maldives are required to possess a valid international certificate of vaccination against yellow fever if they are from, have stayed in, or have traveled through infected areas.

TECHNOLOGY: 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. Dhiraagu, the Maldives Telecommunications company also provides mobile telephones for daily rental and they are the internet service provider also