Maldives, 3rd; The Bradt Travel Guide

by Royston Ellis, Siân Pritchard-Jones, and Bob Gibbons

• ISBN13: 9781841621432
• ISBN10: 1841621439
• Edition: 3rd
• Format: Trade Paper
• Copyright: 2006-02-01
• Publisher: Bradt Travel Guides

Summary

This guide takes you beyond the obvious attractions of these coral islands, delving into their history and introducing a nation which is much more than a tourist hideaway. From the lively atmosphere of the capital, Male', to the delights of the island resorts, readers are drawn into a wider understanding of these unique islands, aided by Gemunu Amarasinghe's beautiful photographs.

Author Biography

Royston Ellis is a travel writer and biographer who has been a frequent visitor to the Maldives from his island retreat in Sri Lanka. He is also author of Bradt's Sri Lanka and Mauritius, Rodrigues and Reunion.

Travel authors SiGn Pritchard-Jones and Bob Gibbons have provided the update of this edition.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements	viii
Introduction	ix
PART ONE GENERAL INFORMATION	1	(130)
Chapter 1 Background Information	3	(46)
Basic facts	3	(1)
Geography	4	(4)
Natural history	8	(9)
History	17	(7)
Government and administration	24	(3)
Economy	27	(8)
People	35	(4)
Language	39	(1)
Education	40	(2)
Religion	42	(3)
Culture	45	(4)
Chapter 2 Practical Information	49	(58)
When to go	49	(1)
Highlights	49	(1)
Tour operators	50	(5)
Red tape	55	(3)
Embassies	58	(1)
Getting there	59	(3)
Airport formalities	62	(3)
Health	65	(5)
Services	70	(2)
Safety	72	(1)
What to take	73	(2)
Money matters	75	(1)
Budgeting	76	(3)
Getting around	79	(1)
Travel in the Maldives	80	(5)
Accommodation	85	(1)
Eating and drinking	85	(3)
Festivals and holidays	88	(1)
Visitors with special requirements	89	(1)
Shopping	90	(4)
Hairdressing	94	(1)
Arts and entertainment	94	(2)
Photography	96	(2)
Media and communications	98	(4)
Business	102	(1)
Settling in	103	(2)
Giving something back	105	(2)
Chapter 3 Resorts: What to Expect	107	(9)
Resort facilities and standards	107	(4)
Costs	111	(2)
Making your choice	113	(3)
Chapter 4 Safaris, Diving and Other Activities	116	(15)
Holidays afloat	116	(3)
Watersports and activities	119	(9)
Activities on land	128	(3)
PART TWO THE GUIDE	131	(74)
Chapter 5 Male'	133	(23)
First impressions	133	(1)
Orientation	133	(2)
Getting around	135	(4)
Where to stay	139	(2)
Where to eat	141	(2)
Shopping	143	(2)
Other information	145	(1)
What to see around town	146	(6)
Around Male'	152	(4)
Chapter 6 North and South Male' Atolls	156	(17)
Resorts on Male' atolls	156	(17)
Chapter 7 Ari Atoll	173	(11)
Resorts on Ari Atoll	173	(11)
Chapter 8 Northern Atolls	184	(10)
Resorts on northern atolls	184	(10)
Chapter 9 Southern Atolls	194	(11)
Resorts on southern atolls	194	(11)
Appendix 1 Language	205	(3)
Appendix 2 Atoll and Island Names	208	(4)
Appendix 3 Resorts at a Glance	212	(7)
Appendix 4 Further Information	219	(6)
Index	225