10 Facts about Maldives

1. Maldives is the flattest country on earth. The maximum above sea level is 8 feet (2.4 meters).
2. Alcohol is banned outside of resorts in Maldives. Alcohol can only be consumed in resorts and they cannot be legally removed from resorts. Pork, pork products, and any religious materials offensive to Islam is forbidden to be imported to the country.
3. The Maldivian flag portrays a couple of things;The white crescent resembles Islamic faith. The red color represents the  every drop of blood sacrificed by our nations heroes and the green symbolizes peace and prosperity.
4. Maldives has been ranked as the best country brand for rest and relaxation, ranked second in best country brand for beauty, ranked third in best country for resort lodging options, all in the year of 2008.
5. Maldives holds the highest divorce rates. 10.97 divorces per 1,000 yearly.
6. Maldives is the smallest Muslim Nation in Asia.
7. Cowry shells (Cypraea Moneta) was once used as trade of currency with merchant ships passing through the country.

8. Maliku Island (Minicoy) used to be a part of Maldives. On 1st November 1956 became a union territory of Lakshadeep.

9. In order to preserve the fisheries and biodiversity of Maldives. it is planning to create the largest Marine reserve in the world.The project is said to be completed in 2017.

10. On February 7th 2011, President Mohammed Nasheed resigned as the president after three week of  opposition-led protests that ended up in mutiny. Mr. Nasheed later declared that it was forced out in a coup de'tat. He officially announced that he was forced to resign at gunpoint. After a day of resignation a riot was carried out in the streets of Male' city which led to Mr. Nasheed and 50 other people being injured.

    "To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries" -Aldous Huxley- 

Underwater Cabinet Meeting

Maldives held the worlds first underwater cabinet meeting on October 17th 2009.

Former president Mohamed Nasheed dove 20 feet below the lagoon of Girifushi Island with 13 other government officials. Girifushi is an island mainly used for military training. The meeting was held to raise the concern of raising sea levels, Maldives islands of consisting of 1,192 coral islands on average lies 2.1 meters above the ocean.He fears that the Indian Ocean archipelago would be swamped if carbon emissions are not reduced.

The underwater cabinet meeting was held 30 minutes to raise awareness of what would happen to Maldives if action is not taken. The ministers and cabinet secretary signed a document calling on for all countries to reduce the carbon emissions.

Mr. Nasheed said "What we are trying to make people realize is that the Maldives is not a front-line state. This is not merely an issue for the Maldives but for the world"

Mr. Nasheed called all world leaders to take this issue in hand urgently for the U.N climate change conference that was scheduled for December in Copenhagen.

The Maldivian presidential secretariat has said that this underwater campaign was a part of a campaign by international environmental NGO 350.org.

Mr. Nasheed announced his plans to raise fund if the 1,192 coral islands of Maldives submerge to buy a new home land for the people of Maldives. He also promised to make Maldives the world's first carbon-neutral nation within a decade.

The document that they signed said : "We must unite in a world war effort to halt further temperature rises. Climate changes are happening and it threatens the rights and security of everyone on earth.

We have to have a better deal. We should be able to come out with an amicable understanding that everyone survives. If Maldives can't be saved today, we do not feel that there is much of a chance for the rest of the world."

The countries are to negotiate with Kyoto protocol which controlled the carbon emissions, at the UN conference.


"We are trying to send a message to the let the world know what is happening and what will happen to the Maldives if climate change isn't checked" -Mohammed Nasheed-

Submarine Dive

Enjoy the magnificent view of the Maldives Underwater beauty without getting wet or equipment. This whale submarine will give you the chance to see the underwater world.

This German Whale submarine was created by the Karlsrhue,Germany. This submarine has the capacity to carry 50 passengers and can go to the depth of 150 meters. The whole craft is air conditioned and normal atmospheric pressure. This craft is built in a way to keep the passengers safe and comfortable. Water and food supplies are stored in the submarine for all crews and passengers.

It dives every 90 minutes starting from 9 in the morning to 8 in the evening. Some Hotel/resorts will provide this service and if so you can make a booking through the front desk.If they do not provide with this service you can make a direct reservation from Whale submarine Maldives by calling them and they will fix arrangements for you.

You will be taken to the dive site after settling your booking and arrangements by a vessel. From the airport to the dive point, the time calculated to reach by the vessel is about 20 minutes.

The guides and instructors will brief you on different dive sites. The submarine stop at different dive sites which will allow you to enjoy and see the spectacular and breathtaking views of the underwater creatures and corals.  The first stop will be 25 meters and and then 40 meters. If the current and time is good, you can get the opportunity to get to see shipwrecks and shark feeding sites.

You will experience 45 minutes of this astounding underwater submarine drive and emerge back to the surface. The vessel will take you back to the airport or the resort that you have arranged to stay at.

This will be a great opportunity, specially if you have traveled to Maldives with your family. You can take your kids, your partner, you friends, your parents and enjoy what the underwater world Indian ocean has to offer you.

If you are visiting, make sure that this goes on your bucket list!

 “The ocean stirs the heart, inspires the imagination and brings eternal joy to the soul.” – Wyland

Events & Festivals

Events and Festivals in Maldives are lead by the Luna calender.



Eid Festival

There are two Eids that are celebrated by the Muslims; one is annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. the other one is celebrated after the completion of Ramadan. Ramadan is the month where Muslims fast for a month. And it is is called 'Eid-Ul-Fitar'. During this Festival Maldives celebrate with their friends and families. People usually wear new clothes and games and traditional music are played.Specially in the islands. These days this festival is also celebrated in modern terms having music shows and holds parades on the streets. During Eid Festival, it is a great time to visit to local islands.

Independence Day

In July 1965 Maldives was granted full independence from the British.This is one of the biggest National events carried out in the Maldives. National Security Services and school children perform special parades and dances where the President will take part in the celebration. 

Martyr's Day

In 1558 Male' was invaded and attacked by the Portuguese. The ruling Sultan Ali 6th fought the invaders with help from a few country men. He was killed during the fight and was declared a Martyr. This day is celebrated in the memory of the National Hero, Sultan Ali the 6th.

National Day

After the invasion of Portuguese and the killing of Sultan Ali 6th Maldives was under the Portuguese colonial rule. In 1573 Mohamed Ali Thakurufaanu Ali Auzam ended the colonial rule of 15 years. 1st of Rabee ul Awwal (Islamic calender) is celebrated as National Day of Republic of Maldives. Parades and root marches in Male' city and islands are held as a celebration of this day.

Prophet Mohammad's Birthday

Special food and prayers are made on this day to celebrate the birth of the Prophet Mohammad.This day is marked on the 12th of Rabee ul Awwal in the Arabic calender.

Republic Day

On the first of January 1953, the Maldives became a Republic after hundreds of years as a Monarchy.The Monarchy was restored shortly. On 11 November 1968 Republic was formed again. On this day parades and special events are held.

Victory Day

Sri Lankan terrorist group attacked the Maldives government on 3rd November 1998. However the attempt resulted in failure and they fled from the country. This day is marked as the victory day.

Ramadan

Ramadan marks the month in which the Holy Quran was revealed to Mankind. This month is counted the ninth month of the Islamic calender. During the month of Ramadan Muslims will abstain from eating, drinking and sexual activity from dawn to sunset. Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam. And this month focuses on praying and purifying through self-restrain. Special kinds of food are made for breakfasting and is taken with the families and friends.

List of Public Holidays in Maldives 2014

01st January: New Year Holiday
02nd January: National day
13th January: Prophet Mohammad's Birthday
02nd February: The day Maldives embraced Islam
01st May: International Labour Day
28th June: Beginning of Ramadan
26th July: Independence Day
27th July: On the occasion of Independence Day
28th July: Fit'r Eid
29th July: On the occasion of Fit'r Eid
30th July: On the occasion of Fit'r Eid
03rd October: Hajj
04th October: Al'h'aa Eid
05th October: On the occasion of Al'h'aa Eid
06th October: On the occasion of Al'h'aa Eid
07th October: On the occasion of Al'h'aa Eid
25th October: Islamic New year
03rd November: Victory Day
11th November: Republic day
23rd December: National Day


" May the festival of light encircle your life with Joy and Happiness. Success comes at your home "

Sand Bank Dining or Lunch

Want to Indulge in a getaway with your partner?

The only thing around you would be the azure blue sky and emerald water and the soft white sand. Can you imagine yourself and your partner in such a euphoric place?

Sand Bank picnic will give you the opportunity to have have an escapade with your loved one. You can enjoy the natural wonders and private moments with your partner. It would be truly and a liberating and a blissful experience, wouldn't it?

Just request for a sand bank picnic from the staff from wherever that you are staying. Most of the Hotels, Guest Houses and resorts will provide you with this service. Once your picnic is confirmed just hop on to the boat and let them take you to a mini paradise.

Before you go make sure that you request for what you want. A romantic candle light dinner or a casual tropical lunch for two?

You can even make it a little adventure for the two of you. Take a snorkeling kit with you and just lunge into the water. Enjoy the rich and exotic marine life.

Soak up the sun and the enjoy listening to the melodious waves.

Don't forget, we will give this opportunity to you too. Stay at Kanbili Guesthouse, Himmafushi!

"In every out thrust headland, in every curving beach, in every grain of sand there is the story of the earth."  -Rachel Carson-

Parasailing in the Maldives

Are you up for a thrill?
Let's parasail and catch the stunning aerial view!

Can you imagine yourself hundreds of feet above the water, seeing the coral reefs, the crystal clear water, and sandy beaches from above, the wind rushing to your face and the water splashing onto your skin as you are pulled by the speedboat below?

This activity is one the most adventurous and exciting activity that is available in the Maldives.

Before you begin parasailing, you would be taken through a safety briefing.
It is important to stay calm and steady while you are gushing through the wind. Check the weather before you go, avoid going when there a cloudy skies, the weather should be sunny with a good wind. The area you go on for this activity should be an open ocean so that you and the speedboat can be on rope that is attached. And do not forget to check the equipment before you go.

The minimum combined weight for parasailing is 125-130 lbs and maximum weight combined is 350-375 lbs.Weight requirements may change due to wind conditions. Any one below 18 should have a consent form signed by their parents or guardians. If something happens while you are airborne, you can give the the crew a signal which will be discussed in the safety briefing.

You will be taken to a certain spot by the speedboat, within the boat there is a rope that is connected to the parachute. there are will be straps that will be attached to your body through the parachute and you will have a life jacket. once it is attached and you are ready to fly the operator will let let out the winch rope and you go up and up!

The Birdseye view will amaze and sooth you. This will definitely be a experience to remember!



 
“Life is either a great adventure or nothing.” - Helen Keller

Manta Rays

Manta Ray sighting is one of the biggest attraction to those who come to Maldives for scuba diving and is widely known as the "Maldives Big Five". Manta Ray sighting is going to be an adrenaline charged experience.

Manta rays can be found in the tropical waters, especially in coral reefs.

Manta rays can be found in the Maldives through out the year, but the manta ray spots can vary from seasons. In the Western side of the atolls diving for manta rays is best in the northeast monsoon and in the east side it is best when it's the south eat monsoon.

The largest manta rays that is usually found by the divers is measure up to around 18 feet.

The manta rays mainly feeds on plankton's and fish larvae. Manta rays does not have a sting in it's tail and the defense mechanisms they have are their speed and size. Different types of sharks are known to be predators of the Manta rays. Manta rays can swim quite deep in the waters but they are usually found in shallow waters near the coral reefs. They are particularly found in the Pacific,Atlantic and India Oceans. The manta rays is now protected species in the Maldives

The manta rays presents no harmful or dangerous risks to diver and are considered one of the most peaceful creatures in the Maldives.


Best Manta ray dives spots in the Maldives;

Manta ray Hanifaru Bay:

Considered as one of the best manta rays spots in the world where you can find manta ray feeding frenzy during the months of May to November. You also have the opportunity to see mantas cyclone feeding, a divine and sight to see!

Felidhoo Atoll:

A small reef can be found 200 meters east of dhiggiri resort. Mantas in the areas can be best found in the southwest monsoon.

Madivaru (South Ari Atoll):

In the North east monsoon there is are very good chances of finding manta rays. This is a marine protected reef on the south of Rangali kandu. The mantas can only be found in these spots when there is a strong current. Carrying a safety balloon will be highly suggested.

Lankan Manta point (North Male' atoll):

This is one of the best manta sites in the Maldives. And you will see big ones here. Just be careful not to be on the base of the rocks because those creatures will see it as a occupation of the are and move away.

There are a few more spots for manta ray sighting in the Maldives.

Come and enjoy the sight of these harmless beautiful creatures. It would be an exhilarating experience!


"Fishes live in the sea, as men do a-land; the great ones eat up the little ones" -William Shakespeare-