1.Introduction
Hey, friends! Speaking of Maldives, the most beautiful beach comes to mind. The white fine sand is soft to the touch, just like flour. And the azure blue water sparkles like gems. The coconut trees by the sea sway in the wind. It is simply a real tropical paradise. I have always wanted to go there, and finally I made the trip. After this trip, I felt like I walked into a fairy tale world. Now I can’t wait to share it with you so that you can also feel the charm of the Maldives beach.
2.Preparation before the trip
(1) Best time to travel
You have to choose the right time to go to the Maldives. This place has a tropical marine climate and is quite hot all year round. However, the best time to travel is from November to April of the following year. Why choose this time? Because it is the dry season, there is little rain, the weather is clear and the sun is bright, which is especially suitable for enjoying the waves on the beach, diving, snorkeling, etc. The underwater visibility is also high, and you can clearly see the beautiful corals and colorful fish. If you catch the rainy season, although there may be discounts on hotels, it will rain every day and many water activities cannot be played, so it would be a waste of time.
(2) Air ticket booking
There are many tricks to booking air tickets. I usually start to look at the official websites of major airlines and some air ticket booking platforms two or three months in advance. Booking in advance can get a more cost-effective price, especially for popular destinations such as the Maldives. The price difference is also quite large depending on the departure point. If you have more flexible time, you might as well look at the departure flights from surrounding cities. You may be able to get a big bargain. In addition, sometimes airlines will hold promotions, so you have to keep an eye on them. Maybe you can get a ticket at a super low price. This time I noticed a limited-time discount of an airline in advance and saved a lot of money.
(3) Hotel selection
There are many different types of hotels in the Maldives, ranging from ultra-luxurious five-star resort hotels to cost-effective homestays. You should choose a hotel based on your budget and preferences. If you want to enjoy top-notch service and experience a luxurious holiday atmosphere, you can choose high-end resorts with one island and one hotel. The rooms have private swimming pools and the sea is right outside. The service is very thoughtful, but the price is not cheap. If your budget is limited, there are also many affordable hotels and homestays. Although they are not so luxurious, they are also clean and comfortable and not far from the beach. When choosing, you should also pay attention to the location of the hotel. If you like bustling, choose an island closer to Male; if you want to enjoy tranquility, choose a remote island. This time I chose a medium-priced resort with a moderate location, which not only allows me to enjoy the beautiful beach but also experience some local activities.
(4) Necessary items
There are some things you must not forget to bring when you go to the Maldives. The first is sun protection equipment. You must choose a high-factor waterproof sunscreen. Sun hats and sunglasses are also essential, otherwise the scorching sun will turn you into a small black charcoal in minutes. There are also mosquito repellents. There are many mosquitoes in tropical areas. Bring mosquito repellent and floral water to sleep more peacefully at night. In terms of documents, you must bring your passport, ID card, etc. It is best to prepare a few copies just in case. Common medicines must also be prepared, such as cold medicine, gastrointestinal medicine, and motion sickness medicine. In unfamiliar places, if you feel a little uncomfortable, you will feel more at ease with medicine. In addition, don’t forget to bring a few beautiful swimsuits, so that you can take beautiful photos on the beach.
3.First arrival in Maldives
After a long flight, I finally arrived in Male, the capital of Maldives. As soon as I got off the plane, I could feel the strong tropical atmosphere, and the air was salty. The immigration procedures were smooth and the staff were very friendly. After leaving the airport, there are several ways to get to the hotel. You can choose to take a speedboat, which is fast and can get you to the hotel quickly, but the price is relatively expensive; you can also take a seaplane, which can overlook the beautiful island scenery of the Maldives from the air, but the price is more expensive; if you are not in a hurry, you can also take a ferry, which is affordable but takes a long time. I chose the speedboat. The feeling of speeding on the sea was particularly exciting. The sea water on both sides splashed up, and soon we arrived at the island where the hotel was located. As soon as I set foot on this land, I was shocked by the beautiful scenery in front of me. The white sand beach, the blue sea, and the rows of thatched hut-like hotel rooms felt like I had walked into a paradise.
4.Beach play
(1) Snorkeling exploration
When you come to the Maldives, snorkeling is definitely an activity that you cannot miss. Hotels generally provide snorkeling equipment rental, but I brought my own mask and snorkel, which was more convenient to use. Put on a life jacket, take the equipment, and can’t wait to go into the sea. As soon as I got into the water, I could see groups of small fish swimming around me. They were colorful and very beautiful. As I slowly swam deeper, wow, a large area of colorful coral reefs appeared in front of me. They were in various shapes, some like deer antlers, some like mushrooms, and some like fans. Various small fish that I couldn’t name were swimming around the coral reefs, as if they were playing hide-and-seek. I felt like I had walked into an underwater fairy tale world and was completely mesmerized by the beautiful scenery in front of me. When snorkeling, you must pay attention to your breathing rhythm. Don’t rush and slowly appreciate this magical underwater world. If you are not very good at swimming, don’t be afraid. There are life jackets. Just stay relaxed and you can easily enjoy the fun of snorkeling.
(2) Diving Adventure
For me who likes challenges, diving is not to be missed. I signed up for a diving course at the hotel’s diving center. The instructor first taught me some basic diving knowledge and skills on shore, such as how to use diving equipment, how to breathe underwater, how to communicate with diving partners, etc. After learning the theoretical knowledge, I followed the instructor into the water. I was a little nervous at first, but under the guidance of the instructor, I gradually adapted to the underwater environment. The deeper you dive, the more spectacular the scenery becomes. In addition to beautiful coral reefs and small fish, you can also see some giant sea turtles that swim slowly and are particularly cute. There are also some mysterious caves and reefs. It feels like exploring an unknown world. When diving, you must strictly follow the instructor’s instructions and pay attention to your physical condition. If you feel any discomfort, surface immediately. This dive was really exciting. It made me have a greater respect and love for the ocean.
(3) Water Sports
There are so many water sports on the beaches of the Maldives that it’s dizzying. I first experienced a jet ski. I sat on it, started the engine, and sped across the sea. The collision of speed and passion was simply too cool. The sea water splashed high, and my face and body were covered with cool sea water. It felt very relaxing. Then I played on a banana boat. A group of people sat on a banana-shaped boat, which was towed by a speedboat and sped across the sea. From time to time, it made a sharp turn. Everyone screamed excitedly, and laughter echoed on the sea. There is also windsurfing. Although I couldn’t keep my balance at first and kept falling, I gradually found the feeling after trying again and again. The feeling of riding the wind and waves is really addictive. These water sports not only give you excitement and fun, but also allow you to enjoy the beautiful sea view of the Maldives. I strongly recommend everyone to try it.
(4) Beach walk
When you are tired of playing, just take a walk on the beach. It feels so comfortable. The beach in the Maldives is fine and soft. Walking on it barefoot is like walking on cotton. The sea breeze blows gently, bringing a hint of coolness and the smell of sea water. Walking slowly along the beach, you can see some shells and small crabs, and occasionally you can see seabirds flying over the sea in the distance. Looking at the boundless sea, your mood becomes particularly open. In the evening, the sunset dyes the sky orange-red, and the whole beach is shrouded in a golden light, which is breathtakingly beautiful. At this time, find a place to sit down and quietly appreciate this beautiful sunset. I really hope that time can stop at this moment.
5.Enjoy delicious food
(1) Local specialties
When you arrive in a place, you must try the local specialties. Maldivian cuisine is mainly seafood and has a unique flavor. Curry rice is one of the local traditional foods. Rice is paired with a rich curry sauce and various seafood, such as shrimp, fish, crab, etc. It has a rich flavor and goes well with rice. There is also fried fish. The fresh fish is coated with batter and fried until golden and crispy. It is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The aroma is overflowing when you take a bite. You can taste these authentic foods in some local small restaurants and markets, and the prices are relatively affordable. In addition, there is a special snack in the Maldives called “hedhikaa”, which is a small snack made of fish, coconut, cassava, etc. It tastes very good. You can buy some to try while shopping.
(2) Seaside restaurant experience
In addition to eating at local small restaurants, dining at a seaside restaurant is also a unique experience. I found a seaside restaurant with a beautiful environment and sat in an open-air seat, enjoying the beautiful sea view while enjoying the food. The restaurant’s menu has a variety of international cuisine and local specialties, and you can choose according to your taste. I ordered a grilled lobster. The lobster was big and grilled to perfection. The prawn meat was tender and juicy. With the special sauce, the taste was simply amazing. There was also a glass of freshly squeezed juice made from local fresh fruits. It was refreshing and especially refreshing. Dining in such an environment was really a pleasure, and it made people relax both physically and mentally.
6.Cultural Exploration
(1) Local customs
The Maldives is a country dominated by Islam, with unique cultural customs. In the local area, you must dress appropriately when entering a mosque. Women must wear headscarves and men must wear long trousers. In public places, you must pay attention to your words and deeds and not make loud noises. In addition, Maldivians pay great attention to etiquette. When meeting, they usually shake hands to greet each other. In terms of diet, they abstain from pork and alcohol, so be careful when ordering in a restaurant. Understanding and respecting local cultural customs can help us better integrate into local life and avoid some unnecessary troubles.
(2) Visiting a local village
In order to get a deeper understanding of the culture of the Maldives, I visited a local village. As soon as I entered the village, I could feel the strong atmosphere of life. Most of the houses in the village are built with coral stones and coconut trees, which are very distinctive. The villagers are very enthusiastic and greet us tourists with a smile. We visited local schools, mosques and some handicraft shops. In the school, I saw the innocent smiles of the children and felt their desire for knowledge. In the mosque, I appreciated the architectural style and religious culture of Islam. In the handicraft shop, I saw all kinds of exquisite handicrafts, such as ornaments made of shells and corals, and baskets woven with coconut fiber. These handicrafts are not only beautiful, but also full of local cultural characteristics. This visit to the village gave me a deeper understanding of the Maldives and made me feel the unique charm of this country.
7.Shopping and souvenirs
There are also many places to shop in the Maldives. There are some shopping malls and markets in Male, where you can buy all kinds of goods, from local handicrafts to international brands. There are also some shops on the resort island, mainly selling some special souvenirs and daily necessities. When I was shopping, I paid special attention to souvenirs with local characteristics, such as shell paintings, coral ornaments, coconut shell products, etc. These things can not only be kept as souvenirs, but also given to relatives and friends. However, please note that when buying coral products, you must ensure that they are legal. Do not buy products made from endangered corals. Protecting the marine environment is everyone’s responsibility. When buying souvenirs, you can also bargain with the merchants. Maybe you can get a more affordable price.
8.Precautions
(1) Environmental protection
The beauty of the Maldives is largely due to its clear waters and rich marine ecology. When we travel, we must pay attention to protecting the environment. When snorkeling or diving, do not touch or damage coral reefs. They are an important part of the marine ecology. Once damaged, it is difficult to recover. On the beach, do not throw garbage at will and keep the beach clean. Only if each of us cares about the environment can the Maldives continue to be so beautiful and let more people appreciate its charm.
(2) Safety issues
Although the Maldives is a very safe tourist destination, safety should still be the first priority when you go out. When doing water activities, be sure to follow the instructions of the coach and wear safety equipment. If you can’t swim, don’t go to the deep sea easily. When walking on the island, pay attention to the road conditions to avoid falling and getting injured. In addition, keep your belongings safe, especially in crowded places, be vigilant to prevent your belongings from being stolen.
(3) Other reminders
The weather in the Maldives changes quickly. Sometimes it may be sunny one moment and rainy the next, so it is best to bring an umbrella when going out. In addition, the local voltage and socket standards may be different from those in China. Remember to bring a conversion plug, otherwise your mobile phone, camera and other electronic devices will not be able to charge. Also, when communicating with locals, try to use simple English. Most Maldivians can understand English, which makes communication easier.
9.Epilogue
This trip to the Maldives beach is really an unforgettable experience in my life. There, I saw the most beautiful beaches, experienced exciting water sports, tasted delicious local food, and learned about the unique culture. The Maldives is like a dream country that makes people not want to leave once they come. I sincerely hope that everyone will have the opportunity to go to the Maldives to experience its charm. I believe you will definitely fall in love with this place.
