• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Go to Expat Living Hong Kong
GET OUR NEWSLETTER

Lifestyle Guide To Moving To & Living in Singapore - Expat Living HomepageLifestyle Guide To Moving To & Living in Singapore - Expat Living

Moving to Singapore and not sure where to start? Expat Living is the essential lifestyle guide to living in Singapore.

Menu
  • Living in Singapore
      • Living here
      • Neighbourhood Guides
      • Schools
      • Property
      • Work And Business
      • Finance
      • For Guys
      • Environment
        • White Ginger agate necklace12 Mother’s Day Gift Ideas
        • how to delete duplicate photosHow to manage your photo duplicates
        • International Baccalaureate Continuum school.International IB school with a 40-year legacy
        • Dog in poolPet-friendly places at Dempsey
      • View all
    Close
  • Things To Do
      • Things to do
      • EL Events
      • Calendar
      • Competitions
      • Noticeboard
        • Free Your Self From Pain | Katie Byron with Russell BrandGreat podcasts we are listening to!
        • bookGreat books: What to read this month
        • FireflyWhat to watch this month
        • feautureWhat’s on this week and beyond
      • View all
    Close
  • Kids
      • Enrichment
      • Kids Things To Do
      • Mums & Babies
      • Schools
      • Tots & Toddlers
      • Tweens & Teens
        • White Ginger agate necklace12 Mother’s Day Gift Ideas
        • tantrumHow to handle toddler tantrums & meltdowns
        • low school fees in SingaporeA primary school with lower school fees
        • International Baccalaureate Continuum school.International IB school with a 40-year legacy
      • View all
    Close
  • Homes
      • Home Decor
      • Readers’ Homes
      • Furniture
        • KitchenSpruce up your kitchen décor
        • Arete Culture- customised furniture singaporeGetting custom-made furniture – just right for you!
        • Kitchen AidHome News: décor, furniture and more!
        • Island Living -where to buy a good bed in singaporeWhere to buy a really good bed
      • View all
    Close
  • Travel
      • Asia
      • Australia & New Zealand
      • Rest Of World
      • News
      • Travel Offers
        • AmanHotel deals & Singapore Staycations
        • GullfossThe most Instagrammed waterfalls in the world!
        • westinFun staycations for families and foodies
        • food7 Instagrammable cafés in Sydney
      • View all
    Close
  • Wine & Dine
      • Asian Cuisine
      • Western Cuisine
      • Bars & Clubs
      • Groceries & Speciality Services
      • Recipes & Classes
        • le petit depot singapore wine deliveryOnline alcohol delivery – wine, champagne, beer & spirits!
        • Bar reviw – boogie stLatest bars in Singapore: New drinking spots!
        • kombuchaWhere to get Kombucha: Fizzy goodness
        • Fat Belly SocialNew Nibbles: Foodie news!
      • View all
    Close
  • Style & Beauty
      • Fashion
      • Hair & Beauty
      • Beauty Offers
        • LUXE Botanics Camu Brightening Serum, $160Brightening serums and creams for dark spots!
        • best trainersNeed a new pair of trainers?
        • skin pigmentation treatments5 advanced facials for pigmentation
        • expat womenWhere to find clothes in Singapore that fit!
      • View all
    Close
  • Health & Fitness
      • Dental
      • Fitness
      • Medical
      • Wellness
        • best trainersNeed a new pair of trainers?
        • kombuchaWhere to get Kombucha: Fizzy goodness
        • health tip: stretch at your deskHow to be healthier: 5 simple tips
        • JuiceHealth News: What’s up!
      • View all
    Close
  • Shop
    • PRINT MAGAZINE
    • DIGITAL MAGAZINE
    • BOOKS
    • Close
Home » Travel » Asia » Everything you need to know about the Maldives

Everything you need to know about the Maldives

11th April 2020 by Expat Living 4 Min Read

https://expatliving.sg/travel-tips-maldives-visas-hotels/

The Maldives is the perfect place to unwind – between the stunning water and the gorgeous beaches it’s not hard to see why this destination is a must-see. Our handy guide will give you some pointers on do’s and don’ts before you head off on your trip!

The basics

Population: 391,000

Capital: Malé

Religion: Sunni Muslim

Emergency number: 102

Maldives
Voavah – Scroll down for ideas on where to stay.

Fact file

• The Maldives is the lowest country in the world, averaging 1.5 metres above sea level. The highest point stands at 2.3 metres.
• The Maldives is a Muslim country and as such you can’t bring alcohol into the country or consume alcohol outside resort hotels.
• It’s the smallest nation in Asia.
• In 2009, Maldives held an underwater cabinet meeting to raise awareness on climate change.
• The Maldives is creating the largest marine reserve in the world.

The key dates

  • 9 July: Ramadan. All Maldivians mark the month of Ramadan, but service at the resorts should remain uninterrupted.
  • 26 July: Independence Day. Commemorating the Maldives’ independence from the British protectorate in 1965.
  • 11 November: Republic Day. This is a day that wishes peace and prosperity for its islands inhabitants. Expect parades with an Arabian influence.

The hot spots

The Maldives is less about choosing a destination and more about choosing a luxury resort! Malé has a bit more going for it than many people think, and it at least gives a taste of Maldivian “street” culture, plus mosques, markets and more.

There are no World Heritage Sites, though the Coral Stone Mosques located on various islands are on the “tentative” list for possible inclusion.

Some itinerary ideas

There are really only two decisions to make regarding a Maldives itinerary: either you fly into Malé and then take a ferry to one of the resorts that are located closer to the capital, or you opt for a connecting sea-plane flight to a more far-flung atoll. If you choose the latter, it will often mean you’ll require an overnight stay in Malé itself.

How to stay healthy

Medical facilities are limited to two hospitals on the capital island, and neither has a trauma unit. Treatment can be expensive so make sure your travel insurance is comprehensive.

While you’re there, please don’t…

Go from beach to bar or restaurant in your bikini. Although the resorts are tolerant, you will be asked to cover up in areas other than the beach. And definitely don’t go topless – it’s illegal.

Before you go, read …

  • Dhon Hiyala and Ali Fulhu by Abdullah Sadiq – a Maldivian Romeo and Juliet.
  • The Strode Venturer by Hammond Innes – a 1965 thriller novel set partly in the Maldives.
  • Maldives: Kingdom of a Thousand Isles by Andrew Forbes – history, culture, politics, economics: all are covered in considerable detail in this guide.

Before you go, watch …

The Island President – the story of the ousted President Nasheed and his fight for democracy and against climate change.

They said it

“On the milky white beaches, In the refreshing breezes at the seaside, To enjoy to your heart’s content, While admiring the beauty of nature, Diving spots, underwater gardens – the tourists crave, Water-sports and fishing trips, An unforgettable adventure, A country of seafarers, able bodied sailors, Start their life with the first rays of daylight.” – Ali Shareef from Maldives – A Seafaring Country

Maldives

Important questions

Do I need a visa?

A 30-day free visa is issued on arrival for all nationalities, provided you possess a passport with at least six months’ validity, a return ticket, and enough funds to cover the expenses for the duration of your stay in the Maldives (US$100 plus $50 dollars per day or a confirmation of reservation in a tourist resort or a hotel).

How long will it take me to get there?

4.5 hours (to Malé) from Singapore. The Maldives is 5 hours ahead of GMT (some islands are 6 hours ahead) and 3 hours behind Singapore.

What’s the money situation?

The official currency of the Maldives is the Maldivian rufiyaa (MVR). Generally, you will not need rufiyaa as everything will be billed to your room at resorts and hotels and your bill can be settled with cash, credit cards or traveller’s cheques. Most local shops will accept US dollars; tipping is acceptable in this currency. Tipping is not compulsory as there is a service charge and a goods and service tax. ATMs do not exist outside Malé.

When’s the best time to visit?

Maldives has a tropical climate and can be visited at any time, although it does have two seasons: dry (December to April), April being the hottest month and December the coolest; and wet (May to November), when temperatures remain warm but rain and storms should be expected. May and October are the wettest months.

What’s the lingo?

Dhivehi and English.

Here are some phrases of Dhivehi to get you started:

Hello Assalaa mu alaikum

What is your name? Kon nameh kiyanee?

My name is __ Aharenge namakee __

How much? Agu kihaavareh?

Thank you Shukuriyaa

Yes Aan No Noon

Is there anything I should know about meeting the locals?

Maldivians greet each other with a smile or the raising of eyebrows.

What’s a must-try dish?

Garudhiya, a light fish soup served with steamed rice, lemon and chillies, and mas huni, shredded smoked fish with grated coconuts and onions.

What should I buy as a souvenir?

There isn’t a huge range of souvenirs but underwater photos make for a good memory of the country’s amazing snorkelling and diving. Avoid coral products.

Like this? Read more at our travel section.

Categories: Asia Travel Tags: Asia Travel Maldives Maldives Resorts

Expat Living

Expat Living has everything to help you make the most of living in Singapore! We've got information on neighbourhoods, things to do and see, dining, entertainment, schools, travel, fashion, furniture, finance, health and beauty. And more!

You May Also Like

Gullfoss

The most Instagrammed waterfalls in the world!

Fun staycations for families and foodies

7 Instagrammable cafés in Sydney

Primary Sidebar

Expat Living Singapore 🇸🇬

expatlivingsg

Open
**Friday Giveaway** 
Create your own signature fragrance with Maison 21G! (@maison21g ) 

We're collaborating with the bespoke French haute perfumery to give away 10 bottles of Eau de parfum, customised to your own liking – you get to choose your ingredients from 35 different essences and create your own unique scent matching your personality and preferences. Packaged in an elegant transparent 30ml bottle, your bespoke perfume contains 21% natural concentrate. You can even customise the bottle with your own design or choose from a range of designs. It's made by you, for you! 🥰

Each of the 10 prizes consists of a promo code valued at $95, redeemable for one bottle of customised perfume at maison21g.com. 
☝️Codes are valid until 31 December 2021 (6pm), and can't be used for redeeming other products from the Maison 21G website. 

To be in with a chance to win this fab prize, all you need to do is: 
* Follow @maison21g 
* Follow @expatlivingsg (if you aren't already!)
* Tag two friends who love fragrances
* Register your name through the link on the story/competition highlight so we can contact you

Good Luck! 

#giveaway
 #giveawaysg 
#entertowin 
#winwinwin 
#sggiveaway 
#sggiveaways
 #expatlivingsg
 #fragranceforyoubyyou 
#maison21g
Open
Most of us know UFIT, a very popular fitness and wellness brand in Singapore with over 100 coaches and clinicians who have worked hard to keep us fit and healthy over the years. 

UFIT's journey started off in 2009 with a small group attending bootcamps, leading to them launching their flagship studio in 2011. Now they have another baby, as they recently opened a beautiful new studio centrally based at the Fairmont Hotel 
 
Check out their website via their Insta page (tagged here). 

There will be a 10% discount off Personal Training and Private Group Training for new clients at the Fairmont studio only. 
To redeem, simply register via their website under Fairmont Studio and mention ‘Expat Living’ in the submission form. 
Sign ups must be before 30th April and it’s applicable to the first package only 

T&Cs
Must purchase by 30th April
applicable to the first package only
Fairmont Studio only. 

#Expatlivingsg #UFITsg #livinginsingapore #health #fitness #wellness #grouptraining #personaltraining
Open
The hype around kombucha is fairly recent, but did you know that this fizzy, fermented tea-based drink has ancient origins? 

First brewed in northeast China over 2,000 years ago, kombucha is said to impart a range of health benefits, from strengthening immunity to improving gut health.

Sasha’s Farms is a non-profit social enterprise that supports and promotes small and independent businesses like Kore Culture Labs, a fermenting café in Bali producing healthy kombuchas and sodas. 

Head to our website where you can read about four reasons why you should give them a try

#expatlivingsg #sashasfinefoods #ethicallysourced #sustainableliving #ethicalgrocer #sustainablesg #healthyliving #superfoods #kombucha #kombuchasg #sff #sashasfinefoods
Open
As a new(ish) kid on the block, Razum International School offers something a little different as far as international primary schools in Singapore go. 

Two expat mums, Elena and Marina, joined forces to create a primary school experience that focuses on a shorter day, strong academic curriculum and more affordable school fees in Singapore.

The shorter learning hours – from 8.45am to 1pm – means your child can spend the afternoon doing extra-curricular activities (ECAs). Kids can opt for activities they enjoy provided by external providers, or use the time to focus on their competitive sports or music classes or simply spend quality time with the family.

Find out more about this and other interesting aspects of Razum by clicking on our website via the link in our bio. You can even book a school tour!

#expatlivingsg #livinginsingapore #internationalschoolsingapore #bestboutiqueschoolsingapore #monthlypayment #educationsg #primaryschool #siblingdiscount
Open
** GIVEAWAY ALERT**

This month, we’ve teamed up with @andazsingapore for a special giveaway! 
One winner will receive four vouchers for Alley on 25’s Lazy Breakfast, including free-flow alcohol🍷🍾🍸. Held on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 12pm to 2.30pm, the brunch lets you choose a main from a selection of hearty dishes like avocado toast and a veggie friendly margherita panini. Also included are unlimited plates of cold seafood, cold cuts, cheeses, salads and cooked-to-order eggs, served straight to your table.

To win all you have to do is 

1️⃣ Follow @andazsingapore on Instagram

2️⃣ Tag 3 friends who you want to bring along 

3️⃣ Register your details on the link in our IG Stories/ Competition Highlight

Good Luck!! 

#giveaway #giveawaysg #entertowin #winwinwin #sggiveaway #sggiveaways #expatlivinggiveaway #b#bubblybrunch #freeflow #andazsingapore
Open
New to Expat Living? Sign up today for a free subscription to our monthly magazine! 💕 
Visit 👉 expatliving.sg/free/subs/ig/

*Applicable to first-time subscribers only

.
#expatlivingsg #expatliving #sgexpat #expatsg #igsg #sgdining #sghome #sgsales #sgfurniture #sgproperty #sghomedecor #expatlifesg #singaporehomes
Open
Wondering where to go for a drink this Friday night? 

From clever cocktail bars to fancy speakeasies in town, we have the hottest, newest or most notable watering holes to get your alcohol (and social) fix – whether you’re craving a martini, a gin and tonic, or just a glass of wine. 

Check out the link on our stories (it’s in our highlights tab and also on our website, and we’ll update this regularly, so remember to bookmark it! 🍹 🍸

#expatlivingsg #livinginsingapore #cocktails #cocktailssg #happyhoursg #cocktailsofinstagram #fridaydrinks
Open
** Friday Giveaway** 

We have 5x PHS HAIRSCIENCE Signature Daily Regime set to giveaway! 
Who wants in? 🙋‍♀️

Specially formulated to effectively treat scalp and hair concerns, PHS HAIRSCIENCE® Daily Regime combines scientifically proven methods, high concentrations of botanical essences and stem cell technology into a 3 step scalp and hair care routine. 
They do these 3 simple steps 

1. Double Cleanse, Moisturise and Treat every day for a healthy scalp and gorgeous tresses
2. Improves overall scalp health and strengthens hair roots
3. Repairs and nourishes scalp 

How to enter? 
1. Comment Me! and tag a friend 
2. Follow @phshairscience 
3. Register your details on the link- check out at our IG stories and Competition highlight. 

Good luck! 

#beautifulhair 
#fridaygiveaway 
#expatlivingsg
#PHS
Open
The range of outdoor furniture in Singapore is pretty amazing. 

Check out these good furniture stores via the link on the horn page of our website that carry practical, stylish pieces, including some of the best outdoor furniture brands. 

From sofas, chairs and tables to rugs, lanterns and even pizza ovens, you’ll be all set for living a great outdoor life in style and comfort. There are also gorgeous accessories if you just need to make your outdoor area look a bit more ‘pulled together’!

#expatlivingsg #livinginsingapore #outdoorfurniture #patiofurniture #interiordesigners
Open
**Win a Social Media Marketing Strategy** 

Calling all business owners! 

@theemms.sg is awarding one lucky entrepreneur or small business with a professional social media marketing strategy, worth $850. 

Designed to meet your specific goals and challenges, this the prize includes:

1️⃣A strategic review of your company’s Instagram or Facebook page
2️⃣A one-on-one session to learn how you can improve your platforms
3️⃣A detailed social media strategy to help you implement with style for 3 months.
Keen to win it? 🤔 
All you need to do is:
1. Comment Me! 🙋🏻‍♀️ or tag your friend who has a business. 
2. Follow @theemms.sg 
3. Register your name and email on the link in our story or see our story highlights for more! 
Good Luck! 

#expatlivinggiveaway 
#singapore 
#theemms
#marketing 
#socialmediastrategy 
#marielle
#intitowinit
Open
We love hearing where our readers live so each month we ask residents to talk about their homes and neighbourhoods to help others who are living in Singapore make a better decision. 

Moving is always pretty stressful, so it’s good to get some recommendations first. 

This month Marina Matthews talks about living at Laguna Park condo off Marine Parade on the East Coast.

Check out the full article with Marina’s recommendations on our website (link in bio) 

#Expatlivingsg #livinginsingapore #eastcoastsg #marineparadesg #lagunaparksg #singaporeneighbourhoods #singapore
Open
To tan or not to tan, that is the question! 

We all know that extended hours under the sun is no good for the skin, and there can be damage from both good old-fashioned sunbathing and indoor tanning. 

Check out our website where we look at why people want that bronzy glow plus the risks of tanning and how top aesthetic treatments from Amaris B Clinic can help rewind some of the damage like sun spots, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles and even cellulite

#Expatlivingsg #amarisbclinic #amarisb #livinginsingapore #tanning #sunbathing #aesthetictreatments #sunspots #hyperpigmentation
Open
Read our latest issue on any device for free! 👉 expatliving.sg/digital/ig

In this issue, step inside an interior designer’s home in Clementi, find out where our readers get their customised furniture and get great furnishing ideas for your bathroom and kitchen.

Plus, check out 3 popular bubbly brunches 🥂 and a newly revamped bar in town for you to try; there’s plenty more, too, including classic wrap dresses, activewear and our recommendations on comfy trainers!
Open
If you are craving some vitamin-sea, then set sail on Royal Carribean’s Quantum of the Seas, offering two, three, and four-night Ocean Getaways from Singapore until October 2021 all with 50% discount and free kids places. 

Every moment onboard this fabulous ship has sunshine, good times and wow-worthy experiences. 

Rest assured your well-being is their top priority and the staff do an amazing job of making your holiday safer, so you can focus on memory making.

We are on board now, do let us know if you have any questions to ask 🛳 

#expatlivingsg #livinginsingapore #royalcarribeansg #quantumoftheseas #cruisetonowhere #cruising2021 #seacations #instasg #cruisingsg
Open
** Giveaway**

@_aquariva_ is giving away one of their gorgeous dresses or jumpsuits to the value of $250.
Yeay!! 💃🏼

@_aquariva_ is known for its clean lines and soft curves, lavished with their favourite seasonal prints. Effortlessly charming, elegant and just the right relaxed proportions. Perfect for the woman on the go! 
They use traditional screen printing for all of their fabrics and dresses 👗are lovingly done by hand, even the drying method is done naturally by sunlight ☀️How cool and environmentally friendly 👌🏻✌🏻. A lot of love goes into the Aquariva piece that you wear!

How to win: 
1. Like this post 
2. Follow @_aquariva_ 
3. Comment what size you are and tag a friend 

It's that easy! 
Good luck! 

#beautifuldresses 
#singapore 
#tropical 
#dress 
#handmade
#screenprintingfabrics
#giveaway 
#expatlivingsg
#elegantdresses 
#tagafriend
Open
East Coast restaurants – specifically in Katong and Joo Chiat – have always been known for their good food. More recently though, the area has seen a rise in great cafes, specialty grocers, Italian cuisine and bakeries (with fresh sourdough!). 

From East Coast brunch cafes and alfresco restaurants, to bars and gourmet supermarkets, we have a list of the top East Coast food options to try on the home page of our website (link in bio). 

And if it’s not your neighbourhood, nothing is that far away in Singapore. You can walk along the coast or look at funky shophouses before or after and make it an outing!

#expatlivingsg #livinginsingapore #eastcoastsg #igfood #foodsg #instafood #joochiat #joochiatroad #tanjongkatong #siglap
Open
The school holidays are still in full swing so if you are looking to entertain kids or just looking to take a break over the long Easter weekend, have a look at the travel page on our website where you will find lots of info on various staycation packages around the island 🏝 

#expatlivingsg #livinginsingapore #staycations #staycationssg #ighotels #easterinsg #easter2021
Open
There are many maternity insurance plans on the market, but do you know what’s written in the fine print? 

If you’re thinking of getting pregnant with the help of fertility treatments, you’d want to know what’s included in your policy and if the procedures you need are covered. 

We have a great article on our website (link in bio) where the team at Expat Insurance brief us on what’s covered for fertility treatments

#expatlivingsg #livinginsingapore #expatinsurancesg #insuranceinsingapore #fertilitytreatmentsg #ivfsg
Open
The new addition to the 
W Atelier stable is the high-end Italian designer furniture brand Cassina. The Cassina Perspective is the name given to the space – and it’s a bit of a “wow”! In fact, the whole showroom at Henderson Road will likely wow you: three floors (300 square metres) of eye candy for home décor lovers and interior designers. It’s definitely worth a visit if you’re renovating or doing up your home, or you love furniture design and want an iconic statement piece. 

If you’re like us, you’ll be touching everything and trying out all the sofas and chairs! 

Check out our website for some more info on their stunning products (link in bio) 

#expatlivingsg #wateliersg #furnituresg #furnituredesignsg #interiordesignsg #homeaccessoriessg #livinginsingapore
Open
Want a free copy of our latest Home & Property Guide? Sign up to our newsletter by 31 March to get a copy delivered to you! 👉 expatliving.sg/hpg/ig

❣️ Over 100 pages of fabulous furnishing ideas, decoration and design tips from the experts, and a peek inside some of our readers’ stunning homes – from condo apartments to black-and-white bungalows.

You’re sure to find something to fall in love with from our catalogue of amazing products for every room of the house. There’s also advice on services, utilities, leasing and serviced apartment accommodation 🏠

.
#expatlivingsg #expatliving #sghomes #sgfurniture #sgproperty #sghomedecor 
#sgexpat #expatsg #expatlifesg #igsg #sghome #singaporehomes
  • Competitions
  • Noticeboard
  • Subscribe
  • About
  • advertise
  • Contact
  • Privacy

© 2021 Expat Living Singapore, All Rights Reserved.