Almost all holidaymakers arrive at Male International Airport. This takes up the whole of Hulhule island, which lies, like a mighty aircraft carrier, a short distance from the capital island, Male.

Arriving

Compared to the hassle of European airports these days, arriving and departing from Male is straightforward. Everyone gets a free 30 day visitors’ visa upon entry. The only discomfort is the long queue if full flights arrive at the same time.

You are prohibited from bringing any of the following into the country:

• Alcohol
• Drugs
• Pornography
• Idols of worship
• Pork products

People caught with illegal drugs are harshly dealt with. Other items will be confiscated and returned to guests when they leave. Bibles are considered idols of worship.

If you land without a booked holiday there are options available between the Tourism Ministry Information counter inside the airport, the individual resort booths lining the exit, and the reps from local travel agents. Almost certainly the price paid booking in this way will be much more than pre-booking with a tour operator back home.

Transfers

Transfers used to be a matter of jumping into a dhoni at the dock and chugging off to your nearby resort. Now the resorts span the whole country but you don’t have to worry about any of it. You will be met outside the terminal by a rep who will tell you the arrangements for you transfer, or you may get the same guidance from your resort’s booth.

Your transfer will be by boat, plane, or both. Speedboats are now used for any reasonably nearby resorts. Seaplanes take guests to more distant resorts, and fixed wheel planes carry guests to the nine regional airports.

A flight over the atolls is a wonderful experience in itself – cloudless, memorable, extraordinary sight. However, be warned, be prepared even after your long international flight to keep your patience and good temper for the queues at immigration and the sometimes longish waits for the transfers. Once on your resort any frustration and anxiety slips away like a dream.