Maldives Transportation

  Cargo Dhoni
by devat81
 
  • Cargo Dhoni
      Cargo Dhoni
    by devat81
  • Speed Boat
      Speed Boat
    by devat81
  •   Transportation
    by devat81
  • Hulhule Airport Hotel dhoni
      Hulhule Airport Hotel dhoni
    by Gillybob
  •   Transportation
    by Gillybob
 

Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

Malé International Airport

by DAO

Because Malé island is so dense, they had to build this airport on a small island nearby called Hulhulé. It was opened on 19th October 1960. The runway is 2,840 meters (9,315 feet) long and 45 meters (148 feet) wide. It can handle any sized jet passenger plane. It can handle 350 passengers an hour and lists the following services: Duty Free (including alcohol) Health Care Mother Care Children's Recreation Park Free Shower Room Passenger Service Charge Trolleys Shopping (souvenirs and flowers)A basic restaurantPost & Telegraph Mosque Telephone & Internet Bank ** PLEASE NOTE: Any alcohol you bring into the country will be held here until you are ready to leave the Maldives. Keep the receipt they issue you!! **

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Walk or Cab.

by Emichelle

Male is a very small city and most places can be reached by merely walking. It is very easy to find Shops, Restaurants, Businesses and other things in the city. If you really find is difficult to enjoy the walk and if it is far out you can hop a cab which will cost you Rf 15/- for your ride. The charge is from point A to B no stopping in between

Hotel Transfers

by ambitachenai

The cost of transport from Male to the hotels is an extra that most people dont consider while budgeting a trip. A return trip by speed boat to 'Baros' was US$ 160 per person and the sea plane to 'W' was US$ 250 per person. Thats 800 chips extra to just get there!!!Depending on where and how you are going, wait at the airports can be upto 2 hours after arrival. Please confirm that with the hotels.Some Hotels have lounges at the terminal, The 'W' and Hilton do... Find out about a rest area if your hotel does not have a lounge.If taking a sea plane you MUST carry ear plugs !!! take the first seat as it is closest to the little fans that they have...

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THE LITTLE CARTS

by DAO

Almost every resort island is a small speck of sand in the ocean. Unfortunately tourists show up with huge heavy suitcases and drink loads of alcohol. They also consume mass quantities of food. So they have THE CART! Small carts are how the staff get all this stuff out of airplanes and boats and into your room and restaurants! THE CART. Maldives can’ operate without them!

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Water plane

by Myndo

In my opinion this is the way to go!Some resorts that are far away only have that choice for the mode of transport, the closer ones normally offer speed boats for transit, for the plane you have to pay a little extra.I think that "little extra" is well worth it. The Maldives are such a lovely sight from the sky. The Atolls look like pearls on a string from the sky. From the boats you can only see islands in every direction, but not how they are connected.As far as I have seen, there seem to be 2 bigger companies that offer these in-island flights. One with red and white airplanes (Maldivian Air Taxi), the other one with blue-yellow ones. That is the Trans Maldivian Airways which we took.I read it is the oldest air transfer operator on the Maldives and their planes are Twin Otters (well maintained, I saw).Since the machines are very noisy (very!) you are given ear plugs before you board....

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Dhoni or Fast Boat

by Myndo

If you are not flying, you only have the choice to take a boat on the Maldives. There are practically no cars (except for the few on the bigger islands and Male) and they would not be possible driving over the water anyway.The islands are many and sometimes far apart.Transportation to and froom the resorts on the islands is mostly done by speed boats, only if the island is close or when you go on an excursion you will take the Dhoni.Dhonis are big, flat boats made from wood. You can see one in the picture (the one in the front). The good thing on Dhonis is, that they are much quieter that the speed boats, so you are having more chances to see something from the sea life from them. Plus, they have a sun roof - something you will need, the Maldives are close on the Equator, and the sun is deadly. Both these qualities makes them ideal as diving boats, so many are equipped that way.

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Views from the seaplane

by Flem2002

When arriving into the Maldives via the international airport at Male, you can transfer to your resort by seaplane or speedboat (or Dhoni boats for the closest resorts). The seaplanes are a little more expensive (About $75 supplement) but well worth it for the views from above.Timewise, you may not save much, as you have to go to a seperate seaplane airport and wait for your boarding - in our case, this was 2 hours as they'd had some bad weather earlier in the day. Then the seaplane touches down way off the resort on a floating landing strip and you are met by a Dhoni boat; all the cases have to be transferred by hand, so it's quite a while before you set foot on your resort.However, the sight in the seaplane is incredible and if you get a good window seat (which I didn't!) get your camera at the ready!

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Living up the glam life by seaplane!

by Restless-in-kl

Even if it was just for 30 minutes haha! There's just something magical of climbing into a seaplane, feel it take off from water and land on water next to a fantasy island. It was a truly memorable experience.At airport, go to the Arrivals (boat from Male stops at Departure jetty). Get luggage tags and board minibus to get to seaplane jetty. Check in and your bags will be weighed as plane is small. So don't overpacked.There are 2 companies that provide seaplanes : Maldivian Air Taxi (red planes) and Trans Maldivian Air (blue and yellow planes). Combining both their schedules and destinations, they cover the most if not all the islands in Maldives.Be prepared for delays but you can buy drinks at lounge and there are proper washrooms. It's free seating on the plane so make sure you get a window seat and get ready for breathtaking views!

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Maldives Dhoni

by zafilm

The Dhoni is the traditional means of transport of the Maldives and is thought to have derived from the Arab Dhow. From Male aiport to Male city cost around 15 Rufiyaa (1USD). As the price for other island,its depend on the journey and destination

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Hand Luggage

by Andreaflem

As your transfer to your island will be seaplane or speed boat your luggage may not travel with you especially if there are a few of you on the seaplane. Your luggage can follow in a few hours, there for put any thing you need in your hand luggage such as medication, camera, suntan lotion. Also put shorts, bikini, swimwear as the first thing you will want to do when you arrive is go for a swim.

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Top 3 Hotels in Maldives

Angsana Resort & Spa Maldives Ihuru  Maldives

 1 Review and 245 Opinions  A stunning island with excellent service. The island has only 45 villas so is very intimate and... 

 Hotels in Maldives

Baros Maldives  Male Island

 1 Review and 475 Opinions  Awesome,awesome,awesome! Just go and enjoy heaven on earth. 

 Hotels in Male Island

Kanuhura  Lhaviyani Atholhu

The Place

Reviews and photos of Maldives attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Maldives sightseeing.

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Questions and Answers

adelinemmc profile photo

Q:  Hi all I land in Male airport and my domestic flight is 5 hours later. I have already been to the Maldives and my memory of the... 

cgf profile photo

A: I would stay at airport having some [expensive] drink at airport's bar unless you have the bus to "domestic" terminal, which I believe is water-taxi terminal, waiting for... 

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