Getting there Qantas and Singapore Airlines offer convenient flights via Singapore, with connections from all major Australian airports.

Flight time 12 hours from Sydney and Brisbane (plus 3 hr layover), 8 hours from Perth (plus 7 hr layover)

Flying in Malé International Airport (MLE) is located 2km from the capital, Malé on Huhule Island. Incoming guests are met by courtesy speedboats from the respective island resorts.

Entry requirements A passport valid for at least six months beyond intended period of stay as well as a ticket for return or onward travel. Visas are issued free on arrival for stay of 30 days

Getting around Between islands: Island Aviation conect Malé with Kaadedhdhoo, Kadhdhoo, Gan and Hanimaadhoo islands. Island-hopping ferries and speedboats are available. On land: It’s easy enough to walk around most islands as they’re usually quite small. In Malé, taxis are available.

Key Facts about the Maldives

Location The Indian Ocean, 500km southwest of the southern tip of India

Country name Republic of Maldives

Area 298 sq km

Population 370,000

Capital city Malé (Population: 83,000)

Government Republic since 1965; gained independence from the UK in 1965

Time Zone Five hours behind east coast Australia; three hours behing west coast Australia; GMT/UTC +5

Currency Rufiyaa (MVR)

Electricity 110/ 230 volts, 50hz. Three-pin square, three-pin round and two-pin flat blade

Religion Almost entirely Sunni Muslim

Language Dhivehi. English is spoken widely

Useful phrases Try these Dhivehi phrases: Assalaamu Alaikum – Hello (formal) and Kihineh – Hello (informal); Haalu kihineh? – How are you?; Shukuriyaa – Thank you; Aan – Yes; Noon – No; Ran'galhu – Good; Dhanee – Goodbye (informal)

Tipping Tipping is not encouraged in the Maldives however, if the service is good it is usual to tip waiters and room staff in resorts (unless a service charge has already been added).

Local etiquette Visitors are requested not to offend local sensibilities. Nudity and topless sunbathing is forbidden. Swimwear should be confined to the beach and resorts. When entering a mosque, your legs and body (except for your neck and face) should be covered.

Tip Hats and sunscreen are a must and sneakers or sandals are advisable for walking and swimming around coral. If you cut yourself on coral pour lemon or lime juice over the wound to relieve the pain, or use hydrogen peroxide.

Public Holidays New Year's Day; Eid-ul-Fitr; First day of Ramadan; Muslim New Year; Huravee Day (Feb); Eid-ul-Adha; Martyr's Day (April); Independence Day (26 July); Prophet's Birthday (June); National Day (Oct/Nov); Republic Day (11 Nov).