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About 400 miles southwest of Sri Lanka are the Maldives,
a large group of islands that have become a dream destination
for many holidaymakers. The 1190 unique islands spread across
the Indian Ocean and circle into 26 natural atolls. They boast
beautiful white beaches and breathtaking underwater scenery.
Travellers can stay on only 87, which have been developed
as tourist resorts. The airport is on one of the islands,
its capital city Male is on another. There's a boat
taxi called a 'dhoni' that takes you between the two
and costs about a dollar. International Tour Operators offer
package holidays to the Maldives, many focusing on diving
and tropical luxury.
Quite different to Sri Lanka, there are fewer independent
travellers, but it is also one hundred percent Muslim and
all other religious paraphernalia are confiscated at the airport.
People pray up to five times a day and there is no alcohol
except at the tourist resorts. Fish are still caught here
by rod and line so as not to deplete stocks. Fishing used
to be the country's main source of industry but slowly it's
giving way to tourism.
The Maldives has gained a reputation for being one of the
best diving destinations in the world. With hundreds
of breathtaking dive sites and colorful fascinating underwater
worlds, it has perfect conditions throughout the year and
a visibility every photographer dreams of. It's certainly
not a place for low budget backpackers or amateur anthropologists.
Warning: Since 1983 Sri Lanka has been at war
on and off between the government forces and the Tamil rebels,
who are fighting for a separate state which they call Tamil
Eelan. A Fraction of that group is called the Tamil Tigers
who have committed hundreds of hard core terrorist acts against
Muslims, the Sinhalese and even against other Tamils. Despite
peace talks, much of Sri Lanka is still considered quite dangerous.
The north and east of the island have been rendered off limits.
In Colombo and other southern tourist's resorts, theft
and violent crime are often aimed at foreigners. Southwestern
Sri Lanka is safer now that it was, the rest of the country
may re-open to tourism in the near future. Check the latest
situation with your embassy before you leave.
Climate
Sri Lanka
he driest and best time to visit is from December to March
on the west and south coast and from May to September on the
East Coast. Out of season has its advantages; less crowds,
cheaper airfares and accommodation. There is also very little
rain.
The Maldives
Dry season is from December to April, this is high season
so resorts are very busy and prices are higher than normal.
The Christmas-New Year period is the busiest and most expensive
part of high season. Between May and November it's still warm,
but the skies can be cloudy, humidity is higher and rain is
more likely. This is the low season, and there are fewer tourists
and prices are lower. The transition months of November and
April are said to be associated with increased water clarity
and better visibility for divers.
People
Sri Lanka
The population in Sri Lanka has risen to 19 million in the
last few years. About a third are under 15 years of age. Of
course it is difficult not to notice the ethnic problems that
overlook Sri Lanka at the moment. The Sinhalese and
the Tamils have been fighting for over 2000 years.
They claim to be 'natural' enemies; however there was little
trouble between them during the colonial years and in the
first years after independence. From appearances it is very
difficult to tell who is Sinhalese or Tamil, Sri Lankan's
claim they can make the distinction. Language and religion
are two important aspects in which the groups differ.
Language
Sri Lanka - 74% speak Sinhala, which is the
official national language. Tamil is spoken by 18%. 8% other.
English is spoken by about 10% of the population, especially
in tourist resorts.
Maldives - Maldivian Divehi is the national language,
although English will be widely spoken in tourist resorts.
Cash
Currency is Sri Lankan rupee (LKR). Approximate conversions
of 2002:
UK£1 = Rs 125.
Euro 1 = Rs 80.
US $1 = Rs 90.
The currency in the Maldive is the Rufiya (Rf).For up to date currency information, check the Currency
Converter.
Travellers' cheques can be changed at most major banks. However,
have some cash for times when you can't get to a bank (there
are plenty of money changers in Colombo and Hikkaduwa).
US dollars are best. Cash machines are becoming a common sight,
especially in major cities, but other than in Colombo
and Kandy, they're unlikely to accept international
cards. Credit cards are widely accepted; Visa and MasterCard
cash withdrawals are possible at major banks.
Sri Lanka is still a pleasantly economical country to travel
around. Budget travelers can survive comfortably on less than
US$20 a day by staying in basic share or double rooms, getting
around by bus and not eating out at high-priced restaurants.
Up the scale, add US$5 or $10 for kipping down in delightful
rest houses, or plan on around US$100 a day if you want the
full five star treatment.
A 10% service charge is added to nearly every accommodation
or eating bill in the middle and top ranges, so there's no
need to tip, even though those serving you are unlikely to
see much of it. Nor is there any need to top up taxi or three-wheeler
fares. Hotel porters normally get Rs 10-20 per heavy bag.
On the whole, prices are very negotiable in Sri Lanka, but
bargaining shouldn't be seen as a battle to the death. Find
out what the approximate cost is and then come to a mutually
acceptable compromise.
If you stay in Malé, the capital of the
Maldives on a budget, you could get by on around US$35
per day if you shared a room. The cheapest resorts start at
around US$50 per day in the low season, for a standard double
room with full board. At most resorts, for most of the year,
a double room with full board will cost around US$100 a day
or more.
Diving costs vary from resort to resort but keen divers expecting
to undertake about 10 dives a week should allow about US$350
per week if they have their own equipment or US$500 per week
if they rent everything. On a dive safari, the costs can be
anywhere between US$60 to US$160 per day, depending on the
luxury, plus another US$70 or so for diving. Unless you're
content to bask on the beach all day, expect to spend around
US$30 per day hiring windsurfs, snorkel gear, tennis courts,
etc.
If you stay at a resort, you don't need to carry money at
all since everything will be billed to your room and you can
settle up when you leave with travellers' cheques or credit
cards (American Express, Visa and MasterCard are best). It's
best to carry money in US dollar denominations, but British
pounds, German marks and Italian lira are all pretty acceptable.
You won't need Maldivian rufiya unless you're using local
shops and services.
Sri lanka daily living Costs:
Meals
· Budget: US$0.50-3
· Mid-range: US$3-6
· Top-end:US$6 and upwards
Lodging
· Budget: US$4-15
· Mid-range: US$15-30
· Top-end: US$30 and upwards
Maldives - daily living costs are at least double that of
Sri Lanka.
Dress
Travel lightly if you are going to spend all your time at
the beach. There is plenty of Western-style beach ware available
to buy if staying in Hikkaduwa or Colombo. If visiting a temple
or other holy sites, remember to cover your legs and shoulders.
The Maldives is hot throughout the year. Together with
its relaxed pace of life light, informal, summer cotton and
linen wear is ideal. A wide brimmed beach hat and sunglasses
are recommended for those who tan or burn easily. Most of
the larger resorts would prefer guests to "dress appropriately"
when visiting the bar or restaurants, especially at evening
and night. This normally means smart casual dress instead
of beachwear.
When visiting Male and other inhabited islands, visitors should
bear in mind that, in this Islamic society, some modesty and
decorum is appreciated. Remember to remove footwear when entering
mosques.
Visas
Sri Lanka
Most nationalities, including Australians, New Zealanders,
British, French, German and Americans, receive a tourist visa
upon arrival in SriLanka, which is valid for 30 days. If you
want to apply for an extension, they can be made at the Department
of Immigration, Station Road, Bambalapitiya.
Maldives
A 30-day holiday visa is granted free of charge on arrival.
You may be asked where you are staying. Most arrive in the
Maldives with a prior booking at one of the resorts. At Port
Health, immediately after Passport Control, you may be required
to produce a certificate of inocculation if you have recently
passed through a country in which contagious diseases have
been reported. If you need an extension of your visa you will
have to apply to the Department of Immigration and Emigration
in Male.
Travel
The only domestic flights are between Jaffna and Colombo.
Public transport is therefore a choice between buses and trains.
Both are cheap. Try to avoid travelling around poya
(full moon) holidays and their nearest weekends as transport
gets very busy.
Health
It is recommended you seek travel advice at least 6 weeks
before you travel. Discuss your requirements with your doctor,
but vaccinations you should consider include the following:
Diphtheria and Tetanus, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B (for those
on long trips). Japanese B Encephalitis (if in a high-risk
area), Polio, Rabies (particularly if handling animals). Tuberculosis
(usually very low), Typhoid (if travelling for more than a
couple of weeks in most parts of Asia, Africa, Central and
South America). Yellow Fever (if coming from an effected area
such as Central Africa and parts of South Africa). Travellers
visiting isolated, high-risk areas may like to carry a treatment
dose of malaria medication for use if symptoms occur. |
