Maldives is what dreams are made of — soft, white sand like tofu (yes, really), turquoise water that looks unreal, and iconic overwater bungalows.

If it’s your first time visiting Maldives, here’s a first timer complete guide to Maldives to help you plan a smooth, memorable trip.

1. When is the best time to visit Maldives?

The Maldives has a tropical climate with two main seasons:

🌻 Dry Season (November to April): Sunny skies, calm seas, perfect for beach days — but also the most expensive time to go.

🌻 Wet Season (May to October): Expect occasional rain, fewer crowds, and more affordable prices.

That said, the weather can still surprise you.

We experienced 3 days of rain during our stay in late February – early March.

Also keep in mind: when it rains, the sea current can get stronger and water levels may rise, making it unsafe to swim or snorkel.

Plan ahead and book a resort with indoor amenities or spa options so you can still enjoy your stay, rain or shine 😉

2. What are the entry requirements for Maldives?

🌻 Visa

Most nationalities receive a free 30-day visa on arrival. We have Indonesian passport. We were granted 30 days of stay. Immigration was quick and efficient, there was no long line.

🌻 Entry document

Immigration requires visitors to fill out an online travel declaration form before arriving. You can access it here.

🌻 Currency

Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) is the local currency, but USD was accepted at our resort. Bring USD so you can exchange it at the airport or at the resort you’re staying at.

3. Where to stay in Maldives?

There’s plenty of resort options in Maldives.

We stayed at Le Méridien Maldives and loved it! It’s perfect for couples or anyone looking for a peaceful escape. You can check out my full review here, and if you’re curious about the food, I’ve shared all the delicious details here.

We also spent a few nights at Sheraton Maldives, which is closer to Malé. It’s a great option for the last leg of your trip, especially if you want to be near the airport before flying out.

Tip: Weather can be unpredictable. Our seaplane had to make an emergency landing at another resort due to stormy weather. That’s why it’s a smart move to book a resort closer to the airport on your final night — just in case weather delays impact your transfer. Sheraton worked perfectly for us in this case!

4. How did you get around Maldives?

Since the Maldives is made up of islands, transport options includes speedboats, seaplanes, ferries, or even domestic flights.

We flew to Le Méridien Maldives via seaplane with Trans Maldivian Airways, and it was included in our hotel booking. Always double-check if your resort includes transfers — otherwise, you may need to book them separately.

For Sheraton Maldives, we took a 15-minute speedboat from the airport (arranged by Sheraton). Super convenient!

5. What to pack for Maldives?

For the girlies, here’s what I packed for Maldives:
🌻 Dresses, bunch of them
🌻 Couple of cocktail dresses
🌻 Swimsuits. If you enjoy snorkeling, consider long sleeve swimming suit. I got mine from Swimsaic Indonesia. Here’s my Tokopedia affiliate link.
🌻 Reef-safe sunscreen (mine’s from Blue Lizard)
🌻 Flip flops — though Le Méridien kindly provided us with a pair!
🌻 A beach bag or tote (also provided by the Le Méridien, which was such a nice touch)
🌻 Sunhat for the heat & that island glam
🌻 Underwater camera

Snorkeling gear? Most resorts, including Le Méridien and Sheraton, offer free rentals for fins and masks.

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Have you been to Maldives? I’d love to hear your tips and must-dos — share them in the comments below!

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