Excerpts from : Hello Maldives 16th Edition Sept 2002

GOING PLACES

Water Transport : Local boats, or dhoanis ( average speed 7 knots ) are the most common means of water transport. One can make use of the regular ferry service operating between MALE' and International Airport . Modern speedboats are also available for hire. Safari vessels are in ideal way to explore atolls.

Road Transport : Travel on most islands taken no more than half-an-hour on foot. Bicycles and motorbikes are popular modes of transport. Taxis are unmetered, charging Rf 15, if hailed on the road . on the other hand, if you call a taxi by telephone from the taxi services (325656, 323132, etc.) it will cost only Rf 10 per trip.

Air Transport : Apart from international flights operated by Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur), India (Trivandrum), Qatar (Doha), Sri Lanka (Colombo) Singapore, the U.A.E. (Dubai), Seychelles (Mahe)and a number of European Countries to and Male' International Airport (tel: 322073) there are also regular domestic flights operated bi Islands Aviation to Hanimaadhoo, Kadhoo, Kaadhedhoo,and Gan.

Inter-island services are operated by Trans Maldivian Airways and the Maldivian Air Taxi, the latter having the largest air fleet. Sight-seeing trips, executive characters, and Mede vac operations are also carried out by them.

AIRBORNE OVER ATOLLS

You have just arrived at the Male' international airport and realising that there is ample time at your disposal you begin to ponder as to what is to be done with it. Grab this opportunity to treat yourself to some of the most spectacular aerial views of the Maldives, courtesy of the seaplane companies- Maldivian Air Taxi and Trans Maldivian Airways- which operate in these islands.

Their service flights range from airport-to-island shuttles to island-hopping for the adventurous to short sight-seeing flips which provide breathtaking views of corals reefs, islands, and surrounding lagoons. With a little bit of luck, one may also have the chance to see schools of dolphins or mantra rays as the flight deliberately skims over the ocean surface. Incoming passengers are met at the Male' airport, their baggages handled ,and are then conveyed to their respective their resorts and transported back to the airport.

These companies also offer their seaplanes for aerial photography giving one a chance to capture the natural beauty of these tropical islands, resembling tiny pieces of gems studding a vast aquamarine canvas painted by the ocean , frame-by-frame. A perfect souvenir of a Maldivian vacation. What's more , they also perform government charter services and Mede vac operations.

If you want to top the icing of your holiday with a cherry, go for the airborne experience, for the Maldives is beautiful not only from beneath the sea but most of all from above it. Make flying a truly memorable and exhilarating experience, an opportunity of a lifetime!