FLYING WITH SURF BOARDS
FROM AUSTRALIA
You have a few options but if itβs Surfboards and Surf SUPβs you want to bring then we recommend flying with Singapore Airlines or Air Asia to Male who will both takes boards up to 9β6. You will be met by your Moon Tours host and the Crew to chauffeur you on to the the waiting boat at the airport.
Singapore Airlines leave regularly from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane β Male via Singapore from $1200AUD return. Singapore Airlines have a generous standard allowance with up to 30kg / 9β6 max length in economy. Donβt go over the limit though, you can not pre purchase additional luggage and excess is charged at $42USD per kilo.
Air Asia leave regularly from Sydney and Melbourne via Kuala Lumpur from $600AUD return
Air Asia and Emirates offer pre purchased additional sporting allowance making it easier to bring multiple boards.
FROM THE UNITED STATES
The easiest way to get there is through Dubai on Emirates who take boards up to 10β²
Emirates Airlines fly regularly from Los Angeles β Dubai β Male, the shortest route takes about 27hrs including stops from $1200USD Emirates from the United States will boards up to 300cm / 10β²
Please see itintary details for your boats departure/arrival times, you maybe required to arrive a day early to allign with departure times.
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NEED HELP BOOKING FLIGHTS?
Our travel agent Brett has looked after our clients flights for a couple of years and knows exactly what we need. You can contact him directly whne your ready to get some flight quotes, let him know you are travelling with Moon Tours so if he needs any infomation he can contact us.
We recommend you arrive the day before to ensure you are ontime for departure, you can sleep of any jet lag and unwind a little before jumping into the water for a surf.
Please note Brett can not book Air Asia, this is online direct bookings only.
Brett Robinson
Helloworld Travel Leopold
Shop 31, Gateway Plaza
641-659 Bellarine Hwy, Leopold, VIC, 3224
PΒ +61 (03) 5250 1210 Β E: brett.leopold@helloworld.com.au
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HIRE BOARDS
We have a limited number of high end quality SUNOVA Surf SUPβs from 8’1 to 9’4 available.
We understand that particularly flying from the Unites States it can be tricky to bring your own Stand Up Paddle board. Please contact us for board availability on your tour.
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ALCOHOL & DUTY FREE
Duty free alcohol will not be permitted to enter the Maldives, if you do purchase Duty Free it will be taken off you on arrival and you can pick it up on your way back home.
Legally, if you’re 18 and not a Muslim, you can buy and drink alcohol. However since the Maldives are an Islamic nation, alcohol is effectively banned for the local population.
However, nearly all resorts and liveaboard boats are licensed to serve alcohol. The expatriate liquor permit which used to allow expats to buy alcohol for their own consumption has been removed. The only place near Male, aside from resorts, where people can drink alcohol is at the Hulhule Island Hotel, commonly known as HIH or the airport hotel.
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BOARD STORAGE AT THE AIRPORT
If you want to take a taxi to Male or Hulemale you can store your boards at the airport in luggage room upon arrival β $12 a day, we will pick them up when we board the yatch.
When you walk outside the arrivals doors, turn left and you will see the storage office about 100 meters away.
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UPON ARRIVAL AT MALE AIRPORT
Light weight clothing is best. Prepare for hot & humid conditions. To respect the Muslim culture women should dress modest covering shoulders & knees.
If you have time to spare the local ferry to the bustling Male City, approx $1US each way. The ferry ticket booth is infront of the Coffee Club/Burger King.
Alternatively you can take a 15min bus ride around to Hulemale it is much quieter. There are nice restaurants & cafes along the beach. Note there is no bikinis on this beach.
Hulhule Island Hotel just by the airport you can purchase a pool pass (bikini friendly) and have a swim and relax, something to eat. There is a frequent free shuttle to the hotel from the front of the airport.
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STAYING CONNECTED
WIFI is included onboard in the lounge areas, if you require internaet in your cabin you will need to get a local SIM card, there is a Dhiraagu shop (the primary local telecom company) just to the right of the airport arrivals area upon exiting. Aprox USD$30 for 5GB.
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MONEY
If you are heading to Male or want to do shop on inhabited islandss, exchanging some rufiyaa will come in handy. The coins, in particular, are quite attractive and make an interesting souvenir in themselves, but the smaller denominations are rarely used or seen.
You can get select major currencies exchanged at the airport after arrival at the forex center in the airport itself, hower USD is accepted almost everywhere across the Maldives.
Settling bar tabs, dives, any additional expenses can be done so by using credit card.
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WHAT IF I REQUIRE AN OVERNIGHT?
βCoconut Tree Hulhuvillaβ Beach provides a comfortable setting while in Male.
It offers 4-star accommodation with air-conditioned rooms.The hotel has recently been refurbished and provides free Wi-Fi, an airport shuttle can be pre arranged with reception or take a taxi from the airport for $10.
The breakfast is very basic, I would recomend walking to a near by cafe βfamily roomβ or βbread mattersβ they both do a lovely breakfast.
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“Simry Beachside Maldives” is another option which is next door to Coconut Tree.
Simry Beachside Maldives offers 3-star accommodation in Male. It also provides massage services, room service and an express check-in and check-out feature.
The rooms have a mini bar, an in-room safe and a laptop safe. They all feature bottled water, a ceiling fan and tea and coffee making facilities.
On-site dining options include a restaurant, which is an ideal spot to have a meal.
Male International Airport is within a 10-minute drive
