Hop on a plane from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), enjoy a relaxing 7-hour flight, and you’ll find yourself in Mauritius – Africa’s answer to a slice of paradise waiting to be uncovered. While it’s not as popular as holiday islands like Maldives and Bali, Mauritius has much more to offer than you would have expected. So, if you’re planning a getaway, here are 10 reasons to make Mauritius your next holiday destination.
Enjoy the Mauritian climate
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Mauritius offers the perfect year-round climate for any holidaymakers, which is why it’s one of our top reasons to visit. Here, you’ll only find two seasons – summer which lasts from November to April and winter from June to September. The months of October and May are otherwise known as transition months.
Despite these seasonal labels, temperatures in Mauritius rarely go beyond 35 °C and would dip no further than 16°C. There’s plenty of sunshine throughout the year, although you may encounter small chances of cyclones around February and March. Paired with comfortable sea breezes that run through your hair, it’s hard not to fall in love with the climate on this island.
If you’d like to enjoy the island to yourself, we recommend visiting after March as that marks the end of peak season.
Dive into the tranquil waters of Mauritius
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If there’s a reason why Mauritius is considered a prime location for diving enthusiasts, then the 50 breathtaking diving sites across the island have to be it. Whether you’re a veteran diver or have just begun to dip your toes in the water, the varying difficulties of the island’s diving sites will always be here to welcome you.
Upon going underwater, you’ll be greeted by gorgeous coral reefs and unapparelled marine life experiences. From turtles to rays and even tropical residents like the clownfish and butterfly fish, you’ll want to have your waterproof cameras ready to capture every memory possible.
For an experience like no other, you should head on over to the coastlines of Tamarin Bay. This is where you’ll have the opportunity to swim with pods of bottlenose and spinner dolphins that call the area home. Mauritius also has a strict regulatory framework with operators who take visitors out for dolphin-watching excursions, ensuring that the activity is not only safe for you but protects the environmental conditions for the dolphins too.
Bask in the best beach days
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Are the waters of Mauritius not for you? Then perhaps the island’s incredible beach scenes will capture your heart. Stretching over 160 kilometres, you’re practically spoilt for choice on where you should sprawl out to unwind from the hustle and bustle of city life when you’re on the island.
Popular spots such as Flic en Flac and Belle Mare rank high on the list of best beaches from Mauritius. Le Morne, a 4-kilometre beach located on the west coast of the island, is also a must-visit for many visitors. Lined with lively hotels and village fronts, you’ll also get a great look at Le Morne Mountain while you’re here.
Alternatively, we recommend taking a short boat trip to the private island of Île aux Cerfs where you can engage with exciting water sports activities and more. For a taste of local cultures, why not loosen up and dance to some Mauritian music alongside the Sega dancers? Their colourful attires are often gorgeous against the clear waters and white sandy beaches.
Couples travelling to Mauritius should stick around for the sunsets on these beaches. It’s a romantic setting that makes every vacation that much more memorable – and even better for duos hoping to get engaged or want to celebrate their honeymoon differently!
Live a life of luxury without the price tag
Despite its gorgeous setting and unforgettable vibes, what sets Mauritius apart is how you can indulge in its luxury without breaking the bank. With plenty of resorts to choose from on the island, it’s the perfect spot regardless if you’re looking for a romantic getaway or planning a family vacation.
Hassle-free holiday seekers would also enjoy the Club Med La Pointe aux Canonniers famous for their all-inclusive packages. Located in the far north areas of Mauritius, this beautiful resort features two private beaches lined by former colonial houses with thatched roofs. They offer 22 exciting activities and 28 more on-demand excursions, so there’s always something to do and discover when you book a Club Med experience.
Adding to a luxurious experience is the Bubble Lodge on Île aux Cerfs. This is the island’s only accommodation and only 3 are Bubble Lodges available. As its name suggests, you’ll get to rest in a private bubble enclave with a transparent top, so you can end your day under the stars and wake to the gentle sunrise that hits Mauritius at dawn.
The standard of life on the island is also lower than most getaways of similar styles, allowing you to live the best pleasures in life minus the hefty price tag. Plenty of local businesses also accept international credit cards such as VISA and MasterCard, or you can always pop over to one of the many ATMs across the island when you need cash.
Experience a rainbow in your hands
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For a magical experience while in Mauritius, you’ll want to head over to the village of Chamarel in the Rivière Noire District. Here you’ll be wowed by the geological formation of the Seven Coloured Earths where the sand is said to shine in shades of blue, purple, violet, red, brown, green, and yellow.
Intriguing as it’s a rare natural phenomenon, the Seven Coloured Earths is a popular tourist spot for many who visit the island. Many have also pointed out that the sand will continue to separate into 7 layers of colour even if you mix it up in your hands. While you’re there, don’t forget to greet the resident tortoises of the village.
Before returning to the main island area, you’ll want to detour to the Chamarel Waterfall. Officially recognized as the tallest waterfall in Mauritius, the area is surrounded by plenty of lush greenery and you get to marvel at the waters gushing down to the large basin in the heart of the forest.
Thanks to its rising popularity among tourists, wooden steps have been built for the ease of reaching the highest viewpoint, so we think there’s no reason to avoid the scenic Chamarel Waterfall. Unfortunately, some tourists have also made their own trail by the viewpoint to get closer to the basin – and we strongly discourage damaging the park as the views are practically no different.
Savour the taste of Creole cuisine
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Next up, foodies will be delighted to visit Mauritius for its Creole delicacies. With flavours inspired by French, Indian, African, and Asian cuisines, you’ll often find dishes on the island to be heavy on spice. Local bites such as fresh seafood and tomato-based stews are some of the recommended meals. For anyone feeling peckish, the dhal puri – a flatbread served with refreshing homemade chutney is a must-try.
The island is also vastly known for its street food scene, with shops lining beachfront and resort areas. These meals are undoubtedly affordable, so spending a little Mauritian Rupee on your hunt for good eats will take you a long way.
To find some of the best street food spots on the island, however, you’ll want to head over to Port Louis for delicious curries, fruits, and more. It was even named by The Telegraph as one of the world’s greatest cities for street food.
For a unique treat to your palate, we recommend picking up a serving of pineapples with chilli salt. As odd as it may sound, juicy Victorian pineapples are hand-cut for this dish and served with a sprinkle of red chillies and crushed sea salt. The result is a sweet, tangy, and spicy treat that’s especially delicious against the warmth of Mauritius.
Adrenaline hunters assemble
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Setting foot on Mauritius, you’d expect nothing but a laid-back vacation. But what surprises many travellers is how the island hosts a variety of adrenaline-inducing activities that will get your hearts thumping.
From private 4×4 tours to ziplines through the forest, the La Vallee Des Couleurs nature park down south of the island has it all. They’ve even included a bicycle zipline for those who want to take life slower but still feel the thrill. Perched 18 metres off the ground, this 200-metre cycle will offer you a fantastic view of the park like never before. This activity can be enjoyed alone or in pairs, an ideal addition to any couples’ Mauritian itinerary.
If you want to take your adventures to greater heights, Mauritius also offers breathtaking skydiving sessions over at Anse La Raie and Grand Gaube. A true calling for daredevils, this excursion gives you an unforgettable view of the island from 10,000 feet in the air. Brave tourists will see this as the perfect trifecta of exploring Mauritius from sea, land, and air.
A Muslim-friendly destination
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For our Muslim readers, you’ll be delighted to know that Mauritius is a fantastic Muslim-friendly destination.
To accommodate guests, many resorts have prayer facilities and modest spa options. You can also specifically request Muslim-friendly activities and excursions or look for halal honeymoon packages for an unforgettable holiday.
While you’re here, don’t forget to visit the Jummah Mosque located at Port Louis. It’s a beautiful white and sky-blue mosque that features architectural touches inspired by Indian, Creole, and Islamic influences and dates back to the 1850s. The mosque can be visited on any day of the week, and Muslim visitors looking to fulfil their Friday prayers while on vacation on the island are always welcome. However, do take note that it can get busy quickly so we recommend going early.
On the culinary front, there are plenty of halal dining options available across the island. One of our top must-try meals is the Chinese-Mauritian dish called Bol Renversé. Translated to “overturned bowl”, the delicacy is a flipped rice bowl served with a layer of saucy chicken and vegetable stir-fry. A friend egg is added on top to complete this hearty dish.
Fun festivals for all
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As a destination that’s known to be a melting pot of cultures, you can expect a range of amazing festivals to enjoy in Mauritius. In fact, you may be surprised to hear that the island also celebrates Chinese New Year, Thaipoosam Cavadee (or Thaipusam as we know it), and Eid al-Fitr just as we Malaysians do.
The Kreol International Festival held in November or early December is also a must-see. It’s a festival that highlights the local Creole and Mauritius cultures, making it a great opportunity for you to fully immerse yourselves in the true Mauritian experience. In this week-long celebration, you can expect concerts, slam poetry, theatre plays, and art exhibitions. Of course, you’ll be greeted by a delicious range of gastronomical offerings, so come hungry and leave happy.
Alternatively, running enthusiasts will want to sign up for the annual Mauritius Marathon happening in July. Attracting thousands of international racers each year, the track is allegedly titled “The Most Beautiful Track in the World” as you’ll start from Saint-Felix Beach. From there, the route takes you through the coastlines of the island and offers scenic views such as the Le Morne Mountain before returning to the finish line on the beach.
Perfectly enjoyable in 7 days and visa-free
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Although there’s so much to see, taste, and experience, Mauritius is perfectly enjoyable in 7 days – with plenty of downtime to spare. This is as the island is rather small and you can even drive around its entire circumference in just 6 hours.
This makes Mauritius a great option if you’re seeking a short getaway, especially during the upcoming Hari Raya holidays. By taking just 3 days off work, you can be whisked off to this slice of paradise where an abundance of exciting activities and local cultures await.
What’s more, as a Malaysian passport holder, you can enter the island visa-free. In a world where Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) programmes are introduced, Mauritius remains open to visitors, making it even more convenient for holiday seekers who simply don’t wish to be bothered by endless paperwork.
All set for your getaway? Reach out to our holiday advisors to book your seats with Air Mauritius today! With 2 direct flights operating from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport every week, this Indian Ocean gem is one you wouldn’t want to miss.