A Maldivian sunset. [Photo by Zhao Xu and Feng Tianyi/China Daily]

After sunrise and before sunset

These are the times when the Maldives sky becomes the palette for an Impressionist painter. The sun lights up the clouds from behind, lending a sculptural feel to almost everything－from water villas inspired by hermit crabs to sea birds that alight on a rooftop.

The sun at dusk is much warmer, pouring a bucketful of orange dye into the ocean before making the jump itself.

Take note: Seaplanes are the main means of transport between two faraway islands in the Maldives. These giant dragonflies with red tails are limited to flying between sunrise and sunset. If a plane has not arrived at its planned destination when the sun starts setting, it must immediately land on water, but have no fear－passengers are soon picked up by boats.