Travel Maldives on budget

TTravel Maldives on Budget

#1 Look out for cheap flight

#2 Find Cheap Accommodation

#3 Travel by Local Transport

Ferries between the airport island to the capital city of Male only cost 10 rufiyaas (or US$1).  It operates every 15–20 minutes, or every 30 minutes after midnight (US$2). From Hulhumale town to Male, it costs 5.5 rufiyaas (US$0.5). Public ferries to further outlying islands usually depart from Male and they cost $4–6 depending on the distance traveled.

#4 Do a day trip to resort island

If you want to experience the resort life but are unable to fork out the amount of money to stay for one night, you can go to one of the resort islands on a day trip. There are two time slots, 9am–6pm (with lunch) or 2pm–11pm (with dinner).

List of resorts offered day trips are as follows :-

1. Adaaran Club Rannalhi (from Maafushi). Costs around $90-105.
2. Adaaran Prestige Vadoo (from Maafushi). Costs around  $105-110.
3. Bandos (from Hulhumale). Costs around $135.
4. Biyadhoo (from Maafushi). Costs around $70-115.
5. Centara Ras Fushi (from Maafushi & Hulhumale). Costs around $120-150.
6. Cinnamon Dhonveli (from Huraa & Hulhumale). Costs around $120-180.
7. Club Med Kani (from Huraa). Costs around $110-120.
8. Embudu (from Hulhumale). Costs around $100-120.
9. Fihalhohi (from Maafushi). Costs around $105-110.
10. Holiday Inn Kandooma (from Maafushi). Costs around $135-165.
11. Paradise Island (from Hulhumale). Costs around $135.
12. Rihiveli Beach (from Maafushi). Costs around $90.
13. Conrad (from dhigurah)
14. Olhuveli. Costs around  $125.
15. Anantara veli. Costs around $165.
16. Fun Island Resort. Costs around  $90.
17. Adaaran select hudhuranfushi. Costs around  $100-150.

#5 Stay on Local Island

Alternatively, to experience much clearer waters off the shores of Hulhumale or Male, you can stay on a local island by taking a public ferry there. Here is a brief summary of some possibilities for visiting the various islands :

> Maafushi Island

1.5-hour public ferry from  Male. It is one of the inhabited islands of Kaafu Atoll. Great snorkeling and sandbank trips. Daily departures from Male at 3pm except on Fridays. Return 7.30am from Maafushi every day except on Fridays.

>Rasdhoo island

3 hours by public ferry from Male. It is the capital of Alif Alif Atoll. Great for diving and to see hammerhead sharks. Depart from Male at 9am on Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays. Return from Rasdhoo at 11am on Saturdays, Mondays, Wednesdays.

>Thulusdhoo island

2.5 hours by public ferry from Male. It is the capital of Kaafu Atoll. Good place for surfing as they are known for their huge waves. Check out the wave schedule first before heading there. Daily departures from Male at 2.30pm except Fridays. Return 7.25am from Thulusdhoo every day except Fridays.

>Himmafushi Island

45 minutes by public ferry from Male. It is located in North Malé Atoll. Best recognised for its world-famous surfing and diving spots. Daily departures from Male at 2.30pm except on Fridays. Return 8.45am from Himmafushi every day except on Fridays.

#6 Eat like a local

There are several cafes and tea houses on each island, so a meal there should cost around US$3–5. Maldivian food consists mainly of fish and curry, and some people may not be used to the spiciness of the food. Maldives is surrounded by the sea, so it is not surprising that fish is the most important staple of the Maldivian diet. The cuisine is influenced by a mix of Arabic, Indian, Sri Lankan and Oriental food.

#7 Travel Off-season

The Maldives has a distinct high season, between November and April, where tourists from around the world flock to the archipelago for endless sunshine and prime weather. Prices in the high season touches sky , leaving the Maldives out of reach for the budget traveller and backpacker.The best time to visit the Maldives on a budget is during the shoulder season, typically the weather is still amazing, accommodation has less than a 25% occupancy rate meaning prices are slashed and you'll even get better service.

#8 Find all-inclusive package

Often this can push the cost of the accommodation out, however in low season it can be offered as a sweetener and is a massive added bonus if you're on a budget.Included meals such as a buffet breakfast mean you can fill up in the morning, and perhaps sneak a little snack out with you for during the day, also includes dinner for no additional expense.

#9 Do shared excursions/day trips

Private transport is one of the major expenses incurred by travelers in the Maldives, and often it's because you're hiring out the entire boat and skipper for just one or two people. Try and organised excursions with  other resort guests, let reception know your travel plans and itinerary and ask them to kindly inform you if they get bookings from other guests wanting to share a similar itinerary, that way the transport costs are shared throughout the group rather than lumped on you.

#10 Visit local restaurants and supermarkets for food

Maldivian resorts and hotels are notorious for overpriced meals and beverages which incur additional taxes that often catch you by surprise. Whilst the food in the Maldives is nice, it's not the major draw card for travelling here, so save your pennies by visiting where the locals eat on local islands and stocking up on fresh fruits and other goodies that can be found at the local supermarkets.

Tips Before Visting Maldives

# Tip 1 - Arrival & Departure

Arrival

 In case of seaplane transfers, if your international flight arrives after 04.00 pm and according to your resort location and policy, you will need to spend the first night in Male or at the Hotel located on the Airport Island. You will be then transferred to your resort the  following day.
 

Departure

If your departure flight is late in the night,

you might have to leave your resort much before and consequently stay several hours at the airport. Depending on the time you will have, you will be able to go for an excursion to Male.

#Tip 2 - Boat Transfers

Be aware that boat transfers can be longer than scheduled in case of bad weather. When the Maldives waters get rough, transfer time might be doubled and very uncomfortable (particularly between Atolls or in wide Atolls). Besides sea sickness, back pain could be an issue. If your back needs particular attention, this point has to be considered in your choice too. A Resort located the closest as possible to Male airport could be a better option.

Extra Tip : If you should find yourself in the middle of such a  situation, take one of the rear seats.The swell will be smoother. And Please note that bad seas don’t only occur during the rainy season but might happen all year round.

#Tip 3 - Flight Delays

Besides usual delays due to unfavorable weather conditions, international flight delays or technical problems, the recent merging of both seaplane companies, TMA and MAT (which now does not exist anymore), brought out some more occasional delays. Since this merger, the company has been operating under the TMA brand and is the single one operating in the Maldives today. Passengers might have to fly to 1 or 2 more resorts before reaching their final destination. The increasing amount of mixed passengers is causing more delays that can lead to further problems like missing your international flights.

#Tip 4 - Weather

To avoid any disappointment,be aware that Maldives weather patterns are not as simple as what you usually read in brochures or on the Net. Yes, the “Dry” season can have some bad days. Rains, cloudy skies and strong winds might disrupt your stay. Monsoons are very complicated in this region of the world. They change each year and  are themselves subject to inner cycles.

#Tip 5 - Snorkeling

The Maldives are all about Snorkeling and Diving. Some Resorts benefit from a close-by reef and some others don’t, like the ones surrounded by big lagoons.In such cases and if you intend to snorkel on a daily basis, be aware of the following :

--Various reefs and fishes can be seen after a short swim directly from the beach or your villa. In such case, your ability to swim will make the difference. Keep also in mind that the quality of the spots and the amount of fishes might not reach your personal expectations.

--The reefs and the fishes are too far to be reached. In such case, a snorkeling trip will have to be booked. Some resorts include it in their All Inclusive packages or as a courtesy for their guests and some others charge for it. So, if you’re a regular snorkeler, check for the price list.

--Finally, remember that some resorts charge for snorkeling equipment. Most of the time it will cost around 7 USD + taxes for 1 person/ per day & 35 usd + taxes for 1 person/ per week. It might be a good idea to make some space in your suitcase for your own.

#Tip 6 - Villa Location

This is an important point to get the best of your Holidays on your little paradise.

– If you can, during your booking process, check with your travel agent or directly with the

 resort about your Villa location on the island .

– Avoid to be located close to the transport / diving jetty(ies), generators, restaurants and Bars.

– Check for the nicest part of the beach ( some islands suffer from erosion according to the monsoons ) and if you’re a snorkeler, check the Reef locations.

– If your privacy matters, try to ask for the most hidden / protected (Water) Villa.

#Tip 7 - WiFi Connectivity

The Maldives are perfect to forget about the “real” World and some of us wish to be totally “disconnected” from this daily life. But in some cases, either it is for pleasure or work, some others need to be connected during holidays. Be aware that some resorts offer free Wi-Fi services and that some others charge for it. Wi-Fi prices can reach up to around 90 USD per week and 8-10 USD for one or two hours.

You might find various packages, but overall, they are all expensive. Please also keep in mind that the connection speed can be very slow. Consequently and according to your needs, you will probably need more than 1 hour to achieve what you need to do.

Finally, if you like to be connected in a comfortable way, check if Wi-Fi is available in your room, in all public areas or just at the lobby, in all bars or just the Main bar.

#Tip 8 - All Inclusive Package

All inclusive Resorts have become very popular the past years. Depending on the resort, you will be able to chose from one to a couple more of options. 

Generally, all inclusive package includes breakfast, lunch, dinner & selected alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverages. Be aware that all Inclusive packages are not equal in matter of quantity and quality.

Before chosing and booking, ask the following questions to start with and do not hesitate to add your own if needed.

– Are espressos, Caffe Latte, cappuccinos and other special delights included ?

– Traveling with kids ?  Is there anything special for them ?

– Are there some activities, equipment or excursion included ?

-- Is  a-la-carte  restaurant included instead of main one.

– Is the mini-Bar included ?

– Are cocktails included ?

#Tip 9 - Taxes & Extras

Extras can be very expensive in Maldives and not only in Luxury Resorts. Food and Drinks have to be shipped from abroad to Male (the capital Island) and then from Male to the Resort.

On the top of their prices, each resort has to apply 2 taxes :

– A 10% service charge.

– A 12 % Goods and Services Tax.

 ( note : This tax is constantly rising and at a very fast pace. )

Meanwhile some resorts include taxes on their public prices ( on menus for example)  some other mention it at the bottom of their price lists.

These taxes apply to everything you will use or consume on the island including activities, 

rentals, Spa etc….

#Tip 10 - Avoid bad surprises at checkout

I always have advised the following tip to travelers that I met on various locations :

If you are tight on budget, check at least 1 time your bill during the middle of your stay ( or several, it’s up to you ) to avoid surprises at your final check out before departure. It will ease the process and avoid stress at the end of your stay.

#Tip 11 - Bring mosquito repellent

Mosquitoes in the Maldives tend to be active in the day time, so it's sensible to wear repellent during the day as well as at night.

#Tip 12 - Bring Enough Sun Screen Lotion

#Tip 13 - What to Pack

• Beach  Bag
• Hat 
• Sunglasses
• Sling bag
• Beach kaftan
• Play suit
• Beach dresses
• Dry bag
• Bluetooth speaker

#Tip 14 - Do Not Bring Alcohol

You are not allowed to bring liquor to the Maldives. If you have bought liquor, beer and related items containing alcohol from a duty free shop while on route to the Maldives, these  products must be bonded in the airport's customs department upon arrival. These goods will be returned before departure.

#Tip 15 - Underwater Camera

The Maldives offer some of the best snorkeling and diving in the world. If you plan on trying some water sports — and I strongly recommend that you do — consider splurging on a decent underwater camera. The Maldives offer a trip of a lifetime, and preserving your memories is well worth the cost.

#Tip 16 - Currency

Take lots of USD – Though the Maldives has  its own currency (MVR), US dollars are widely accepted, and you often get a better price if you pay in USD.

#Tip 17 - Sim card or Data

Mobile data pretty cheap in the Maldives, it’s also super reliable too! So you can easilly  Instagram your slice of paradise and make everyone jealous!

You can grab a local SIM card and pre load it with data just outside the arrival hall at the airport. 14 days with 15GB of mobile data for $32 approx.