Located in the beautiful waters of the Indian Ocean, between Indonesia, India and Africa, the Maldives is a tropical paradise that has so much to offer.
Typically not the first idea of a holiday destinations for backpackers, the Maldives has luxurious reputation and can be somewhat expensive for accommodation and things to do. If you are keen to go travelling or backpacking on a budget however, you should not put the Maldives off your itinerary; you just need to know when, where and how to travel smart.
Exploring the Maldives can be affordable, if you follow my simple tips for finding cheap accommodation and flights. View my Maldives travel guide with everything you need to know.
Getting There
The only way to access the Maldives is by plane to Hulhule Airport, followed by a short ten minute boat ride to your resort.
Airlines like Singapore Airlines, Emirates and Malaysia Airlines all fly direct to the Maldives, with travel time generally being between 10-12 hours from most European destinations. Although flights to the Maldives can be quite expensive, there are sometimes special deals, or even the chance to book your accommodation and flights in one package for a better price. I recommend searching flights on Skyscanner.
Travelling out of peak season can also help you to find less expensive flights, as seats are not in high demand and many airlines lower their fares in an attempt fill seats. Also breaking up the journey and going via India or Sri Lanka can also make the trip more affordable.
Most flights from international destinations to the Maldives have a mandatory stopover in Singapore, Malaysia, China or Dubai. If you are planning to also backpack in Singapore or Malaysia, you might want to talk to a travel agent about your flight options, as many airlines often have specials on flights to both Singapore and Malaysia, so this may be a more cost effective option.
Where to Stay
Accommodation in the Maldives is known for being extremely expensive and to find the best deals on hotels Booking.com is the best website to use.
If you are looking to treat yourself, or are lucky to not be too concerned with costs, you can find some of the most luxurious hotels in the world here. Think islands, white sandy beaches, villas, views, Michelin star cuisine and super modern facilities.
If you aren’t rich, or are planning a backpacking adventure, Malé – the capital, is where the cheapest accommodation is found. Although staying here isn’t as exotic as staying on one of the Instagram perfect islands, you will save a ton of money and still get to experience beautiful locations.
Don’t be afraid of missing out on staying on one of the dream islands, as daily tours and boats depart from Malé, providing you with a more cost effective way to visit the islands.
When booking accommodation, book well in-advance or last minute to get the cheapest rates possible.
Top Things to Do in the Maldives
Male
Male is the Commercial hub and capital city of the Maldives, and is generally somewhere only visited for a short stop off on the way to one of the more exotic islands, or before catching a connecting flight to leave the country.
While Malé may not be the most picturesque Maldives destination, it has its own unique charm and is only a stone’s throw away from the breathtaking views of other areas of the island.
Male has various tourist attractions that cannot be missed, the foremost being the National Museum located in Sultans Park. A perfect exhibition of statues, palanquins, printing press and thrones that were employed by the former sultans has been cherished since long ago here.
The rich culture of The Maldives is showcased here as the items from colonial and pre-colonial era on display in the museum reflecting the grandeur of the place. Apart from this, there is also the Islamic centre and Grand Friday mosque that is popular with tourists.
Fuamulaku
Known for its magnificent sightseeing locations, Fuamulaku is a somewhat famous tourist spot in the Maldives. The alluring farms that are abundant in vegetables and fruits are a unique feature of Fuamulaku.
Oranges, mangoes and pineapples are grown in fields that are exceptionally fertile. These farms are situated outside the tourist zone, and it is important for visitors to have a feasible reason and a permit to visit Fuamulaku.
Scuba Diving
The Maldives is one of the most highly rated dive destinations in the world, with mesmerizing crystal clear blue waters. Umarus Plave, Kuda Hohola, and Kuda Kandu Corner are some of the most popular diving sites whilst the sea here is renowned for its marine life that includes animals like lobsters, green turtles, manta ray and eagle ray.
Tourist Resorts
The Maldives is one of the most exotic honeymoon destinations, and ideal for a luxury beach/island break. If you do want to treat yourself, you won’t regret it.
There are so many island resorts offering the perfect holiday or romantic getaway. You can find some of the best luxury hotels in the Maldives on pristine islands which although are usually really expensive, they are the ultimate luxury.
Most have beautiful white sandy beaches, villas on the ocean with spectacular ocean sea views. Staying here will give you a special and unique location unlike many other places in the world. Be sure to check out Ithaa Undersea Restaurant as pictured above!
Plan a Dream Break to the Maldives
The Maldives is ideal for people who would love to spend some time in a tranquil environment amidst nature and away from the bustles of the urban way of life.
Sadly, the Maldives is going to be affected by climate change and rising sea levels, and it really is somewhere to visit before it disappears.
Although Maldives holidays are known for expensive tastes and luxurious resorts, visiting on a budget is possible and it can also be a fun and affordable way to visit this beautiful destination.
Travelling to the Maldives during off peak seasons can save you thousands on accommodation, flights, tours and other holiday expenses.