Almost everyone thinks that a vacation to the Maldives is expensive. I thought so too, before my budget-friendly trip to the Maldives. However, the government to promote tourism has opened local islands for tourists. Now, a trip to the Maldives doesn’t have to be expensive. A budget-friendly trip to the Maldives is possible.

How is that possible you ask? Well, here’s the answer.

The Maldives has 1192 islands and of which locals inhabit 200 islands and hotels and resorts own a few islands. The other islands are used for agriculture and industrial purposes. Of the 200 inhabited islands, some of the islands have opened their doors to tourism making budget-friendly travel possible.

WHAT DOES BUDGET-FRIENDLY ISLAND MEAN?

Inhabited islands by locals are budget friendly and have opened for tourism. These islands are called budget-friendly islands because they have made the Maldives a budget-friendly holiday destination.

These islands are a blend of hotels and private homes, tourists and locals. The best part of staying at these local islands is that you get to experience the island life, interact with locals and learn about local culture. There are several local islands to choose from.

One my first girls trip I stayed at the Maafushi island. The island of Maafushi is close to the Male international airport and easily accessible by ferry. Maafushi is one of the affordable islands in the Maldives.

The other budget-friendly local islands are mentioned below.

1. Thoddoo Island
2. Dhigurah Island
3. Dhiffushi Island
4. Dharavandoo Island
5. Ukulhas Island
6. Rasdhoo Island
7. Guraidhoo Island
8. Hulhumale Island
9. Thulusdhoo Island

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PRIVATE AND LOCAL ISLANDS?

I’m sure when you think of Maldives you picture water villas and private luxury hotels. But if you are travelling on a budget the water villa is out of question. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy luxury hotels on the local islands.

The first difference between a local island and a private island resort is that the former is inhabited by locals and the latter is owned by a hotel group or resort. Second difference is private island resorts have only one hotel spanning the entire island whereas local islands offer a variety of accommodations. Locals islands offer 3, 4 and 5 start hotels, guesthouses and surf camps.

One the bright side both private islands and local islands both offer a variety of activities. Staying on a local island doesn’t mean you have to compromise in accommodation, activities and excursions.

MAAFUSHI ISLAND

On my first international girls trip I stayed on the tiny island of Maafushi, and is a part of the Kaafu Atoll.

Distance from Male: Maafushi island is 27 kms from the Male International airport. The island is accessible by ferry and speedboats. Most hotels offer airport transfers for a small fee. Book tickets for the ferry and speedboats online from iCom tours.

iCom tours is a small local ferry service located on Maafushi island. They offer airport transfers, water sports,excursions and, a wide range of activities.

The Maafushi island is 1.275 kms in length and 0.260 kms in width. The size of the island in no way lessens the beauty of this colorful and lively island.

This island with its pristine beaches, colour buildings, corals and palm trees is a photographer’s paradise.

Compared to other local islands Maafushi is a tiny island. Despite its small dimensions, the island has 6 beaches. Each beach serves a different purpose and are open to locals and tourists.

BIKINI BEACHES

There are 2 bikini beaches on Maafushi Island. The beach in front of the hot Kaani Grand Seaview is the first bikini beach. The second bikini beach is on the right of the first beach. A water breaker separates the two bikini beaches.

These beach allows Bikinis and shorts so the name bikini beach. Most tourist flock here so the beach can get crowded. If you are looking forward to laying under the sun, better hurry and reserve a place.

The water is clear enough for snorkeling. Even without the snorkeling masks you can spot tiny fishes swimming around you. The water sports center and most hotels rent snorkeling masks and lounge chairs.

During my vacation I stayed at the Kaani Grand Seaview hotel which is right on the beach. I had breathtaking views of the palm trees and the pristine bikini beach below from my balcony.

PUBLIC BEACHES

Maafushi island has 2 public beaches. On the right of the second bikini beach you will find the 2 public beaches separated by a water breaker. Sincethese beaches are frequented by the locals, bikinis and shorts are a big no-no at these beaches. Tourist can visit these beaches. Just wear proper clothing.

Compared to the bikini beaches, the public beaches are quiet and not crowded at all. It is the perfect place for a morning walk.

If you want to take pictures without people coming in your frame then head over to the public beach.

WATER SPORTS BEACH

Maafushi Island has a seperate beach for water sports. On the left of the first bikini beach is the water sports beach. At this beach you can try different water sports such as kayaking, parasailing, wind surfing and many others. There are centers on the beach where you can rent kayaks or book any other water sports.

CORAL BEACH

The last beach on Maafushi island is the Coral beach. This beach is on the far end of the island and on the left of the dock. This isn’t a white sandy beach like the other beaches of the island. This beach has corals and is not very popular among tourists.

When I visited Maafushi, there was some construction underway near the coral beach, so I was unable to see what makes this beach so unpopular.

All the beaches on the island have white sandy beaches. The water color varies from blue to turquoise to emerald. The water at the beaches is calm and suitable for all. However, if you are not a strong swimmer or don’t know how to swim at all, then I strongly suggest you stay in the shallow water near the shore.

In Maldives the water is shallow near the shore and suddenly gets deep. So be careful of you are travelling with children.

MAAFUSHI ISLAND ACTIVITIES

The main activity provider on the island is iCom tours. However, most hotels and guesthouses arrange activities and excursions for their guests. You can book your activities through iCom tours or your hotel. The island offers a variety of activities to suit everyone’s needs.

Since I stayed at Kaani Grand Seaview hotel I booked my activities through them. You can book the activities beforehand on Kaani tours.

To make the most of your Maldives vacation I strongly suggest doing all or some of the activities mentioned below.

*NOTE: All activities can be booked through iCom tours or your own hotel.

SNORKELING AND SCUBA DIVING

There are different packages for different activities. I suggest comparing the prices for various packibefore booking. The seats for a particular activity might be filled. So always book activities beforehand.

There are half-day, full-day tours, group and, private snorkeling tours. Most companies on the island have common snorkeling spots. Biyaadhoo Reef, Turtle Reef and Coral Garden are few of them. You can book these tours at your hotel, guesthouse or from local activity centers such as iCom tours.

iCom tours and kaani tours both have scuba diving packages. They visit shipwrecks. Unfortunately I could not go for this expedition because I hadn’t booked the activity in advance and all the seats were booked by then. There weren’t any seats available at the last minute.

OTHER ACTIVITIES

If you too are not a good swimmer, don’t worry. You don’t have to feel left out of all fun. Apart from snorkeling and Scuba diving there are other activities as well. Some of the activities are mentioned below.

1. Explore the island and learn about the island life, local culture. Visit the different restaurants on the island and sample local cuisine.
2. Get up early in the morning and go Dolphin watching.
3. Walk around the sandbank, enjoy a picnic lunch and laze around at the beach.
4. Night fishing.
5. Visit other local islands or relax at private island resorts.

This budget-friendly island is quite popular among budget travellers and is suitable for families, couples, solo travellers and backpackers. You can now visit the Maldives at low prices without having to compromise. A minimum of 4 days 3 nights is recommended to get the full Maldives experience.

You no longer have to experience the Maldives through pictures. You can experience the pristine beaches and sandy shores in reality at affordable prices.

I hope this ignited your Maldives wanderlust because

Life is better in flip flops.

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and also because

There’s no place like home. Except the beach.

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