You don’t have to drain your bank account to experience the beauty of the Maldives. In fact, you can find affordable accommodations starting from just £38 ($46) per night. The secret? Opt for an inhabited island rather than a resort island. Multi-award-winning travel blogger Adriana Neptuna, who recently explored several inhabited islands, shares that staying on these islands offers a completely different and more enjoyable experience. Think stunning azure blue beaches, the sound of tropical music, friendly Maldivian locals selling fresh coconuts, and mouthwatering Maldivian cuisine.
Here are her tips on how to make the most of your budget vacation in paradise:
Maafushi Island
One of the most popular inhabited islands in the Maldives is Maafushi. Adriana recommends Maafushi for its abundance of beach bars, restaurants, water sports, and snorkeling tours. It’s conveniently located just a 40-minute speedboat ferry ride away from Velana International Airport on Male, costing around £30 ($36). For a more budget-friendly option, you can take the 90-minute public ferry service from Male’s Jetty 1 at 2.30pm daily (except Fridays) for just $3 (£2.30).
Hotels:
- Alaika Maafushi – £40 ($48) per night for a standard double room with breakfast included. Rated ‘very good’ 8.5/10 on Booking.com.
- Maamadi Boutique – £44 ($53) per night for a superior double room with £6 ($7.30) breakfast. Rated ‘good’ on Booking.com.
- Ci-Ritorno View – £38 ($46) per night for a deluxe double or twin room with £4 ($4.88) breakfast. Rated ‘pleasant’ 6.8/10 on Booking.com.
Resort Islands vs Inhabited Islands in the Maldives: Lonely Planet explains that every resort in the Maldives is its own private island. While resort islands can be expensive, the neighboring inhabited islands offer more affordable standard hotels. These residential islands are home to local Maldivians and offer a wide range of facilities. However, visitors should note that local laws apply, such as no bikinis allowed on the beaches. However, many islands have designated areas where tourists can wear them. Examples of inhabited islands include Maafushi, Fulidhoo, and Gulhi.
Fulidhoo Island
Fulidhoo is famous for its rich Maldivian cultural events, including the traditional dance with drums called Langiri and the enchanting Thaara folk music. It’s known for its laid-back atmosphere, stunning beaches, and incredible marine life. Adriana raves about the opportunity to swim with hundreds of wild dolphins and encounter eagle rays, sting rays, blacktip reef sharks, and turtles. To reach Fulidhoo, you can take a 1-hour speedboat ferry ride from Male airport (£35/$42) or a 3.5-hour public ferry ride (£1.25/$1.52).
Hotels:
- Bougainvillea Inn – £50 ($60) per night for a double or twin room with a garden view. Rated ‘fabulous’ 8.7/10 on Booking.com.
Restaurants: On Fulidhoo island, there aren’t many restaurants due to its small size. Adriana recommends booking half-board accommodations at your hotel and exploring different restaurants and cafes for lunches. She highly recommends Bougainvillea Restaurant for excellent service, atmosphere, and food. A meal for two with drinks costs £12 ($14) to £15 ($18).
Gulhi Island
Gulhi is a 45-minute journey from Male airport via speedboat ferry (£12/$14) or an hour and a half by public ferry (£1.25/$1.52). Adriana describes the main attraction of Gulhi as its beautiful beach.
Remember, by opting for these inhabited islands, you can have a truly authentic and budget-friendly Maldivian experience. So why break the bank when you can enjoy paradise for less?
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