A guide to the Maldives on a budget!

Maldives in famous for it’s excellent array of resorts offering the opportunity to stay in over water bungalows and beach front accommodations on the soft white shores, however visiting the Maldives is also possible on a budget. Lots of local islands are now opening up budget hotels and apartments with the option to stay in the Maldives on a more affordable budget.

Staying on a local island

The way to stay budget in the Maldives is to stay on a local island. Many local islands have started to open their own hotels, guest houses and apartments to allow guests to stay amongst locals and explore the real Maldives.

Some of the local islands are very basic and it is well worth looking at amenities on the island including restaurants, opportunities for day trips and links to other islands and resorts.

As tourism is relatively new to local islands, many of the islands are very underdeveloped. We stayed on an island that solely had a coffee shops, convenience store and tourism shop. All meals were cooked directly by our accommodation.

Many hotels do offer you the option to be full board where all of your meals are included by the property. Depending on what is on offer on the island it may be well worth you being full board.

Being able to be in swimwear on a beach is also new to local islands. Ensure if you want to do this you choose an island with a bikini beach which is a private stretch of beach for tourists to explore without disturbing local life or religion.

Many offer opportunities to get out via a boat to explore the Maldives.

Restrictions on local islands

The Maldives is a strictly Muslim country and the whole country follows the same religion. Local islands do not offer any form of alcohol and the country does not brew any of its own. Resort islands are able to serve alcohol and some local islands offer day or evening trips to resort islands to their guests as long as the resort allows.

The only place tourists are able to wear swim wear on the beach is on a private bikini beach. Always ensure your local island has one of these.

Getting to your island

Private transfers are the easiest way to reach all islands, however this can be expensive. The cheapest way to reach the islands is via the local ferry. This way is longer, but will only cost you around $4 from Male.

Things to do in the Maldives

Many local islands offer you the opportunity to get out and about around the Maldives and explore some of the natural wonders.

Opportunities can include;

Fishing trips

The local morning fish market in Male demonstrates just how big the fish trade is here in the Maldives. Head out with local fisherman and try your hand at fishing.

Swimming with Manta Rays

Jump into the water and snorkel with these gentle giants as you take in beauty of them. They swim in heards and your skilful skipper will spot them in the water for you to be able to swim.

Swimming with whale sharks

Much like the Manta Rays these gentle giants are marvellous to be around. You will be surprised at the sheer size of them and look on in awe and wonder.

Visits to islands

Head out on a boat to many other tiny islands, sand bars and untouched shores as you explore more than just your own local island.

Visits to resorts

Many resorts allow visitors to local islands to come for a day or evening. You will have the opportunity to use the facilities and wine and dine. It’s the experience of a resort island without the price tag.