Want to go on holiday to the Maldives? Then this is the place to be! The Maldives, aka a paradise on earth. Whether this is an exaggeration? No definitely not, we have after several trips through Asia never seen anything so beautiful. Pearl white beaches, clear blue waters and a unique underwater world. It is therefore home to the best beaches in the world! And... is it priceless? Absolutely not! Besides the expensive resorts, you have beautiful islands with hostels and affordable hotels where you can stay. Besides, it is perfect to combine with a trip to Sri Lanka. Because with a short flight of less than two hours, you will end up in the middle of this incredibly beautiful landscape!
General information about Maldives
Are you planning a trip to the Maldives or would you like to combine it with your trip through Sri Lanka? Then check out our tips for the best route, the best travel period, and transport to and in the Maldives. This way, you will be prepared for your new adventure!
1. A holiday to Maldives is suitable for any budget.
The first thing people said to us was ‘are you going to the Maldives? That's extremely expensive, isn't it?’ This reaction is not surprising as the Maldives is known for its expensive, luxurious, unique and breathtaking resorts. Many photos you come across online at, for example Instagram, are photos of these beautiful resorts. But you can also go to the Maldives on a small budget. Indeed, since 2009, it has been possible for tourists to stay on islands where locals live.
One of these islands is Maafushi. This is a well-known ‘backpackers’ island where you will find affordable hotels, hostels and restaurants. Keep in mind that this island doesn't look like that of resorts but it certainly won't disappoint you. The island is surrounded by white beaches and clear blue sea. From Maafushi, you can book various activities such as day trips to resorts, diving trips or snorkelling trips!
Budget tips for a cheap holiday to the Maldives
1. Arrange your trip to the Maldives yourself and don't opt for an organised trip.
2. Choose one of the ‘backpackers’ islands such as Maafushi or Fulidhoo
3. Travel to the Maldives together so you can share accommodation costs.
4. Combine the Maldives with Sri Lanka. Tickets from the Netherlands are very expensive but from Sri Lanka less than €200.
5. Got the time? Opt for the local ferry as your mode of transport instead of a speedboat.
6. Activities make a holiday to the Maldives the most expensive. Expect prices between €25 and €120.
2. Book your accommodation in advance
Whereas in Sri Lanka, Bali or other Asian countries you often go to a hostel or hotel on the ‘bonnefooi’, in the Maldives it is a lot harder. The supply on the islands is limited and last-minute booking is often very expensive. So plan your trip to the Maldives ahead and arrange your hotel or hostel preferably a few months in advance. You will save a lot of money this way.
Do you decide while travelling in Sri Lanka that you want to go to the Maldives for a few days after all? No problem we were able to find a great deal a few days beforehand.
3. Keep in mind and respect religion
Before our visit to the Maldives, we had no idea that the Maldives is a Muslim country. This means you have to take the following things into account on the local islands:
1. Make sure you don't walk around the island in your bikini.
2. Alcohol is banned everywhere except the resort islands.
3. Homosexuality is punishable.
4. Tourists have their ‘own’ beach.
Tourists have their own beaches where you are allowed to walk in a bikini or swimsuit. These beaches are designated by the government and are called bikini beaches (bikini beach). This is a separate, usually enclosed beach where you will only find tourists. Locals use their own beaches and are completely covered.
5. Alcohol is prohibited.
As the Maldives is a 100% Muslim country, this means that absolutely no alcohol is sold on the local islands. This does not apply to the all-inclusive resorts, private islands and villas.
If you are staying on Maafushi, there is no opportunity to buy alcohol on the island itself but at sea there is! In fact, some enterprising locals have found a ‘loophole’ in the law. So do you want to have a beer during your holiday to the Maldives? Then choose to go to a ‘party boat’. These boats are located just off the coast of the island. You just have to book a speedboat for this and the drinks are very pricey ($7.00 per beer). But... it's an option!
6. Don't be afraid of a little rain
The best travel time for the Maldives is the dry season but it is never guaranteed rain free. We were there in February and had a few small rain showers. Nothing to worry about because after 10 minutes of hard rain, you have a clear blue sky for the rest of the day.
7. Adapt to ‘their’ time
As in many Asian countries, it is not strange if your guide, your dinner or the boat arrives a few hefty minutes late. Maldivians keep quiet (not surprising with that hot weather) and are never in a hurry. Of course, make sure you are on time for your tour, but don't worry if everything is a few minutes late. It will all work out in the end.
8. Make use of the Maldivian rufiyaa.
In the Maldives, they use USD but also the Maldivian rufiyaa. We recommend pinning and using the latter. Why? Because in the Maldives they are dexterous in converting USD and you will probably always pay too much because of this. We also advise you to always check well in advance what the cost of a particular product, souvenir or dish is. On 2 occasions, we have experienced that they give back too little money and quickly put your money under the till. In other words, they take care of their own tipping ;).
9. ATMs and credit cards
We were a bit worried at the beginning that we were carrying too little cash. Fortunately, this is not necessary at all. Activities, hotels, hostels and in restaurants and souvenir shops you can pay by credit card. In addition, you will find ATMs on every major island.
10. Ferries ’the Ferry’ does not run on Fridays
Friday means a ‘day off’ in the Maldives. As a result, there are no public ferries running and you should take this into account during your trip. We recommend you arrange transport in advance. See how best to do that here.
We hope this information helps you plan your trip to the Maldives. Would you like to know more about the Maldives? Check out here all our blogs about this impressive country. Prefer an organised trip? Then check out the website of Tui or to this complete round trip packages for the Maldives.
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