Andrea Larice YapIf you were to ask any traveller what tops their travel bucket list, chances are the Maldives leads most lineups. It boasts overwater villas that treat you to crystal clear waters painted in hues of turquoise and azure, sprawling lush greenery, and fine white sandy beaches. Apart from its natural wonders, curious adventurers lust for its vibrant culture, island-inspired lifestyle, and savoury Maldivian cuisine.
This archipelago tucked away in the Indian Ocean is home to over 1,200 islands and more than 130 different vacation spots, where some of the best luxury all-inclusive resort amenities await you. While it is every traveller’s dream to bask in the beauty of the Maldives, this often comes with a price. But what most people don’t know is that it is very much possible to experience this tropical paradise without breaking the bank. All it takes is a little bit of planning and organising to hit the Maldives on a budget!
Also read: How Safe Is Travelling to the Maldives These Days? Here’s a Primer
Experience the tropical paradise of the Maldives on a budget
1. Choose local transportation to get around
Image credit: Visit Maldives
Heading to the Maldives on a budget? Getting around can be quite simple and inexpensive! Instead of cashing out tons of money for seaplanes or local airlines, travel through local ferries to get from one island to another. These public ferries turn out to be the cheapest option there is for budget travellers with tickets for as low as S$6.
Image credit: Visit Maldives
Note though, that local ferries have limited routes and may take time to reach your destination compared to other modes of transportation. That said, you might have to switch ferries at Malé — the capital and city centre of the Maldives — if there is no direct route from your starting island.
2. Stay on a public island and explore the local culture
Image credit: Visit Maldives
While a trip to the Maldives usually calls for stays at a luxury resort, its local island culture has its own charm and appeal. Exploring this side of the islands not only lessens costs but allows for more authentic and traditional experiences. This alternative is more cost-effective when it comes to accommodations, food, and activities. Plus, you still get the same stunning views, crystal clear waters, and sandy beaches!
Image credit: Visit Maldives
Immersing yourself in Maldives’ public island environment sets you up for a first-hand experience of its people and their lifestyle. Maldivian culture is rich and vibrant as is it deeply rooted in Indian, African, Arab, and Sri Lankan influences. Take delight in a whole new world and soak up the island life like a true native!
3. Live life on the island like a local in guesthouses
Image credit: Visit Maldives
The Maldives is globally renowned as a high-end travel destination with an abundance of luxury all-inclusive resorts. But its burgeoning guesthouse industry offers travellers an affordable way to explore the country without breaking the bank. Unlike most luxury resorts, which are typically built on their own secluded island, these guesthouses also offer insights into daily life in the Maldives.
Image credit: Visit Maldives
Dodge the high costs of over-water bungalows for a practical yet immersive stay on the local islands. You can also opt for a boutique resort which will cost more than local guesthouses but much less than luxury resorts.
Image credit: Visit Maldives
The guesthouses’ humble beginnings only started in 2008 when the Maldivian government permitted locals to open their doors to travellers by running their own accommodations. This also led locals to start partnering up and establishing their own homegrown businesses, shops, restaurants, and cafes. In turn, tourists literally get a taste of the true Maldivian experience!
4. Indulge in fresh and authentic Maldivian cuisine
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A great bonus for opting to explore the Maldives’ public island culture is that you’ll find cheaper food options there compared to the ones served at high-end resorts. While most guesthouses don’t offer in-house meals throughout the day, they will usually provide a breakfast buffet.
Alternatively, you can always head out to local eateries, cafes, and beach shacks to relish in other cheap yet authentic local food. Score savoury meals for as low as S$13 and snacks for a dollar! Some must-try local eats include mas huni or bajiya — traditional dishes made with the freshest and healthiest ingredients.
Image credit: Visit Maldives
The Maldives’ cuisine, much like its way of life, is heavily dependent on the sea. This makes fish and other seafood an integral part of its food culture. Of course, in a tropical country like the Maldives, coconut is a staple ingredient integrated into most dishes and delicacies. Additionally, similarly to its culture and heritage, its traditional food draws up inspiration from Arab, Indian, and Sri Lankan cooking techniques and methods. That said, expect tons of flavourful and aromatic hearty meals to appease your hunger!
Also read: 6 Reasons Why the Maldives Should Be Your First Trip in 2022!
5. Snorkel the crystal waters of house reefs
Image credit: Visit Maldives
Below the Maldives’ crystal clear shores is an underwater kingdom waiting to be explored! Prepare to be mesmerised by colourful reefs, and playful aquatic species like sea turtles, manta rays, dolphins, and whitetip reef sharks. Here, you can witness the beauty of the country’s marine life when you snorkel or dive into its waters. It’s definitely a popular activity you need to tick off your Maldives bucketlist.
Image credit: Visit Maldives
Most of these ocean excursions can be availed through your accommodation for free, but some guesthouses and resorts will charge for safety gear and swimming equipment for at least S$50. You may not find many sea critters on these house reefs, but you’ll get to see beautiful corals and schools of fishes. Alternatively, a 3-point snorkeling tour gets you up close and personal with turtles, rays, and sharks for less than S$100.
Now, you know it’s absolutely possible to plan your dream getaway to the Maldives on a budget. Witness its natural wonders and exceptional beauty first-hand, and get the most bang for your buck with these tips in mind. What are you waiting for? See the sunny side of life today!
Brought to you by Visit Maldives.
