Travelling The Maldives

Travelling the Maldives, you won’t be disappointed.

Table Of Contents

• When to travel the Maldives
• Getting there & around
• Cost of travelling the Maldives 
• Accommodation
• Food and drink
• Health & Safety
• Our trip reviews
• Arrival at Male airport
• Himmafushi
• Maaffushi
• Hulhumale
• Tips and trusted affiliates we use for our dreams
• Good to know
• Travel memories

When travelling to the Maldives?

December through to April signals peak season in the Maldives, with higher prices and more visitors but the lowest rainfall; average temperatures of 28°C.

Storms roll in from May to August, signalling the start of the monsoon. Days are humid and hotter (temperatures often low-30°Cs). June is the wettest month.

September, October and November are still wet and humid, though conditions gradually start to improve.

Remember, to check your Maldive travelling forecasts, however anytime is a great time to travel to the Maldives

Getting there & around

British Airways flies Gatwick-Male direct three times a week. Flight time is around ten hours; return fares from £814. Sri Lankan Airlines flies Heathrow-Male via Colombo; Emirates flies Gatwick-Male, via Dubai. Tourandtakein uses Skyscanner and Momondo for pricing and pricing alerts.

Getting around requires considerable effort and can be often expensive.

Maldivian Air Taxi offers transfers and special photography flights across the country if you have the cash, however, tourandtakein.com have prepared for the Maldives travel on a budget, using such firms as Airbnb and also using the experience we have gained throughout our travels.

Cost of travelling in the Maldives

The remoteness of most islands makes the Maldives an expensive destination, particularly in the pricey resorts where an evening meal can easily cost £100.

Male is significantly cheaper (dinner around £10) but please note that restaurants outside the resorts are alcohol-free and often have a more Maldavian experience than the resorts as you are surrounded by the local community.

You can travel the Maldives on a budget or really dent your bank account.

Accommodation in the Maldives

Maldive travellers who want to spend some time on terra firma are spoilt for choice – there are more than 100 resorts in the Maldives.

Kurumba (North Male Atoll) was the first resort to open in the Maldives in 1972 and continues to offer luxury with a more modest price tag. B&B doubles from £153. We have travelled and stayed at homestays on many islands for £18 per night per room.

Splash out at luxurious Naladhu (South Male Atoll), one of the most exclusive resorts and popular with the A-list. Each of the 19 ‘houses’ boasts a private infinity pool, outdoor rainforest shower and private butler. B&B rooms from £616pn. One day, a bit out of our budget:)

You will find they’re many books/brochures on the subject of the Maldives travelling in guesthouse/hotels etc.

Food & drink in the Maldives

Maldivian cuisine is unsurprisingly seafood-heavy and laden with spices. Garudhiya (a clear fish soup sometimes served with the head) and bis riha (an egg curry in a turmeric and coconut milk sauce) are especially popular.

Expect international cuisine in the resorts. You can choose from a variety of cuisines on the local islands, ranging from $10 upwards.

Health & safety travelling the Maldives

Whilst travelling the Maldives is a very safe country. Petty crime in Male, such as pickpocketing, is the biggest worry. Recent years have seen sporadic political riots in the capital, nothing to worry about though, as locals usually don’t involve foreigners.

Malaria is not a problem but mosquito repellent is advised, we found on our travels, this wasn’t a big issue, however, take care against it, remember prevention is always the best medicine, heatstroke and cutting yourself on sharp coral. whether it be in the sea or on the beaches must be taken into consideration.

Caught out with my flipflops walking on Hulhumale beach and kicked a rock with my big toe, needed stitches, luckily no infection.

Arrival at Male airport on the first trek of your Maldives travels

Well flying into this paradise, the view was priceless, have your camera ready if you can and near a window seat, remember though airlines are now not keen on cameras as they are connected to smartphones and frequency, so they may tell you to put them away.

Trans Maldivian ( Male to resort via seaplane),

When I flew into Male airport, I did not think ( bad judgement ) I would need to show a return ticket to immigration as not many countries ask to see a return ticket and I don’t usually know my destination and when I will be leaving until I’m settled, seen, felt, touched, tasted and heard the place I’m visiting and I don’t know whether I will extend my visa or not. The risk I take, however, there are websites where you can buy a non-existent return ticket.

I don’t recommend this avenue as it could get you detained if they had the means to investigate or barred from entering the country. But I know many travellers, who like me, don’t know where they will be next and when to use this method, some go to the extremes of buying a ticket and cancelling it as soon as they can.

So on arrival, I was asked to show my return ticket – Opps, they don’t have any tour operators within the small airport open at this time, so they mentioned if you don’t find a return ticket, no entry, in front of a large audience, who were queuing for a stamp.

Quite embarrassing and frustrating for the queue behind me. WHY DO ALL THE PLANES LAND AT ONCE?

The only problem was that my smartphone was nearly out of battery and I needed time.

So the immigration offer put me in touch with another officer, while I bought a ticket after unloading my laptop from my suitcase and then he decided to give me a full lecture on why I needed a return ticket before I went through immigration a second time.

Not only was I really tired from a nights flight, but I also didn’t really need a shakedown on a lecture on how to spend more money on an overpriced return ticket. ( My fault entirely, so be pre-warned, a return ticket is a must .) I should have read my Maldives travel guides more efficiently.

What’s more, when I was on the islands and after speaking with many locals, I had decided that I may like to see Sri Lanka and India, the neighbouring countries, however, my return ticket was for Malaysia, so extra cost and inconvenience. We do learn lessons:)

Welcome to paradise! Part and parcel of travelling on a regular basis but annoying at times and in some countries this is done for some tea money.

Tip: Always be humble rather than have a bulldog approach, you’re in their country! The laws you know, don’t exist at times in some of the world’s countries…

After a night in Male, I got a speedboat to Himmafushi on our Maldive travels

Himmafushi

Population: Approx 1500.

Language: Maldivian and English.

Beaches: Main one for tourists bikini beach and the best one for a good swim, clear and clean water, a few rocks walking in!

Health: There is a small pharmacy which also seems to be the only place where you can buy suncream:) The girl speaks good English. There is also a health centre for small accidents, major accidents you will need to get sea ambulance or visit Male.

Rentals: I stayed at a lovely guesthouse with 4 rooms and bathrooms, a shared kitchen, garden, very pleasant and reasonable booked by AirBnB Raalhu lodge.

Trips: Ask at the Marina, daily speedboats and one ferry per day for your Maldives travelling!

Always advisable to ask your homestay for most things as they will help you and will want to help you.

Shopping: You can buy from half a dozen tourist shops, souvenirs, t-shirt, water equipment etc.

There are about 6 little small shops selling the daily things if your self-catering and around 6 small restaurants with pricing ranging from 30 Maldivian Rufiyaa, which is 15 to the dollar as I write.

PLEASE, PLEASE bring some money or you will be returning via speedboat to your nearest ATM @ Male. I changed Dollars in the airport from Ringgit and also used the ATM for their currency, as dollars are acceptable!

I also divided all my money/credit cards into separate compartments, socks, shoes etc..Been there done that and lost my wallet with everything in.

How to get there: Many speedboats per day and usually one ferry, be careful when booking everything though, as Fridays in Male seem non-existent, nothing opens really opens till 2 pm and then most cafes, restaurants stay shut, hotels are a saviour though. So less transportation on this day. Fridays are prayer days and women are allowed to attend on the same day!

Took me a couple of days to settle and feel at ease as many people just wander about their business and hang out on the streets at night. It’s a place where everybody seems to know each other but they don’t seem to acknowledge each other apart from their neighbours.

You see very few women and the men seem to have that Maldivian look like each other. Tanned, same dress style, haircut etc.

The local fishing market

Please hit the link to see the Tuna fishermen bring them to shore, cut them to see their quality, weigh, tag and freeze them.

Many Indians and Sri Lankans were in the Maldives travelling, which is the neighbouring countries, are over here working and plenty of buildings going up, but not noise central like major cities. There are a couple of mosques on the island, call to prey only seems to last 10 mins though. Which is a blessing after experiencing Batam!

Overall I can see this place being well developed in 10 yrs and much more sustainable through tourism.

However many major hoteliers have their own islands, resorts, where the rich and famous are catered for and indulgence is just a George Washington away, so I guess it won’t lose its Maldivian charm.

Himmafushi bikini beach where u can enjoy the beautiful Maldives beach and the house reef to experience a great snorkelling experience, which is just a paddle away. Maldives travel is the ultimate paradise.

Maafushi

From Himmifushi I had to go back to Male for the trip to Maafushi, so bear that in mind. Set off again from Male opposite Ceylon Bank on a certain speedboat which the hotel mentioned they had booked me on, they couldn’t find me though. I’m starting to think the hotels just say they have to reassure you🙂.

Cost for speedboat 20 bucks after being asked, tourist or worker.

Population: 8000

Health: Pharmacies and health centres available.

Atm: Bank of Maldives in the middle of the island, next door to the police station and health centre.Just a short walk from the islands prison if you are visiting.

Rentals: We stayed at the Kurumba Villa, plenty of new hotels developing, you could actually arrive and find somewhere, however, don’t get caught out as prices range from £35 per night for small guesthouses upwards.

Stayed for around 11 nights, clean, quiet and the lads that run it will help you with everything. Walking distance for everywhere, at the bottom of the road, turn left, Beechwood does a fantastic evening buffet $10. The only downside, if you work online BRING a data card for a hotspot or tethering for your Maldives travels!

Maafushi half-day snorkelling trip to Sandbanks, Biyaadhoo Reef, Maavilaathu and dolphin watching.

After the snorkelling, it was time to do some work, the only problem is the lack of internet in a quiet space, which I need.

The guesthouse I’m staying at had a very poor bandwidth and it keeps dropping its signal, which I can’t afford to do in-between lessons.

So I had to use my data card, unfortunately, though, this only had 7 days on it as it was a  tourist sim card which cost $20 and a return to Male was needed, so I was told for a top-up. I did find another service supplier on the island for Oppo but they don’t supply the sim cards only the data via sending it to you.

So I had to work on and off. Not a bad experience though being in paradise and putting work on hold.

I’m now in the process of after much messing about and speaking to several people, hopefully topping it up online.

(Found out it’s a no go as it’s a tourist sim card, not a standard one. ) . It is now Coming up to Christmas 2019, so I decided to take a bit more time off and see the island. Downsides, do have upsides while travelling! Welcome to travelling the Maldives.

Bikini Beach is another one named the same as the other islands, same, same but different, which is the theme of Thailand. 6 in total!

The Maldives is a dream for so many travellers, and for many of them, a visit here is a once-in-a-lifetime getaway.

With crystal-clear waters, pristine beaches, amazing snorkelling, and iconic overwater bungalows, the Maldives lives up to its hype.

You should know that the true all-inclusive resorts are here around the local islands (which may put a dent in both your wallet, however it will surely pamper your dreams).

Every resort usually offers an all-inclusive option that includes at least wine and beer, though almost all of them provide far more — cocktails, champagne, sunset cruises, and even spa treatments. So live a rock star and rock n roll if you can!

Don’t feel though that you can’t see how the other halves live, as the local islands also offer day trips to these inclusive resorts.

Well, it’s been a great 11 nights in Maafushi, time to head onto Hulhumale for 9 nights before Malaysia. Would I come again? A big yes!! Loved it, with its weather, great people, accommodation, infrastructure even though it’s still relatively new and its food!

Please try and support the local economy, it’s not as expensive as you’re led to believe. You won’t regret it and you will have memories for life…

Onward bound, next stop Hulhumale. On our Maldive travels

Hulhumale

Hulhumalé or Hulhulemale is a reclaimed island located in the south of North Male Atoll, Maldives. The artificial island was reclaimed to establish a new landmass required to meet the existing and future housing, industrial and commercial development demands of the Malé region

Travelling the Maldives is a blessing at times as you feel that you’re on a different planet.

We left Maafushi and travelled by speedboat to the airport terminal for another data card to be told another different story, that a tourist can buy a sim card from most shops in Male and Hulhmale:) This is true and at two dollars for the sim card purchased with your passport.

Went by ferry from the airport to Hulhumale @ a cost of a dollar and 20 min ride. Ferries are every ten minutes.

Arrived at my guesthouse the Dream Relax ad met with a mango juice and smile, just the wrong guest house and staying at their other guesthouse, so arrived there via their van and was met with another smile and another mango juice.

Great value to say you’re in the high season, approx 41 dollars a night with all their taxes. two blocks away from Beach Road. Travelling the Maldives, you don’t have to be on a rock stars salary:)

Alcohol: Alcohol is only permitted on Resorts or liveaboard vessels, no islands sell drink, as it’s a Muslim country. However, off the island of Maafushi, there is a party boat. 5 dollars a pop for Heineken for your Maldives travelling to enjoy yourself!

You possibly could bring your own for indoors, but no outdoor drinking.

Airport: Arriving passengers must fill in an immigration form and have a return flight and hotel booked, they are very strict on this and if you don’t have they will refuse your entry!

Animals: If you’re a dog lover, travelling the Maldives is probably not for you, unless you’re on a short break. Here is the list of Imports

Currency: The MVR is a non-convertible currency only available in the Maldives, they will accept dollars. So spend all your MVR before you leave as you can’t change it back! All credit cards are usually accepted and at the time of writing it was 15 MVR to a dollar.

Emergency Telephone numbers: Ambulance 102, Coast Guard 191, Fire 118 and Police 119

Read on to discover some basic words and phrases to use on your next Maldives adventure.

• Hello – Assalaamu alaikum.
• Yes – Aan.
• No – Noon.
• Please – Adhes kohfa.
• Thank you – Shukuriyaa.
• You’re welcome – Maruhabaa.
• Excuse me – Ma-aaf kurey.
• I’m sorry – Ma-aafu kurey.

Tips and trusted affiliates that we use to make all our dreams come true. 

Safety:

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Transport:

Planes: Trans Maldivian ( Male to resort ), Kiwi.com, Skyscanner: Make the entire planning and booking easy, simple and enjoyable from start to finish. To make sure you get the most for your money, and from your trip and to make it more transparent and deserving of your trust. ( We have saved hundreds over the years and even more so using a VPN.) 

Cruises: The Cruisedirect.com website is packed with information on all the major cruise lines, cruise ships and destinations.

Accommodation

Airbnb: Choose from over 6 million unique places to stay, Airbnb all types of spaces – from homes to boutique hotel rooms – all over the world. You can stay with a host or book a place of your own and what’s more, you can make a saving of around £34 by joining us on your first booking.

Booking.com Booking.com’s mission is to make it easier for everyone to experience the world.

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