As far as countries go, Maldives are hardly noticeable. It’s the Indian Ocean, to be precise. Maldives are situated 914 kilometers south of Kerala, India. Since Maldives are so small, finding them on a map might be challenging. Maldives may be small in land area, but they make up for it in natural splendor. That’s right, we said heavenly (or as close to heaven on earth as you can get). More than a thousand breathtakingly beautiful islands can be found in Maldives (only 200 of which are inhabited). Millions of people from all over the world have traveled to Maldives to enjoy the tranquility of this island paradise.
Maldives are often considered to have some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, and it’s easy to see why once you get there. Maldives is the place to go if you dream of visiting a tropical paradise with crystal clear water, powdery white sand beaches, and palm trees.
Destination: The Dreamy Maldives
Were we to suggest that Maldives is also a top spot for honeymooners? Maldives is the quintessential romantic vacation destination. For a relaxing getaway as a wedding couple, look no further than this gorgeous collection of islands and atolls. You can enjoy a variety of romantic pursuits in Maldives, including the following:
- Take your special someone for a romantic stroll on a deserted isle among the thousands of islets here.
- Imagine having dinner by candlelight in a luxurious seaside home as the sun sets.
- Indulge in a soothing massage as the sound of the ocean washes over you.
- Lie down and take in the sight of the sky full of stars until morning.
- At night, the bioluminescent sands of Vaadhoo Island’s starlit beach give the impression that you’re walking on the stars.
- Take a trip on a Dhoni boat to see dolphins in their natural habitat.
- The marine life off Meermu Island is a sight to behold.
Frugal Travel to Maldives: Some Suggestions
Maldives is not merely a place for luxurious resorts and private islands, despite popular belief. A common pitfall is focusing too much on luxury. But if you budget carefully and do some study beforehand, a trip to Maldives won’t break the bank. Here are some tips for visiting Maldives on a shoestring:
You need not hunker down in exclusive villas and secluded islands. Keep in mind that there are resorts in Maldives that are more reasonably priced. A night’s stay can cost as little as MVR780 (about RM210).
Take one of the free ferries. Most of the islands in Maldives are accessible via ferry from that port. The cost of a ticket to get from Male to Maafushi Island is only 56 Rufiyya (Or RM15). The ferry schedule should be checked in advance, as there are days when it does not run (no ferries on Friday)
Keep your eyes peeled for low-cost air travel options. A flight on AirAsia might cost as much as RM1000 (one-way-trip). However, with luck and forethought, you can find great deals on their website (even getting RM550 on a one-way trip). Likewise, you should be skeptical of their discount offers.
When Should I Go To Maldives?
Any trip might be ruined by unusually hot or cold weather. Spending a lot of money on a trip to Maldives means you should eliminate as many potential hassles as possible.
Although Maldives enjoys year-round sunshine, the months of November through April are the finest time to visit. Monsoon season in Maldives extends from May to October, with its peak occurring in June. If you want to see more sun and fewer clouds on your next trip to Maldives, plan accordingly.
Plan Your Maldives Trip Accordingly
In all likelihood, your first thought of Maldives would be that it is just another beach resort. The reality, however, is far different. Maldives are unrivaled as a tropical paradise. Even if it doesn’t have any very spectacular entertainment options, you can rest assured that wherever you go, you’ll find peace and quiet. Whether you just want to relax on the sand or engage in some aquatic sports, Maldives is a great place to do so with a picture-perfect backdrop. Some activities in Maldives include:
Dive sites in Maldives will make you feel like you’re in a different universe. Vilamendhoo Island Resort is renowned as an excellent diving destination (located at the South Ari Atoll). Only 25 minutes from Male International Airport (via seaplane). In addition, a select resort offers scuba divers the chance to swim alongside manta rays and whale sharks.
North Male Atoll is the place to find clean, gnarly waves that reach heights up to the head. To the extent that you get there, you can see waves crashing close to the coast. In addition to the Southern and Western Atolls, the Central Atolls are well-known for producing exceptional waves.
You can give paddleboarding a try. Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is a growing sport in Maldives, where participants enjoy the warm waters and dazzling blues of the Indian Ocean.
Maldives is a great place to go dolphin watching. To see dolphins in their natural habitat, visit Muli Channel in the Meemu Atoll. In spite of its proximity to only two resorts, Muli Channel is well-known for its lively dolphin activities. If you want to meet some dolphins, the best times to do so are early in the morning (between 9 and 10:30 a.m.) and late in the day (between 3:30 and 5 p.m.).
Maldives Menu Plan
Maldives’ cuisine is known for its delicious seafood. In Maldives, fish is the staple food. Food in Maldives, from breakfast to dinner to late-night munchies, will satisfy your appetite and make your stay there a pleasant one. When in Maldives, be on the watch for these particular dishes:
Smoked tuna is shredded for use in Mas Huni, a meal that also includes onion, coconut, lemon, and chili for heat. One common accompaniment to Mas Huni is a flatbread (known as Roshi)
Banana flower salad, or Boshi Mashuni, is its English name. Boshi Mashuni, a salsa-salad hybrid made from shredded banana flowers, is a delicious combination. Banana blossom topped with fresh coconut, unique spices, and a dash of Maldivian heat. If you want to give the meal a little extra kick, squeeze some lime into it.
Garudhiya, a clear fish soup typically served with rice, is made from tuna.
You may also eat well on the cheap on the streets of Maldives.
What You Need to Know About Maldives
- Maldivian rial is the country’s official currency (MVR)
- Malé, the capital,
- Spoken Languages: Dhivehi
- The time zone is 5 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.
To make a call, dial +960.