How to Travel Maldives on Budget

Maldives has been branded as a luxury destination for so long (and it is a luxury) that people around the globe is not aware of the options available for budget travellers or backpackers. This rare opportunities is not on market until recently that the tourism regulations revised to allow guest houses in islands where local citizens live. Since then hundreds of guest houses/ hotels has been built in various islands, and are supplemented with dozens of modern conveniences for the comfort of visitors.

If you are among one of them who bucket-listed Maldives for a dream holiday here are few things you should know

What you should have?

Maldives offer 30 day free on arrival tourist visa 

• You should have a valid passport with at least 6 month validity 
• should have a valid ticket to fly out of Maldives
• Have enough funds to cover expanses during the stay in Maldives 
• Have a booking conformation from the hotel/ guest house of your choice 

When to visit? 

Maldives is a year-around destination. You will surely fall in love with the Maldivian wether no matter when you visit. However depending on what you want to do here is a break-up of different seasons for you to consider. Surfers, Divers or those interested in sports fishing should consider the weather accordingly. It would be better you discuss all the details with a local agent/ hotel regarding the weather and the availability of certain activities. 

Low Season (May- Nov)

Storms and rain more likely, but weather warm and hotels at their cheapest. Prices rise for European summer holidays. Marine life is more varied in western sided of the atolls during this tie. 

Shoulder (Mar-Apr)

Great weather continues until the end of April, when temperatures at their hottest. Surf season begins in March and continues until October. Prices jump during easter. 

High season (Dec-Feb)

Maldives experience its best weather. Except little rain, low humidity and blue skies. Christmas and New Year involve huge price hike. 

Where to stay?

Choosing Maldives is easier, but deciding the island to stay might take sometime for you to research. Maldives is a thousand-island-country and almost all islands seems to be similar but in fact it is distinct. Each island has its distinct features and varies greatly in comfort and services they offer. So try to gather as many information as you can and choose wisely.

There isn't much information available about different islands. You could contact the hotel/ guest house and inquire the required information, the services they offer, facilities available and amenities in the island. But be cautious that some information provided by hotel may be misleading and I suggest to seek a local travel agent to inquire suitable destination. Travel agents will have better idea of various islands and hotels in different region and will probably provide you a better suggestion.

Other than where about of the island, you should also search for a suitable hotel. There could be dozens of hotels available on single island offering varied range of amenities and excursions.

Finding cheap accommodation 

If you are searching for super cheap accommodation Maldives isn't your choice. You may not find dorm rooms in Maldives however if you are trying to save on accommodation, try Airbnd. There are several rooms located in various islands available below $50.

Alternatively you can try agoda.com and booking.com where almost all hotels are listed. But the easiest way to find a cheap hotel is searching on HotelsCombined. Simply search Maldives along with the dates and the site will display a list of hotels with price. You can sort the list from lowest to highest.

How to reach the destination? 

Maldives is made up of thousands of isolated islands separated by sea. You should either take a boat or sea plan to reach your destination. Ferries running between islands operate during daylight so if you arrive Maldives in late evening, you might have to stay a night in Male' and travel to the island the next day.

Finding cheap transport 

You will find a cheap transport but the ferries run somewhat infrequent. Be sure to get the ferry schedule before you book the air fair. Alternatively, if you are in a hurry you can book a speed boat ferry for a little higher price.

Alcohol, bathing suites and public display of affection are illegal 

Maldives is a Muslim country where practicing other religions are strictly prohibited. Maldives follow Islamic Sharia law and consuming alcohol is illegal in all inhabited islands but you can find alcohol bars in resort islands and drinking there is allowed.

And be sure not to wear sea through clothing while you are in Male any inhabited islands. And females are advised to cover shoulder to knee while in the islands. Some islands offer tourist beaches where you can wear swimsuits.

Also note that when you are in village avoid hugging and kissing in order to respect the conservative muslim community.

One more thing 

Maldives is a tropical country. The sun sines over the nation throughout the year. There's never a better place than Maldives to have perfect tan. Its white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and the shining sun will surely amaze you, but be sure to take with you enough sun lotion.