Despite the general opinion, it is still possible to relax in the Maldives inexpensively. How much will it cost not only a budget vacation in small hotels and with the cheapest food, but also a luxury vacation, during which you can afford everything?
Island trip 2019
As a rule, tourists prefer to go to the Maldives on a tour, which, as is commonly believed, costs a lot. In fact, there are quite a few 5 * hotels that can offer service at a reasonable cost.
For example, it is possible to consider a stay in different hotels for a period of 2 people:
- breakfast included - 140,000 rubles or more (Gangehi Island Resort);
- half board - from 155,000;
– All inclusive - 290 thousand or more (Paradise Island Resort & Spa).
It should be borne in mind that this is the minimum cost. Most of the hotels still offer their services for 100 thousand or more.
Inexpensive holidays on the islands
Still, one should not think that holidays in the Maldives will be too cheap. Undoubtedly, if you spend a lot of time preparing and thinking about every detail of your vacation, you can save a lot. Still, the vacation will cost more than the more modest Vietnam or Indonesia.
Among the advantages of such a trip are the following:
- trips to other islands;
- all kinds of excursions around affordable prices;
- a lot of entertainment, including diving and snorkeling;
- delicious local kitchen and constant communication with local residents.
Among the disadvantages are the following:
- budget islands are far from being the resort islands that are depicted in advertising brochures;
Tickets for the islands in 2019
Tickets are considered the most expensive item on vacation. It is possible to fly to the Maldives for at least 25 thousand rubles in two directions. Promotions are held from time to time.
The cheapest flights from Moscow to Male for the year ahead
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By the way, it is possible to fly from Moscow the cheapest way. A fairly budget option is a flight from St. Petersburg. Here you will have to pay about 28 thousand for a ticket. It is even cheaper to fly from Kazan, the ticket will cost only 23 thousand rubles. True, such a flight provides for a transfer in Istanbul. You can also inexpensively fly from Ufa and Yekaterinburg, Voronezh and Novosibirsk, as well as other cities.
Inexpensive flights can be found on Aviasales.
The cost of housing, food and transport
If we talk about housing, then the minimum cost of a room in a hotel will cost from $ 30 per day. More often the rooms are rented from 40 to 60 dollars.
Popular hotels in Maldives
| Hotel | Stardom | A discount | Price per night, from | Select dates |
★★★★ | 15 479 9 106 | |||
Kurumba maldives | ★★★★★ | 32 530 17 341 | ||
Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi | ★★★★ | 16 028 14 076 | ||
Kuramathi Maldives | ★★★★ | 53 477 21 723 | ||
Isle Beach Inn at Maafushi | ★★★ | 6 914 6 374 | ||
Velassaru maldives | ★★★★★ | 30 569 12 618 | ||
Adaaran Prestige Vadoo | ★★★★★ | 46 698 35 381 | ||
Adaaran Club Rannalhi | ★★★★ | 22 048 12 097 | ||
Kuredu Island Resort & Spa | ★★★★ | 14 569 9 821 |
Travelers are better off eating in local cafes, where you will have to pay no more than $ 4 for a dish. In this case, vacationers will spend about $ 11 per day. More stylish and more expensive cafes offer meals for $ 4-7, restaurants - at least $ 5.
Vacationers should use local transport - small doni boats. You can get from the airport to Male by ferry, for which you will have to pay no more than $ 2.5. Ferries between the islands will be a little more expensive - $ 2-5.
Entertainment on the islands
Of course, the Maldives are famous for their water activities. One dive with diving equipment costs at least $ 6.5 here, snorkeling can be done for $ 10. There is also the opportunity to watch dolphins. A 2-hour tour for two will cost $ 35.
If you count, it turns out that a day two vacationers will spend 85 - 130 dollars with austerity. Then the trip for a week will be only $ 1,300.
A luxury holiday on the islands
Of course, you can spend many times more on the islands. Those who have such means often plan to fly to the Maldives on vacation. 2019 is going to be hot enough to please yourself. How much would such a trip cost?
Pompous paradise vacation on the islands evokes the imagination of exotic water bungalows, seductive jacuzzis in lonely island resorts. The humble water bungalows offer accommodation in the region of $ 200 - $ 600 per night. An example would be the All inclusive system, beloved by everyone, silence, a beautiful reef.
- Luxury water bungalows will cost at least $ 600 and go up to 900. Example -. A huge hut with a chic Jacuzzi, chic restaurants and modern bars, a delightful reef.
- Luxury 5 * hotels - starting from $ 900 and up to an infinite amount. A prime example is Cocoa Island Resort. Such a place will become a real paradise for newlyweds.
Lovers of secluded relaxation can go to. It is considered the best hotel on the islands. Accommodation here will cost at least 2,000 per day.
During the low season, prices drop significantly and can be almost 2 times lower than in the high season. It is best to go here in the off-season.
Transport cost
Tickets from Moscow for two will have to spend from 55 thousand rubles. On the islands themselves, it is best and most convenient to travel by seaplanes and speed boats. The pleasure of riding a seaplane will cost from $ 250 to $ 500 for a round trip. The same trip by boat - 70 - 650 dollars.
If we talk about entertainment, cruises are incredibly popular, which will cost from $ 150 per person per day. At the same time, it should be borne in mind that food and entertainment equipment costs separately. You can rent a snorkeling boat for as little as $ 30. Fishing on the islands will be $ 30- $ 70 per person.
Fans of delicious food should definitely visit the most popular restaurant on the islands Ithaa Undersea Restaurant. A hearty dinner for two will cost no less than $ 800. The cost of dinner in hotels that work with restaurants is cheaper. Only here tourists will also have to pay a tip - at least 10% of the order amount.
You can try to organize an independent trip and thereby save a certain amount, but you will definitely not be able to relax as cheaply as in Turkey or Bulgaria. The whole reason is a long and expensive flight. A direct flight lasts about 10-12 hours and there is a direct flight to the capital of the Maldives from Moscow. But a direct flight is not the best option for a budget traveler. To save money on the flight, you need to reconsider the offers of dozens of airlines (mainly Asian and Arab) and, perhaps, thus, you will be able to find a good option. Experienced tourists are advised to choose options with one or even two transfers. The cost is also influenced by the waiting time for the flight (connection). There are good options for flying to the Maldives from Sri Lanka. In any case, you need to spend more than one hour, and possibly more than one day. Simultaneously with choosing a flight, you need to select a hotel so that the dates coincide, and sometimes it is very difficult to do this.
The Maldives includes about 1200 islands, but only a few of them are very popular with tourists, and therefore prices on those islands are simply off scale. There are islands, which are predominantly inhabited by local residents recent times began to ask questions of the development of the tourism business. And it is precisely on such, not promoted, islands that you need to look for housing for yourself. In this case, we can talk about significant savings.
After tourists arrive at the airport of the capital of the Maldives, the city of Male, the first thing to ask is how to get to the desired island. In no case do not use the services of the so-called "water taxi", which will cost you a lot of money (100-200 dollars or more). Local residents do not use such transport and travel by ferries. Let it be much slower, but the fare does not exceed $ 2. Tourists can also travel with these ferries without any problems. If for some reason the ferry does not suit you or you are late for it, then for 30-50 dollars you can negotiate with private traders.
It makes no sense to go during the high season, since at such a time you can only dream of saving, but during the rainy season from May to October you can not only have a good rest, but also save a lot. Rains alternate with sunny days, so you don't have to sit in your room all the rest.
Prices for souvenirs, food and even ordinary drinking water are high only at popular, well-known resorts, while on the rest of the islands they are quite affordable even for an ordinary tourist. Since the Maldives is a Muslim country, a budget tourist can only dream of alcohol. The fact is that it is prohibited in the country, and it is also prohibited to import it. Alcohol can be found only in a few luxury hotels, but its price is cosmic there.
If the price of a souvenir bites, then you can try to bargain. Although not always, it helps. Excursions (especially sea ones) will have to be abandoned, since the price for them is too high. The only thing to try is to negotiate with someone local residents, but they themselves are well versed in prices and in how much you can earn on a tourist.
Whatever one may say, and when people talk about the Maldives, they immediately mean a resort where only rich people rest, but in fact, if you try hard, you can relax for relatively little money.
Relax on Maldives everyone dreams. But many do not even imagine how inexpensive it is to spend a vacation in paradise.
How to travel to Maldives cheap.
Let's start by saying that "cheap" is a relative term. Yet the Maldives archipelago is located on the other end of the earth. And you still have to fly there. And not by a cattle charter, but by a flight best airlines the world. So the ticket does not cost 5 rubles. And the composition always includes this very flight, and in independent travel you can't do without it.
You can catch inexpensive tickets. It's enough to follow the ones that I publish. I track them for myself.
Or subscribe to the abnormal price bot
But, if you do not have at least $ 1000 per person, then it is better to consider another destination for your vacation. However, what is 60 thousand rubles for summer vacation? Only "Baba Nyura's" in a barn in Crimea is cheaper. With amenities in the yard.
Moreover, almost half of this amount, approximately 25-30 thousand rubles, is the cost of air tickets. Therefore, the longer you travel, the cheaper, per day, your vacation costs.
Cheap Maldives Tours
To be honest, this is closer to the category of fantasy. About that, I already wrote. But miracles sometimes happen, though only in individual hotels, where tour operators redeem large blocks of places in advance. In such as
Sometimes others are added to them, but I definitely write about this.
In most cases, a budget trip to the Maldives is
Independent travel
Step-by-step planning instructions independent trip you can find .
Everything is clear with tickets. Cheap flights to Maldives can only be bought in advance by catching a sale. The closer to departure, the less chances.
The next step is choosing an island.
Which island to choose
You can draw a rhinestone circle with a radius of 100 km around. The atolls, which can be reached within this circle, are quite budgetary, and the transfer does not cost within $ 50.
Believe me, a budget vacation in the Maldives is great!
Snow white sand, gentle, warm waters Indian Ocean, the tropical sun is the same both in resorts and on local islands. The main thing is to carefully choose an island for your vacation.
Each of us strives to spend as little as possible on vacation and get as much as possible. It's okay, everyone does it. If speak about South-East Asia (Thailand, India, Indonesia, etc.), then we know that now you can have a very inexpensive vacation there. Housing affordability and sufficient low prices for entertainment make this region very attractive place for tourists from all over the world!
This statement did not apply until recently to the Maldives. Standing out of the way, the islands were considered a haven for big-budget tourists. Only about 5 years ago this changed, and now there is an opportunity relatively relax on a budget in the Maldives. The so-called Budget Maldives appeared.
Why relative? Because after all, the whole trip will cost, in general, more expensive than other regions of Asia, and there are many reasons for this. However, there are ways to save money in the Maldives. I'll tell you about them.
Flight
A direct flight to Male, the capital of the Maldives, takes about 9 hours and is operated by Aeroflot. Its cost is about $ 400 round trip! Not that much, I would say. Tickets can be bought from one of the aggregators or directly from the carrier. The flight is carried out 3 times a week:
Moscow - Male: Wednesday, Friday, Saturday. Departure at 22.50 from Sheremetyevo, arrival at 9.35 (local time) at the International Airport. Ibrahim Nazira on the island of Hulhumale (near Male).
Male - Moscow: Thursday, Saturday, Sunday. Departure at 11.15 (local time) from International airport them. Ibrahim Nazir on Hulhumale island, arrival at Sheremetyevo at 18.30.
If possible, choose a window seat. A wonderful view of the islands opens up from above!
Residence
A budget vacation in the Maldives includes accommodation not in "star" hotels, but in guest houses. In fact, these are the same hotels, but smaller in size, cost and lack of official stars. Here you don't overpay for the brand. The cost depends on the location of both the guest house itself and the remoteness of the island from the capital.
How to choose a guest house?
The choice of a guest house begins after choosing a suitable island.
You can read about how to choose the right local island and not be disappointed in the post.
When choosing a guest house, consider the following:
- the island on which it is located, and the number of guest houses on it. Different islands have different taxes. Therefore, be prepared for the fact that 20-22% of the original amount will need to be added to the final cost. Prices and taxes in the Maldives are a separate topic. You can read in more detail.
Reviews on Tripadvisor, Booking, Agoda. The most adequate and complete - on Tripadvisor, and pay attention, first of all, to the negative ones.
The date of the guest's placement on booking or Tripadvisor. New guest houses that do not yet have reviews or ratings usually have lower cost of living than those that already have an established reputation. But in this case, there is, albeit a small, chance of stumbling upon the inadequacy of the staff. However, I have not heard of such cases.
The cost of living varies from $ 50 to $ 200 per day. You can try to find options for $ 20-30 on AirBnB, but without a separate shower, air conditioning, and perhaps even without a separate room. Don't expect accommodation prices to drop dramatically over the next couple of years.
"Why so expensive?" - you ask, because in Thailand you can find accommodation for $ 20-40 per day. There are many reasons for this. The main ones are:
- high cost of electricity... It is generated by a diesel generator that supplies the entire island with electricity. Diesel still needs to be bought somewhere and delivered to the island.
- high cost building materials , which are necessary for the construction of a guest house. It is clear that the owners are trying to recoup the cost of the building as soon as possible.
- high cost of drinking water... All the water that flows in the taps on the islands is rainwater, so there is little of it and it is not cheap. By the way, it is not advisable to drink it, it is better to buy a bottled
- tourism taxes... Another item of expenses for the owners of guest houses, which affects the cost and which cannot be avoided. And since October 2016, a new Green Tax is introduced, which is $ 3 per person per day.
- competition among guest houses. It is clear - the more competition on the island, the lower the prices. Many local islands only have 3-5 guest houses, so they set prices whatever they want. With the development of the transport network between the islands, this will change over time.
Where to book a guest house?
It would seem that the answer is obvious - through Booking, Agoda, etc. There are often discounts and it is more profitable to book there. All this is true, but different rules apply for guest houses in the Maldives (at least for the most advanced ones).
All of the aggregator sites above charge their percentage of the booking on these sites (about 15%). Therefore, to get additional discount, find out the cost of excursions, etc., it is better to contact the guest directly.
Another important point. Only accommodation can be booked on booking, and excursions and meals can be paid on the spot. Therefore, some guest houses offer to buy a package of services from them at once. It includes accommodation, excursions, meals and transfers. It is very profitable, you can save up to $ 400! If the guest house on the website does not have information about the package, feel free to ask them.
The lowest prices for accommodation are May-September, the highest are December-March.
Food
The Maldives is not a cheap country, I think you have already seen this. Along with housing, food is one of the main expenses. The country imports almost everything, so the cost of products is quite high.
Each guest house has its own mini restaurant with local and continental cuisine. If, when booking, you say that you also need food (lunch or dinner), then it will cost $ 10-15 per person. In the case of payment on the spot - depending on what you order, but usually more than the above amount.
For children from 2 to 11-12 years old, there is usually a discount on meals in the guest house, check this point with the manager.
You can also catch crabs that swarm on the beach after sunset and ask them to cook them on the grill. The locals themselves do not eat this for religious reasons.
Almost every island has cafes for the locals, where you can taste Maldivian cuisine at quite reasonable prices. For example, a main course and fresh juice will cost $ 7-12. The only negative is that all dishes are very spicy. You can read about the dishes.
Activity
Everyone chooses for themselves the type of vacation on the islands: active or beach. The second, of course, is cheaper, but you will not be able to fully enjoy all the beauty of the Maldives. But this is not only white beach, bright sun and turquoise water.
The amazing underwater world will leave unforgettable experience about the Maldives!
In general, the list of activities, depending on the island, changes little. Does it mean that, for example, diving on one island is better than on another? - No. Each island and its surroundings are unique in their own way, so it makes no sense to compare.
Let's consider the main activities on the islands:
- Fishing... There are several types of fishing: morning (from $ 20), daytime (from $ 20), evening (from 35 $), night(from 35 $), big game fishing ("Hunting for large fish" from $ 100). They all differ in cost and in what kind of fish you are going to catch. Evening and night fishing are the most expensive ones. at this time, the chance to pull out large fish increases significantly!
The caught fish can be prepared in the kitchen of your guest house (prepared by the chef). And it won't cost you anything! But first agree with the manager so that there are no problems.
- Snorkeling... The most popular and simplest type of activity, which in many cases will cost you free of charge. Why? Because there is a house reef near the islands where you can swim at any time. However, the most interesting points are located outside the house reefs, and you need to get there by boat. The cost of such a trip starts at $ 20 and includes visiting at least 4 different points. The trip itself lasts 3 hours. This time is more than enough, believe me.
I set off on a similar journey to Rasda. On that day there was a noticeable roughness of the ocean, but everything was calm under the water, and the water itself was as clear as on ordinary days. We were taken to the outside of the reef, and the current is really felt there! I recommend this activity for those who have chosen exclusively beach vacation without unnecessary body movements.
On different islands, depending on the season, you may also be offered snorkeling with manta rays, turtles or whale sharks. The cost is about the same.
- Diving... Thousands of divers from all over the world visit the Maldives every year to enjoy the unique underwater life. The clean, clear and warm water of this place makes diving accessible to everyone. Almost every island has one or more dive centers. The cost of services there differs little from each other, but it will be cheaper in the one to which your guest house is attached, but this is not an axiom.
If you do not have any experience or a certificate at all, then you will be offered to take a beginner course. You will dive with an instructor. The cost of such a dive starts at $ 70 (the cost depends on the island). For more experienced divers with a certificate, the dive price starts at $ 30 (the price includes a guide, boat and equipment), in groups it is cheaper.
- Picnic island... There are tiny uninhabited islands near many of the local islands, where tourists are taken daily. Usually for the whole day. The cost starts at $ 30. This includes boat transfers, barbecue and refreshments.
Some islands offer the Robinson Crusoe service. The bottom line is that you are taken to a desert island and left there alone for the night. Issue price - $ 300 (including tent and dinner). I saw this only on.
- Visiting resorts... There are resorts near many of the local islands. But not all of them can be visited with a guided tour. This is due to the rules on them. However, for a fee (starting at $ 25, but the usual cost around $ 100) you can visit this luxurious place. The price includes transfer, food and drinks, alcohol. Overnight stays or spa treatments are available at an additional cost.
On some islands, for example, it is possible to book a day trip to 3 different resorts and it will cost $ 150-200.
- Walk with dolphins and romantic dinner for two... The first one starts at $ 30 and includes a boat and drinks. The trip itself is usually evening, at sunset.
A romantic dinner can be either on the beach or on the territory of a guest house, or on a desert island (if there is one nearby). This dinner will cost you from $ 90. You can ask the manager to take a photo of you, this will not affect the cost.
I have highlighted only the main activities and excursions, in addition to this, you can still be offered water skiing, jet ski rental, kayak rental (a great opportunity to see the whole island), sailing catamaran ride, etc. Upon request, you will be sent a price list with all these services.
The cost of activities strongly depends on the island and on the guest house, while there is no single standard and everyone offers something of their own to the best of their ability. Maldivians love to bargain, so feel free to ask for discounts!
Transfer
Perhaps the biggest obstacle to the development of local tourism is the transfer between the islands. Despite the fact that he is regular, he does not walk often. The situation is gradually changing, but it is still far from perfect.
In this regard, the cost for this service is very different depending on the type of transport you choose. Let's consider the possible options.
— Private or public ferry... The cheapest, but slowest type of transfer. Its cost ranges from $ 3 to $ 10. Travel time from 1.5 hours to 10 hours. Not in a hurry at all, right? On this moment not all islands can be reached by ferry, the only way to remote islands is local airlines, they will be discussed further.
Another advantage of this transport is that within the same atoll, you can go to neighboring local islands in the morning and return back in the evening.
— Speed \u200b\u200bboat... Runs between the islands on schedule. At the moment, there are not many routes between the capital and the local islands. Over time, of course, there will be more of them. This transfer costs $ 40-120 depending on the island. Travel time is no more than 2 hours. A kind of walk with a breeze. Some routes can be viewed on this website. The presence of others is better to check with guest houses.
— Hydroplane... Fast, but not at all cheap transfer. It is usually provided for those planning their trip to the resort. Its cost starts at $ 250 per person, while there are certain luggage limits. Travel time is 20-40 minutes. Another advantage is that you can enjoy the magnificent Maldivian views from a low altitude! This shuttle is available upon request and is only operated during daylight hours in normal weather.
— Local airlines... Currently, 11 airports have been built in the Maldives (7 local and 4 international). There is a constant air connection between them. Some remote islands, such as Gan or, can only be reached local airlines... The transfer cost depends on where you book your ticket. If through a guest house, it will be cheaper, because they have an agreement with air carriers. Such a flight will cost $ 200-400 round trip.
— Private boat... Each guest house provides a speedboat upon request. The cost of the trip starts from $ 500 per boat. This type of transfer is beneficial if you are a group and do not want to wait for the ferry.
In general, now you can get to almost any Maldivian island using one or several types of transfer. The only question is the price.
Also, do not forget that by fridays there are no ferries or speedboats (but not all islands). If it so happened that you arrived that day, then the simplest and cheapest solution would be to stay overnight in Male.
Other expenses
This includes souvenirs, groceries in stores, mobile communications and the Internet.
- Souvenirs... How can you visit the Maldives and not buy some trinket? If you choose a shop with souvenirs in Male or on local islands, then I prefer the latter. There are several such places on each local island. Souvenirs there are very different, mainly from wood, coconut with elements of fish bones and shark teeth. A simple magnet will cost $ 1-2. Shop owners make many souvenirs on their own.
In one of them, I asked the owner to paint me a T-shirt, and he gladly agreed! At the same time, he did not take anything from above. They are willing to make contact and, upon your request, can make an individual souvenir. Well, do not forget that you need to ask for a discount.
- Products in stores... There are usually several grocery and hardware stores on the islands. In the first, you can buy fruits, juices, sweets, etc. Prices are quite normal and on average correspond to ours (in dollar terms). The assortment also pleasantly surprises you, don't be intimidated by the slightly disordered arrangement of goods, this is the norm for them.
Both rufiyaa and dollars are accepted. Exchange rate 1 $ \u003d 15 rufiyaa.
- Mobile communications and internet... In most cases, the Internet on the territory of guesthouses is free, but the speed leaves much to be desired. It is enough for messengers, but there can be problems with Skype. Alternatively, you can purchase a SIM card from one of the three Maldivian operators. 2 GB of Internet will cost $ 20-30. Another option is to rent a modem from one of the Internet providers, the cost is about the same.
It is best to resolve this issue immediately upon arrival. not every island has operator and provider offices.
Conclusion
So, from all that has been said, the following conclusions can be drawn:
- The cheapest and fastest way to fly is Aeroflot.
- Book your guest house directly. If possible, buy a package, it will be cheaper.
- The cheapest accommodation during the low season from May to September.
- Alternate meals in the guest house and in local cafes.
- When ordering several excursions, ask for a discount.
- The cheapest but slowest transfer between the islands is the ferry.
- It is better to buy souvenirs on local islands rather than in Male. You can negotiate a discount.
- total cost budget vacation in the Maldives starts at $ 2000 for two.
Budget vacation in the Maldives. How to save?
5 5 votes
The Maldives has recently become popular tourist resort... First resort hotel was built in the Maldives in 1973.
But a few years ago, cheap guesthouses opened, and we were among the first to organize our own holidays to the Maldives cheapand has ceased to be a pipe dream for us.
Good to know:
However, until now, many budget travelers do not know that it has become possible to travel to the Maldives inexpensively. For some reason, it is believed that holidays in the Maldives are available only to the rich and the stars, and that the prices for tours are insanely high, but this is now far from the case! Today, everyone can go without the help of a travel agency, although you need to prepare a little.
Related article:
I would like to dispel the rumors that the Maldives is boring and nothing to do. This is not true, since even at the local level there is a large selection of different ones for vacationers. And even despite the strict inherent in a Muslim country, it seemed to both of us that most of the Maldives are quite friendly, welcoming and happy to talk a little with foreigners in English (with the exception of married women).
Now I will tell you in detail how to relax in the Maldives cheap!
Cheap hotels in Maldives
The first thing to note is that there are no super cheap housing options in the Maldives. You won't find $ 5 hostels (like) or a $ 10 bamboo bungalow (like) here. Coming with a tent is also not an option, as there are no campgrounds in the Maldives, unlike. And coaching is practically undeveloped here. So there are only inexpensive, but very cozy guesthouses, the choice of which is quite large, and they almost all have the status of a 3-star hotel.
For just $ 45-70 per day you will get a clean, modern and spacious room with comfortable furniture, air conditioning, hot shower, free breakfast, snorkeling mask and fins, cold drinking water, daily cleaning and fairly fast Wi-Fi internet up to 10 MB /from. Almost all guesthouses on different islands are quite good, and their friendly owners do their best to make the rest in the Maldives interesting and memorable for guests.
Related article:
More than 50 islands in the Maldives offer affordable accommodation options, each of which is unique and different from the rest. So if you hear somewhere that all the islands there are the same, do not believe in any case. It is better to visit several islands, stopping at each one for a few days, and make sure that they are all very beautiful and unique.
One of the very first guesthouses in the Maldives - Summer Villa
Here are 5 cheap Maldives hotels we recommend for your beach holiday:
- Cheap hotel on the island of Ukulhas, for a relaxing holiday (price from $55 ) — Coral Reef View Inn
- Most best hotel on Guli Island, half an hour from Male (from $70 ) — Tropic tree
- Highly rated cheap hotel on Dhiffushi Island (from $60 ) — Rashu Hiyaa
- Cozy guesthouse on the huge island-plantation Toddu (from $50 ) — Thoddoo retreat
- The most distant new hotel from Male on Dhigurah Island (from $60 ) — Dhiguveli
Useful advice: If you have a very small budget, then we advise you to book a hotel in the Maldives cheap on those islands where there is a public ferry. It is the cheapest form of public transport in the Maldives (it only costs a few dollars or even less than $ 1 like a ferry to). But the islands in the distant atolls can only be reached by plane or seaplane, the flight of which will cost $ 300-700.
Read our descriptions of nearby islands in the Maldives and how to get there from the airport:
It's important to know: whole public transport in the Maldives does not go on Fridays, so plan yours with this factor in mind so as not to stay in for an extra day. However, if this cannot be avoided, keep in mind that you can spend a cheap night near the airport on the island for only $ 50-60 (breakfast and transfer are usually included in the price).
About taxes and fees on Mallive you need to know in advance in order to correctly calculate your budget and not be in an awkward position. When you book a hotel, be sure to pay attention to how much you will have to pay in addition to the indicated price:
- VAT at 12%
- Environmental fee per person per night - $ 3-5
- 10% service charge
- Transfer payment for each person
That is, if you find cheap room in a guesthouse for 50-60 dollars, then you will have to pay an additional $ 20-25 per day for two, plus a transfer.
Examples of hotel prices in the Maldives:
You can find the cheapest food in the Maldives in the grocery stores that are on every local island. Buying various fruits, cereals, groceries, snacks and other products there, you can cook yourself, keeping within 5-7 dollars per person per day. You can have a snack in a cafe-restaurant for locals for 3-5 dollars. And lunch and dinner at the guesthouse will cost an average of 10-15 dollars.
In hotels and guesthouses, food is usually tasty and varied, although you will not find a single pork dish here.
- Breakfast is usually offered with a choice of continental, American and traditional Maldivian.
- Lunch and dinner - à la carte or a buffet for all guests, based on boiled rice and vegetable curry.
- The main hit is fried or baked fish, which, depending on the size, are divided into several people.
- There are often delicious tuna-based snacks, many fish dishes.
- There are quite a few vegetarian options such as fried rice with vegetables, hot curries and roshe, fried or stewed vegetables, and fresh fruits.
The rule is: the smaller the island on which you are going to rest, the more expensive food will be there due to the lack of competition. By the way, if you don't like the way they feed in your hotel, you can always go to your neighbors for lunch or dinner, paying extra.
Most vacationers in the Maldives take part in sea excursions, snorkeling or scuba diving. Budget tourists - not an exception. But when it comes to cheap Maldives, a lot depends on the cost of entertainment and how much you are willing to spend on them from your budget. .
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The easiest way to go on a boat trip is to book it in your guesthouse or hotel. The same goes for. However, before making a decision, ask about prices in other places, including neighboring hotels, because it may be more convenient and cheaper there! Be sure to find out about its duration and what is included in its cost (and in the case of diving - how many spots you will visit and how many dives there will be), and then determine for yourself whether you want to pay extra for any special conditions, as well as lunch and water, or you can limit yourself to a minimum set of services.
- Read about how we went to watch dolphins in the sea.
Sea excursions are one of the most interesting things to do in the Maldives
Good to know: each guesthouse offers special types of excursions in the Maldives: spend a whole day alone on a desert island in the middle of the sea, go to a picnic island or take an excursion to (resort excursion), where for only 10% of the cost of living on it you can sunbathe on its beaches and swim with other vacationers, and do a lot beautiful photos for memory. We have tried each of them and we recommend that you definitely use them so that you have an even more experience of your trip to the Maldives.
Most often, tourists in the Maldives pay for all services when leaving in dollars, but this is not profitable because of the exchange rate difference, reaching 5-10%. Moreover, when paying by card, the amount will increase by another 3-5% due to non-cash payment and conversion, so better to pay in cash... Paying for the ferry, as well as buying souvenirs and food in shops and paying in restaurants on local islands is also cheaper in local currency -.
Therefore, take cash dollars with you to the Maldives, and if you change them in advance for rufiyaa in Malé banks immediately after arrival (there are usually no banks on the islands, and the exchange rate is unprofitable), then in the end, payment for food and services will be cheaper for you up to 10%. However, it should be borne in mind that it can be quite difficult to exchange the rufiyaas left after the rest for dollars when flying home from the Maldives, since not all banks agree to do this.
During the year in the Maldives, due to monsoons, two seasons are pronounced: low and high. Basically, they differ in the weather, although lately, due to climatic changes around the planet, it is rather difficult to predict in advance what it will be during your trip. But it is beautiful all year round!
Nevertheless, it is cheapest to vacation in the Maldives in late spring, summer and early autumn, when hotel prices fall by half to two times compared to winter. At this time, despite intermittent rains, there are still more sunny days than cloudy ones, it is warm outside and a refreshing breeze blows. But the hotels have few guests and are quiet, the beaches are free, and excursions and entertainment will not get away from you.
And such - at the height of the tourist season
