Ultimate Budget Maldives Vacation : A Complete Travel Guide

The 1000+ islands of the Maldives are every island hopper’s dream destination thanks to the stunning blue waters of the Indian Ocean, diverse marine life, luxurious villas, and the country’s rich history. If you’re looking to plan a once-in-a-lifetime vacation to this tropical paradise, then we’ve got you covered in this detailed and information-packed blog post. This Maldives travel guide will cover visas, accommodations, best time to visit, SIM card applications, activities, and more of what you need to know for your Maldives adventure!

If you’re curious about our travel itinerary and budget breakdown for this trip, keep reading until the end of this blog post. Happy browsing!

Where are the Maldives located?

The Maldives is a small country comprising over 1,000 islands to the south of India and Sri Lanka, on the edge of the equator in the Indian Ocean. The archipelago is surrounded by the Laccadive Sea, containing some of the most beautiful islands, as well as cities for access such as Addu City and the capital, Malé.

Our Maldives trip took us primarily to Maafushi Island, one of the inhabited islands on the Kaafu Atoll. It’s one of the best-known tourist destinations which is why it is known as the leading Local Tourism Island of the Maldives.

How To Get a Maldives Visa

Good news! The Maldives offers a FREE 30-day tourist visa for all nationalities upon arrival. That means you don’t have to file for a visa before you book your flight. Granted, you should have your passport, proof of onward travel, and enough funds to sustain you during your stay.

From our experience, immigration at the Malé-Velana International Airport was a seamless process and we had minimal wait time. Make sure to have your passport and Imuga Declaration Form ready. The Imuga Declaration Form can be downloaded from the official website of Maldives Immigration and must be completed within 4 days of your flight for both arrival and departure.

Best Travel Dates to the Maldives

Excited about your Maldives trip? Let’s talk about the best times of the year for you to travel so you can better prepare your budget, activities, and outfits!

Since the Maldives are located near the equator, the country enjoys a tropical climate consisting of hot and humid weather all year round. This also means that the Maldives has a wet and dry season. 

January to April (Peak Season)

Book your Maldives travel dates during these months for full sunny weather and the wide range of beach activities you can enjoy! However, since this is their peak season, expect an increase in prices as well as other tourists.

May to October (Rainy Season)

If the rain won’t get you down, the months of May through October are still a great option, especially for budget travelers. Prices take a dip during this time as the activities can be limited due to the weather. 

When we came here, it was in the month of June when the monsoon weather begins. We were fortunate that it didn’t rain the whole time we were there, and we enjoyed the activities and weather. It only rained on our flight back home. We thought our flight would be canceled because the rain was heavy, but fortunately, it didn’t happen.

November to December (Holiday Season)

Your next holiday vacation could be in the Maldives if you book between November and December! This is a transition period between the wet and dry seasons so you’ll get a blend of sunny days with occasional showers, so an adaptable mindset is a must-have when traveling during these dates. There is also an uptick in prices due to the demand for holiday getaways!

Pre-travel Reminders

Seasoned travelers know that there are different customs, here are a few things you need to take note of before jetting off to the islands!

Flights

Keep in mind that prices can get higher the closer you are to your travel dates, so be sure to plan ahead of time. In our case, we booked our flights a month before our travel dates. Here’s a breakdown of the flight costs:

Ticket Price: 1,688 AED x 2 pax = 3,376 AED

Name Change Fee: 416 AED (paid by the person who replaced my friend’s canceled reservation).

______________________________________

Total Cost:  3,792 AED or about 1,032 USD

Currency

Let’s talk about payment options and the currency you should bring to the Maldives. The official currency in the country is the Maldivian Rufiyaa (Rf) which is equivalent to 100 larees. The name “rufiyaa” is derived from the Sanskrit word “rūpya”, meaning “wrought silver” or “silver coin”. The paper denominations include 10,  20, 50, 100, and 500 bills. There are also coins in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, and 50 larees, as well as 1 and 2 rufiyaa coins. 

Here’s the conversion rate between Rf and USD as of this writing:

1 Rf = 0.065 USD

1 USD = 15.45 Rf

Conversion rates vary over time and can be more expensive at the airport. If you have time to visit the city before your trip to the local island, you may get more bang for your buck at the local ATM of the country’s bank. Familiarize yourself with the current conversion rate and be wary of overly insistent locals who claim to be able to convert your cash.

US Dollars, and other major international currencies, debit, and credit cards are widely accepted especially in larger establishments but expect an exchange rate that may not be up for negotiation. It’s always best to have smaller denominations of the local currency on hand when you need it. These smaller bills are useful for local markets, tipping, island hopping, and emergencies. They allow you to make exact payments, avoid large bills, and smoothly navigate remote areas.

One important thing you need to know is that the Maldivian rufiyaa is only valid within the Maldives and cannot be exchanged for other currencies outside the country’s border, so only exchange the right amount of money you will need. Exchanging MVR outside the country can be challenging due to limited availability in international banks and currency exchange offices. Legal restrictions prohibit taking MVR out of the country, enforced by the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA). Additionally, ensure that your money isn’t damaged or creased, as it may be rejected, as we experienced.

Language

The national language of the Maldives is called Dhivehi, but most Maldivians speak English fluently. Since they cater to tourists from all over the world, it’s not unusual for hotel staff members to also speak French, German, Mandarin, and other international languages. We encountered some hotel staff who spoke Russian to their guests during our stay in Maafushi Island.

Restrictions

The Maldives is a predominantly Muslim nation, therefore they have restrictions with regards to alcohol, clothing, and food. Here are a few things to keep in mind before your trip:

• Do NOT carry or use illegal drugs.
• Do NOT import pork products or pornography into the country.
• Alcohol consumption and importation are ILLEGAL unless you are on a resort island
• It is also ILLEGAL to publicly observe any religion other than Islam.
• Dress modestly in Malé and other non-resort islands to avoid offending anyone.

Health & Safety Precautions

The Maldives is not considered a dangerous location, but it’s in a traveler’s best interests to be mindful and practice caution wherever they go.

Although they aren’t prevalent enough to cause a problem due to the lack of freshwater breeding sites, dengue-carrying mosquitoes can pose a threat, especially during or after heavy rainfall when breeding sites may increase. You can purchase mosquito repellants at nearby stores and pharmacies. At night, we encountered some mosquito bites while chillin’ on the balcony of our accommodation.

Take extra caution during underwater activities to avoid injury and always listen to the guidelines your instructor tells you before a dive. For your comfort, I recommend you bring water shoes when swimming at the bikini beach in Maafushi Island. The beach is made up of sand and small rocks that could hurt your feet while walking in the water.

How to Avail a Tourist SIM Card

The Maldives also offers a free tourist SIM upon arrival at the airport. There are kiosks you can approach at the airport after you finish at immigration. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide to availing a SIM card:

1. Select a mobile network provider and approach their respective kiosk. The top two options for providers are Dihraagu and Ooredoo.
2. Scan your passport at the machine and wait for it to dispense your SIM.
3. Upon receiving your SIM card, activate it by topping up the card with your data plan of choice.

Tourist packages that are purchased at the airport can be expensive, so you may opt to buy one from a local store when you can. The price of data plans in the Maldives can vary but here are some examples of data package plans that they offer:

Tourist SIM Data Packages

• 100 GB for $50 valid for 30 days
• 17 GB for $35 valid for 30 days
• 20 GB for $40 valid for 30 days

In our case, we opted for an E-sim on the Airalo app for a more convenient data plan and an easier way to stay connected.

Transportation from Airport to Island

To transfer to resorts or local islands, you can typically arrange transportation through various means, ranging from budget to expensive options:

• Speedboat: Many local islands offer speedboat transfers from the airport or neighboring islands. You can book these transfers through your accommodation or local tour operators. 

We chose this option because we arrived on Thursday night, and our hotel’s speedboat transfer service is only available until 6pm. Additionally, there are no public ferries available on Fridays because it is considered a weekend in Maldives. We decided to have an overnight stay at the airport’s waiting area while waiting for the next day’s speedboat transfer. 

If you want to watch our video of sleeping overnight at Velana International Airport, plus our Ultimate Guide to the Maldives trip experience, click the link here:

Ultimate Guide: How to Plan Maldives Budget Travel (Visa, SIMcard, Cost, Hotel, Weather, Activities)

• Public Ferry: Locals primarily rely on public ferries for transferring to local islands because they offer an affordable and reliable mode of transportation between different islands within the country. Opting for this option would provide you with a unique opportunity to experience the company of locals during your journey.

Public ferries operate between Male (the capital city) and Maafushi, as well as other nearby local islands. These ferries usually have scheduled departure times, so it’s advisable to carefully check the ferry schedule (MTCC | Schedules) to ensure that your flight times align accurately with local Maldivian time (UTC+5). 

This option isn’t viable if you’re planning to visit resorts because it doesn’t provide service to those locations. You can only purchase tickets at the ferry terminal or through local agents.

• Private Transfer: Some accommodations offer private transfer services from the airport to local islands. You can inquire about these options when booking your stay. Check out Maldives Budget Transfer for a private transfer request to local islands, particularly if your flight is already arriving late.

• Seaplane: Commonly used for transfers to resort islands in the Maldives, especially those located in more remote or distant atolls. However, seaplanes are less commonly used for transfers to local islands like Maafushi, where other transportation options such as speedboats and public ferries are more prevalent. Keep in mind that this option is quite expensive and may not be a suitable choice if you are on a budget.

Each transfer option has its own advantages in terms of cost, convenience, and speed, so choose the one that best fits your preferences and budget.

Where to Stay in the Maldives

The Maldives is known for its luxurious beachside and overwater villas. These idyllic accommodations offer breathtaking views, direct access to crystal-clear waters, and a sense of serenity that makes them a dream destination for travelers seeking a slice of paradise. 

However, did you know that there are also budget hotels that provide tourists with a comfortable stay? If you’re looking for budget range to high-end accommodation in the Maldives with remarkable ratings and convenient access to attractions and experiences, let me introduce you to a few options:

Arena Hotels

This wasn’t our first choice of hotel. But when a friend who had also stayed here recommended it to me, we checked the reviews and liked their infinity pool overlooking the Indian Ocean. Fortunately, a room with a sea view that fit our budget was still available. That’s why we booked here with no regret.

We got a Deluxe Double Room w/ Balcony and Sea View. The hotel offers refreshments upon arrival, free breakfast for two, standard amenities, access to the rooftop infinity pool, 5% discount on one of their local souvenir shops, free wi-fi, and is a short walk from Bikini Beach.

• Price Range: 365aed to 1,000aed ($99.39 to $272.30) per night depending on your stay dates and accommodation type.
• Rating: With an impressive 4.5 out of 5 stars, Arena Beach Hotel offers modern and tranquil accommodations along the coastline of Maafushi.

• Features:

• • Guests can enjoy water sports activities such as diving, snorkeling, and windsurfing.
  • Air-conditioned rooms come with attentive service and modern amenities like a personal safe, electric kettle, and flat-screen TV.
  • The hotel’s infinity pool and sun lounges on the rooftop overlook the view of the Indian Ocean, which is what made us decide to book this accommodation.
  • The in-house restaurant serves delectable local and Western cuisine with views of the blue lagoon.

• Budget Range: Arena Beach Hotel falls into the mid-range category, offering a comfortable stay with good amenities.

Sun Siyam Olhuveli

There are numerous luxury resorts across the various islands of the Maldives. One such resort, which does not require a seaplane transfer and is known for its Maldivian-inspired suites and sleek contemporary villas, is Sun Siyam Olhuveli, located close to Maafushi. The beautiful overwater villas and idyllic lifestyle are the perfect combination for travelers who want to spare no expense on their vacation!

• Price Range: 1,087aed to 2,860aed ($296 to $779) based on Average Rates for a Standard Room. Remember that prices may vary depending on your stay dates and accommodation type. Watch out for the promos that they offer for a chance to enjoy special discounts or additional perks during your stay. These promotions can help you make the most out of your experience at Sun Siyam Olhuveli while also saving some money. Keep an eye on their website or subscribe to their newsletter to stay updated on the latest deals and offers.

• Rating: Sun Siyam Olhuveli is a 4-star beach and spa resort located in South Male Atoll. It boasts an impressive 4.5 out of 5 stars on Tripadvisor.

• Features:
  • The resort spans three paradise islands and offers 11 bars and restaurants.
  • Guests can indulge in world-class watersports and enjoy secret shipwreck diving trips.
  • Accommodations range from Maldivian-inspired suites to sleek modern villas. Their overwater villas offer a relaxing outdoor jet tub on a private sundeck, as well as crystal-clear waters with direct lagoon access right from your villa. Ideal for travelers seeking a rejuvenating escape.
  • The resort’s restaurant serves Indian, seafood, and steakhouse cuisine, with vegetarian and vegan options available. Their unlimited lunch and drinks for day tour groups are such a delight.
    •  
• Budget Range: Sun Siyam Olhuveli is considered high-end, offering luxury amenities such as overwater villas and a stunning location.

Tourist Inn Grand, Male

Just 10-minute walk from the airport ferry is Tourist Inn Grand, a newly opened hotel offering visitors a comfortable and convenient stay within Male.

• Price Range: Typically falls within the range of $50 to $100 per night, depending on factors such as room type, seasonality, and availability.

• Rating: With 9.1/10 · ‎446 reviews on booking.com 

• Features: Located within 1.5 km of Artificial Beach and 2.9 km of Villingili Public Beach, this inn provides air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms. It’s also close to Villa College QI Campus, Sultan Park, and Henveiru Park. Free WiFi is available throughout the property, and Rasfannu Beach is less than 1 km away. 

• Budget Range: Tourist Inn Grand in Male, Maldives, is considered a budget accommodation option. 

Must-try Maldivian Restaurants

One of the things you’re sure to get excited about when you reach the Maldives is the amazing selection of restaurants and experiences you can try out. Here are a few crowd favorites that you might want to add to your bucket list for budget to high-range dining destinations, mostly recognized with the Traveler’s Choice Award from TripAdvisor!

5.8 Undersea Restaurant at Hurawalhi Resort

Price Range: AED 827 to AED 3,675 (USD 225 to USD 1,000)

Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience at one of the best underwater restaurants in the world. This extraordinary dining venue is located 5.8 meters below the sea, making it the world’s largest all-glass undersea restaurant.  

The adults-only resort is located on a private coral island that’s 40 minutes away by seaplane from the Malé International Airport. 

This exclusive dining experience is known for its unique setting and exquisite cuisine, offering lunch and dinner menus with various courses. Please note that prices can vary, so it’s recommended to check the latest information directly with the restaurant.

The Cloud Restaurant, Male 

Price Range: AED 18  to AED 132  (USD 5 to USD 36)

This restaurant is one of the most popular choices among visitors to Male. It is a chic, fine dining establishment hosted on the 10th floor of Samann Grand in Male, Maldives. This place has generally garnered positive reviews from visitors because of its stunning rooftop location, delicious food, and excellent service. 

They offer a diverse menu featuring a mix of international and Maldivian cuisine. Vegetarian-friendly and vegan options are available and for those who prefer a more natural setting, there’s an option for rooftop or open-air dining on the 11th floor.

Kalhu Odi at the Marina Crossroads

Price Range: AED 66  to AED 128  (USD 18 to USD 35)

If you are looking for an authentic Maldivian taste, Kalhu Odi is another restaurant worth considering. Situated in Male, Kalhu Odi is known for its traditional Maldivian dishes that capture the essence of local flavors. 

Many reviewers praise Kalhu Odi for its warm and welcoming atmosphere, reminiscent of dining in a local Maldivian home. The dining area features an array of tables, each representing a unique coral atoll of the 22 geographic atolls in the Maldives.

The restaurant’s commitment to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients adds to the authenticity of the dining experience. While the setting may be more casual compared to The Cloud Restaurant, Kalhu Odi offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in Maldivian culture through its food. 

Kaage at Varu by Atmosphere, Madivaru 

Price Range: AED 183  to AED 367  (USD 50 to USD 100)

If you’re looking for a refined and contemporary culinary experience with international influences, focusing on fresh, high-quality ingredients, Kaage is your ideal choice. This delightful dining destination is located on VARU Island, North Male, Madivaru. 

The restaurant often showcases innovative dishes crafted by skilled chefs, presenting a modern twist on traditional flavors. The ambiance at Kaage is typically upscale and sophisticated, providing guests with an elegant setting to enjoy their meal.

With a perfect rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars, visitors have praised the stunning views, delicious food, and excellent service at Kaage. No wonder it’s been awarded TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best!

Arena Beach Restaurant

Price Range: AED 18  to AED 128  (USD 5 to USD 35)

This list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Arena Beach Restaurant, the dining establishment located at Arena Hotel where we stayed. This place is considered as one of the best restaurants in Maafushi, particularly for buffet meals. Throughout our entire stay, we frequented this restaurant most of the time.

Although many establishments on the island also offer buffet meals at similar prices, we found Arena to have more appealing food choices. It has a variety of delicious dishes that are sure to fill you up and keep you satisfied while you listen to the ambient waves of the Indian Ocean. 

Among the five must-try restaurants in the Maldives that I listed, Arena Beach Restaurant is the only one that hasn’t received a Travelers’ Choice award. Nevertheless, it has earned an impressive rating of 4.5 stars on TripAdvisor.

Activities: What to do in Maldives

There are plenty of beach and ocean activities to enjoy when visiting the country. Watersports such as snorkeling, scuba diving, jet skiing, parasailing, and kayaking are popular choices for adventure seekers. However, some recommended activities you really shouldn’t miss out on include Shark Bay snorkeling and a whale shark expedition for a unique and memorable experience!

Since we were staying at the Arena Hotel on Maafushi Island, we opted for the Half-day Adventure from their brochure (pictured below). It includes a dolphin cruise, sandbank tour with complimentary lunch, and snorkeling at Biyadhoo and Turtle Reefs.

We also didn’t miss the chance to experience sunset fishing with a group of tourists later in the day. All the fish that we caught were the ones we ate for dinner, sharing them with other tourists who opted for the group package. 

If you’re seeking nightlife on local islands like Maafushi, they offer a unique blend of laid-back charm and vibrant energy, albeit without alcohol consumption as it is prohibited. While it may not be as bustling as the nightlife on resort islands, there are still plenty of experiences to enjoy after the sun sets. 

During our visit, we discovered a venue called Moonlight, a disco bar and restaurant just a short walk from our accommodation. The ambience of this place is vibrant, with loud music playing and an open-air setting where you can dance, socialize, or simply relax. Some hotels, like Arena, even host disco parties on their beachfront, typically ending on or before midnight.

To visit and experience a luxury resort island in the Maldives is a dream come true, so if you want to experience it without breaking the bank, there are still options available. 

You can consider staying at a guesthouse on a local island nearby, which offers a more affordable accommodation choice while still allowing you to explore the beauty of the Maldives’ pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters or opt for a day tour to Sun Siyam Olhuveli and other luxury resorts through your hotel like we did. 

The tour allows you access to their pool and beach and includes unlimited lunch at their restaurant. We were lucky enough to also gain access to one of their overwater villas by asking one of the staff members nicely.

Maldives 3D2N Itinerary + Budget Breakdown

Here’s a sample of our Maldives itinerary based on our schedule. Please note that our flight arrived past 8:00 PM and we had to stay at the airport overnight to save on accommodation costs so this itinerary will begin on our first full day in the Maldives. 

Sample Itinerary

Estimated Budget Breakdown (for 1 pax)

Final Thoughts

If you’re thinking that having a dream vacation in the Maldives is not achievable on a budget, think again. While the Maldives is often associated with luxury and high-end resorts, there are numerous options available for travelers seeking a more affordable experience. From budget-friendly guesthouses and local eateries to cost-effective transportation and free or low-cost activities, there are plenty of ways to make your dream vacation a reality without breaking the bank.

Looking back at this trip has made me want to book a flight back to the Maldives again in the future and do the things I haven’t done! It was such an amazing experience that I’m lucky to have shared with a new friend. I am grateful that she has become a part of this trip. 

If you want to hear more stories about my Maldives experience, click the link:

My Maldives Trip with a Stranger

Also, feel free to watch my vlog:

Ultimate Guide: How to Plan Maldives Budget Travel (Visa, SIMcard, Cost, Hotel, Weather, Activities)