Maldives comprises over 1,000 small islands, with approximately 200 of them inhabited. Maldives is famous for its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters.
The capital city, Malé. Maldives experiences warm temperatures year-round, with temperatures averaging around 30°C (86°F). The currency of the Maldives is the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR), with 1 US dollar being equivalent to approximately 15 Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR).
Maldives Free Tourist Visa on Arrival for all Nationalities
For tourists, the Maldives offers a visa-free entry policy, allowing visitors to stay in the country for up to 30 days. The basic entry requirements for a visa on arrival in the Maldives include a passport with at least 1 month validity, confirmed return journey tickets, a prepaid confirmed hotel booking, proof of financial means (minimum $50 USD per day), and completion of the Traveler Declaration online within 96 hours prior to the flight time. It’s important to ensure you meet these requirements before traveling to the Maldives to avoid any issues upon arrival.
In addition to the above requirements, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for nationals of African and South American countries listed here.
Public Islands of Maldives
The Maldives offers more affordable accommodation, cheap transportation, and cheaper food options on public islands. If you’re planning a budget trip to the Maldives, it’s advisable to consider staying on public islands such as Malé or Hulhumalé or Maafushi. These local islands offer budget-friendly guesthouses and hostels.
How to Reach Public Islands from Maldives International Airport?
Malé and Hulhumalé islands are located near Velana International Airport, which is the main international airport serving the Maldives. To travel from Malé International Airport to Malé city or Hulhumalé, public ferries, buses and taxis are available.
RTL or Raajje Transport Link is owned by the Government of Maldives and provides services such as high-speed ferries and bus services. You can check schedules and book ferry tickets or buy bus tickets on RTL website. After purchasing tickets from RTL, they remain valid for 7 days. You can also buy tickets on the same day before boarding the ferry at the ticketing counter at the ferry terminal. The public ferries between the airport and Malé run every 15 minutes during the day and take about 10 minutes to go from the airport to Malé City. Public ferries and buses offer a cheaper way to reach Malé or Hulhumalé compared to taxis available at the airport. The ferry from Malé Airport Ferry Terminal to Hulhumalé Ferry Terminal takes around 20 minutes, with prices ranging from 0.5 USD to 4 USD.
Maafushi is situated approximately 26 km from the Maldives’ international airport, and the travel time to reach the island can range from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on the type of transportation chosen. Speedboats departing from the airport or Jetty Number 6 in Malé city offer convenient options for reaching the island.
Travel costs from Maldives International Airport or Malé to Maafushi vary, ranging from 25 USD to 300 USD, depending on the choice between scheduled speedboat ferries or private speedboat transfers or local ferries (Local ferries operates only from Male City). Scheduled speedboat ferries typically offer a more budget-friendly option from Male Airport to Maafushi. Tickets for these ferries can be booked through ICOMtours. The local ferry is best option if you want to travel from Male city (not from Male airport). The local ferry operates two times daily, connecting Male city to Maafushi at a cost of $2 per person. Although it’s a slower option, taking approximately 90 minutes, it’s a more economical choice compared to other modes of transportation.
Accommodations at Public Islands of Maldives
Male offers the lowest starting price, Hulhumale is the most expensive, and Maafushi falls in between. Each destination has its own attractions and amenities, so travelers can choose based on their priorities. According to data sourced from Booking.com, prices for accommodations vary across different islands:
- Male: Starting from $20 USD per night per person.
- Hulhumale: Starting from $45 USD per night.
- Maafushi: Starting from $30 USD per night.
Food and Dining at Public Islands of Maldives:
You can find many local cafes budget-friendly eateries and street food stalls offering sandwiches, burgers, desserts, juices and coffee in Malé and Hulhumalé city and Maafushi. These places often serve delicious Maldivian dishes at affordable prices. You can try local favorites such as mas huni (tuna salad), roshi (flatbread), and rihaakuru (fish paste). You can enjoy items like samosas, vadai (fried lentil fritters), and bajiya (fish or vegetable fritters) for a quick and inexpensive meal.
Most cafes and restaurants on these islands also apply service charges and GST (Goods and Services Tax) in addition to their listed prices.
Budget Activities to do at Public Islands of Maldives:
Snorkelling
While snorkelling directly within the city limits of Male might be limited, you can explore the mesmerizing underwater world teeming with colorful marine life in nearby areas such as Hulhumale and Maafushi Islands.
In Hulhumale and Maafushi Islands, you have the option to rent snorkeling gear or join budget-friendly snorkeling tours. These tours often include various packages starting from $30 USD per person, offering snorkeling gear, life jackets, and sometimes even food.
Walking Tour of Male City
Take self-guided walking tours around the islands, discovering hidden gems, historical landmarks, and vibrant local communities at your own pace. I have personally experienced self-guided walking tours in Male city, and it was an excellent experience. Male city is rich in history and cultural attractions, including incredible mosques and beautiful markets and souvenir shops. However, I recommend guided tours for Male city only, as there’s not as much to see in Hulhumale or Maafushi by foot.
Tips & Personal Recommendations:
- Bikinis and short swimwear are not allowed on most public islands, except for Bikini Beach on Maafushi Island.
- Alcholol is not allowed on these public islands.
- USD is widely accepted throughout the Maldives. You can exchange it easily when purchasing food or accommodation.
- I recommend staying at Hulhumale or Maafushi Island if you want to avoid congestion.
- Always carry lightweight summer clothes when visiting the Maldives.
- Don’t forget to bring sunscreen and mosquito repellent with you.