Real Maldives for the budget of Thailand




What comes to mind when you hear the name ‘Maldives’? Pristine islands surrounded by turquoise waters! But accessible only through super luxe resorts or equally posh liveaboards well beyond the average Joe’s budget? You would have been correct in the year 2008, not anymore. In 2009, the government opened up the local islands to independent travelers, allowing locals to convert their homes to guesthouses. 

Maldives is a tiny island nation and yet many worlds in one. The most widely known version of Maldives is that of the private island resorts which outdo each other in providing obscene luxury to those able and willing to pay. Yet another version is life in Male, the extremely congested capital island and business center that is more chaotic than Bangkok. The least known version is the humble,peaceful life on local islands that is remarkably ordinary and yet fascinatingly extraordinary at the same time. 

I had the fortune of visiting two small local islands – Maafushi and Gulhi that are within 2 hours from Male by ferries that locals use. The ferry from Male will cost you less than $2! Caveat – there is only one ferry on most days and none on Friday. Ferry schedules are accessible at www.atolltransfer.com. Tiny Maafushi is the capital of the independent travel scene in Maldives and is already heavily commercialized. Almost every home has either already been converted into a guest house or is in the process of being so. Gulhi is relatively quieter, even smaller and has only a couple of guest houses as of now. It is ironic that the very move that has made these gems accessible to common travelers is already jeopardizing the sustainability of their natural splendour. 



The water on the beaches on these islands is the same turquoise colour as that in the resorts. Most of the dive sites and excursions you can access from here are also the same as those you can from the luxury resorts.There is a small difference though.You can spend a fortnight here for the nightly rate you’ll pay at the resorts. But that is not even the real reason you should go here. You should go here if you want to know what ordinary Maldivians are like and how they live. That’s something top of the luxury resorts cannot give you. That’s also the topic of a separate blog post 😊.



Maafushi has atleast 3 PADI certified dive schools and dozens of companies that organize snorkeling, dolphin watching and fishing excursions. All the providers have their offices in a row, close to the ferry jetty. Do ask around for the best prices. If you are keen on getting a glimpse of the resort life and are not very hard up, day excursions can be arranged for $100-$150 pp (rates vary by resort and operator) which will include buffet lunches at the resort including alcohol. Gulhi has fewer options and the guest houses there can arrange most of these activities for you, but typically at a higher cost. 

My advice to every serious traveler is to visit the local islands NOW. Before they loose all semblance of local culture and become tourist traps.Or a new regime reverses the decision to open the local islands to tourism.    

242 Replies to “Real Maldives for the budget of Thailand”

  1. I’d must test with you here. Which isn’t something I usually do! I enjoy studying a submit that may make individuals think. Additionally, thanks for permitting me to remark!

  2. Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me?

  3. You actually make it appear so easy together with your presentation but I to find this topic to be really something that I think I might by no means understand. It sort of feels too complex and extremely huge for me. I’m looking ahead in your subsequent submit, I will attempt to get the hang of it!

  4. Hey very cool web site!! Man .. Beautiful .. Amazing .. I will bookmark your web site and take the feeds also…I’m happy to find so many useful info here in the post, we need develop more strategies in this regard, thanks for sharing. . . . . .

  5. I really like your writing style, great information, appreciate it for posting :D. “If a cluttered desk is the sign of a cluttered mind, what is the significance of a clean desk” by Laurence J. Peter.

  6. I discovered your blog site on google and check a few of your early posts. Continue to keep up the very good operate. I just additional up your RSS feed to my MSN News Reader. Seeking forward to reading more from you later on!…

  7. Hi, Neat post. There’s a problem along with your site in internet explorer, would check this… IE nonetheless is the marketplace chief and a huge component of other people will leave out your excellent writing because of this problem.

  8. Thank you for sharing superb informations. Your site is so cool. I’m impressed by the details that you’ve on this web site. It reveals how nicely you perceive this subject. Bookmarked this web page, will come back for extra articles. You, my pal, ROCK! I found just the info I already searched all over the place and just couldn’t come across. What a perfect site.

  9. You really make it seem so easy together with your presentation however I find this topic to be actually something which I think I might never understand. It sort of feels too complex and very extensive for me. I’m looking forward in your subsequent publish, I will attempt to get the cling of it!

  10. Please let me know if you’re looking for a author for your blog. You have some really good articles and I believe I would be a good asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d absolutely love to write some content for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine. Please blast me an e-mail if interested. Thanks!

  11. I’d have to examine with you here. Which is not one thing I usually do! I take pleasure in reading a post that may make folks think. Additionally, thanks for permitting me to comment!

  12. Do you mind if I quote a few of your articles as long as I provide credit and sources back to your blog? My blog is in the very same area of interest as yours and my visitors would truly benefit from a lot of the information you present here. Please let me know if this ok with you. Appreciate it!

  13. Great site. Lots of helpful information here. I’m sending it to a few friends ans additionally sharing in delicious. And obviously, thank you for your sweat!

  14. obviously like your web-site however you have to test the spelling on quite a few of your posts. Several of them are rife with spelling problems and I to find it very troublesome to tell the truth nevertheless I’ll certainly come again again.

  15. What¦s Happening i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve found It absolutely useful and it has helped me out loads. I am hoping to give a contribution & help other users like its helped me. Good job.

  16. Magnificent goods from you, man. I’ve understand your stuff previous to and you’re just extremely excellent. I actually like what you have acquired here, really like what you are saying and the way in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still care for to keep it sensible. I can’t wait to read far more from you. This is really a wonderful site.

  17. I just couldn’t depart your website prior to suggesting that I really enjoyed the standard info a person provide for your visitors? Is going to be back often to check up on new posts

  18. It is my very first time that i have a look at this website I recently came across countless interesting information in your weblog notably this discussion Among the numerous responses on your writings, I guess I’m not the only one experiencing all of the excitement right here!

  19. Have you ever considered about adding a little bit more than just your articles? I mean, what you say is fundamental and all. But think about if you added some great pictures or videos to give your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with pics and clips, this website could definitely be one of the most beneficial in its niche. Good blog!

  20. We are a gaggle of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community. Your site offered us with valuable info to work on. You’ve done an impressive activity and our whole community might be thankful to you.

  21. I think this is one of the most vital info for me. And i’m glad reading your article. But should remark on few general things, The website style is wonderful, the articles is really nice : D. Good job, cheers

  22. With havin so much content do you ever run into any issues of plagorism or copyright violation? My website has a lot of completely unique content I’ve either authored myself or outsourced but it appears a lot of it is popping it up all over the internet without my permission. Do you know any ways to help protect against content from being ripped off? I’d genuinely appreciate it.

  23. I’d have to examine with you here. Which is not one thing I usually do! I take pleasure in reading a post that may make folks think. Additionally, thanks for permitting me to comment!

  24. An interesting discussion is worth comment I believethat you should publish more about this subject, it may not be ataboo matter but generally folks don’t speak about such subjectsTo the next! Best wishes!!

  25. Great write-up, I am normal visitor of one¦s web site, maintain up the excellent operate, and It is going to be a regular visitor for a lengthy time.

  26. Hi my friend! I want to say that this article is amazing, nice written and include approximately all vital infos. I’d like to see more posts like this.

  27. Hello! I just wish to give an enormous thumbs up for the great information you’ve right here on this post. I will be coming back to your weblog for extra soon.

  28. What Is Neotonics? Neotonics is a skin and gut supplement made of 500 million units of probiotics and 9 potent natural ingredients to support optimal gut function and provide healthy skin.

  29. You are my intake, I have few blogs and very sporadically run out from post :). “Yet do I fear thy nature It is too full o’ the milk of human kindness.” by William Shakespeare.

  30. I got what you mean , regards for posting.Woh I am thankful to find this website through google. “Spare no expense to make everything as economical as possible.” by Samuel Goldwyn.

  31. I like what you guys are up too. Such smart work and reporting! Keep up the excellent works guys I’ve incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it will improve the value of my web site 🙂

  32. We are a gaggle of volunteers and starting a brand new scheme in our community. Your site offered us with helpful info to work on. You have done an impressive activity and our entire neighborhood will likely be grateful to you.

  33. Heya just wanted to give you a brief heads up and let you know a few of the pictures aren’t loading correctly. I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue. I’ve tried it in two different internet browsers and both show the same results.

  34. Today, I went to the beach front with my kids. I found a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She put the shell to her ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear. She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is totally off topic but I had to tell someone!

  35. Hi there, I found your website via Google while looking for a related topic, your website came up, it looks great. I’ve bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.

  36. We are a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community. Your site provided us with helpful information to work on. You’ve done an impressive task and our whole neighborhood might be grateful to you.

  37. hey there and thank you for your information – I’ve certainly picked up something new from right here. I did on the other hand experience some technical points using this website, since I experienced to reload the site a lot of occasions previous to I could get it to load properly. I were thinking about if your web host is OK? Not that I’m complaining, but sluggish loading cases occasions will very frequently impact your placement in google and can harm your quality rating if advertising and ***********|advertising|advertising|advertising and *********** with Adwords. Well I am including this RSS to my e-mail and can look out for a lot more of your respective intriguing content. Make sure you update this again very soon..

  38. You really make it seem so easy together with your presentation but I in finding this topic to be really one thing which I believe I’d never understand. It kind of feels too complicated and extremely broad for me. I’m looking forward for your subsequent put up, I will attempt to get the grasp of it!

  39. Simply desire to say your article is as amazing. The clarity to your submit is simply spectacular and i could assume you are knowledgeable on this subject. Fine together with your permission let me to snatch your RSS feed to keep updated with drawing close post. Thanks one million and please keep up the gratifying work.

  40. I’d have to examine with you here. Which is not one thing I usually do! I take pleasure in reading a post that may make folks think. Additionally, thanks for permitting me to comment!

  41. Have you ever thought about creating an ebook or guest authoring on other blogs? I have a blog centered on the same subjects you discuss and would love to have you share some stories/information. I know my subscribers would enjoy your work. If you are even remotely interested, feel free to send me an e mail.

  42. I really appreciate this post. I have been looking all over for this! Thank goodness I found it on Bing. You have made my day! Thank you again

  43. Very good site you have here but I was wanting to know if you knew of any forums that cover the same topics discussed here? I’d really love to be a part of online community where I can get advice from other experienced people that share the same interest. If you have any recommendations, please let me know. Bless you!

  44. Great – I should definitely pronounce, impressed with your site. I had no trouble navigating through all the tabs and related information ended up being truly easy to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it in the least. Quite unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or something, site theme . a tones way for your customer to communicate. Excellent task..

  45. I’ve been exploring for a little bit for any high quality articles or blog posts on this kind of area . Exploring in Yahoo I at last stumbled upon this web site. Reading this information So i’m happy to convey that I have a very good uncanny feeling I discovered exactly what I needed. I most certainly will make certain to don’t forget this site and give it a glance on a constant basis.

  46. Pretty section of content. I just stumbled upon your web site and in accession capital to assert that I get actually enjoyed account your blog posts. Anyway I’ll be subscribing to your feeds and even I achievement you access consistently rapidly.

  47. wonderful points altogether, you just gained a brand new reader. What would you recommend in regards to your post that you made a few days ago? Any positive?

  48. An interesting discussion is worth comment. I think that you should write more on this topic, it might not be a taboo subject but generally people are not enough to speak on such topics. To the next. Cheers

  49. Java Burn: What is it? Java Burn is marketed as a natural weight loss product that can increase the speed and efficiency of a person’s natural metabolism, thereby supporting their weight loss efforts

  50. I?¦ve learn a few just right stuff here. Certainly price bookmarking for revisiting. I wonder how a lot attempt you put to make any such excellent informative site.

  51. I’m often to blogging and i actually admire your content. The article has really peaks my interest. I’m going to bookmark your web site and hold checking for new information.

  52. I was wondering if you ever considered changing the structure of your site? Its very well written; I love what youve got to say. But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could connect with it better. Youve got an awful lot of text for only having 1 or 2 pictures. Maybe you could space it out better?

  53. Thank you for sharing superb informations. Your site is very cool. I am impressed by the details that you’ve on this web site. It reveals how nicely you understand this subject. Bookmarked this website page, will come back for extra articles. You, my pal, ROCK! I found simply the info I already searched all over the place and just couldn’t come across. What an ideal website.

  54. F*ckin’ tremendous things here. I’m very glad to see your article. Thanks a lot and i’m looking forward to contact you. Will you please drop me a mail?

  55. There are some interesting points in time on this article but I don’t know if I see all of them middle to heart. There’s some validity however I’ll take hold opinion till I look into it further. Good article , thanks and we would like more! Added to FeedBurner as effectively

  56. My spouse and I absolutely love your blog and find a lot of your post’s to be precisely what I’m looking for. can you offer guest writers to write content for yourself? I wouldn’t mind publishing a post or elaborating on some of the subjects you write with regards to here. Again, awesome site!

  57. My husband and i felt absolutely contented Emmanuel could finish up his researching through the precious recommendations he acquired through the web site. It’s not at all simplistic to simply always be freely giving tips that some others could have been making money from. We acknowledge we now have the blog owner to thank because of that. Most of the illustrations you’ve made, the simple blog navigation, the friendships you give support to promote – it is many terrific, and it is helping our son and our family understand the issue is fun, and that’s highly important. Thanks for all the pieces!

  58. My brother recommended I might like this blog. He was once entirely right. This publish actually made my day. You can not imagine just how a lot time I had spent for this info! Thanks!

  59. I’m curious to find out what blog platform you’re working with? I’m having some minor security issues with my latest site and I would like to find something more safeguarded. Do you have any solutions?

  60. I love your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you create this website yourself? Plz reply back as I’m looking to create my own blog and would like to know wheere u got this from. thanks

  61. Thank you for sharing superb informations. Your web site is so cool. I’m impressed by the details that you’ve on this blog. It reveals how nicely you understand this subject. Bookmarked this web page, will come back for extra articles. You, my friend, ROCK! I found just the information I already searched everywhere and just could not come across. What a perfect web site.

  62. I enjoy you because of every one of your work on this blog. My daughter delights in setting aside time for investigations and it’s easy to see why. A number of us notice all about the dynamic tactic you provide invaluable thoughts on this web site and in addition strongly encourage participation from others about this point and our own girl is always discovering a whole lot. Have fun with the rest of the new year. You’re carrying out a really great job.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *