Tip: Combine Sri Lanka and the Maldives

The Maldives is an archipelago consisting of almost 1,200 islands located in the Indian Ocean and is one of the most beautiful beach destinations in the world. The islands are spread over an area of approximately 90,000 km², but the total area of all islands is less than 300 km². A large part of the islands is not even inhabited. We combined our trip to Sri Lanka with a visit to the Maldives and below you will find more information about visiting this dream destination.

Flight ticket from Colombo to Malé

It is very easy to combine your visit to Sri Lanka with the Maldives, as it’s only an hour’s flight. Malé is the capital of the Maldives and that is also where you will find the international airport. Several airlines fly from Sri Lanka to the Maldives. Besides the fact that the Maldives is easy to reach from Sri Lanka, the ticket prices are also a lot lower than when flying from the Netherlands. We paid $ 190 per person for our ticket in November and flew with China Airlines.

Where to stay in the Maldives?

The Maldives consists of almost 1,200 islands, so where to stay? That depends on the budget you can spend. The Maldives is known as an expensive, luxurious archipelago, but you can also stay there on a small budget.

Resorts on private islands

There are numerous resorts in the Maldives, mostly located on private islands. That is why you can only reach the resorts by seaplane or speedboat. Keep in mind that you have to pay for the transport yourself. The resorts’ prices vary from $150,- to a few thousand dollars per night. An overwater villa will quickly rack up to $ 350, – per night and those are still the cheapest cottages. Want to go all out? You’ll surely find a beautiful resort where you will get a very special experience!

Maafushi

Luckily there are also cheaper destinations in the Maldives! Since 2009, tourists are allowed to stay on the islands where locals live. A well-known backpackers island on the Maldives is Maafushi. There are affordable hotels and restaurants and a beach with the bluest water! Keep in mind that this island doesn’t look like anything you’ll find in the travel guides. Nevertheless, it is an ideal place to stay if you have a somewhat smaller budget.

You can do various activities from here, like visiting a resort, diving and snorkeling trips.

Note: The Maldives is an Islamic country, which means that as a woman you are not allowed to wear shorts or bikinis in public. Everywhere women have to cover their bodies and men have to wear pants and a shirt as well. There are a number of beaches where an exception has been made. These are referred to as Bikini Beach. This does not apply to most resorts, as they are located on private islands and no locals live there. As a woman you can walk around in a bikini there.

Maldives costs

Everyone’s first impression is that the Maldives is very expensive, but it doesn’t have to be that way. A speedboat from Malé to Maafushi costs $ 20,- per person (iCom tours or via your hotel). We only paid $ 50,- per night for our hotel on Maafushi and this included breakfast. The restaurants on the island are reasonably priced as well, around $ 10,- for a main course. What makes your trip to the Maldives expensive, are the activities you do. A full day snorkeling trip costs $ 50,- per person and half a day snorkeling or a night fishing trip costs $ 25,- per person. A day visit to a resort (all-inclusive) starts at $ 100, – per person to book and diving is about $ 40, – per dive. You are in control of your own expenses! However, I can advise you to do at least some activities, because you might not return to the Maldives ever again!