How to plan the perfect vacation in the Maldives
By: Prihan Shamez
Tags: Travel, Niyama, Vacation, Maldives

A country of around 1200 islands, it is easy for one to get overwhelmed in the Maldives. By educating yourself beforehand and planning ahead, you can find your feet much more easily!

Maldives| Img by: romaneau via Pixabay

Accommodation

The tiny island nation’s hotels are only in the capital, Malé. Once out of the city, the only options available to a person are resorts such as the Niyama Maldives or the guesthouses scattered over the inhabited islands. But if you are looking for a surfing resort in Maldives, then you should narrow your search to only resorts. The majority of the resorts would charge a minimum of 1,500MVR ($97) per night for a double room. Standard amenities include things like air conditioning as well as Wi-Fi, but if you are harbouring a dream of staying in a resort with a swimming pool, prepare to splash out several thousands of MVR. For those planning a budget trip or a solo trip, a good option would be to opt for a guesthouse.

For the best surfing experience, visit the country between the months of March and October. The Malé Atoll is very popular, but plenty of other less populated spots exist too. The average cost will be around 1,600 MVR for one night.Niyama Maldives or the guesthouses scattered over the inhabited islands. But if you are looking for a surfing resort in Maldives, then you should narrow your search to only resorts. The majority of the resorts would charge a minimum of 1,500MVR ($97) per night for a double room. Standard amenities include things like air conditioning as well as Wi-Fi, but if you are harbouring a dream of staying in a resort with a swimming pool, prepare to splash out several thousands of MVR. For those planning a budget trip or a solo trip, a good option would be to opt for a guesthouse.

Food

At resorts, the sum you pay includes the food as well as the drinks. If you are staying in the capital, it is easy to find plenty of restaurants that cater to your needs. These cost something in the ranges of 80MVR. For a meal at a restaurant which has table service, etc. the cost would be around 325MVR.

Flying in

If you are looking to cut down costs, stick to one of the many budget airlines that fly to the Maldives.

Use ferries

Many of the atolls are connected to the capital by ferries. They operate both ways on every day of the week excluding Fridays. The most efficient method is to use the ferry to reach the capital of the atoll you are visiting and then make the jump to the smaller islands in its proximity. You are advised to do prior research on the ferries as island hopping can get complicated if you have no information to work on.

Have plenty of US Dollars in hand

The Maldivian Rufiyaa is the official currency of the country, but US Dollars are also widely used. On certain occasions, you can get a better price if you pay in Dollars, so it is best that you have both currencies as you can pay in the currency that benefits you the most.

Wander through Malé

One of the most densely populated areas in the world, it has many eye-catching and marvellous museums and mosques that will leave you captivated. For an instance, the Old Friday Mosque is a beautiful mosque built in 1656 that deserves to be on your sightseeing list! Other notable attractions include the National Art Gallery and the Sultan’s Park.

Take a dip into the Banana Reef

World famed for their beauty and marine reef, this protected reef is excellent for diving and snorkelling. The reef attracts a diverse range of marine life while the caves and overhangs present great photographic opportunities.

Fishing

Forget fishing in the canal or sewage-filled river back home. Try the real thing here in the Maldives! Plenty of hotels offer fishing packages and set you up with all the required equipment too. Night fishing is an available option for those interested and the prices will range according to the add-ons, but the general price is 700 MVR.

Engage in water sports

With calm and clear waters that are perfectly suited for water sports, it is no wonder that activities like parasailing, water skiing and more are easily accessible.

Surfing

For the best surfing experience, visit the country between the months of March and October. The Malé Atoll is very popular, but plenty of other less populated spots exist too. The average cost will be around 1,600 MVR for one night.