The luxury resorts in the Maldives are certainly worth a visit but the myth is that the Maldives is only luxury resorts reachable only by seaplane, with no budget-friendly options. Many travellers aren't aware that they could do a backpack trip to the Maldives and would therefore not consider it as an option.
The reality is that it’s absolutely possible and it’s far more affordable than most people think and since local islands were opened to tourism, independent travellers and backpackers can stay, eat and move around the Maldives on a modest daily budget.
Backpackers can stay on inhabited islands with guesthouses and those with bigger budgets can select one of the many luxury resorts available. There's an option for everyone.
Popular backpacker-friendly islands also offer different activities:
Maafushi - most developed, social, budget-friendly
Dhigurah - long beaches, whale sharks
Thulusdhoo - surf culture
Rasdhoo - diving on a budget
Ukulhas - quiet, eco-focused
The reality is that it’s absolutely possible and it’s far more affordable than most people think and since local islands were opened to tourism, independent travellers and backpackers can stay, eat and move around the Maldives on a modest daily budget.
Backpackers can stay on inhabited islands with guesthouses and those with bigger budgets can select one of the many luxury resorts available. There's an option for everyone.
Popular backpacker-friendly islands also offer different activities:
Maafushi - most developed, social, budget-friendly
Dhigurah - long beaches, whale sharks
Thulusdhoo - surf culture
Rasdhoo - diving on a budget
Ukulhas - quiet, eco-focused
Guesthouses vary from US$30–80 per night and often includes breakfast.
Local cafés serve Maldivian and South Asian food. Local meals cost US$3–7 and tourist cafés: US$8–15
Getting around is also very affordable. Instead of speedboats or seaplanes, backpackers can use public ferries which cost US$1–5. Speedboats cost US$20–50.
Many budget activities still feel “luxury”. Even on a backpacker budget you can snorkel from the beach and join group trips for sandbank picnics, dolphin cruises, reef snorkelling, surfing and whale shark excursions. Activities will cost US$20–60.
Local cafés serve Maldivian and South Asian food. Local meals cost US$3–7 and tourist cafés: US$8–15
Getting around is also very affordable. Instead of speedboats or seaplanes, backpackers can use public ferries which cost US$1–5. Speedboats cost US$20–50.
Many budget activities still feel “luxury”. Even on a backpacker budget you can snorkel from the beach and join group trips for sandbank picnics, dolphin cruises, reef snorkelling, surfing and whale shark excursions. Activities will cost US$20–60.
Getting to the Maldives in pretty simple. International flights arrive at Malé and from there take ferries or speedboats to local islands.
BACKPACK, BUDGET or BLING is an immersive tourism marketing concept that brings travel planning to life in an exciting and relatable way. Through the eyes of three travellers - each exploring the same destination on vastly different budgets.
Travellers exploring new destinations to travel to will be able to experience the ultimate side-by-side adventure, from shoestring simplicity to luxurious indulgence and select what best works for them and their budgets.
If you're keen to showcase what you have to offer to a backpack, budget or bling traveller, you need to participate in BACKPACK, BUDGET or BLING MALDIVES.
For more information please contact:
Stanley Edwards
Platypus Digital
[email protected]
Mobile: +27 82 458 3356
Travellers exploring new destinations to travel to will be able to experience the ultimate side-by-side adventure, from shoestring simplicity to luxurious indulgence and select what best works for them and their budgets.
If you're keen to showcase what you have to offer to a backpack, budget or bling traveller, you need to participate in BACKPACK, BUDGET or BLING MALDIVES.
For more information please contact:
Stanley Edwards
Platypus Digital
[email protected]
Mobile: +27 82 458 3356