Tucked away in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is an idyllic paradise home to over 1,000 remote islands. Teeming with abundant marine life, turquoise lagoons and preserved beaches, this tropical utopia truly lives up to its reputation as heaven on earth. While it’s no secret that this dream destination comes with a hefty price tag, what if I told you that there’s a way to experience the magic of the Maldives without breaking the bank? Last summer, I spent one month island hopping this breathtaking country, and after visiting eight local islands, I’m here to share my insider tips on how to backpack the Maldives on a budget.
Local Islands
If I asked you to picture the Maldives, you would likely envision luxurious 5-star resorts with overwater bungalows perched above crystal-clear lagoons. Though this may be the reality for many private resorts, there are hundreds of neighbouring local islands that often go unnoticed. In 2009, the Maldivian government opened these islands to tourists, offering the same pristine waters, powder-soft sand, and towering palm trees – just without the steep expense. Here, you can enjoy the beauty of this far-flung paradise at a fraction of the cost, all while experiencing the authentic Maldivian culture.
That said, the Maldives is a Muslim country so there are several rules that must be respected when travelling to the local islands. For example, the consumption of alcohol and pork is prohibited, and visitors are expected to dress modestly by covering their shoulders and knees. But don’t fret, many of the popular local islands have designated bikini beaches where you can relax and soak up the sun to your heart’s content.
Public Ferry
The public ferry is an excellent budget-friendly way to island hop the Maldives, with one-way tickets costing just £1 to £2. While some of the journeys can take up to more than six hours, travel days quickly became my favourite. Seeing schools of dolphins, passing by five star resorts and watching the locals catch barracuda off the back of the boat never got old. Most of the local islands are easily accessible via public ferry, but it’s important to note that these ferries only run on certain days, so planning ahead is crucial. They can also be unpredictable and unreliable at times, so it’s always wise to have a backup plan in place. Still, with return speedboats costing anywhere between £70-£100, taking the public ferry is a no-brainer when it comes to saving money.
Accommodation
If you’re looking to indulge in a luxury stay at a resort, be prepared to pay anywhere from £300 to £1,000+ per night – an eye-watering price that I simply couldn’t justify. However, by staying on the local islands, we managed to secure accommodation for just £50 a night. And because I roped in a friend to join me, it worked out as little as £25 per person per night. For comparison, that’s even cheaper than some hostels I have stayed in across Southeast Asia for a bed in a mixed dorm. While I did do my research to find the best deals, every hotel we stayed in was of a high standard, and almost all included breakfast, which was another perk that saved us money. The locally run cafes and restaurants were also surprisingly affordable, with meals averaging around £4 each.
So, could island hopping the Maldives be your next backpacking adventure? If so, don’t wait too long – it’s only a matter of time before the local islands are no longer the hidden gems they are today.
