4 Days in Maldives (2024)

The Maldives is undeniably a paradise on Earth! I have just returned from this exotic country, and my love for it has deepened. Whether it’s the warm hospitality of the people or the crystal-clear blue ocean, I adored every aspect of this stunning destination. Despite spending 4 days in Maldives, my desire to stay even longer is overwhelming.

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PIN for later reference – 4 Days in Maldives

About Maldives

The Maldives is an Asian country situated in the Indian Ocean, to the south of Sri Lanka and India. Comprising 26 atolls, the Maldives is spread across the equator. Interestingly, the name “Maldives” is derived from its capital city, Male. “Maldives” translates to “the islands of Male.”

Atolls are ring-shaped islands or chains of islands.

Best Time To Visit the Maldives

The optimal time to visit the Maldives is during the dry season, which spans from November to April. Consider planning your stay during the off-peak season from March to May for cost savings.

Number of Days Required for the Maldives

While my visit was limited to 4 days, I strongly recommend planning a trip to the Maldives for at least 5 to 6 days to enjoy the experience fully.

About Male

Situated on the southern edge of North Male Atoll/Kaafu Atoll, the capital city of Male, it is the largest and busiest city in the Maldives. Serving as a gateway to the Maldives islands, Male is home to the main international airport in the country. The city is ideal for a short stay before venturing off to one of the local or resort islands.

Tip: The best way to get around Male is by walking.

Atolls in Maldives

The Maldives consists of 26 atolls, comprising over 1000 small islands. These islands are categorized as local and resort islands. Many inhabited islands in the Maldives have been transformed by resorts featuring stunning water bungalows. One lovely island is Thulusdhoo Island.

Tip: To economize during your visit to the Maldives, consider exploring and staying at local islands like Mafushi and Hulhumale, as they offer more budget-friendly and affordable options than resort islands.

Another beautiful island to stay on is Dhigurah Island. Refer to Dhigurah Island for a detailed guide.

How to Get to Male?

By Air – Velana International Airport is the largest airport in Male, with regular flights connecting to numerous cities worldwide. Air India and Indigo are airlines that provide flight tickets for as low as INR 15,000 for a round trip from Bangalore city.

• Note: There are around 12 airports in Maldives.

Where to Stay in the Maldives?

The Maldives boasts numerous resort islands, offering a range of luxury and expensive resorts. Some notable resorts you can consider are Equator Village Resort, Canareef Resort, South Palm Resort, Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives, and Anantara Kihavah. While staying at an extravagant resort is a must for a glamorous destination like the Maldives, it can be quite costly.

During my visit, I discovered a way to experience one of these resort islands without breaking the bank with the exorbitant USD 1200 per night price tag.

Budgeted Stay at Male

During my stay in Male, I opted for Nap Corner in Flamingo for two nights. This accommodation is akin to a dormitory, with a nightly rate of USD 25. It’s ideal for a brief stay but an excellent choice for solo budget travelers or backpackers.

Click here to check for prices on Booking.com

Book a Water Bungalow at Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon

During my time in Maldives, my primary goal was to experience scuba diving and stay in a water bungalow. However, everyone knows that staying in a water bungalow in The Maldives can be exorbitant, ranging from AUD 800 to AUD 4000 per night.

As a solo traveler, this luxurious accommodation was well beyond my budget. Despite persistent efforts to find more affordable options through platforms like Booking.com and Google and seeking advice from fellow travelers, the responses were consistently discouraging—the Maldives is expensive.

One night, in my routine search on Booking.com, I decided to try one more time. I searched for a two-night stay and was presented with a few results. After contemplating various strategies, I devised a plan: book the first night in a standard room and the second night in a water bungalow within the same resort. This allowed me to fulfill my dream while staying within my budget.

I settled on Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon in Alifu Alifu Atoll. Although not as economical as the standard rooms, it was still within my financial means. My stay at the resort was for two nights:

• One night in a Standard room and
• The other night in a water bungalow.

Click here to check for availability and prices on Booking.com

The water bungalow, including breakfast and lunch, costs Rupees 22,352 (USD 273) per night. I know it is a considerable amount for a solo traveler, but I was determined not to miss the unique experience of staying in a water bungalow in the Maldives.

• The speedboat transfer was not included in the stay package, resulting in an additional cost of USD 202 for me.

Getting to the Resort Islands

The only means of reaching these resort islands is a seaplane or speedboat. Counters for each resort island are set up at Male airport, and the transfer time is based on the flight arrival time. This allows for same-day transfer to the resort island. Be sure to contact the resort and organize your transfers from the airport.

Currency Exchange and ATM in the Maldives

Several money changers in the Artificial Beach area of Male City can assist with currency exchange. Converting Indian Rupees into USD/Maldivian Rufiyaa can be challenging, as some money changers may not accept Indian Rupees. Consider exchanging some of your Indian Rupees at the airport for convenience.

Not all money changers accept INR.

There are numerous ATMs at the airport and throughout Male, alleviating concerns about carrying cash. International credit or debit cards can also be used to withdraw cash from ATMs.

Note: Almost all of them, including the taxi drivers, accept USD.

Local SIM card in Maldives

Local SIM cards are available at the airport, with options such as 4 GB (valid for seven days) for USD 15 and 20 GB (valid for seven days) for USD 20. It’s convenient to purchase a SIM card upon arrival.

Activities in Maldives

• Resort islands typically offer various activities, from indoor options like table tennis to outdoor adventures like scuba diving. If you’re staying on a local island, consider taking day trips to the resort islands to enjoy their facilities while keeping within your budget.

• The islands of Maldives are renowned for their stunning waters and offer a variety of water sports. Make sure to explore the following seven water sports in Maldives.
  • Snorkeling: Maldives boasts incredible coral reefs and marine life, making snorkeling a must-try activity.
  • Scuba Diving: Dive into the ocean’s depths to discover the vibrant underwater world. Explore diving sites like the resort’s House Reef and Manta Ray Exploration site.
  • Jet Skiing: Feel the adrenaline rush as you speed across the crystal-clear waters on a jet ski.
  • Windsurfing: Take advantage of the gentle ocean breezes and try your hand at windsurfing.
  • Parasailing: Soar high above the Indian Ocean for breathtaking views of the Maldivian atolls.
  • Kayaking: Explore the serene lagoons and coastlines at your own pace by kayaking through the calm waters.
  • Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP): Test your balance and enjoy a peaceful paddleboarding experience.

During my stay in the Maldives, I indulged in scuba diving three times at North Ari Atoll, and each dive left me craving more underwater adventures. The two mesmerizing diving sites I explored were the resort’s House Reef and the Manta Ray Exploration dive site.

The House Reef offered a captivating glimpse into the local marine life and coral formations surrounding the resort. The Manta Ray Exploration dive site also provided an exhilarating encounter with these graceful creatures, creating unforgettable memories of the Maldivian underwater world.

Do not miss the chance to snorkel or scuba dive in the pristine waters of Maldives. It is a must.

Is the Maldives safe for Solo female travelers?

Even though Maldives is known for honeymoon vacations, the islands are safe for solo female travelers. Not once did I feel unsafe or awkward during my stay in Maldives. I walked around Male all alone, and I was completely fine. So, I would say that this has been one of the safest countries I have traveled to. However, like any other place, always trust your instincts and be cautious, especially at night.

Total Expenses for 4 Days in Maldives

• Flights return = INR 15539 = USD 216.48
• Ellaidhoo Resort Water bungalow = INR 22352 = USD 311.39
• Ellaidhoo Resort Standard = INR 10167 = USD 141.64
• Nap Corner for two nights = USD 50
• 3 dives = USD 162
• Equipment hire = USD 48
• Boat = USD 45
• Speedboat = USD 202
• Taxi = Maldivian Rufiyaa 220 = USD 14.28
• Taxi to the city from the airport = USD 5
• Food Thai restaurant = Maldivian Rufiyaa 340 = USD 22.06
• Resort Food = USD 100
• Groceries = Maldivian Rufiyaa 500 = USD 32.45

Total expenses = USD 1350.3

Closing Notes

Traveling solo to the Maldives, often perceived as a haven for couples and honeymooners, was an incredible experience. Contrary to expectations, the locals went out of their way to assist and ensure my well-being. I thoroughly enjoyed my solo adventure in this paradise, proving that the Maldives is not just for couples but also a delightful destination for solo travelers.

PIN for later reference – 4 Days in Maldives