"Let's go to the Maldives"

Out of the blue, I have an 8-day holiday. It's not a sudden decision, but it's time to finally join them in the Maldives.

With a limited budget due to injuries sustained while traveling in Mongolia during Songkran.

But the chemicals in my brain are saying, "Hey, how can you just stay home for 8 days?"

Let's go! We must explore the wide world!

With that excuse, I grabbed my credit card and booked a round-trip flight from Bangkok to the Maldives!

Trip Schedule April 30 - May 7

Day 1 - Bangkok Departure - Depart for Male, Maldives with Thai AirAsia, connecting in Kuala Lumpur. Arrive in Male at 21:00 - Stay at a hotel in Male.

Day 2 - Male - Dhiffushi Island - The ferry to Dhiffushi Island departs at 2:30 PM and takes about 3 hours (relaxing). Arrive at the accommodation on Dhiffushi Island around 5 PM, just in time to watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean.

Day 3 - Dhiffushi - Turtle Watching at Turtles Point! (Snorkeling)

Day 4 - Dhiffushi - Cycling around the island (free)

Day 5 - Dhiffushi - Experience the high life with a private sandbank in the middle of the sea and an unforgettable snorkeling spot!

Day 6 - Dhiffushi - Watch turtles and fish at Fish Point! (Snorkeling)

Day 7 - Dhiffushi - BEACH DAY! - Heartbroken by the dolphins due to the weather not cooperating

Day 8 - Dhiffushi - Boat back to Male - Wander around the city before flying back to Bangkok

Expenses

1. Round-trip AirAsia flight package + 6 nights accommodation with breakfast for a total of 24,000 baht per person! (expedia)

AirAsia flies via Kuala Lumpur - a 2-3 hour layover is okay. If the flight is not delayed, the wait is not long.

Even though we arrived in the Maldives late at night, we weren't bothered because we had 8 whole days to spend with the sea!!!

2. Accommodation in Male on the first night of arrival, choose to stay at Skai Lodge - 2,578 baht/night for 2 people = 1,289 baht/person

3. Roundtrip Airport Ferry (1.5USD/person) / Roundtrip Ferry Male-Dhiffushi (3 USD / person) / Taxi from Skai Lodge to the port 3 USD / Taxi from the port to the Airport Ferry port 2 USD = 7 USD / person

4. Tour cost at Dhiffushi + cost of all meals eaten at the hotel on Dhiffushi Island = USD 245 / person

5. Miscellaneous: Exchange money for snacks and souvenirs, 50 USD per person (It is recommended to exchange it to Rufiya for use. Personally, I think the rate is better than paying in USD)

(Calculated from the exchange rate on the day of exchange: 1 USD = 35 THB)

Total = 25,289 THB + 302 USD = 35,859 THB!!! / person

**Ready, let's go!!!**

Day 1 - Depart for Male with AirAsia, connecting in Kuala Lumpur - Stay at a hotel in Male

The package purchased through Expedia includes a checked baggage allowance of 20 kg per person.

Check in, drop off your luggage, and wave goodbye to your suitcase.

Your luggage will be transferred to your connecting flight to Male, so you don't have to worry about rushing to catch your connecting flight!

It took about 2 and a half hours, with a layover in Kuala Lumpur. The flight was delayed, but don't worry about it.

The airport is spacious and has many shops, including restaurants, cafes, and duty-free shops. You can easily spend time here, and the prices of food and drinks are reasonable.

There is a Food Court to fill your stomach for dinner, waiting for the flight happily.

• It took quite a while to find the gate (plan your time well and don't get distracted, the gate is quite far away, very far indeed 555)

It took about 4.30 hours from Kuala Lumpur, the flight landed beautifully in the middle of the sea…

Welcome to Ibrahim Nasir International Airport in the Maldives. We arrived after 10 pm. The airport is not too big or too small, similar to Krabi Airport in Thailand. The queue was not long because it was late. We passed through immigration easily, with a cute sticker on our passports.

(So cute I want another one, tell me again, officer, so I can get another one. Haha!)

*Tips* Do not bring in alcohol, pork, dogs, or pornography! Some people who have been randomly checked have been fined for this, as it is illegal.

After picking up our bags from the baggage claim, we headed for the exit. Looking to the left, we saw the bank's money exchange booth.

Personally, I recommend exchanging some Rufiyaa for your trip. Based on my experience, paying with local currency is more cost-effective than using USD. However, exchange a reasonable amount, as you might lose money if you exchange too much and have leftover Rufiyaa at the end of your trip.

*Tips* Remember to keep your exchange receipt safe. If you really need to exchange it, you must return to the airport and exchange it at the same bank booth on the departure side, and you must show your receipt.

Exchange rate on April 30, 2016 - 1 USD = 15 Rufiyaa

Walk out the exit door a little further, look to the right and you will see a mobile phone SIM booth. They are rumored to have incredibly fast internet!!

But I didn't buy it because I planned to use free wifi at the hotel throughout the trip!!!! (to save money)

Walking to the street, cross the road and look to the right, you will see the pier and the ticket booth. Yes, we have to take the mail boat to the "Koh Muang" side.

The city island has 2 islands, the airport island is in the middle (see picture).

- The island on top is called Hulhumale (connected by a road from the airport island)

- The lower island, which is the capital island of the country, is called Male Island. There are no roads connecting this island, the only way to get there is by ferry, which runs 24 hours a day between the airport island and Male Island.

*A bridge is currently under construction between Airport Island and Male Island with the assistance of China, which is expected to open in 2018. This will significantly improve transportation. (But taking a boat is also fun, 10 Rufiyaa for about 10 minutes)

Tips for those who need to stay overnight in Male before traveling to other resorts or islands:

• Check which island is more convenient for your stay: There are hotels on both Hulhumale and Male islands, with prices ranging from a few thousand baht to several thousand baht. Personally, I recommend staying on the Male side because the next morning you will need to take the ferry to Dhiffushi Island (Villingili Ferry Terminal).

Upon reaching the pier on the Malay side, there were taxis waiting to provide services. However, she tossed her hair and opened the map, walking past the taxis without a care.

The hotel I booked was only 500 meters from the pier, a short walk away. Even though it was quite late, the area was still bustling with people.

I arrived at the Skai Lodge hotel, which I had booked through Agoda for 2,578 baht (including breakfast), carrying my backpack.

- I apologize for not having any pictures of the room because I was too sleepy to take any. Besides, the room itself wasn't anything special to remember...

The only good thing is that it's not far from the pier.

Okay, let's get some sleep then... I fall asleep easily -- Tomorrow will be here before we know it!

Day 2 - Male - Dhiffushi Island

Woke up late with a heat wave!!

Aside from its location, the "breakfast" at Skai Lodge deserves special praise for its excellence!!

The breakfast set was amazing! It came with a full spread of fruits, omelets, bread, and the most delicious thing of all, two round balls. They were Tuna Cheese Balls, and they were absolutely heavenly! If you ever go to the Maldives, be sure to try them. They're called Kiev or Kief (I was so delicious that I forgot the name, haha!).

Around noon, I had lunch at the hotel because it was too hot outside... The hotel was kind enough to let me check out late, until 1pm. After lunch, I checked out and found a taxi, which took me to my next destination around 2pm.

Taxis here are metered. You can pay in USD or Rufiyaa (their new banknotes are beautiful and worth using - picture from the internet).

The standard taxi fare is 2-3 USD. To get around Male Island, the price is around 2-5 USD.

Taxis are available from several companies, and prices are similar for both small and large vehicles. Most taxis are new and small, making them ideal for the narrow roads of Maale Island.

The traffic was relatively light, and it took less than 10 minutes to reach the Villingili Ferry Terminal.

This port is like the Mo Chit bus terminal in our country. There are boats going to various islands, big and small, such as the popular tourist island of Maafushi or the island of Huraa. The island of Dhiffushi, which is the farthest island on this ferry line, also has to come down to board the boat here.

Buy your tickets in advance for 22 Rufiyaa (1.5 USD). The boat departs at 2:30 PM. There is also a boarding time of 2:15 PM. The boats here are very punctual, so please arrive on time. If you miss the boat, it will be heartbreaking because there is only one trip per day (except Fridays).

The passenger boat to Dhiffushi Island takes about 3-3.30 hours. On board, there are restrooms, snack and beverage booths, and you can relax with the friendly Maldivian people. Some people go shopping and show off their purchases on the boat, creating a fun atmosphere as if everyone knows each other well.

(And it's true, they know each other. The island is very, very small.)

Along the way, we also got to experience the atmosphere of 5-star luxury... The boat passed by several luxury resorts... We could only send our eyes to greet them, waving goodbye on the mail boat 555

The mail boat took us to three more islands before reaching our final destination, Dhiffushi Island. Dhiffushi is said to be the easternmost island in the Maldives.

We arrived at Dhiffushi Island around 5 pm and checked in just in time to watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean!

*Tips* The hundreds of islands in the Maldives are divided into 3 categories:

1. These are private islands or resort islands that have been granted concessions by the government. In simpler terms, these are the 4-5 star hotel islands that sell packages. These islands are only for guests who have booked a stay and do not allow outsiders. (Some islands also offer 1-day trip tour packages) - The government allows these islands to sell/serve alcoholic beverages and does not restrict swimwear, etc.)

2. Inhabited Islands - These islands have communities, villages, and residents. Some islands have hotels and restaurants to serve tourists. However, strict rules must be followed: no alcoholic beverages and no revealing clothing or swimwear in public areas (there may be separate Bikini's Beaches in some areas).

3. An uninhabited island - .... Wait for me to win the lottery .. I will rent the whole island to make a single resort! Where to stay? On the remote island of Dhiffushi

The accommodation of your choice... of course it has to be cheap and good. Rashu Hiyaa is the best hotel on Dhiffushi Island.

With a room rate of around 2,800 baht (package booked with Expedia), including breakfast and sea view.

It's incredibly cheap and good!

The new room is good, clean, and meets four-star standards (the bed is very comfortable). Good Wi-Fi, good TV, clear and sharp, many channels. Good breakfast, full convenience.

The staff is amazing! The price for the Day Trip is not expensive and it's not far from many famous diving spots - The Tour price is around 25USD / person / trip

Snorkeling, Sand Bank, Dolphin watching, Sunset Cruise, Fishing, etc. (Please include service charge and government tax)

In terms of food, I personally think it's not expensive, it's affordable. They give you a lot of food, and it's also very delicious!

A meal for two people costs around 8-10 USD.

For snacks and drinks, we recommend walking out of the hotel for a bit and going through the alleyway where you will find local shops.

The young owner of the shop said "Thank you" clearly because she had been to Thailand before. You can go and support her.

Day 3 - Dhiffushi - Turtle Watching at Turtles Point! (Snorkeling Trip - 25USD/person)

Woke up late again...as usual! After breakfast, we went back to sleep....no!

I booked a snorkeling trip today.

Price per person 25USD + equipment fee 5USD ++

--This trip can be booked 1 day in advance. You can choose the time. The trip takes about 2 hours, so I chose to go in the late afternoon so the sun wouldn't be too hot.

It's a bit cloudy today, but it doesn't seem like it's going to rain. The photos might look a bit dark because of that....

We met at 2pm and then we took a speedboat (a private one, mind you) - about 10 minutes away from the island and we arrived at Turtles Point.

The depth level, estimated by eye, ranged from 3-5 meters. It was a period of more than 2 hours that I barely lifted my head from the water!!!

Excitement all the time because the leader kept pointing here and there. There's a turtle, here's a shell, there's another turtle! So much fun!!

(I'm a scuba diver. I must admit that the coral, fish, and turtles are truly abundant.

However, it is also saddening and regrettable that some parts of the coral are bleaching, while others are severely damaged...)

My legs were weak after climbing out of the water, so I had to sprint after the turtle. It was a lot of fun!

Back to the resort - The boat dropped us off at the private beach in front of the hotel's island. Dhiffushi Island also has Bikini Beach, the only beach on the island where tourists are allowed to wear swimsuits...so this beach is both white and beautiful 5555. There are blacktip sharks and stingrays that come to say hello sometimes. When they come, it's exciting every time. It's fun.

Day 4 - Dhiffushi - Cycling around the island (Free)

Besides diving, sunbathing, and soaking in the sea, what else can you do in Dhiffushi?

Cycle around the island for free! The bikes are free to borrow from the hotel. (You can also borrow a golf cart, but that will cost you 555 baht.)

Houses in vibrant colors, people with bright smiles, flashing white teeth, saying hello to almost everyone who cycles past.

Even though we couldn't speak the same language, just a smile and a "hello" was enough to make us smile.

With a population of around 100 people on the island, it's safe to say that everyone knows each other!

(According to the wiki, there are over 1,000 people, but I swear I haven't seen more than 100 people in the past week!)

Enjoying the breeze and sunshine...riding along, stopping by the end of the island where the breakwater is clearly visible...

Stopped by for a non-alcoholic fake beer. Personally, I think it tastes like beer.... except you don't get drunk after drinking it. 555 (30 Rufiyaa is about 70 Baht)

And end the day by watching the sunset over the sea.... Diving is really good!

Great!

Day 5 - Dhiffushi - Experience the high life with a private sand bank in the middle of the sea and an unforgettable snorkeling spot!

Today, I booked a tour to Sand Bank (25USD/person ++) a sandbar in the middle of the Indian Ocean that is like a private beach.

It takes less than 10 minutes by boat from the island. The hotel will provide beach chairs, towels, umbrellas and ice buckets.

Drinks or lunch or dinner can also be arranged. Suitable for couples to come and have a sweet and romantic time together.

Please do not describe, use pictures instead of descriptions.

Day 6 - Dhiffushi - Watch turtles and fish at Fish Point! (Snorkeling)

We're diving again today!! 555 The price is the same for all tours, 25USD++. Today we're going to Fish Point, which is a popular spot for the various 5-star resorts in the area to sell trips to. And of course, the price is more expensive than 25USD, for sure!

This spot highlights the diversity of fish. We even saw an adult blacktip reef shark! 555 But we couldn't take a picture in time. We also found turtles at this spot.

Plus, there's lobster too.

Some of the coral has broken off in whole panels, probably from being stepped on or trampled on. It's sad to see.

... Even our own resort leader accidentally stepped on the coral. ...

I think there should be organizations or agencies to take care of and educate them ... It's a pity that his underwater world is still very complete. It won't be complete for long if there is no change. Day 7 - Dhiffushi - BEACH DAY!

Today is a day of relaxation...sunbathing and soaking in the salt water all day long!

A book, sunglasses, lying down to watch the blue sea all day to satisfy my cravings… while thinking, "I don't want to go home."

I had planned to go out on a boat this evening to see the dolphins, but the weather wasn't cooperating, so I had to miss out. I'll definitely catch the dolphins next time I'm back! (Tour 25USD/person)

Farewell, Dhiffushi ... I'll save up and visit you again. Day 8 - Dhiffushi - Take a boat back to Male - Wander around the city before boarding the plane back to Bangkok.

The boat leaves early... very early. The boat leaves at 6:30 am. I woke up at 5 am. I checked out and the hotel's golf cart took me to the pier (you can also walk, haha, it's very close). As soon as I got on the boat, at exactly 6:30 am, the boat left.

You can buy tickets on the boat for the original price of 1.5 USD (22 Rufiyaa). Enjoy a 3-hour relaxing ride as the boat picks up passengers from three more islands.

*Tips* The last island before reaching Male, they will stop for 20 minutes. It is recommended to go for a walk. You might meet an uncle who will take you to his souvenir shop. The prices are definitely cheaper than buying in Male. (Magnets for the refrigerator cost around 15 Rufiyaa or 1 USD etc.)

We arrived at Ma Lay pier around 10:30 am and immediately hailed a taxi to the Airport Ferry. We planned to leave our luggage at the airport first, as our flight back was not until 8:30 pm. This gave us the whole day to explore.

There is a luggage storage area inside the airport near the Departure Gate entrance. The cost to store luggage is 5 USD per bag.

The airport doesn't have free Wi-Fi, restaurants, cafes, or even a Swensens ice cream shop. Seeing that made me miss home so much, haha.

After wandering around the airport for a while, we took a ferry back to the Malaysian side.

Strolling around in the sweltering heat made us succumb to hunger pangs. We ended up spending hours in an air-conditioned restaurant with free wifi!!

The weather is so hot, I can't take it anymore...5555 The shop is called Akoya, you can find it on Google Maps.

It's time to take the boat back to the airport shore - Check-in is complete, immigration clearance is complete.

Let me tell you that inside the gate is completely different from outside the gate!

If you enjoy duty-free shopping, this is a great way to pass the time while waiting for your flight.

There are restaurants, cafes, and Burger King available. There are also power outlets for charging your phone.

But what's missing is Free Wifi!!! (But there are plenty of computers with free internet access, and they're always available.)

Safely arrived in Thailand (via Kuala Lumpur) ...

I hope this review will be helpful to those who are planning to visit the Maldives.

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*shukuriyyaa* ޝުކުރިއްޔާ
Thank you and see you again.