Maldives: A Traveler's Guide

Introduction:

Choosing the right destination for a vacation can be overwhelming, especially when considering a place as idyllic as the Maldives. This guide aims to provide comprehensive information about the Maldives, covering its unique features, attractions, and practical details to help you plan your trip.

Things to Consider:

  • Activities: While the Maldives is renowned for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters, there's more to this island nation than meets the eye. Explore the vibrant marine life through snorkeling or diving, embark on a sunset cruise, or indulge in a rejuvenating spa treatment.
  • Accommodation: The Maldives offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxurious overwater bungalows to charming guesthouses. Consider your budget and preferences when choosing your ideal stay.
  • Culture: Immerse yourself in the rich Maldivian culture by visiting local markets, trying traditional cuisine, and interacting with the friendly locals.
  • Budget: The Maldives can be an expensive destination, but with careful planning and research, you can find options that fit your budget.

Planning Your Trip:

  • Best Time to Visit: The dry season, from November to April, offers the most pleasant weather for enjoying outdoor activities.
  • Visa Requirements: Most nationalities can obtain a free visa on arrival for a stay of up to 30 days.
  • Currency: The Maldivian Rufiyaa is the official currency, but US dollars are widely accepted.
  • Getting Around: The main mode of transportation within the Maldives is by boat or seaplane.

Things to Do:

  • Explore the underwater world: The Maldives is a haven for divers and snorkelers, with vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life.
  • Relax on pristine beaches: Sink your toes into the soft white sand and soak up the sun on the picture-perfect beaches.
  • Visit local islands: Experience the authentic Maldivian culture by visiting local islands and interacting with the friendly residents.
  • Indulge in water sports: From windsurfing and kitesurfing to kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, the Maldives offers a variety of water sports to suit all tastes.
  • Enjoy a romantic getaway: The secluded and tranquil atmosphere of the Maldives makes it an ideal destination for a romantic escape.

Accommodation:

  • Overwater bungalows: Experience the ultimate luxury by staying in an overwater bungalow, offering breathtaking views and direct access to the lagoon.
  • Beach villas: Enjoy beachfront access and stunning ocean views from the comfort of your private villa.
  • Guesthouses: For a more budget-friendly option, consider staying in a guesthouse on a local island.

Culture:

  • Traditional cuisine: Sample the delicious Maldivian cuisine, featuring fresh seafood, coconut, and spices.
  • Local markets: Browse the vibrant local markets for souvenirs, handicrafts, and fresh produce.
  • Cultural performances: Immerse yourself in the Maldivian culture by attending traditional dance and music performances.

Budget:

  • Luxury resorts: Expect to pay a premium for staying in luxurious resorts, offering world-class amenities and personalized service.
  • Mid-range options: Several mid-range hotels and guesthouses provide comfortable accommodations at a more affordable price.
  • Budget-friendly options: Local guesthouses and homestays offer the most budget-friendly accommodation options.

Conclusion:

The Maldives offers a unique and unforgettable travel experience, combining stunning natural beauty, diverse activities, and rich culture. By carefully planning your trip and considering your budget and preferences, you can create a memorable vacation in this island paradise.

1. The Maldives is the name of a "country," not a city or an island, as many people believe. (To be honest, we didn't know this until we went there ourselves!) The official name of the Maldives is the "Republic of Maldives," and it is located in the Indian Ocean, southwest of Sri Lanka.

The Maldives is located on a large underwater mountain range in the Indian Ocean, with an average elevation of only 1.5 meters above sea level. This makes it the country with the lowest elevation above sea level in the world, with its highest point being only 2.4 meters above sea level. Therefore, it is said that rising sea levels could submerge the Maldives in the future. This is a good excuse to plan a trip to the Maldives!

Satellite imagery on Google Maps clearly reveals the underwater mountain range near the Maldives. Click the link to view: https://bit.ly/2KlKpHA

The Maldives is approximately this far from Thailand. If you travel by direct flight, it will take about 4 hours.

The Maldives are not actually considered islands, but rather "atolls" in the Maldivian language (an Indo-Aryan language). An atoll is a special type of island, a ring-shaped coral reef that surrounds a lagoon. When grouped together, these atolls resemble a turquoise necklace. In the past, the Sinhalese people of Sri Lanka called the Maldivian atolls "Mahiladivipa", meaning "garland of small islands". This type of formation is only found in tropical and subtropical seas with warm water.

4. These atolls are formed by underwater volcanic eruptions in the middle of the ocean. When the volcano erupts and lava flows and accumulates until it rises above the water, over time, it becomes fertile, with sand accumulating to form an island, surrounded by coral reefs, becoming a beautiful barrier reef, which is the atoll. Watch this clip for a better understanding: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRD8ZwdPYsY

This image of an atoll was taken by Yann Arthus-Bertrand.

The Maldives is an archipelago of over a thousand islands, but only about 200 are inhabited. Approximately 74 islands are dedicated to tourist resorts, leaving plenty of opportunities for those who dream of owning their own private island paradise.

The Capital of the Maldives: Malé

The capital of the Maldives is Malé, a small island with an area of only 5.8 square kilometers. This is roughly the same size as the Bang Rak district of Bangkok. While the official pronunciation is "Malé," locals often pronounce it as "Malé."

7. With a population of approximately 133,400 people, Malé Island is considered the most densely populated island in the world.

The photo of the city of Ma Lae was taken by Ishan @seefromthesky from the website unsplash.com.

The majority of the population in the Maldives adheres to Islam, which is reflected in the country's strict regulations. Tourists are advised to research local customs and regulations before visiting.

Prohibited items are listed on the arrival card that we are required to complete before entering the country. These items are marked as "Prohibited Items" on the card. For more information, please refer to the following website: https://goo.gl/9iZhUz

This photo was taken at immigration from Thailand.

9. The indigenous population, known as Dhivehin, is of mixed ancestry, including Aryans from the Middle East, Negroids from Africa, Dravidians and Sinhalese from South India and Sri Lanka.

10. The official language is Dhivehi, an Indo-Aryan language written from right to left. English is also widely spoken, as the Maldives was once a British protectorate.

The Maldives: A Honeymoon Paradise with a High Divorce Rate

The Maldives, a dream destination for honeymooners worldwide, surprisingly boasts one of the highest divorce rates globally. This seemingly paradoxical situation can be attributed to several factors.

Firstly, the Maldivian archipelago's geography plays a significant role. With its scattered islands, husbands often travel long distances for work, leading to prolonged separation from their families. This physical distance can strain relationships and contribute to marital discord.

Secondly, cultural norms surrounding premarital sex may also play a part. The prohibition against premarital sexual relations can lead to rushed marriages at a young age, increasing the likelihood of incompatibility and subsequent divorce.

These factors highlight the complex interplay between geography, cultural norms, and marital stability in the Maldives. While the idyllic setting attracts honeymooners seeking paradise, the underlying social realities paint a different picture, revealing a society grappling with the challenges of maintaining strong family bonds in a geographically dispersed and culturally conservative environment.

The Maldives is two hours behind Thailand.

13. The currency used in the Maldives is the Rufiyaa. The current exchange rate is 1 Rufiyaa = 2.05 Thai Baht (as of 2018). USD is also accepted. We did not exchange any Rufiyaa, but we received change in Rufiyaa when making purchases at shops and public restaurants. At the hotel, we received change in USD. Regarding the information that banknotes should not be folded or crumpled, we inquired with the hotel, and they informed us that it is acceptable as long as the banknotes are not so crumpled that they appear torn. We tested using folded banknotes at a restaurant at the airport before returning, and it was accepted. In conclusion, banknotes should not be torn or excessively crumpled, but they do not need to be brand new.

The Maldives: Drinking Water Sources and Treatment

The Maldives relies on groundwater as its primary source of drinking water. This water is extracted from underground aquifers at depths of 50-60 meters. Before being distributed for consumption, the water undergoes a reverse osmosis treatment process.

13. The electricity is generated by a diesel generator.

The Maldivian Economy: Tourism and Tuna

The Maldivian economy is heavily reliant on tourism, with tourism revenue accounting for a significant portion of the country's GDP. This revenue is primarily generated through the exchange of currency with tourists. Additionally, the Maldivian economy benefits from exports, particularly those related to the fishing industry. These exports include frozen seafood, ships, and floating structures. Notably, the Maldivian tuna industry enjoys a global reputation, with tuna exports playing a significant role in the country's economy.

Maldives' Imports: A Focus on Food and Consumer Goods

Maldives relies heavily on imports, particularly for food products. A significant portion of these imports originate from Thailand, encompassing a wide range of items such as:

  • Rice: A staple food in Maldivian cuisine.
  • Pulses: A source of protein and essential nutrients.
  • Chilled fruits: Including mangoes, oranges, rambutans, and mangosteens.
  • Chilled vegetables: Providing fresh produce options.
  • Canned fruits: Offering a longer shelf life and convenience.
  • Fruit juices: Contributing to daily fluid intake and vitamin C.
  • Sugar: A common sweetener and ingredient in various dishes.
  • Rice and wheat flour products: Used for bread, noodles, and other baked goods.
  • Consumer goods: Including fuel, ready-made garments, children's clothing, electrical appliances, plastic products, and footwear.

The Waste Problem in the Maldives

The Maldives faces a significant and growing waste problem. The country lacks a waste separation system, resulting in all types of waste being mixed together. All waste from the islands surrounding the capital city is transported to Thilafushi Island, creating a massive "garbage mountain." This has led to Thilafushi being referred to as the only "mountain" in the Maldives.

The government is attempting to address the issue by using the waste to reclaim land and expand existing islands. Hulhumale Island, where the airport is located, was built using this method.

Image: https://goo.gl/ydY9vG

  • If you plan to visit the Maldives, please do not contribute to the increase in waste.

18. To travel from Thailand to the Maldives, you must take a flight to Velana International Airport (MLE), also known as Malé Airport. This is the main airport in the Maldives. In addition to this airport, there are several domestic airports located on various atolls.

19. The main airport is located on Hulhumale Island, which is situated near Male. The airport section of Hulhumale Island was originally a cemetery for the people of Male. The new section of the island, which was created by reclaiming land with garbage, is now home to hotels and resorts.

The Maldives: A Tropical Paradise with Distinct Seasons

The Maldives boasts a tropical monsoon climate, characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons. From May to December, the southwest monsoon brings a blend of rain and sunshine, while the remaining months constitute the dry season. Despite seasonal variations, temperatures remain remarkably consistent throughout the year, with average highs of 30°C and lows of 26.5°C. This idyllic climate makes the Maldives a year-round destination for travelers seeking sun, sand, and serenity.

21. Transportation to various resorts requires careful consideration. For nearby destinations, speedboats are suitable. For farther locations, seaplanes or domestic flights are recommended. In some cases, even after arriving by plane, a boat transfer may be necessary. Thorough research is crucial to determine the most appropriate mode of transportation, as it can significantly impact travel costs.

22. Some resorts are located on private islands, while others are on islands with local communities. It is important to note that regulations may vary between these types of resorts, such as those concerning attire and the consumption of alcoholic beverages. It is therefore advisable to thoroughly research the regulations of the resort you plan to stay at.

Resort Selection

To ensure the highest quality translation, I've carefully considered the provided text and crafted the following response:

Planning a trip to the Maldives? Don't waste your money on a resort that doesn't meet your expectations. Visit http://www.mondomaldive.com/ for a comprehensive guide to Maldivian resorts, including star ratings, service reviews, coral reef information, photos, and pricing. This one-stop website has everything you need to make an informed decision about your dream vacation.

How to access: Go to the "Resorts" menu > select "Find the Island" > choose "Resort Features." Then, tick the desired features. We printed out the list. Choose "Reef type 2" or higher, then check the prices for each resort on their websites. Eliminate options that exceed your budget. This will significantly simplify your selection process.

Many people say that the Maldives can be done on a budget, without staying in a Water Bungalow. I would like to confirm that if that is the case, Lipe is a more economical option, with easier travel and comparable beauty. A Water Bungalow is the ultimate answer for those who want to experience the Maldives.

Calculating Accommodation Costs in the Maldives

The pricing can be quite confusing compared to booking accommodations in other countries. There are numerous additional fees and charges, which can be overwhelming and lead to budget overruns. Unexpected surprises may also occur upon arrival. Therefore, it is crucial to remain calm and gather information about the typical costs involved, which generally include:

1 Round-trip flight ticket price from Bangkok to Male

2 Accommodation and food prices (always subject to tax and service charges, approximately 23.20%)

3 Prices for travel from Male to the resort

There will be an environmental fee of approximately 6 USD per person at all locations.

5. During the New Year and Christmas seasons, there is a mandatory dinner that is quite expensive.

6 meals not included in the package


Most of the food at the resort is sold in packages. There are several options to choose from:

When booking accommodation through various websites, it is crucial to carefully review all associated costs before confirming the payment. Additional fees may be displayed before the final payment stage, and it is essential to factor these into the total cost. Failure to do so may result in unexpected expenses upon arrival, potentially amounting to thousands of dollars per person for additional charges or dinner fees.

A brief example: After selecting the resort and date, scroll down to the "Things to Know" section. It will provide detailed information on any additional charges that may apply. It is highly recommended to read the entire page carefully to understand what is included and what requires additional payment.

After reviewing the details, click "Book". Then, review the total amount, any additional charges, and the free cancellation deadline. Once you are certain, click "Book" and proceed with payment.

After careful consideration and comparing prices from various booking websites and airlines, we were surprised to find a promotional offer for the Amari Havodda Maldives Early Bird package on Expedia. The package included a 3-day, 2-night stay with full board for 29,541 baht per person (including round-trip flights from Bangkok, but excluding round-trip airfare from Male to the resort, which cost an additional 460 USD per person). We initially planned to spend a day exploring Male before our stay at the resort, but after reading reviews on various websites, we decided to extend our stay at Amari Havodda to 4 days and 3 nights. The total cost of the trip is as follows:

1. Round-trip airfare from Bangkok to Male (Scoot with a layover in Singapore) and 3-day, 2-night accommodation (full board including taxes and service charges) booked as a package with Expedia for 29,541 baht.

2 Prices for travel from Male to the resort by domestic airline (not Seaplane) and connecting speed boat for 10 minutes 460USD (14,260 Baht)

The cost of staying at Amari for 3 nights with the full board package (including taxes and service charges) is approximately 200 USD (6,200 THB) per person.

The cost of accommodation on Hulhumale Island is approximately 250 baht per person. (This was a lucky last-minute deal from Agoda.)

Miscellaneous expenses such as transportation and food are estimated at 1,000 baht per person.

The total cost per person for 6 days, including travel expenses, taxes, and service charges, is 51,251 baht. (It's expensive, isn't it? Haha, but it's the kind of payment that gradually hits you in chunks. You only realize it when you add it all up. Phew! I'll summarize at the end whether it's worth it or not^^")

We each brought about 150 USD in cash. We didn't exchange any Rufiyaa because we knew we would get Rufiyaa back in change. We tried to use it all up, but we ended up with a lot of money left over when we returned home. We didn't spend much.

Tip: We usually give 2-5 coins each. I'm not sure how much others give.

Souvenirs - I didn't buy any in the Maldives. Honestly, there wasn't anything interesting except for magnets. Hehe.

Next, I would like to share a review of my travel and accommodation experiences.

Our program will take place between April 11-16, 2018.

April 11th

10:25 AM: Departure from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Singapore. We flew with Scoot, which included a 10 kg baggage allowance (for two pieces). If the weight exceeded the limit during check-in, the excess baggage fee was 600 baht per kg. Alternatively, purchasing an additional 20 kg allowance through the website before departure cost 3,900 baht for all flights.

Scoot has a reputation for overbooking flights, so we arrived early for check-in. One of our friends purchased Scoot's "Board Me First" service, which promised priority check-in for an additional 150 baht per person. However, they ended up in the same check-in line as everyone else and checked in at the same time. In short, it was a waste of money.

1:55 PM. Arrived in Singapore for a layover.

We had lunch at Straits Food Village in Changi Airport Terminal 2, Level 3. It was fantastic! They have automated food ordering kiosks where you can pay with Singapore dollars (similar to the MRT machines) or credit card. Simply select your food at the kiosk, pay, and wait at your table. A screen will display your queue number. When your number is called, you can collect your food with the bill. It's incredibly convenient! The food was delicious and reasonably priced. My partner and I each had a dish, ramen and saba steak, for a total of 550 baht. The portions were generous. (The two images on the right are from the internet. The green circle indicates the kiosk for selecting and paying for your order, and the red circle shows the queue number display.)

At Changi Airport, you can get a free 3-hour Wi-Fi access code by presenting your passport. There are access points located throughout the airport, and you can inquire at the information counter for assistance. The staff at Singapore's airport are all very friendly and helpful. They will be happy to answer your questions with a smile. We were very impressed. As for the Wi-Fi, we have already set it up, and it works well. We can confirm that.

One of the things that impressed us was the abundance of charging stations for electronic devices at Singapore's Changi Airport. USB charging ports were conveniently located throughout the waiting areas, eliminating the need for bulky adapters. This thoughtful amenity was truly appreciated.

18:25 Departing from Singapore (6-hour layover, making me think I shouldn't have been so anxious and should have just booked a direct flight lol).

8:05 PM. Upon arrival at Male Airport, turn right after exiting the Arrival Hall and you will find a shop selling goods. Next to it is a counter selling SIM cards. We stopped by to buy a Dhiraagu data SIM card. We bought the Data Traveller 7 days 3GB 15USD package, which is very good value. The internet is strong and works well, even better than the hotel internet, haha! I just noticed that the back says you can check your remaining balance ^^

Upon exiting the airport, travelers will encounter a multitude of hotel booths offering transportation to various resorts. Guests can easily connect with their pre-booked resort by approaching the corresponding booth.

For those who are going to visit Male' first, walk back to the left, walk out of the building and you will find the pier. There is a ticket booth before you leave. As far as I have read, the price of the boat is only 2USD for a speed boat and 1USD for a ferry.

Boat ticket counter.

We walked past the boat ticket counter and turned left to catch the public bus to Hulhumale city. As shown in the picture above, we walked in the same direction as the car in the picture. The fare was confusingly charged at 5 dollars for 3 people, with change in rufiyaa. We rode to the end of the line, at the airport. As we walked out of the building, there were restaurants on both sides. On the return trip, we tried the delicious pizza, the fragrant iced cocoa in the cafe, and the very spicy original Thai food, as the chef at this restaurant is Thai. (We eat a variety of things, don't we?)

On the first night, we booked a room at Dhaan Retreat. After getting off the bus, we walked about 200 meters to the hotel. The hotel is located in a small row of houses. The room was small, but it was enough for sleeping. We were lucky to get a last-minute deal on Agoda for only 500 baht per room, so we didn't expect much. We just wanted a place to sleep and shower. The service was better than expected. The staff helped us carry our bags to the room, helped us call Amari to confirm our flight time, and booked a car to pick us up. The car arrived on time and even helped us call the Amari hotel staff at the airport. The price for the car from the hotel to the airport in the morning was 20 USD per car (6 people).

The hotel photos on Agoda are much better than the actual hotel (lol).

The eternal dilemma: where to stay during a layover in the Maldives, Male or Hulhumale? After extensive research, we concluded that Hulhumale is the better choice for short layovers due to its affordability. No need to lug your luggage on and off boats, especially if you use the hotel's shuttle service. A comfortable 5-10 minute ride will take you to your accommodation, where your bags will be handled for you. As for Male, reviews on TripAdvisor suggest that it can be frightening at night, crowded, and prone to altercations. However, we cannot confirm the accuracy of these claims as we have not personally experienced them.

Checked in and went out to find a restaurant based on Tripadvisor recommendations. I tried Il Cucciolo Family Restaurant, which offers a wide variety of international cuisine, including Thai and Italian dishes. The food was delicious, especially the Italian options. The staff was friendly and attentive. Prices are typical for a tourist destination, with steaks around 12 USD and fried rice around 4-5 USD per plate.

A picture of Il Cucciolo Family Restaurant from TripAdvisor.

After the event, everyone dispersed to their respective accommodations to rest as they pleased.

April 12th, the next day

The hotel car arrived at 4:30 AM to pick us up for the airport. I must comment on the scheduling of Amari Maldives. Before the trip, we contacted Amari's reservation department regarding domestic flight bookings and changes in the number of days. We repeatedly asked Mr. Moosa from the reservation department to confirm the flight time and whether an early morning flight was available. We also asked what time we should arrive at the airport. Mr. Moosa replied each time that he would contact Dhaan Retreat Hotel regarding the pick-up time and that we should not worry. Since Amari claimed to be a 5-star hotel, we trusted them. However, upon arrival at Dhaan Retreat Hotel, it turned out that the hotel was unaware of the pick-up time and had to call Amari on our behalf.

Moosa informed me during our phone conversation that we should arrive at the airport between 5:00 and 6:00 AM, where an Amari employee would be waiting to greet us. He also provided the phone number of the airport employee. When we arrived at the airport at 5:00 AM, we called the number provided. The employee informed us that her shift began at 6:00 AM and that she had already informed Moosa to schedule our arrival for 6:00 AM. However, she kindly resolved the issue by contacting another employee on duty and arranging for us to wait in the lounge. Despite this inconvenience, we were grateful for her assistance. Moosa, on the other hand, left us somewhat frustrated with his oversight.

Most 4-5 star hotels offer a lounge for guests to relax in while waiting for their flight. The Amari Havadda is no exception. The lounge offers a variety of snacks and drinks, including water, soft drinks, tea, coffee, and even rice. There is also Wi-Fi available. However, the lounge can only be used once, upon arrival. Upon departure, guests are on their own.

The atmosphere in the lounge is…

As you wait, an airport representative will collect your passport and checked luggage for check-in, returning with your boarding pass. When it's time, they will escort you to the gate. You will then proceed to the security checkpoint with your carry-on luggage and wait for your flight at the gate. It's a truly luxurious experience to enjoy the benefits of being an Elite member.

The aircraft will be a Maldivian Airline propeller plane. If you are flying to the south of the Maldives, it is recommended to choose a seat on the right side for a better view. Unfortunately, during our trip, there was a storm, so we didn't see much from the plane. There were many clouds and the sky was overcast, resulting in an unclear view. We were quite disappointed. The photos below are a mix of both the outbound and return flights. Please note that seats A and B face the audience. If you are not comfortable with this, you can inform the airline before check-in. It's like being on a train!

Continue to the next comment.

Kaadedhdhoo Airport is a small airport located in the southern Maldives, near the southernmost tip of the archipelago.

The atmosphere at Kaadedhoo Airport is calm and relaxed.

After passing through the X-ray baggage check, a hotel staff member will greet you and take care of your luggage. They will then escort you to a buggy that will take you to the boat.


Next, let's take a comprehensive look at the Amari Havodda Maldives resort.

Nestled on a private island at the southernmost tip of the Maldives, the resort is accessible by a 1-hour domestic flight from Male International Airport, followed by a 10-minute boat ride.

Upon arrival, a refreshing welcome drink was served after completing the registration and paying for the flight ticket. The receptionist, Hassan, introduced the services and layout of the resort before check-in.

This is a resort map. If the hotel provides one, it is recommended to check it first. Sometimes, it will indicate dangerous areas or places that are off-limits. At Amari, I had the opportunity to stay in both a Beach Villa and a Water Bungalow. The blue circle indicates the house where I stayed, and the green circle indicates the recommended house for those who are planning to book. By chance, I met my old boss who was staying at the same resort (the world is small!). He told me that he stayed in the green circle area, which was amazing. He could see both the sunrise and sunset, and the coral reefs were right in front of his house. Our zone was also nice. It was a quiet zone with a lagoon in front of the house and a beautiful view of the sandbank. However, it was far from the dining area, and if you wanted to see the coral reefs, you had to swim a bit. But overall, I liked it because the atmosphere was very good.

General atmosphere.

Upon our early arrival, our designated room was not yet ready. The hotel kindly offered us a temporary room to rest in without our request. This room accommodated all six of us and was a Beach Villa. Exploring the path leading to the beach, we encountered dense vegetation. From our room, the beach was not visible.

This part is for the actual room. The first night we stayed in the Beach Villa.

The walkway from the resort to the restaurant or other buildings is very shady, with tall trees lining the path. The atmosphere is very pleasant.

The next day, we moved to the Water Villa. The room was the same as the previous one, except for the bathroom. I didn't take any pictures of the room. It's like I have a mental illness. Whenever I stay at a hotel, when I try to take a picture, the room is dark and the lighting is not enough. I think to myself, "Of course, if the resort took the pictures themselves, they would turn on the lights and make it look beautiful." So I'm too lazy to do it.

Our meals were provided as a full board, which included three buffet-style meals with soft drinks (water and soda). The meal times were clearly indicated, and we simply followed the schedule provided during check-in. The receptionist suggested an all-inclusive option for an additional $110 USD per night per room, but as none of us drink alcohol, we declined.

Hotel meal plan table.

The food was excellent, with a variety of dishes that changed daily. I didn't get bored at all. The photos I took only represent less than 30% of the total food available. I wasn't very comfortable taking photos, as I didn't want to disturb the other guests who were also serving themselves.

The restaurant staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming, greeting us with smiles and engaging in conversation. Their exceptional service truly enhanced our dining experience.

The overall atmosphere on the island was unfortunate, as we encountered storms almost constantly. There was only a brief moment of sunshine and clear skies, leaving us with a sense of disappointment and unfulfilled potential for capturing vibrant photos. (It's my fault for not taking good pictures, so I'll blame the weather instead. Haha!)



The Milky Way can be captured here at night. This was my first attempt at Milky Way photography, and I researched the techniques and timing just that day. The first picture wasn't quite right, so I took some test shots in the early evening. Initially, I thought it wouldn't work because the island was quite brightly lit. But when I checked the photos, I was surprised to see that I had captured it! The Milky Way was within reach, and I was so excited! 5555

This image has been enhanced with Photoshop to adjust the lighting. It's sometimes difficult to distinguish between stars and noise. I woke up at 4 am to work on this, and I'm very proud of the results. I want to share it with the whole world!

I tried merging two images, but I couldn't adjust the brightness too much because it would have revealed the imperfections of the merge. I initially tried merging it with a water villa image, but it didn't look seamless, so I went with this one instead.

********The post is extremely long because I don't want to split it into multiple posts. I apologize ^^"

Next topic: Underwater world. *********

The underwater world of the Maldives may differ from our local reefs in terms of coral color. The corals in the Maldives may not be as vibrant or diverse in color as those found in our region, possibly due to the presence of lava rock. However, the marine life in the Maldives is incredibly diverse. Even under our stilted houses, we could see stingrays and small sharks swimming by every day. Despite not being a diving enthusiast, I was captivated by the underwater world. I don't have an underwater camera, so I'm sharing some photos taken by my sister who accompanied me on the trip. I didn't take these photos myself. (Credit to my sister for the underwater photos: ig: yosifai)

The day we left, we didn't want to leave at all. We checked out at 12:00 and sat waiting for the boat to pick us up. When we were leaving the island, the staff lined up to see us off at the pier, waving at us until we were out of sight. The boat went far away, and no one looked back anymore. But we turned around and saw them still waving. They were so cute, so we took a picture to remember them.

I had time to walk and take photos at the pier in Male'.

In conclusion, our opinion on visiting the Maldives is that you should not hesitate. For those who want to experience the Maldives at least once in their lifetime, you should save up and plan a full-fledged trip.

1. **Avoid wasting time on connecting flights.** Invest your money in buying time, physical comfort, and peace of mind. Book Bangkok Airways and trust me! 555

2. Water Bungalow only. Beach Villa might be even more beautiful in Thailand.

3. Seaplane: Don't hesitate!

Forget about speedboats or domestic flights with their high altitudes and distant atoll views. If the clouds roll in, your domestic flight will be a wash, leaving you with nothing but disappointment.

4. Choosing a Resort for a Long Trip:

When planning a long trip to a resort, it's crucial to choose wisely. Opt for accommodations that offer exceptional beauty or unique experiences. For instance, during the months of May to October, Hanifaru Bay attracts hundreds of manta rays, creating an unforgettable spectacle. If the resort doesn't offer such remarkable features, it's best to avoid the expense and inconvenience of a long journey.

Choose a resort with good coral ratings.

This sentence recommends choosing a resort with good coral ratings. It suggests that this is important because it provides an alternative activity to staring at each other if there are no other activities available at the resort or if the activities are too expensive. The sentence also suggests that looking at fish, turtles, and shellfish underwater is a more enjoyable alternative.

6. Food: If you don't drink alcohol, book Full board. But if you drink a lot, go for All inclusive. In the Maldives, everything is expensive in the resorts. Buying food yourself on a B&B basis will be restrictive and not worth it.

8. Be prepared for the weather.

While the promotional images often depict calm, shallow waters, the reality is that the ocean can be wavy and deep, similar to beaches in our own country. The weather in the Maldives is unpredictable. On calm days, the sun shines brightly, creating stunning turquoise waters that are clear and vibrant. The beauty of the ocean is undeniable, and capturing its essence in photographs is effortless. However, when storms arrive, the skies turn white, and the rain falls heavily, resembling the Andaman Sea during the rainy season. I experienced this firsthand, and it was quite a shock.

9. Drones are mostly prohibited! This is to ensure the privacy of other guests. Imagine taking a shower in an open-air bathroom and a drone flies by... It's best to check with the resort you're booking before you go so you don't have to carry it with you. Amari even makes you sign an acknowledgment upon check-in that drones are strictly prohibited everywhere on the island.

Summary of the summary: The Maldives are undeniably beautiful, but they lack depth and are essentially a one-dimensional destination. While the postcard-perfect scenery matches online images, there's little else to offer. For adventurous travelers like myself, the Maldives are somewhat overpriced (perhaps due to the resort selection). A single visit left me with no desire to return. In contrast, destinations like Cebu in the Philippines, Bromo in Indonesia, or Koh Lipe in Thailand, among others, left me wanting more and eager to explore further.

The further the resort is, the higher the travel costs will be. For us, we think it's not worth it. However, it depends on your preferences. If you like to relax, enjoy the sea, and appreciate luxury, you might think differently.


Thank you for reading to the end. I will review and correct any errors as soon as possible.

#amari havodda maldives#amari maldives#maldives#resort#water bungalow#sea#island#maldives#scuba diving#beach#speedboat#maldives
Comments