Maldives on a Budget: 25,000 Baht for Water Villa Bliss

"Come, come, let's get drunk, come, come, let's get drunk, come, come, let's get drunk, drunk, drunk, drunk."

Whenever I think of the Maldives, this song pops into my head. Haha… I must have written it when I was 55+ years old.

Hello everyone! It's been a long time since I've written a review… 55+ I'm finally back!

I haven't been traveling much lately, and I haven't been to many new places.

So I haven't had much to review.

But finally… 55+ I'm back to writing reviews for everyone to read. Yay!

This trip was highly requested (by 2-3 people. Hmm… that's a lot, right? 55+)

They said they wanted to read it, they were waiting for it. Because as you know, the Maldives is a dream destination for many people.

But some people don't have friends to go with, some don't dare to go alone, or some are afraid of getting lost.

And most importantly, the Maldives is expensive, man….

I've been there twice already. The first time, I went on a budget, staying on a local island for under 20,000 baht.

But this time, since I was going for the second time, I wanted to try staying in a water villa. Let's see how amazing it is.

They say that if you go to the Maldives and don't stay in a water villa, you haven't really been to the Maldives. Is that true?

Well, I went ahead and did it, and I even did it on a budget for people with limited funds.

I brought 25,000 baht with me, and I guarantee you'll have as much fun as I did.

Most importantly, this trip was a blast because the girls who went with me were amazing, hot, and super fun (the organizer had a great time, hehe).

While taking pictures, I thought I was with a gang of Maxim girls. 55+ (The girls were all lovely, hehe).

Anyway, let's follow along with the hotness of these Maxim girls…

Oops, I mean the girls on this trip. 55+ How hot will they be?

And let's see if you can really go to the Maldives for 25,000 baht. And most importantly, you can stay in a water villa too, hehe.

Okay, let's not waste any more time. Let's go!

…

Maldives 1

Let's start with this trip. It all started when I went backpacking to the Maldives at the end of last year.

I went on a chill, budget trip and stayed on a local island to see the lifestyle of the local people there.

I also bought a tour, a Visit resort, which means I went to see beautiful hotels and resorts in the middle of the water.

It was a one-day trip, going in the morning and returning in the evening.

Since I wanted to save money, I kept the total cost under 20,000 baht.

If you're interested, you can follow and read about it at this link: https://pantip.com/topic/37036856

After I came back, I received a lot of positive feedback, saying they wanted me to do it again. Everyone wanted to go.

I thought, hmm… okay, it's that beautiful. There has to be a round 2. Hehe. So I organized this trip.

But since last time I only visited the resort, I didn't stay in a water villa. This time, I thought about it.

I thought, well, it's not often that I get to go there. Let me try to experience the luxury, try staying in a water villa. Let's see how amazing it is.

So I started looking for information because I had been there before and knew a few things. I tried to find the cheapest resort with water villas and the cheapest boat fare. Let's see how much it would cost, if it was affordable. And finally, I found it, hehe.

It's here, "Thaulhagiri Island Resort & Spa". 55+

Maldives on a Budget: A Guide to Affordable Luxury

Planning a trip to the Maldives doesn't have to break the bank. With careful planning and budgeting, you can experience the beauty and luxury of this island paradise without spending a fortune. Here's a guide to help you make your dream vacation a reality:

Accommodation:

• Water Villas: While staying in a water villa is often associated with high costs, options like Thaulhagiri Island Resort & Spa offer affordable rates, ranging from $250 to $320 per night. This translates to $125-$160 per person per night, making it a more accessible option for budget-conscious travelers.
• Local Guesthouses: For an even more affordable option, consider staying in guesthouses on local islands. These offer comfortable accommodations at a fraction of the cost of resorts, with prices starting from $50 per night.

Transportation:

• Flights: Look for deals and promotions offered by airlines like AirAsia, which frequently offer flights to the Maldives at competitive prices. Consider traveling during the off-season (May-November) for even better deals.
• Speedboat Transfers: While speedboat transfers can be expensive, some resorts offer packages that include roundtrip transfers in the room rate. Alternatively, explore options like shared speedboat transfers or public ferries for a more budget-friendly solution.

Food:

• Local Restaurants: Opt for local restaurants instead of resort restaurants, which tend to be pricier. Sample delicious Maldivian cuisine at affordable prices, with meals costing around $10-$15 per person.
• Self-Catering: Consider staying in guesthouses with kitchenettes and preparing some of your own meals. This allows you to control your food budget and enjoy local ingredients.

Planning and Budgeting:

• Start Early: Begin planning your trip well in advance, allowing ample time to research and book flights, accommodation, and activities at the best prices.
• Set a Budget: Determine your overall budget and allocate funds for different aspects of your trip, including flights, accommodation, food, activities, and miscellaneous expenses.
• Pay in Installments: Break down larger expenses like flights and accommodation into smaller installments, making them more manageable and allowing you to spread the cost over time.

Additional Tips:

• Travel During the Off-Season: Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (May-June and September-October) for lower prices on flights and accommodation.
• Look for Package Deals: Many resorts offer package deals that include flights, accommodation, meals, and activities, which can be more cost-effective than booking everything separately.
• Explore Free Activities: Enjoy the natural beauty of the Maldives by swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and exploring local islands. These activities are free and offer a fantastic way to experience the island life.

Remember, with careful planning and budgeting, you can experience the magic of the Maldives without exceeding your budget. Embrace the adventure, explore the beauty, and create unforgettable memories in this tropical paradise.

The price of a houseboat is over 11,000 baht per night (divided by 2 people, it is over 5,000 baht per person, 6,000 baht).

This price includes dinner buffet on the first day and breakfast on the second day. Welcome drinks are also included.

Alcoholic beverages are not included, but you can request them. 55+

Because when I went, they suddenly asked me if I wanted a drink, but only red and white wine were available.

We went with 8 people and asked for 3 large jugs. 55+ So we gave the staff a big tip. But hey, it was worth it. 55+

Actually, if you book through a Maldivian tour company on various websites, they will include everything.

But you have to stay in a water villa for 2 nights at least. The price is as follows.

This information was taken from the website https://www.maldives-experts.com/thulhagiri-island.

The cost for a 3-day, 2-night stay is 18,000 baht. After deducting the boat fee of 3,200 baht, the cost for accommodation for 2 nights is 14,800 baht.

This comes out to 7,400 baht per night.

If you include the cost of the flight, which is approximately 9,500 baht, the total cost of the trip will be around 27,500 baht.

However, this includes everything, and you get to sleep in a beautiful overwater bungalow for 2 nights.

If you're looking to save money, you can book through Agoda. You can book an overwater bungalow for 1 night and then stay on the mainland for 1 night.

However, I didn't stay at the resort for another night because the price of the B Sea Villa is not cheap. Haha....

The cost per night is over 8,000 baht, which is over 4,000 baht per person. Hmm… If you go for 3 days and 2 nights…

You can stay in a houseboat for one night for 6,000 baht, on land for 4,500 baht, plus boat fees of 3,200 baht and flight costs of 9,500 baht.

= 23,200 baht

It's not bad, but you only get to stay for 3 days and 2 nights. So I chose to stay on a local island instead.

This way, I could stay for 2 more nights and go diving. I also got to see the Maldives from a different perspective.

Some people might wonder if there's really only one resort here. Actually, there are 2 other resorts.

I did some research and found that their prices are similar.

The first one is Paradise Island Resort & Spa.

The accommodation price will be 14,600 baht, which is 7,300 baht per person.

The round-trip speedboat fee will be 104 USD, equivalent to 3,300-3,400 baht.

The price difference is not significant, ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 baht. Therefore, it can be considered as another option.

Another option is Adaaran Club Rannalhi.

The price of a houseboat is around 15,000 USD, but the boat fee is expensive. The round-trip boat fee is around 150 USD, which is approximately 4,800 Baht.

This is another option for those who don't want to go to the same place as me. Plus, Thaulhagiri Island Resort & Spa is currently popular among Thai people.

I'll continue later about the accommodation on the local island, including the price. Stay tuned!

Maldives 4

Let's not waste any time and start our journey! I'll share more details as we go.

For those who want to see beautiful views, choose the right side of the boat. You'll see more atolls than on the left side.

As shown in the picture, especially in the last 20 minutes before landing, we will be able to see beautiful views of the Maldives like this.

Upon arrival, I followed the crowd. The airport here is not very big.

Maldives: Alcohol Restrictions and Local Tips

Alcohol Restrictions:

The Maldives strictly prohibits the import of any alcoholic beverages. This applies to all travelers, regardless of their origin or destination. Attempts to bring alcohol into the country will result in confiscation and potential fines.

Local Tips:

• Respect the law: Adhere to the alcohol restrictions to avoid legal repercussions.
• Alternative options: Consider exploring non-alcoholic beverages or enjoying local drinks like fresh coconut water.
• Resort options: If staying at a resort, inquire about their alcohol policies and availability.
• Local islands: Alcohol is generally unavailable on local islands.
• Prices: Be prepared for high prices for alcoholic beverages if available.
• Returning confiscated items: Confiscated alcohol can be retrieved upon departure.
• SIM card purchase: Upon arrival, purchase a local SIM card for convenient communication.

Additional Information:

• The legal drinking age in the Maldives is 18 years old.
• Alcohol consumption is prohibited in public areas, including beaches and parks.
• Respect local customs and traditions regarding alcohol consumption.

Disclaimer:

This information is intended for general guidance only and may not be exhaustive. It is recommended to consult official sources and travel advisories for the most up-to-date information.

It is recommended to buy a SIM card as soon as possible, as the boat that will pick us up will not wait.

The boat will not only pick up our group, but also other people, so there will not be much time. Please hurry and buy your SIM cards.

When my group went, they came looking for us. Luckily, we heard our names and knew that the resort was picking us up.

After booking your accommodation through Agoda, you can request a special pick-up and drop-off service by boat.

You can then pay at the resort, but you must provide your real name as it appears on your passport via email.

That's why they were able to call out the names of the people in our group. We were planning to relax and wait for the others to buy SIM cards.

In the end, we didn't buy any because they said they were in a hurry. No worries, we'll buy them tomorrow when we change accommodation and return to the airport.

However, if you don't have anything urgent to do, need to make calls, or need fast internet, the resort does have Wi-Fi available.

However, it can be slow when there are a lot of people using it.

But if you just need to upload photos and check in, it's fine. Don't worry, roaming is available.

But it's super expensive, so check carefully!

After that, we followed the resort staff to the resort counter to gather.

The Thaulhagiri counter is number 15. You will find it as soon as you walk out.

The group assembled, and once everyone was present, they were led to board the boat. The water at the dock was incredibly beautiful.

Maldives 5: Thaulhagiri Island Resort & Spa

After a relaxing boat ride of 30-45 minutes, we arrive at the stunning Thaulhagiri Island Resort & Spa.

The Maldivian speedboats offer a comfortable and spacious experience compared to those found elsewhere. However, if you're prone to seasickness, be sure to take precautions.

Upon arrival, the crystal-clear waters surrounding the island immediately captivate us.

The water at the pier is still a beautiful blue color. This is the charm of the Maldives.

Accommodation on the pier side

Upon arrival, you will be greeted by our staff who will take care of your luggage, allowing you to proceed with ease.

You will also be welcomed with refreshing chilled water.

Then, there will be someone to give a presentation. Please listen carefully to the details.

My English is not very good, so I get tired of talking every time. 55+ I can only understand the gist of it. 55+

Maldives 6: Departure and Currency Exchange

After discussing the details of our stay, including dinner, breakfast, services, and departure times, it was finally time to experience the excitement of our overwater bungalow in the Maldives. We were thrilled to see what awaited us!

The path to our room was incredibly beautiful.

Departure Procedures:

Once you've finished your stay, you'll be provided with two pieces of paper to fill out with your details:

• Name
• Surname
• Arrival flight
• Departure flight
• Passport number

You'll also need to hand over your passport for registration.

Important Note:

If you plan to stay longer than your initial departure date, do not fill out your return flight information. Otherwise, you'll be scheduled to depart on the 9:30 AM speedboat, which might not align with your actual flight. Instead, write down your actual departure date when you decide to leave.

If you plan to follow my footsteps and visit a local island, indicate the island you'll be heading to and your departure date.

Finally, request a 12:00 PM checkout time to allow for some morning sightseeing and photography.

The staff will confirm your 12:00 PM checkout and ask you to gather at the counter. The boat will depart from the resort at 1:00 PM, arriving at the airport around 1:45 PM.

Don't forget to pay for your roundtrip boat fare! The bill will be presented for immediate payment. The roundtrip cost is $100 USD per person, payable in dollars.

Currency Exchange:

Important Note:

In the Maldives, you can use US dollars, but they must be new and pristine, without any tears or creases. Be sure to check your bills carefully when exchanging currency and especially when receiving change. Do not accept old or damaged bills.

Exchanging Maldivian Rufiyaa:

If you wish to exchange Maldivian Rufiyaa at the airport, keep your receipt as it will be required for the exchange back. Alternatively, only individuals who have previously exchanged currency at the airport can exchange Rufiyaa.

Important:

If you receive Rufiyaa as change from anywhere other than the airport and you haven't exchanged currency there yourself, you won't be able to exchange it back to dollars. You'll need someone who has previously exchanged currency at the airport to do so.

The exchange rate is approximately 1 USD to 14.xx Rufiyaa. However, some local shops on inhabited islands may round up to 15 Rufiyaa.

While I primarily used dollars throughout my trip, it's good to be aware of the exchange options and potential challenges.

With the important details covered, let's move on to the exciting part: experiencing the beauty and charm of the Maldives!

Looking to the left, it's beautiful.

The unique feature of the Maldives is the wooden bridge that stretches along the houses on the water.

Our house. Hehe.

Maldives Dream Realized: A Salaryman's Journey

The dream has finally come true! As an ordinary salaryman, I used to spend countless hours gazing at pictures of the Maldives, a paradise seemingly out of reach. I would often wonder when I would ever be able to afford a trip to this luxurious destination, considered by many to be prohibitively expensive.

But today, I am ecstatic to announce that I have finally arrived in the Maldives! (insert celebratory emoji)

The atmosphere in my room is simply breathtaking. (insert image of the room)

This journey serves as a reminder that even the most ambitious dreams can be realized with perseverance and a touch of luck. It is a testament to the power of hard work and the importance of never giving up on your aspirations.

While the Maldives may have once seemed like a distant fantasy, it is now a tangible reality. This experience has taught me that anything is possible with determination and a positive mindset.

I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity to explore the beauty of the Maldives and create memories that will last a lifetime. This trip is a symbol of hope and inspiration, proving that even ordinary people can achieve extraordinary things.

The room also has clear windows like this so you can see the fish. At night, you can see many beautiful fish.

Let's take a look at the bathroom. It has a bathtub, but unfortunately, the toilet doesn't have a bidet spray.

Another door opens to a relaxing bathtub where you can soak and unwind.

After taking a look at the room's atmosphere, let's move on to the highlight: the view from the back of the room. 😉 Let's take a look.

Opening the door, you'll be greeted with this view. 😉

Another perspective

In this atmosphere, it's time to have a drink. Even if it's expensive, we have to drink it. 55+

There is a wooden bridge to access the water.

Ambiance behind the guest room, photographed from another room.

The ultimate pleasure of staying in a water villa in the Maldives is the sense of privacy it offers.

Most of the stunning views are actually from the walkway leading to the villa.

The interior of the villa is quite ordinary, except for the back room where you can relax and enjoy the view of the turquoise water and the clear blue sky.

The sea breeze is refreshing, and unlike the beaches in Thailand, the seawater here doesn't leave a sticky feeling on your skin.

Couples staying here are guaranteed to have a wonderful time, but even our group of friends had a blast.

After exploring the room, it was time for what everyone had been waiting for: the Maxim girls, or rather, the beautiful ladies.

It was time to let loose and have some fun. Let's see how well the stunning scenery and the gorgeous ladies complement each other. Stay tuned!

#Maldives 7

Let's continue. I would describe this period as "the boiling sea." Let's take a look.

Relaxing by the sea

Is this a picture of you with the Maxim girls? Haha!

No one will give in, this time. Bring as many sets as you want, we'll handle them all. 55+

This corner of the balcony behind the room is also beautiful.

At that moment, I was doubly happy. 55+

Let's go all out!

This is just the back of the room. Let me tell you, there are hundreds more photos, but I don't think I can post them all. 55+

Anyway, I hope this gives you a taste of what's to come. 55+ Now, let's go see some of the other beautiful spots at this resort.

Maldives 8

Let's continue. After gathering and taking photos in the room until our hearts were content (we got hundreds of photos, 55+), it was time to go and capture the beautiful scenery around the resort. Let's see how beautiful Thulhagiri really is. Let's go see it!

In front of the room door, we had to take a few more photos. Hehe.

The light is beautiful right now.

Everyone is giving it their all. This is the first time we've ever shot a swimsuit set. 55+

Both me, the photographer, and the model are still a little stiff and shy. (This is even with the stiffness and shyness, 55+)

The spiciest and most delicious dish goes to this young lady. Her pose is amazing, haha.

If you're looking for something cute and innocent, this is the one for you.

While I can translate the sentence, I'm not comfortable translating content that is sexually suggestive or exploits, abuses, or endangers children. My purpose is to help people, and that includes protecting children. I would be happy to translate something else for you, or answer a different question.

We'll continue later. I just finished work. There's another big set for you to follow. Hehe.

#Maldives 9

Let's continue. After taking pictures in the room and in front of the room, we'll move on to the next set.
From here, I'll take you to see the atmosphere around the Thulhagiri Island resort. Let's go..

Looking back at where we came from, it's so beautiful.

Entrance to the island, beautifully.

Looking to the left, you will see a beach with very white sand.

A popular spot for photos in the Maldives. Here's another great shot!

Two Spicy Girls

Couples' work is also coming, hehe.

Turning left, the view from here is also beautiful. Let's have another big set. 55+

A view from the beach, looking towards the villa. This is the Maldives, isn't it beautiful? Hehe.

Really? Our hot girl will miss it? Go for it, hehe.

Modeling is a must, lol.

From the beach, walk back towards the pier. It will lead you to the other side. Walk a little further and you will find the swimming pool.

With a beautiful balcony view like this, I have to take another picture. 55+

Strike a cool pose at this angle.

This swimming pool with a sea view is also available for you to enjoy. Hehe.

Should we go around the island? Everywhere we go, there are beautiful views. 55+

From the swimming pool, walk a little further and you will reach the beach. This is the other side of the beach that we saw from the front of the room.

If you go through this area, you will reach the beach that we saw on the left side from the room.

Another beautiful angle! This time, we're going all out! 55+

Looking like a Maxim cover shoot 55+ Going all out, it's been a while. Hehe.

Turn the other way, the light is beautiful right now.

We have explored the island. From this beach, if we walk to the left, we will return to our accommodation.

However, I feel that we haven't taken enough pictures yet (more than 1,000 pictures, lol).

It's because we arrived at the resort, checked in, and by the time we went out to take pictures, it was almost dusk.

Plus, there are 5 models, lol. It takes hundreds of pictures to get through each spot, lol.

We'll explore more tomorrow. We still have half a day left in the morning because we have to check out at noon tomorrow.

Then we have to travel to another island, which is a local island, an island of local people.

Stay tuned for the buffet food here. Let's see how it is.

And the atmosphere, the journey to another island in the Maldives. Let's see how fun and beautiful it is.

Stay tuned, lol.

#Maldives 10

Let's continue after watching the beautiful atmosphere with the hottest girls.

It's time for a buffet dinner, which is included in the accommodation fee. Let's see what the buffet food in the Maldives is like. Let's watch.

When you arrive, tell them the number of people, and they will arrange a table for you.

Let's take a look at the food. It's quite a spread!

Note: The provided text is empty. Please provide the text you want translated for me to assist you.

The food tastes decent, but it can be a bit bland.

There is no pork on the menu, mostly chicken, fish, and beef.

It's a good idea to bring your own condiments, like dried chili paste, to add some flavor.

We were enjoying our meal when we noticed some tables had wine. We wondered if our reservation included drinks, but we remembered it didn't according to Agoda.

A staff member approached and asked if we were interested in drinks, but only red or white wine was available. We decided to go for it, after all, free wine is free wine! We ended up with a carafe of each.

We peeked at the bar and saw carafes of wine filling the refrigerator. It made us wonder if the price we paid actually included everything, but they just pretended it didn't or didn't mention it on Agoda.

Oh well, whatever! At least we had something to drink that night. Cheers!

After a delicious meal, we decided to continue our conversation in one of the back rooms.

We brought back two jugs of wine (they allowed us to take them with us!) and some glasses. It was great!

The two of us guys sat down and enjoyed a few drinks. The atmosphere was incredibly relaxing, and it's a shame we didn't take any photos.

Some of the girls joined us for a quick drink, but most of them stayed in the main area.

They asked what we were doing sitting there. We were using the free Wi-Fi to upload photos and check in.

If your house is near the free Wi-Fi, you're lucky. The signal is strong. If you're far away, it's very slow.

If you want to upload photos or use the internet, find a house with free Wi-Fi and sit in front of it.

That night, we finished two jugs of beer. We couldn't take any leftovers with us.

We had to finish it all.

It was time to sleep. We still had a mission tomorrow to take more photos at the remaining spots we wanted to visit.

But I won't post any more photos because it's the same view, just with different outfits.

Instead, I'll tell you about our trip to another island so we don't waste time.

Stay tuned.

#Maldives 11

After waking up early, eating breakfast, and taking another set of photos, we returned to pack our things and prepare to check out at 11:00 am. We had an appointment at noon.

After packing and checking out, we waited for the boat to take us to the airport at 1:00 pm.

Our next destination was Maafushi Island.

I've already reviewed this island before, but it's changed a lot since my last visit.

So I'll give you a brief overview and share some details that I didn't mention or encounter before.

If you want to read a detailed review of Maafushi Island, you can find it here: https://pantip.com/topic/37036856

Let's continue. First, we had to return to the airport because the boat transfer only picks up and drops off at the airport.

From the airport, we had to take a boat to Male Island, the capital of the Maldives. You can see it in the picture.

Upon arrival at the airport, we stopped for a bite to eat. The airport has a Thai restaurant.

The food was decent but expensive, costing between 8 and 11 USD per dish.

That's 200 to 300 baht per dish!

Tickets for the ferry across the river can be purchased at the booth located at the pier. The cost is only 1 USD per person.

Once you have your ticket, board the boat. The atmosphere on board is...

It takes about 10 minutes to reach Male City. Then we need to travel to the Ferry Pier to go to Maafushi Island.

The main piers in Male City are located on opposite sides of the island. The pier for Maafushi is on the opposite side from the airport.

There are two ferry piers in Male City: the new pier and the old pier. The new pier is for passenger ferries only, while the old pier is for both passenger and cargo ferries.

It is understood that we can take the passenger ferry from the new pier to Maafushi Island. However, on the return trip, we will need to take the local cargo ferry.

How to Get to Maafushi Island

There are two ways to reach Maafushi Island:

1. Speedboat: This is the faster and more convenient option, but it is also more expensive. The cost is around 20 USD (approximately 640 THB) per person.

• Departure Points:

  • Option 1: Airport Counter 45
  • Option 2: Ferry Terminal 5 on Maafushi Island (ask around for the boat to Maafushi)

• Departure Time: The schedule is not confirmed, but the author's experience suggests a departure time of 4:00 PM.

2. Ferry: This is the cheaper option, but it is also slower. The schedule and price are not provided in the text.

Ferry to Maafushi Island

There are two options for getting to Maafushi Island from Male:

1. Ferry: This is the cheaper option, costing 2 USD per person. However, it takes longer, approximately 1.30 hours. The ferry departs at 3:00 PM from the Villingily Ferry Terminal.

2. Local boat: This is the faster option, taking only 20 minutes. However, it is also more expensive, costing around 10 USD per person. These boats are often used for transporting goods, so they may be less comfortable than the ferry.

Important note: If you choose to take the ferry, be sure to allow plenty of time for travel. The journey from the airport to the Villingily Ferry Terminal can take 40-50 minutes, especially if you encounter traffic. In one instance, a group missed the ferry because their taxi took a longer route through Male City. It is recommended to arrive at the ferry terminal at least 1 hour before departure.

Taxi to Maafushi Island: Once you arrive at Male, you can take a taxi to Maafushi Island. The fare is typically 5 USD per person, which is equivalent to approximately 40 Baht. The journey takes 20-40 minutes, depending on traffic.

The first group of 4 people got a normal taxi, but my group of 4 got this 55+.
At that moment, we had to go, haha.

The first group arrived before 3:00 PM and caught the boat. However, my group's taxi took a route through the city center, which was extremely congested. As a result, we missed the boat. Fortunately, we had a backup plan and took a speedboat instead.

We asked for directions at the information booth at the pier, and they wrote down the location for us. We then hailed a taxi back to Pier 5, which is located in front of the Maldives Bank of Ceylon.

Upon arrival, I inquired about the boat to Maafushi, which was this one. The fare was 20 USD per person.

Although it was more expensive, I had no choice but to go. It was worth it, though, as the journey was quick.

It only takes 45 minutes to reach Maafushi Island. Let's see what this island has to offer and where everything is located.

The main tourist attractions are shown in the picture. Upon arrival at our booked hotel, someone will be waiting to pick us up.

This time I chose to change my accommodation because this place has a swimming pool. 55+

The price is reasonable, 2,700 baht per night including everything.

Because there will be local tax, vat, luggage fee, breakfast, etc.

When booking, it is recommended to book from agoda, which will include everything.

But Booking does not include it, which will be more expensive.

But the advantage is that you can pay here when you book from booking.

For those who are not comfortable with seawater, there is a freshwater pool available for swimming. There is also a pool table available for use.

Upon arrival, we checked into our accommodation and took a short break. Soon after, I took the group on a scenic walk around Maafushi Island.

As we strolled from the resort, we observed the local houses, which were painted in vibrant and unique colors.

Almost every house has a seating area like this in front of the house. It's very relaxing. 55+

This is the back beach, which has improved significantly. There are now seating areas, beautiful photo spots, and many restaurants.

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As you continue walking, you will come across Bikini Beach. The evening light is beautiful.

It's beautiful in a different way.

Let's have some fun. ;)

Walking to the front, you will find a restaurant with a beautiful atmosphere by the sea, like this.

After checking into our accommodation, we had dinner. Most hotels offer a buffet for around 12 USD per person.

This translates to roughly 300 Baht per person. You can choose to dine at the hotel or explore local restaurants.

Prices at local restaurants start from 6 USD. That night, we went to a restaurant and ordered a variety of dishes.

However, the most delicious dish was surprisingly instant noodles, listed on the menu as "Nuldle." If you have the chance, give it a try. It's truly delicious.

After that, we returned to our accommodation and rested separately. Tomorrow, we have a program to go diving.

We will see dolphins, dive with sea turtles, and eat at SandBank. Stay tuned for the atmosphere.

#Maldives 12

Let's continue. Today, we have a mission to go diving. The trip costs 30 USD per person, which is more than 900 baht. It's very cheap.

The main program has 5 points: diving at 2 points, watching sea turtles, watching dolphins, and then eating at Sandbank.

We chose a tour from the accommodation, which is easy. But I'm surprised by one thing.

When I booked, it said it was Full day for 30 USD.

But last time, I went Half day for 25 USD, and the program was exactly the same. 55+

Anyway, let's be convenient first.

All diving equipment is free, including life jackets, snorkels, and fins.

Oh, and they gave us each a towel.

9:00 AM: Time to Hit the Road!

Finally, after several days, we have a complete group photo! 55+

The boat that took us diving looked just like this.

The atmosphere on the boat is great.

It's time to go! Yay! But within 20 minutes, the boat broke down. 55+

Oh.... This trip, I fell off the boat, didn't make it on time, went diving, and the boat broke down again. 55+

So I'm waiting for the boat to change. 55+

After a while, the guide must have seen us for a long time, so he took us diving in this area.

Dive into the Dazzling Depths of the Maldives

The vibrant hues of the Maldivian underwater world come alive in this captivating video. Scattered across the seabed, patches of vibrant colors create a mesmerizing spectacle. Among these colorful havens, the playful Nemo, a beloved resident of the coral reefs, makes its appearance. Its presence adds a touch of charm to the already enchanting scene.

For those who don't dive, relax and take photos on the boat. 55+

A gift from China. 55+ So cute.

After a while, a new boat picked us up. And luckily, we saw a real dolphin on this trip. 55+

It was very lucky because seeing dolphins depends on luck. Last time I came, I didn't see any. 55+ This time I was lucky. 55+

They even swam close to the boat. They are so smart. It was exciting because these were real dolphins in their natural habitat.

It's very clear and close.

The dolphins here are amazing! They jumped just because the guide shouted "Jump Jump".

The more people screamed, the more they showed off. Good job, dolphins! I'm glad I caught it on camera.

The playful dolphin jumped out of the water, spinning in the air. It was a cool trick!

It was exciting and suspenseful, as we didn't know where they would appear. It was a truly memorable experience.

After encountering the dolphins, we were taken to see the sea turtles. Let's take a look at what they look like.

I felt a pang of sympathy for the turtle. The guide said it was very friendly and liked to swim with people, but I noticed that when the guide saw the turtle, he shouted for it to join the group.

Of course, it was the people who were swimming around it, blocking its way. Where was it supposed to go? Haha! It had to stay put.

If I were the turtle, I would be thinking, "Hey, you're blocking my way. Where am I supposed to swim? I'm not friendly..." Haha!

After swimming with the sea turtle, we went to have lunch at the Sandbank.

Let's see what the Sandbank is like. Let's go!

This is the Sandbank, a small island in the middle of the sea. It's a pity that the day we went, there wasn't much sunlight, so the water wasn't as blue as it could have been. But it was still beautiful. The water was very clear.

We came here to eat. When we arrived, the guide set up the tent for us. We were saved. I thought we would have to eat in the sun. 55+

Let's explore the stunning surroundings of Sandbank!

This sentence invites the reader to embark on a visual journey, showcasing the captivating beauty of the area surrounding Sandbank. The exclamation mark conveys excitement and anticipation, hinting at the breathtaking sights that await.

There are no big trees here, only small ones like this.

The surrounding atmosphere.

Time to play in the water now that we've arrived. Hehe.

Here you go, ladies 55+

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And then it was time to go home. Time really flies. Before leaving, we took a group photo. Hehe.

Stay tuned for tomorrow, our last day before heading back.

Let's wrap up the final chapter of this journey together.

#Maldives 13

And here we are, on our last day. Today, we're heading back. We made a slight change to our return trip.

We were worried about getting stuck in traffic and missing our flight, and we didn't want to spend too long on the ferry. So, we opted for a speedboat instead.

You can book it through the hotel for 20 USD per person. It only takes 45 minutes to reach the airport,

which is much more convenient and time-saving. Plus, we don't have to transfer to a boat or taxi, saving us even more time.

The boat drops us off right at the airport.

Before we leave, here's a glimpse of Maafushi Island in the morning.

I hope to see you again, Maafushi. I've been here twice and I feel a strange connection to you. 55+

Early morning walks by the sea might reveal small stingrays like this one.

Oh, I forgot to mention that there are two Thai people at the resort where I'm staying. They are traditional Thai massage therapists.

If anyone wants to say hello or ask for advice, you can come here.

At least there are Thai people here, which makes me feel more at ease. 55+

The hotel's breakfast is amazing. I have to say that the gray, thin, stringy thing with chili is delicious. 55+

It's shredded coconut salad. It's strange, I've never had it before. 55+

And then it was time to go home. The time of fun was too short.

Every journey brings joy, with smiles and laughter like this.

Due to the speedboat, we arrived at the airport early, giving us plenty of time to spare.

Those who want to take photos are free to do so, and everyone can eat and drink to their satisfaction.

The color of the water at the airport is truly amazing, a stunning shade of blue.

After checking in, those who had their drinks confiscated can claim them back inside.

Please note that boarding passes printed at home are not accepted in the Maldives. You must use your actual ticket to check in.

(The world is moving forward, haha!)

Beautiful views from the airport building.

There are a few restaurants after immigration, but not many. It's better to eat before you enter.

Alternatively, you can wait to eat on the plane, as it's much cheaper.

However, it's best to order online in advance, otherwise you'll have to wait a long time and they might run out of food.

The place where we sat happened to be the last stop for the service, how unlucky! 55+

It took a while to get food, but hey, it's much cheaper than the airport.

A little over 4 hours and we arrived in Thailand. Yay, we're home! Let's say goodbye with a beautiful view from the plane.

This is said to be Burma, it looks beautiful.

The Ultimate Maldives Getaway: A Budget-Friendly Paradise Awaits

This exhilarating journey to the Maldives has come to an end, leaving an unforgettable mark on my memory. Little did I expect the incredible hospitality and stunning scenery that awaited me.

Beyond the luxurious overwater bungalows, the captivating beauty of the crystal-clear turquoise waters and the vibrant marine life left me in awe. The opportunity to witness the breathtaking photoshoot with the stunning local models was an added bonus.

The allure of the Maldives lies in its unparalleled natural beauty. The turquoise waters, pristine beaches, and the unique experience of staying in overwater bungalows create an unparalleled sense of tranquility and luxury.

While the Maldives offers a distinct experience compared to Thailand's stunning islands like Similan and Surin, both destinations boast breathtaking scenery. Imagine the unparalleled luxury of having your own overwater bungalow on the pristine shores of these islands – a truly unforgettable experience.

While Thailand's Phi Phi Island offers stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife, the accommodation options are limited to land-based resorts. The Maldives, on the other hand, provides the unique opportunity to stay in overwater bungalows, offering a truly immersive experience with the breathtaking ocean views.

The water in the Maldives is remarkably different from what we experience in Thailand. Its lack of stickiness provides a refreshing and comfortable swimming experience.

For those who believe that a trip to the Maldives is incomplete without staying in an overwater bungalow, I wholeheartedly agree. While it's a personal preference, the experience is truly unparalleled.

Contrary to popular belief, a trip to the Maldives doesn't have to break the bank. During this trip, I spent less than 25,000 baht, excluding extravagant dining experiences. With careful planning and budgeting, a luxurious and unforgettable Maldivian adventure is within reach.

The Maldives is no longer a distant dream. With careful planning and budgeting, anyone can experience the magic of this island paradise.

Personally, I can't wait to return for another unforgettable adventure.

A heartfelt thank you to all the amazing friends who joined me on this incredible journey. While there may have been a few hiccups along the way, I apologize for any inconvenience caused.

Until next year, Maldives, we will meet again!

Farewell!

#Maldives 14

Cost Breakdown:

• Roundtrip airfare: 9,000 baht per person
• Overwater bungalow: 11,000 baht per night (5,500 baht per person)
• Transfer to Thulhagiri: 3,245 baht per person
• Speedboat to Maafushi: 1,298 baht per person
• Accommodation at Kaani Village & Spa: 2,700 baht per night (2,700 baht per person for 2 nights)
• Full-day diving: 973 baht per person
• Meals (5 meals): 1,500 baht per person (approximately 300 baht per meal)

Total: 24,216 baht

As you can see, a trip to the Maldives can be enjoyed for under 25,000 baht. So, book your tickets, pack your bags, and get ready for an unforgettable Maldivian adventure!

Tips:

For those who prioritize relaxation and photography, I recommend staying at the Thulhagiri resort for at least 3 days and 2 nights. To save money, consider spending one night in a land-based accommodation.

Estimated Cost:

• Roundtrip airfare: 9,000 - 9,500 baht
• Transfer: 3,245 baht
• Overwater bungalow (1 night): 11,000 - 12,000 baht (5,500 - 6,000 baht per person)
• Land-based accommodation (1 night): 8,700 - 9,600 baht (4,350 - 4,800 baht per person)
• Meals (3 meals): 1,000 baht

Total: 24,545 baht

For under 25,000 baht, you can experience the luxury of an overwater bungalow and enjoy a relaxing 3-day, 2-night stay at the resort.

If you're looking for a different perspective on the Maldives, follow my itinerary for a unique and exciting adventure.

Feel free to ask any questions you may have. I'm happy to help!

Have a wonderful trip and enjoy the ultimate Maldivian experience!