Maafushi island – Maldives on a budget

Well, some islands, among the most beautiful archipelago in the world, are waiting to be discovered by you.  Tropical adventure in Maldives can be affordable for a crazy low price indeed. Firstly, flying to Male, the capital of Maldives can be quite cheap. North Americans can choose best options with one layover in Doha, Dubai or Istanbul, Europeans can follow the same path, while Asians and Australians can fly through Kuala Lumpur or Singapore.

End then comes a choice – which resort to pick  for your vacation, among close to 1200 fascinating coral islands? During last 15 years, new trend rose among some non resort, local islands in Maldives. The idea was to transform small pretty islands, where local population lives, and where no resorts existed, into a multi hotel and multi private accommodation paradise affordable for everyone. Many private home properties were enlarged to start a guest house business, while larger plots saw hotels building boom like never before. Even foreign investors could rent a plot, build a three story hotel with 25 rooms, fully equipped for 250.000$, use it for business for 30 years and then, by the law, leave everything to the original plot owner. That is how government attracted investors who can make huge profits in 30 years of hotel business, but at the end, protecting locals, who get both the plot and the hotel back as their ownership at the end.

Thriving tourism brings the main benefit and  income for vast majority of locals on these islands. Choosing the right one is sometimes tricky depending on your budget and interests. Among 26 atolls or island groups within the archipelago, try to find an atoll which is easily reachable from where you land, and in this case it is Male, the capital. One of the best and most practical group of islands for you is Kaafu Atoll, reachable in 45 min by private speed boat transfer from airport dock in Male. One way private transfer provided by your hotel will cost around 20$ per person, and it is way more practical and faster than a regular, cheap  ferry line.  Among various great islands to stay like Huraa, Hinmafushi  Thulusdhoo, this time I will focus on the one, where mentioned reshaping of local islands actually started – Maafushi Island in Kaafu Atoll.

I remember my first visit to the island 12 years ago. I stayed in a guest house which was dominant accommodation option. Only a few hotels existed and some undergoing construction works. One side of the island had a beach perfectly maintained while the opposite side  was quite neglected and dirty. Food was ok, but nothing special and finally, numerous lazy locals just enjoying what God gave them as a gift – to live in Maldives. Development potential was clearly there, I liked it, explored the area and surrounding islands, and I was back with my family again, last year in February.

 Maafushi island was still there, a strip of sand and corals, with its almost a mile length and only 850ft width, but with brand new character – the one all locals hoped to be achieved. Some 15 small hotels, numerous guest houses and apartments, all sides of the island clean so more beaches emerged, cheerful locals moving all around loyal to fishing and tourism which changed lives for close to 2000 local residents on Maafushi island. I decided to stay in a hotel which was the first one built here – Kaani Beach Hotel.

Obviously, Kaani family invested a lot here, since they own two other hotels, all top located, and with great service. Nice room for a family of three was ready for us. Balcony overlooking perfectly set, tall, palm trees, beach reachable in less than a minute walk, and breakfast included, was around 1.000$ total for eight days! What truly makes a difference on Maafushi is an authentic spirit. It is not an army of staff serving the whole luxury island resort, but a real everyday local life combined with tourism services and natural beauty.

One can stroll the streets where colorful, family houses are lined up, always walled, due to strict Muslim religious code. You can meet kids going to their school in the morning, hear a call from the local mosque, or enjoy watching children paying soccer on a big dusty pitch.

Compared with other nearby islands, choice of authentic handicrafts and classic souvenirs on Maafushi is absolutely unmatched. It really seems this touristic boom pushed forward even those hidden talents of the locals, who turned their skills into successful small family businesses.

Main beach, located just in front of Kaani Beach Hotel, offers pretty much of everything you need. You can expect shallow, shining and clear waters, with mantas as regular guests  and a bit of dark blue tones at the edge of  island’s  coral reef, where snorkeling becomes the best. White sand and palm tree shades are fabulous combination, except some caution when arranging your beach towels or sunbeds. Coconuts are exotic to taste, but they can be a tricky threat falling from above. Delicious tropical fruit salads can be purchased from the local snack stands and delivered directly to your sunbed.  Try not to be surprised with generous saying of local vendors “No worries, you will pay when you pass by, during the day”.

Combining your days on a local island with, resort island excursions, night fishing, snorkeling or half day diving tours, will create always necessary pleasant pace during your Maldives budget vacation.

Evenings on Maafushi are superb for an easy walk with a light breeze, romantic moments, or checking out local shops, art studios and bars.  Young locals are so proud riding their motorbikes around as a version of local Maafushian showing off. Healthy Maldivian diet should be crowned by delicious authentic dinner. Pick one of numerous local restaurants or hotels offering nice garden setting and a self service choice of local dishes for an average of 12$ per person. With high level of authenticity, it is not surprising, for many luxury resorts to organize excursions to Maafushi, enabling their guests to feel a bit of  real, everyday Maldivian life.