You have seen Bollywood celebrities take off to Maldives at the drop of a hat. You have seen Alia Bhatt, Kanchi Kaul and various other stars relax at the pool, take a cruise on fancy boats and you have always thought it is not something you can afford. Wake up call, you can, and here are four effective ways of cutting costs while you are there.
Go local
Staying on one of those local inhabited islands as opposed to those costly resorts will help you. There are various guesthouses that have sprung up in Maafushi, Hulhumale and Guraidhoo islands. There are a few options available on Airbnb too.
Take the public ferry
Once you have decided where you are going to stay, go for a local ferry. They are much cheaper, but less frequent than ones arranged by the hotel or resorts. Speed boats are costly.
Food
Skip the costly resorts, eat local. If you love seafood, this is the place for you. Try Garudhiya, a fish broth served with rice, lime, chilli, and onions. Mas Huni, shredded smoked fish is served with grated coconuts and onions is the most popular breakfast dish. Stick to bottled water and avoid alcohol if possible. But do try out Raa, a toddy tapped from palm trees.
When to go
As with anywhere else in the world, avoid the season time - October to April. From May to September, the rates tend to be lower as compared to the other time. Each of the different islands have their own culture. Enjoy.
And if you really do not want to stick to this schedule, be ready to spend more.