Pearls scattered by God, the ultimate honeymoon paradise!!!
### 🌴 Ultimate Maldives Travel Guide: Island Selection/Budget/Tips All in One!
The Maldives, a pearl necklace in the Indian Ocean, is the dream vacation destination for countless travelers. Crystal-clear waters, white-sand islands, overwater villas, romantic sunsets... But with **120+ resort islands** to choose from, how do you pick the right one? How to manage your budget? What experiences are unmissable? This guide has you covered!
---
📌 Part 1: Maldives Basics
✅ Visa: 30-day visa-free, passport valid for 6+ months
✅ Currency: USD widely accepted, credit cards usable on some islands
✅ Language: English + Dhivehi (no communication issues at resorts)
✅ Best seasons:
- Dry season (Nov-Apr): Sunny, perfect for snorkeling & honeymoons
- Wet season (May-Oct): Lower prices, occasional showers, great for budget trips
---
🏝️ Part 2: How to Choose Your Island? Match by Needs!
"One island, one resort" – picking an island means picking a hotel. Key factors:
### 1️⃣ By Budget
- Budget-friendly ($1K-$1.5K/person):
- Kuramathi – Famous for its long sandbank, best value
- Cinnamon Hakuraa – Top-tier snorkeling, ideal for young couples
- Mid-range ($1.5K-$3K/person):
- OBLU Select Sangeli – All-inclusive + private pools
- Furaveri – 5.8m-deep undersea restaurant, honeymoon must-visit
- Luxury ($3K+/person):
- Cheval Blanc – LV-owned, ultra-luxury
- Soneva Jani – Waterslides into the sea, retractable stargazing roofs
### 2️⃣ By Needs
- Honeymoon picks: Veelaavaru, Huvafen Fushi
- Family-friendly: Centara Grand, Ozen Reserve Bolifushi
- Best snorkeling: Park Hyatt Hadahaa, Angsana Ihuru
- Instagrammable: Radisson Blu, Joali Being
---
💰 Part 3: Budget-Saving Tips
### 1. Low season (May-Oct) is 30%-50% cheaper!
### 2. Opt for "All-Inclusive (AI)" packages: Covers meals, drinks & activities, no hidden costs.
### 3. Mix local islands + resorts:
- Local islands (e.g., Maafushi): Affordable stays ($50-$100/night), great for island-hopping tours
- Resorts: Book 2 nights in overwater villas for a balanced experience!
---
🤿 Part 4: Unmissable Experiences
1. Snorkeling/Diving: Swim with manta rays, turtles & reef sharks (Manta season: Aug-Nov)
2. Sunset cruise: Dolphin spotting on a traditional dhoni with champagne
3. Undersea dining/SPA: Rare global experiences (e.g., Conrad Maldives)
4. Private sandbank picnic: Resort-organized lunches on secluded shores
5. Water sports: Glass kayaking, flyboarding, sailing
---
📝 Part 5: Must-Know Tips
🔹 Internet: Some resorts charge for WiFi; buy a local SIM (Dhiraagu)
🔹 Tipping: $1-$2 for luggage, $5-$10 for butlers (optional but appreciated)
🔹 Cultural etiquette: Avoid bikinis on local islands; resorts are relaxed
🔹 Eco-rules: No coral/shell collecting, some islands ban plastics
---
✈️ Part 6: Getting There
- Direct flights: Beijing/Shanghai/Chengdu (China Eastern, Capital Air, ~6-8hrs)
- Layovers: Singapore/Kuala Lumpur/Dubai (great for stopovers)
- Island transfers:
- Speedboat (30min-1hr, budget option)
- Seaplane (15-45min, breathtaking aerial views!)
- Domestic flight + speedboat (for remote islands)
---
🏖️ Final Takeaway:
There’s no "perfect" island in the Maldives—only the one that’s "perfect for you"! Book 3-6 months ahead and avoid peak season to save big.
💬 Q&A: Which island tempts you most? Or any Maldives questions? Chat in the comments! 👇