ATREZ Feat RAUDAH YUSOFF . Travel Experience/Tips to MALDIVES .

Hi hi hi,

“Travelling – It leaves you speechless, than turns you into a storyteller” – Ibn Battuta

Well I am not exactly telling a story- but sharing with you the thrill of traveling budget yet comparable to any extravagant vacation you could only dream of. So If this is what you’re looking for, read on.

Disclaimer: I hate dirty and crummy toilets / skimpy and dark places and (always) shield myself away from dark and quiet hotels/ motels. Backpacking for me even, has to be at least proper and with a certain standard of hygiene which I deem appropriate.
So before you start thinking that budget means poor quality, you’re wrong. Well of course you can’t expect a cherry on top but well good enough. What matters is how you manage your costs, and use the (cheapo) skills to create a better trip. Don’t let your burning pockets stop you from traveling!

To kick off, I’m sharing with you my travel itinerary to Maldives in 2014.
In times to come, I will share more itinerary (at cheaper prices) or of the same pricing range.

I chose to share Maldives because I’ve had friends who have been longing to go/ so here, I’m sharing my two cents worth (and guts) for those who would like to give it a go!

6 days in Maldives with S$1500. (EST cost below per pax – price may vary according to month/ seasons)
Flight: Tiger air S$355 – 4 hours 30 mins flight time.
Hotel: Kaani Village & Spa, Maafushi USD$50/night (Half board/ triple sharing)
Activities (per pax $USD) :
• Discover Scuba Diving $80
• Dolphin Watching $30
• Cycling FREE
• Night Fishing $40
• Snorkelling FREE
• Picnic Island (BBQ + Private island sightseeing) $80

We brought food from home for lunch aka cup noodles / Maggi mee / biscuits & snacks and we had that for lunch. Occasionally we ate in the hotel – which costs a little higher but still within budget.

We arrived at the airport and well I’m not exaggerating but it’s like going out into a swimming pool. Super clear, super cool, super duper everything (kiasu because it was my first time) and my friends and I took photos while waiting for the speedboat to picked us up.

30 minutes after our speedboat ride (well we could take the water plane off from airport to our hotel but it probably would have taken only 2/3 mins?) So we didn’t and… the cost is pretty steep/
And we arrived at our hotel!!!! Friendly and warm customer service officers came greeting us with a cold towel and a cooling drink while they get us all checked in into our rooms.
Btw.. Maldivians are so nice and friendly, I was actually taken aback for awhile. Everyone strangers included, will greet you with a smile and a Hi.

I don’t have a proper photo but trust me it was as pretty as this! The rooms are clean and pretty well maintained. When we came, it was newly built.

Unlike other resorts which are exclusive and private (you won’t be able to experience these kind of cultural immersions), Maafushi island is dominated by the locals and we were lucky enough to be able to talk and interact with them, buy some local snacks (coconut and salted fish, not to our liking but definitely worth a try)

and cycle around the island. (since the bicycle is free from the hotel!!)
We came across Police post/ School and Prison and getting fascinated throughout.
It was sunny but it wasn’t humid – we were burnt but it was worth it!

Itinerary of our days there is seen below.
DAY 1 – SINGAPORE – MALDIVES [LUNCH/DINNER]

0800hrs Assemble at Changi Airport for your flight check in to Maldives
0935hrs Board plane TR2502
1120hrs Estimated time of arrival at Male, Ibrahim Nasir Intl Airport
Proceed for immigration clearance. Transfer to Maafushi Island by private speed boat
1200hrs Lunch at own expense
1400hrs Explore village / Swimming
1700hrs Wash up (Sunset watching)
1800hrs Dinner at Hotel
1900hrs Rest and Relax / Spa Massage

DAY 2 – [BREAKFAST/LUNCH / DINNER]

0900hrs Breakfast at hotel.
1000hrs Check out water activties at Maafushi Island & Book
1100hrs Hang around at the beach (Soak under the sun)
1300hrs Lunch at own expense
1400hrs Do one water activity (Snorkeling)
1800hrs Wash up (Sunset watching)
1900hrs Dinner
2000hrs Night fishing

DAY 3 – [BREAKFAST/LUNCH/DINNER]

0900hrs Breakfast at hotel.
1000hrs One water Activity (Fishing trip/ Dolphin cruise)
1200hrs Lunch at own expense (Picnic at the beach)
1700hrs Wash up.
1900hrs Dinner at hotel
2000hrs Night swimming (the best part about the hotel – we can swim at any time of the day!!)

DAY 4 – [BREAKFAST/ LUNCH/ DINNER]

0900hrs Breakfast at hotel.
1000hrs Scuba Diving
1200hrs Lunch at own expense
1300hrs One water activtiy (Para-sailing/ Banana boat)
1700hrs Wash up
1900hrs Dinner at hotel
2000hrs Activities around the Resort/ pool/ billiard @ Kaani Beach Hotel
(we went on a bike going around town with the locals- some adventure is good, yes? hehe)

DAY 5 – [BREAKFAST/ LUNCH/DINNER]

0900hrs Breakfast at hotel.
1000hrs Cycling around the village (Explore village where locals live/ interaction)
1200hrs Lunch at own expense
1300hrs Soak under the sun @ the beach / Swimming
1700hrs Wash up (Sunset watching)
1900hrs Candlelight dinner by the beach USD$30 per pax
2000hrs Night Picnic

DAY 6 – [BREAKFAST/ LUNCH]

0900hrs Breakfast at hotel.
1000hrs Check out and transfer back to Male, Ibrahim Naseer Intl Airport
1030hrs Buy Lunch, Souvenirs/ Hand gifts shopping (We did not get gifts because it was expensive but we brought back beautiful paintings on shells and canvas as memento)
1130hrs Check in @ gate
1210hrs Board plane TR2503 back to Singapore
2000hrs Back in Singapore
2100hrs HOME SWEET HOME

Did the itinerary before we went / couldn’t fathom how it would be like once we reached,
but we did tweak the plans here and there according to the schedule of the activities.
More photos on my flickr –
https://www.flickr.com/photos/133418747@N02/sets/72157654879394375

And well, ask me/ comment below if you’ve any questions.
(Talk to me, I might be able to give you some discounts on their water sport activities)
Will be ready to help and get you rolling!

Maldives is a Muslim country, so take note. When we went over, we were SO READY to strut off with just bikini day in and day out, but as mentioned before, Maafushi Island that I recommended is a local island.