How to Travel Maldives on a Budget: My Top 3 Local Island Picks

Maldives Local Island Guide: 3 Budget-Friendly Options

The Maldives is a breathtaking archipelago known for its luxurious resorts and pristine beaches. However, many travelers are unaware that they can experience this paradise on a budget by visiting local islands.

For my upcoming two-week trip to the Maldives, I was looking to mix both local islands and luxury private island resorts. After extensive research, I decided on these 3 local islands. Let’s go over them quickly.

Here are my top three picks for budget-friendly local islands in the Maldives.

Dhigurah: Located in the South Ari Atoll, Dhigurah is a long island with picturesque beaches and a laid-back atmosphere. The island boasts some of the best snorkeling and diving spots in the Maldives, with a diverse range of marine life, including whale sharks and manta rays. There are numerous budget-friendly guesthouses on the island, providing an authentic Maldivian experience at an affordable price.

Ukulhas: Situated in the North Ari Atoll, Ukulhas is known for its pristine, white sand beaches and turquoise waters. This eco-friendly island offers a range of budget accommodations and is perfect for those seeking tranquility and relaxation. Visitors can explore the island's lush greenery, enjoy beach activities, or embark on a snorkeling adventure.

Maafushi: Just a short speedboat ride from the capital Malé, Maafushi is an ideal choice for budget travelers looking for a convenient-yet-affordable option. With its crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs, the island offers excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities. There are plenty of local restaurants serving traditional Maldivian cuisine and a variety of budget-friendly accommodations, ensuring a memorable stay without breaking the bank.

By choosing to stay on local islands instead of luxurious resorts, travelers can enjoy the stunning beauty of this archipelago while keeping costs down. Staying on local islands allows you to experience authentic Maldivian culture, interact with friendly locals, and enjoy a more affordable and authentic Maldivian experience.

I will share more info and travel videos from each of these islands once I start my Maldives Journey. You can follow the entire Maldives trip on my YouTube Channel: Ahmed Dawn

10 Surprising Facts About the Maldives: What You Never Knew

Beyond the Beaches: 10 Maldives Secrets You Didn't Know

I am planning my upcoming trip to the Maldives, and found out some surprising facts while researching for this trip. Here are the top ten facts that I found very distinctive.

1. Lowest-Lying Country - The Maldives is the world's lowest country, with an average ground-level elevation of just 1.5 meters above sea level. The nation’s highest point barely reaches five feet above sea level. This makes it incredibly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

2. More Islands Than Days of the Year: The Maldives is comprised of over 1,190 islands, scattered across 26 atolls. Only around 200 of these islands are inhabited.

3. Man-Made Islands - Some of the islands in the Maldives are actually man-made, created to accommodate the growing tourism industry. One such example is Hulhumalé.

4. Smallest Capital - The country's capital, Malé, is one of the smallest capitals in the world, covering an area of just 5.8 square kilometers.

5. Bioluminescent Beaches - In some parts of the Maldives, you can witness the magical phenomenon of bioluminescent beaches, where the sand glows with a mesmerizing blue light. Examples include Vaadhoo Island (visible June to October) and Hulhumalé Beach (April to November, most intense during September and October).

6. Whale Shark Encounters - The Maldives is a prime destination for whale shark sightings. Dhigurah is one example.

7. 100% Islam – Maldivians are 100% Muslims, making it the only one country on earth where citizens are all Muslims.

8. Alcohol & Bikinis - Alcohol consumption is not allowed on local islands. Visitors should dress modestly when exploring local islands or the capital city of Malé. Bikinis and revealing swimwear are not permitted, except in designated bikini beach areas. Private resorts are exempt.

9. Local Island Access for Foreigners - Since 2009, the Maldives has opened its doors to tourists seeking a more authentic experience by allowing them to stay on local islands.

10. Combined Land Area - If all the islands in the Maldives were combined, they would form a landmass roughly the size of Switzerland, which is approximately 15,940 square miles or 41,285 square kilometers.

How to Go to Niagara Falls from Toronto by Train

VIA Rail from Toronto to Niagara Falls

If you would a like train journey experience from Toronto to Niagara Falls, you have 2 options: Via GO Train or VIA Rail. I chose VIA Rail as I never experienced it before. This is the same Amtrak train that goes to New York. The train itself is an Amtrak train, but it changes names after crossing the border.

Boarding the train at Union Station was no problem. I was easily able to find the gate following the posted signs. I was impressed by the comfortable and spacious seating. As the train departed, the urban landscape quickly gave way to picturesque farms, small towns, and glimpses of Lake Ontario. The journey itself became a highlight, with the changing scenery providing a constant source of entertainment.

The train had a dining car and offered a variety of snacks and drinks, allowing me to indulge in some delectable treats and coffee while admiring the ever-changing scenery.  The onboard service was excellent, with friendly staff. We struck up a conversation with a friendly employee and she gave lot of insights about the train.

We spent slightly more time and money than taking a bus, but I felt the 2 hours went fast. With VIA Rail, traveling from Toronto to Niagara Falls became more than just a means of getting from one destination to another – it was an adventure in itself. It's a highly-recommended option for anyone traveling from Toronto to Niagara Falls, offering a comfortable, scenic, and environmentally-friendly way to reach this iconic destination.

I have a video comparing traveling to Niagara Falls from Toronto via train or bus. I provided more info in that video. You can check it out here:

Toronto to Niagara Falls: Bus vs Train - Which is Best?

Best Monthly Weekly Pocket Planners for 2025

Best 2025 Pocket Planners Review

In this age of online planners or apps, paper pocket planners still have some charm and usefulness. Today, I will talk about the 2 best pocket planners you can consider if you are looking for a physical planner.

Moleskine Weekly Planner 2025

The Moleskine Pocket Planner is a classic for a reason. It's well made, durable, and beautifully designed. The planner includes a weekly and monthly calendar, as well as a section for notes and tasks. It's also available in a variety of colors.

Moleskine comes in varies sizes and styles. I have video reviewed the Pocket Version Moleskin Planner here.

Muji 2025 Monthly Weekly Planner

If you are looking for a more minimalistic and affordable planner, Muji is your best option. I noticed that Muji planners are cheaper at other stores than Amazon. If you have access to a Muji store, check that store first before buying online.

Muji planners come in various sizes and styles. I have video reviewed the MUJI 2025 Monthly Weekly Planner in this video. This is their smallest version.

Overall, the best pocket planner for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you're looking for a high-quality, durable planner with a lot of features, the Moleskine Pocket Planner is a great option. If you prefer a more minimalist and affordable option, the Muji 2025 Monthly Weekly Planner is a good choice.

Additional Tips for Choosing a Pocket Planner

Consider the size of the planner. Make sure it's small enough to fit in your pocket or bag, but not so small that it's difficult to write in.

Think about the features you need. Do you want a planner with a weekly or monthly calendar? Do you need a section for notes and tasks? Do you want them to lay out vertically or horizontally? Do you want one page for each day? It’s a good idea to go to a physical store and check first before buying.

Choose a planner that you like the look of. You'll be more likely to use it if you find it aesthetically pleasing. I noticed that if I don’t like the planner, I’ll use it a few days and end up not using it again for the rest of the year.

I hope this article helps you choose the best pocket planner for 2025.

Dragon Pearl Buffet Review | Best Buffet in Toronto?

Dragon Pearl All-You-Can-Eat Buffet in Toronto

We have tried Mandarin a few times (probably the most popular buffet around) and wanted a change. So, we tried Dragon Pearl Buffet for the first time.

First impressions? We felt the beautifully-decorated elegant atmosphere right away. It had a modern and sophisticated ambience that felt like a step above the typical Chinese buffet.

Let’s talk about food. The selection was impressive, but we felt their focus was on quality rather than quantity. I felt like they have less items to choose from, but better quality. Right away, we spotted the Peking duck, a must-try at Dragon Pearl. And let me tell you, it was crispy, flavorful, and simply divine.

The sushi section was surprisingly extensive, with fresh fish and more creative rolls when compared to other Chinese buffets. We sampled the spicy tuna, the dragon roll, and a few other unique creations. Everything was fresh and delicious.

And of course, no dim sum feast is complete without the classics. The dim sum section looked extensive also. We tried the har gow, siu mai, and shrimp dumplings, all of which were expertly crafted and bursting with flavor.

They also offered a good selection of international dishes, including some delicious pad Thai and stir-fries.

I found the dessert section had less items than Mandarin’s, but couldn’t complain about the deliciousness and quality. I saw Mango Pomelo Sago and tried that several times.

However, there were downsides. With a 1.5-hour time limit, we felt a bit rushed. We would have loved to savor the experience a little more and maybe try a few more dishes. And of course, the price was significantly higher than Mandarin, coming in at around $32 or more per person.

Overall, Dragon Pearl offers a refined all-you-can-eat experience with a focus on quality. The ambiance is elegant, and the food is generally excellent. The Peking duck and sushi were definite highlights. However, the time limit and higher price point might be a factor for some.

I'd recommend Dragon Pearl to those seeking a more upscale and leisurely dining experience compared to the typical buffet. It's a great option for a special occasion or when you're looking to indulge in some truly delicious Chinese cuisine.