Experiencing the Maldives on a Budget: Exploring Dhigurah

Discover the Maldives on a Budget: Dhigurah, the Gateway to Paradise

Last time, I wrote about Maafushi, a local island in the Maldives.  Today, I will talk about another island, Dhigurah. Nestled in the South Ari Atoll, Dhigurah takes longer to reach from Male (than Maafushi) – about 2.5 hours by public ferry or 1.5 hours by speedboat.

Dhigurah offers a fantastic, budget-friendly alternative to the resort islands. Dhigurah provides a chance to experience the beauty of the Maldives without breaking the bank. Accommodation on Dhigurah is primarily in guesthouses and small hotels, with options starting from around $50-$100 per night, which is comparable to Maafushi. This allows you to save significantly compared to the pricey resorts. You'll also find local restaurants serving delicious Maldivian cuisine at affordable prices.

This picturesque island, stretching over 3 kilometers in length, is one of the longest in the Maldives and is renowned for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life. 

One of the main attractions of Dhigurah is its proximity to some of the best diving and snorkeling spots in the Maldives. The island is famous for its whale shark excursions, as the South Ari Atoll is home to a year-round population of these gentle giants. Swimming alongside a whale shark is an unforgettable experience that draws adventure enthusiasts from around the world. The island’s house reefs are equally captivating, teeming with colorful coral gardens, tropical fish, and even the occasional manta ray.

One notable feature of Dhigurah is its expansive "bikini beach," allowing tourists to wear swimwear freely. Remember to dress respectfully when venturing away from the beach.

Dhigurah’s long, sandy beaches are perfect for leisurely strolls or simply soaking up the sun. The island’s lush greenery and traditional Maldivian architecture add to its charm, offering a glimpse into the local way of life. Visitors can explore the island by bike or on foot, interacting with friendly locals and learning about their culture and traditions.

Ultimately, both Maafushi and Dhigurah provide access to the Maldives on a budget. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a nature lover, or simply looking to unwind, Dhigurah promises an unforgettable Maldivian experience. Its untouched beauty and serene atmosphere make it a must-visit destination for those exploring the Maldives beyond the usual tourist hotspots.

Experiencing the Maldives on a Budget: Exploring Maafushi

Discover the Maldives on a Budget: Maafushi, the Gateway to Paradise

The Maldives is often synonymous with luxury resorts and overwater bungalows and is often seen as a destination reserved for the wealthy. However, this breathtaking archipelago has a secret: it’s possible to experience its beauty on a budget by exploring its local islands. However, this budget option not well known among international travellers.

I will discuss a few local islands, starting with Maafushi today. This local island is the most visited because of its proximity to the Malé airport.

Located just 27 kilometers south of Malé, where the international airport is situated, Maafushi is easily accessible by a 1.5-hour local ferry ride or a 30-minute speedboat journey. Its proximity to the capital makes it a convenient and affordable base for travelers looking to explore the Maldives’ stunning marine life, white-sand beaches, and vibrant culture.

Once on the island, budget accommodations abound, with guesthouses and lodges catering to travelers seeking a comfortable yet cost-effective stay. For as little as USD 50 per night, visitors can enjoy basic amenities, including air conditioning and Wi-Fi, ensuring a pleasant and restful experience.

Food options on Maafushi cater to various tastes and budgets, with local eateries serving up delectable Maldivian and international cuisine. For a mere USD 7-10 per meal, visitors can indulge in freshly-caught seafood, curries, and tropical fruits, guaranteeing a gastronomic experience that's easy on the wallet.

The island boasts a lively atmosphere with a diverse range of guesthouses and budget-friendly resorts to suit various budgets. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, from snorkeling and diving in the crystal-clear waters to exploring the vibrant local market and indulging in delicious Maldivian cuisine. Maafushi provides an excellent introduction to the Maldives for travelers seeking an authentic and affordable experience.

I will be visiting Maafushi on my upcoming trip and will bring you real-life experience. You can follow the entire Maldives trip on my YouTube Channel: Ahmed Dawn

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.

First Impressions: McDonald's in Ao Nang, Krabi (Thailand)

First Time Trying McDonald's in Thailand: A Surprising Experience

After arriving at Ao Nang from Bangkok, we wanted snacks and coffee. As we were searching for a coffee shop, we saw a MacDonald’s and decided to try it right away. It was our first time trying the fast-food chain in this part of the world, and we were curious to see if there were any differences from our experiences back home.

Unlike the ubiquitous 7-Elevens scattered throughout Thailand, McDonald's offered a welcome change of pace. The restaurant itself was clean and modern, with the familiar ordering system featuring touchscreens and the option to pay by credit card. Deciding on a snack, we opted for a classic Americano coffee (sugar and creamer are apparently not included with Americano orders) and two cheeseburgers. I had noticed before that in Asia, they don’t recognize regular coffee like in North America and Americano is the closest thing that comes to a regular coffee.

Here's where things got interesting: the price. While McDonald's might be considered a budget option in many places, the cost in Ao Nang (and anywhere else in Thailand, as we found out later) surprised us. Each cheeseburger came in at 100 baht, which translates to roughly $4 CAD. Similarly, the Americano was 90 baht, or about $3.70 CAD. We noticed that a Quarter Pounder with Cheese was 170 THB (7 CAD) and a double Big Mac was 210 THB (8.50 CAD).

While the price tag was a lot higher than expected (Thailand is a place where food is very cheap), the convenience and familiarity of McDonald's were undeniable. It was a fun little pit stop on our Ao Nang adventure and a reminder that sometimes, a classic burger and coffee can hit the spot even when you're exploring a new and exciting place.