Maafushi Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in May)

Eleven-day trip to Sri Lanka and the Maldives

For me, Sri Lanka is a dream I've fantasized about for many years. On this small island in the Indian Ocean, mountains and tea gardens complement each other, stars and the sea keep each other company, and there are the stilt fishermen on the cover of LP... The impression of Lanka is always sunny, however, I just happened to hit the rainy season in Lanka, especially when I arrived in Nuwara Eliya, it was raining all the time, and I didn't have time to see this beautiful French-style town. Day 1, Shanghai-Colombo-Negombo, 1:50 pm flight, arriving in Colombo at about 7 pm, exchange money and buy a phone card at the airport, stay at Terrace Green Hotel & Spa in Negombo Day 2, Negombo-Sigiriya, visit attractions: St. Sebastian Church, fish market, Lion Rock, meals: breakfast, Sri Lankan meal in the hotel, lunch, a restaurant along the way, mushroom soup, shrimp and egg fried rice, total 1900 rupees, dinner, it started raining heavily outside, so we settled in the hotel, a serving of fried fish and chips, 1750 rupees, accommodation: Ekho Sigiriya Day 3, Sigiriya-Kandy, visit attractions: a small but solemn temple is the center of Sri Lanka, Temple of the Tooth, World Buddhist Museum, Temple of the Tooth Museum, Kandy town. Meals: lunch, burger king on the fourth floor of KCC in Kandy, dinner, a restaurant by the lake in Kandy, accommodation: kandy hills, the hotel is located halfway up the mountain, with unique scenery Day 4, Kandy-Nuwara Eliya, visit attractions: Kandy Lake, University of Kandy, Nuwara Eliya high mountain tea garden, visit the tea making process, taste Ceylon black tea, pink post office, meals: lunch, chill restaurant along the way, you can see the waterfall and lake, dinner, in the hotel, accommodation: very British style Firs hotel Day 5, Nuwara Eliya-Horton Plains-ella-Yala, visit attractions: Horton Plains trekking, about 9 kilometers in total, trekking for 3 and a half hours, Nine Arches Bridge, Tissa Lake, due to a landslide caused by heavy rain the night before, the high mountain tea garden train stopped, so we had to drive to ella, meals: lunch, cafe chill in the town of ella, seafood pizza, watermelon juice, 2300 rupees, dinner, Chef lady, seafood fried noodles, tomato egg drop soup, 2250 rupees, accommodation: Chaarya Resort & Spa Day 6, Yala-Mirissa, visit attractions: Yala National Park, meals: brunch, in the hotel, dinner, Bay Chinese Restaurant, 6300 rupees, accommodation: Randiya sea view Mirissa Day 7, Mirissa-Galle Fort, visit attractions: whale watching in Mirissa, Galle Old Town. Meals: lunch and dinner, Shuangxi Chinese Restaurant opposite the homestay, 2200 rupees/meal, accommodation: orchard house galle Day 8, Galle Fort-Colombo Airport-Male Airport-Maafushi Island, a day on the road, meals: lunch, airplane meal, dinner, found a sun beach cafe by the sea, grilled fish, chicken fried noodles, accommodation: Rehendhi Villa on Maafushi Island, stay for 3 nights, Day 9, snorkeling in the sea off Maafushi Island, I really experienced deep sea snorkeling, completely different from the snorkeling near the water house in the Maldives ten years ago. I only knew that the one ten years ago was called squat snorkeling, the water was very shallow, and people could stand in the water with their heads out, and this time was the real snorkeling. After the speedboat went to the deep sea, the boat boss said, this is the snorkeling area, there are many corals and fish, the people on the same boat all jumped down one by one, I was directly dumbfounded, hesitated for a long time and dared not jump, I had to obediently climb down the ladder, at first I only dared to float near the boat, the boat boss was super nice, took me to float, I was lucky to see turtles, nemo and so on, on the way I also encountered a group of dolphins, it was too perfect... Day 10, free activities on Maafushi Island, It rained in the morning, and the sky cleared in the afternoon. I went out to take pictures and stroll around, a very photogenic small island, Day 11, Male-Colombo-Shanghai

HOW MUCH a trip to MALDIVES cost?

Discover Paradise 🌴: A Dual Travel Guide to the Natural 🐠 and Cultural 🏛️ Wonders of Maldives! 1. Natural Landscapes: - Explore the beautiful coral reefs: Maldives is one of the most stunning coral reef destinations in the world. You can go diving or snorkeling to admire the spectacular coral reefs and colorful marine life. 🐠🐬🐢 - Visit the white sandy beaches of Maldives: The beaches of Maldives are renowned as some of the most beautiful in the world. Here, you can bask in the sun, bathe in the crystal-clear waters, or simply take a leisurely stroll along the soft sandy shores. 🏖️☀️🌊 - Venture into the Maldivian blue holes: Blue holes are mysterious and breathtaking underwater caves, a paradise for diving enthusiasts. You can dive into these deep caves and explore the stunning landscapes and marine creatures within. 🌊🕶️🤿 2. Cultural Heritage: - Visit the capital city of Maldives, Male: Male is the cultural and historical center of Maldives. You can visit the National Museum to learn about the history and culture of Maldives. You can also explore ancient mosques and the palace. 🕌🏰📚 - Explore the island villages of Maldives: Maldives has many traditional island villages where you can experience the local way of life and culture. Engage with the local residents, taste local cuisine, and visit traditional handicraft markets. 🍛🍴🎨 - Visit ancient temples in Maldives: Maldives has some ancient temples like Hukuru Miskiy and Maldives Islamic Center. You can experience tranquility and the religious atmosphere in these temples. 🙏🕌 Whether you want to explore the natural landscapes or experience the cultural heritage of Maldives, it will fulfill your expectations. Remember to make time to relax and enjoy this beautiful paradise during your trip! 🌴🌅🍹

🏖️Paradise Under The Heaven 🐚

#beachvacation Maafushi is a picturesque island located in the Maldives, known for its stunning white sandy beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and vibrant coral reefs. 🤩 It's a popular destination for travelers seeking a budget-friendly Maldivian experience, with a range of guesthouses, water sports activities, and local shops and restaurants. 🤤 Maafushi offers opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and relaxation in a tranquil tropical paradise.🩴 Tips and Tricks ⁉️ 💸If your on a budget, then you still can visit Maafushi island as there are plenty of affordable hotels and guesthouses to stay in. Local shops will give you budget friendly food options to choose from. 💱Maldives accept USD and Maldivian Rufiya. If possible, do not exchange to local currency or if you do try to not exchange excessively. Local banks do not exchange the Rufiya to USD unless you have a receipt for vice versa exchange from that bank. 🛥️There are public and private shuttles that move between islands starting at $3 (1,5 - 2h boat ride) from Male island. 🤷‍♀️Choose your travel time wisely as during holy celebrations like Ramadan most of the places and public service come to a standstill. Enjoy! 💙💚❤️ #SpinTheWorld #maafushi #maldives #backpacking #budget

Maldives Sabdbank

📸Attraction Name: Sandbank Boat tour 📍Location : Near Maafushi Island 🚏Best way to get there: boat transfer / boat tour If you are staying in Maafushi Island, make sure to contact your hotel for pick up from the airport. To reach this stunning sandbank, you can avail the bout tours offered in the island. When I was there, I think I paid around 20-25$ which include swimming with the dolphins and turtles, snorkling and lunch in this beautiful sandbank. The staffs set up the umbrella for each guest and and they provide the lunch. You stay for about an hour or so in the sandbank and you then head back to the island. #beachaholic

🏖️ Stay at Arena Beach Hotel

#beachlife Arena Beach Hotel is a cozy and welcoming retreat for travelers seeking a blend of comfort and affordability in Maafushi Island, Maldives. This hotel boasts stylish accommodations with balconies overlooking the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Check out the infinity rooftop pools, chill by the beach and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere. It's the perfect base for exploring the beauty of the Maldivian resorts without breaking the bank.

Getting There - Attractions - Hotels - Food & Restaurants - Shopping -

Salt beach hotel

#thingstodo Nurse Shark & Stingray excursion booked at hotel was amazing day out & great value for money. We saw many sharks, lots of stingrays but sadly no dolphins. A nice rice lunch is included on a sandbank but we ate on boat due to rain. We felt very well looked after by all the crew but especially Rocky who was caring for us in the sea the whole time & took amazing pictures which are included in price of 60US. This young man does an amazing job & we definitely recommend this trip & company. Thank you for a trip of a lifetime! Tip: Everything is included including towels, drinks, food, photos etc I travelled with family of 2 + 2 children. I booked standard room hoping to opt for upgrade or extra bed upon arrival. However, the hotel manager Ms.Donti despite rooms fully occupied graciously offered free upgrade to bigger room with extra bed. We are very thankful to Ms.Donti for her hospitality, love, kindness and empathy shown. She embraced us as a family and looked after our needs with utmost care. We stayed comfortably for 3 days at this place with easy access to beautiful beach, water sports, restaurants and other amenities all around the place. Super satisfied. Thanks Salt Beach and Maafushi people for making our trip memorable. Unforgettable experience. The hotel is good and very clean, just 5min walk from Bikini beach. My room was big, with a sea view. The excursions from Salt Beach were great, well organized. We've booked all the excursions with them. The team is very friendly. Our guide Nawaz is helpful, very nice and he was swimming with me all the time, he showed me the amazing life under the water. Excellent photographer, he took me the best photos and videos. highly recommend the hotel and the excursions from Salt Beach.