2024 Maafushi Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in August)
3 days 2 nights in Maafushi island 🐠🐠
#islandtours
#100WaysOfTravel
Maafushi island is nowadays a popular local island that the tourist will visit other than the private islands in Maldives!!
No fancy resort here but you will get to enjoy the same Indian Ocean View and sunset with the same beauty level with a much more lower price. All watersports such as Parasailing, Jet Ski, Kayaking or the tour for Sunset cruise, Nurse shark tour, snorkelling tour and Dolphin cruise are available and definitely, the price is more and more cheaper making comparison with the private resort!!
If you are coming to Maldives and you will be staying at least 1 week and above, do give a chance to Maafushi for a day trip OR stay for 1 night here👍🏻👍🏻
Mandatory transfer: Speedboat ( 25 min from Malé Airport)
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Mini drink stall by the beach 🍸🧉🥤
#beachcheck
#100WaysOfTravel
Arriving Maafushi Jetty and continue to go straight for 2-3 minutes, you will see this small stall on the left side selling the juices and smoothies. Me and my husband love it so much as we can spend like the whole hour here chilling while looking at the sea view in front of the beach !!
Surprisingly, they even provide FREE Wifi so that you could surf the internet with peace of mind !!!!!
A must mention thing, the boss is a young guy who is very friendly and talkative!! Had a quick chat with him and got to know that he will be moving to Bali next year as he is getting married with his Bali girlfriend soon !!! For those who visit to Maafushi this year, do not miss out this stall 👍🏻👍🏻
Hotel facing the Indian Ocean View 🐟🌊🐠🐬
#poolhotel
#100WaysOfTravel
💰Average Price per room: starting from RM 450
🏖️Ambiance: 🌟🌟
- hotel is strategically located in front of the Bikini Beach where you can enjoy the view and swim over the beach.
- Restaurant is spacious with a lot of outdoor seating….but there are alot ….alot…alot of cats inside, although they have put a signboard saying : DO NOT FEED THE CAT, it is still a lot of cats frolicking around, for those people with Ailurophobia, you might need to be aware of this as Im the one who got into the predicament where i cant literally eat any meals in the restaurant even my package is half board!!
- There are construction on-going just right opposite of our balcony, super noisy if you stay in the room for the whole day. But if you plan to do outdoor activities, then it should be fine!
🏋🏽♀️ Facilities: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
- Rooftop swimming pool is the highlight of the hotel as it is direct facing the sea view!! However, the pool is rather small so not really for swimming purpose but to take instagrammable picture😆
- buggy is available. IF It is raining day and you are reaching to leaving the hotel, they will use buggy to pick you up or drop you off!!
😍 Service: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
- Initially i would give a low rating as i had a super bad experience in the restaurant (a lot of cats) and the staffs only allow me eating in the room but my husband had to eat in the restaurant. We ended up only take a plate of foods and share at the room even it is the buffet breakfast and buffet dinner!! However, good that the front desk service is super nice that they been helpful the whole stay and even helped us with our last min arrangement of the speedboat service👍🏻
Overall experience: 🌟🌟🌟
The ONLY bikini beach in Maafushi 👙
#beachcheck #bikinibeach #maafushi #maldives
When everyone think of Maldives, it is all about the sun, the sea and swim with bikini !! But, do you know that Maldives is a 100% Islamic country and you will not be allowed to wear bikini at all if you are staying in their local island.
Staying in Maafushi, tourism is evolving nowadays and more and more tourists worldwide visiting here to enjoy the beautiful Indian Ocean view and the sun. The only 1 Bikini Beach is then opened just right in front of the famous Arena Beach Hotel and Kaani hotel allowing the tourists to take a sunbath 👍🏻👍🏻
The sea, no doubt is super clear and clean but the sand is not really fine so it is hard to build a sand castle!! Personally i feel great enough as the sunset is super duper beautiful from the beach 👍🏻
Overall Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
📍Maafushi, Maldives 🇲🇻
#summerdestinations
Looking for the perfect tropical escape? Maafushi in the Maldives is the place to be! With stunning beaches, clear blue waters, and a chill vibe, it's the ultimate getaway. 🌺
✨ What to Do:
🏖️ Relax on the Beach: Kick back on the white sandy beaches and swim in the crystal-clear waters. Pure bliss!
🌊 Snorkeling & Diving: Check out the amazing coral reefs and colorful fish. The underwater life here is awesome!
🐠 Water Sports: Try jet skiing, windsurfing, or paddleboarding. Lots of fun activities for everyone.
🍲 Eat Local: Enjoy delicious Maldivian food at the beachfront cafes and restaurants. Fresh seafood and tasty curries are a must!
🌅 Sunset Cruises: Hop on a boat to catch the stunning sunset over the Indian Ocean. It's an unforgettable experience.
🏝️ Island Hopping: Explore nearby islands and get a feel for the local culture and way of life.
🗓 Best Time to Visit: November to April for great weather.
Whether you want to relax or seek adventure, Maafushi has it all. Pack your bags and enjoy paradise! 🌴✨
#maldives #maafushi #maldivestrip #beautifuldestinations
Tropical Bliss: Exploring Maafushi Island 🇲🇻
#beachlife
My trip to Maafushi Island in the Maldives was pure paradise! The island’s turquoise waters, vibrant coral reefs, and abundant marine life made snorkeling and diving an absolute joy.
The friendly locals and charming guesthouses offered a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Delicious local cuisine and serene beach walks added to the island’s charm. Highlights included a magical sunset cruise and swimming with manta rays. Maafushi’s balance of adventure and relaxation makes it a perfect getaway.
For an unforgettable escape to tropical bliss, Maafushi Island is the place to be!
My rating: 4.5 ⭐️ out of 5!
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
🏖️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
Maldives
The Maldives, an enchanting tropical paradise in the Indian Ocean, boasts a rich history and diverse culture that has been shaped by various influences over the centuries. As you explore this stunning island nation, immerse yourself in its vibrant traditions, mouth-watering cuisine, and breathtaking natural beauty.
The Maldivian culture derives influences from various sources, with Sri Lanka and South India having a particularly strong impact. #beachlife
Hotel choice in Maafushi island 👍🏻
#100WaysOfTravel
#couplestrip #awesomepic #indianocean #beachy #maldives #maafushi
Othen than Arena Beach Hotel, the hotel under Kaani group can be one of the top option for you to go for if you are travelling to the Maldives local Maafushi island.
Same as Arena, this is a 4-stars hotel as well and also located in front of the bikini beach where you can just wear the bikini to swim here (the only place to wear bikini in Maafushi) and see the sunset directly.
Reminder:
- Do arrange with the hotel directly for the speedboat transfer at least 3 days in advanced as this is the only way for you to come.
Overall Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
You must try Indian Foods in Maldives 🥘🍛🇮🇳
#100WaysOfTravel
#couplestrip #awesomepic #deliciousfood #maldives #maafushi #indianfood
This is one of the sought after Maldivian-Indian food in Maafushi island. This restaurant is just next to our Arena Star Beach Hotel, just a stone walking distance away.
The waiter was so friendly and welcoming, even offer us a free drinking water since we just ordered food (actually we just done had a drink at a small stall and we are enough with drinks).
We ordered Egg Briyani and Chapati, the taste was great and strongly recommend to come try it out if you are coming over to Maafushi!
Who says Maldives is only for the richest!!!
Maafushi, located in the Maldives, offers a range of budget-friendly options for travelers seeking an affordable island getaway. While the Maldives is often associated with luxury resorts, Maafushi stands out for its relatively cheaper accommodations, dining, and activities compared to other islands in the region. Visitors can find reasonably priced guesthouses, hostels, and homestays, allowing them to experience the beauty of the Maldives without breaking the bank. Additionally, local eateries offer delicious and affordable Maldivian cuisine, and various tour operators provide reasonably priced excursions such as snorkeling, diving, and island hopping. Overall, Maafushi provides a more economical option for exploring the stunning Maldivian archipelago.
#winhkflight
#100WaysOfTravel
#100WaysOfTravel
#myhiddengems
Ldesierra Inma Von Parker Sky painted with vibrant colour in Maafushi
A sunset in Maafushi, a beautiful island in the Maldives, is a breathtaking spectacle of nature. As the sun dips below the horizon, the sky is painted with vibrant hues of orange, pink, and purple, reflecting off the crystal-clear turquoise waters. The palm trees and white sandy beaches create a serene and picturesque setting, while the gentle waves lap the shore, adding a soothing soundtrack to the scene. Whether you're standing on the beach or floating in the warm Indian Ocean, a sunset in Maafushi is a mesmerizing moment that captures the essence of tropical paradise.
#myhiddengems
Ldesierra Inma Von Parker Maldives getaway
#celebratewithtrip
Beauty Of Maldives (Maafushi Island)
Very beautiful moment at Kaani Palm Beach In Maafushi Island
#maldives
Cockroaches and dated hotel
Stayed in this hotel for 4 nights and it was pretty disappointing…. As soon as we got to the room the sink was leaking, the safe was not working and the hotel is very worn down… it needs a serious paint job and furniture upgrade.
Went to the reception and they sent someone to “fix” the sink… after waiting g for a while and calling they finally sent a person to fix the safe but we wasted like an hour to fix the sink and operate de safe box!
That night it was hard to sleep as the bed was a hard as a rock and when I went to the bathroom in the middle of the night there were Cockroaches…. The next morning I talked to them as the sink was leaking again, and to complain about the Cockroaches and to see if they could change our room! They said they would fix the sink again, deep clean and put a thick comforter to make the bed softer.
They cleaned but the following night we found more Cockroaches, even more than before…. The curtains are filthy like they have never washed them as well as the bed cushions, the walls need a couple of layers of paint, the hotel is surrounded but many construction site so it’s quite noise and this is the view you get from the pool view room, so save your money!
The only good thing about this hotel is that it’s very close to the bikini beach and they can provide beach beds and also the tour we took with them was ok as the people were nice, it was advertised as a 9am-2pm tour but it actually ended at 1pm.
If I ever return to the Maldives I will not stay at this hotel as I really dislike cockroaches!!!
Under the water!
Descending into the vibrant underwater world for the first time was an unforgettable adventure. As I plunged into the clear, turquoise waters, a mix of excitement and nervousness filled me. The initial sensation of weightlessness, coupled with the rhythmic sound of my own breathing through the regulator, created an otherworldly feeling.
As I adjusted to the new environment, the ocean unveiled its wonders. Colorful coral reefs teemed with life, schools of fish darted gracefully around me, and the occasional sea turtle glided by, adding to the magic. The gentle sway of the current and the serene silence, broken only by the bubbles of exhaled air, made the experience meditative and awe-inspiring.
Every moment was a discovery, from the intricate details of the coral formations to the playful interactions of the marine creatures. The sense of being part of such a vast and beautiful ecosystem was humbling. Surfacing from the dive, I felt a profound connection to the ocean and a newfound appreciation for the underwater world. My first scuba diving experience was not just a dive but an exploration of a hidden paradise, leaving me eager for more underwater adventures.#scubadiving #maldives #viral #instatravel #trip
🏖️ 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.
The Maldives - Truly heaven on Earth
I recently had the opportunity to explore the Maldives, and it was truly incredible. The crystal-clear waters, pristine beaches, and abundant marine life were breathtaking. I went on a tour to observe nurse sharks and even got to swim with them, along with encountering dolphins, rays, and more. For anyone passionate about marine life, the Maldives is an unbeatable destination. I opted for stays in Maafushi and Fuvahmulah for my diving adventures, preferring the authentic local experience over luxury resorts.#Maldives #Maafushi #Diving #Shark
Magnificent Maafushi Maldives!
Maafushi is a beautiful atoll just 30min by speedboat from Male! There are so many activities to max out your exploration of the wonderful underwater world and vast wildlife. From the shore I was lucky to spot the endangered 4 manta rays coming inshore to hunt, and off shore while snorkeling, I was able to spot dolphins, amazing coral life and super huge parrotfish feeding too! It was truly an amazing honeymoon for me without breaking the bank too!#Maldives #beachlife #Maafushi #Paradise #sea
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.
The Maldives Magic
Took a solo trip to Maldives (after taking care of my dad after major surgery) and I was well rewarded by Indian Ocean.
There’s a little island called Maafushi and it’s easy to get there from Male. The island is just about ok, but the trips are a must go. I took different trips each day and was rewarded by nature. Pics tells the story.
I’ll be happy to share my experience and tips, if you need
#indianocean #Wondersofthesea #snorkeling #Maldives
Maafushi islam
Maldive Tour my life best tour.
#trip
Maafushi was heavily damaged by the 2004 tsunami which impacted on over 100,000 of the Maldives 300,000 population. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, supported by the Irish and American Red Cross Societies, began work on a mains sewage system on 10 August 2006. The International Federation has also funded the building of homes for those who lost theirs during the tsunami.
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Popular Restaurants in Maafushi