Did you know some people think the Maldives is part of another country?
It’s not! The Republic of Maldives is an independent nation, recognized by the United Nations and the Commonwealth. Located in the Indian Ocean, about 500 km southwest of India and Sri Lanka, this tropical paradise consists of 1,190 coral islands spread across 26 atolls. Only about 200 islands are inhabited, with around 150 developed as luxury resorts. Many others serve as agricultural or industrial islands, while the majority remain untouched natural gems.
The Maldives is the smallest country in Asia, with a land area of approximately 298 square kilometers dispersed over about 90,000 square kilometers of the Indian Ocean, making it one of the world’s most geographically dispersed sovereign states. Currently the population stands at approximately 500,000 people.
Despite stretching 870 km from north to south, most islands are reachable within an hour by seaplane or domestic flight from the capital, Malé. The islands are also well connected by local Dhoni and speedboat ferries too.
The Maldives enjoys warm, sunny weather year-round, with temperatures ranging from 26 to 35°C. The dry season runs from November to April, offering the best conditions for beach days and water activities. From May to October, occasional tropical showers and breezy conditions mark the wet season.
The Maldives has transitioned from a society reliant on pole-and-line fishing to a vibrant economy driven by tourism, reflecting its adaptability and resilience.
The underwater scenery is unparalleled and marine life encounters with the giant Manta Rays, Whalesharks, Tiger Sharks, Turtles, Sting Rays, and Dolphins are highly sought after by scuba divers.
What is the Maldives most popular for?
Annually, 2 million tourists visit the Maldives. It is most famous as a honeymoon and scuba diving destination. The islands’ natural beauty, combined with Maldivian hospitality, has made it one of the most sought-after holiday destinations in the world. Visiting the Maldives is like experiencing your fantasy of whisking you and your loved one off to a remote island in the middle of nowhere. It’s a heaven for honeymoon couples, and many flock to its white sandy beaches to redefine romance under the stars. Unimaginable private dining experiences and beautifully designed lagoon villas with all modern amenities take your holiday to the next level.
The underwater scenery is unparalleled, and marine life encounters with the giant Manta Rays, Whale Sharks, Tiger Sharks, Turtles, Sting Rays, and Dolphins are highly sought after by scuba divers.
The Maldives is also a great holiday option for surfers, families traveling with kids, big game fishing enthusiasts, and budget travelers. There are also the options of spending your holiday cruising around the atolls on a liveaboard yacht or just laze around on the beach practicing the art of doing nothing. If you want to unplug in luxury and experience the sun, sand, and sea all day, Maldives is where you should be.
Is Maldives on a budget possible?
For decades, the Maldives was seen as an exclusive, high-end destination, affordable only to celebrities and the ultra-wealthy. But things have changed. A government regulation shift allowed guesthouses to open on inhabited islands, making the Maldives accessible to more travelers than ever before. Now, you can experience this tropical paradise for just a couple of thousand dollars on a 3-to-5-day trip—an incredible budget compared to what was possible just ten years ago. More and more travelers who once thought the Maldives was out of reach are able to afford this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Therefore, the key to an affordable trip to the Maldives is staying on a guesthouse island like Maafushi. What makes Maafushi special is that it is the first guesthouse island in the Maldives. It remains one of the best places to enjoy the Maldives’ natural beauty, vibrant local culture, and exciting excursions and water sports activities. Maafushi also boasts the best ocean-view rooms and highest infinity pools in the country in high-rise beachside hotels, offering stunning views of the turquoise waters at a fraction of resort prices.
Plan Your Dream Holiday Today
Now that you know where the Maldives is located, it’s time to plan your unforgettable getaway! Dive deeper into the beauty and charm of Maafushi Island with our Discover Maafushi eBook. Get insider tips, curated itineraries, and budget-friendly travel advice to make the most of your Maldivian adventure.
