Query: Independent Travel

Hello Donna,
Me and my wife have read your book (the full version) and we really enjoyed it.
We really liked the story about your boat travel. If you read it… it… feels like a big adventure 😉
And not many tourists have contact with local people.
We are planning a short trip (5 to 7 days) at the Maldives. We are arriving at Male and then we want to do something similar like you did. Can you still recommend “catching a boat to Addu Atoll”?
Is there a boat leaving every day?
Can you recommend a flat or a guesthouse somewhere?
Thanks for your answer
Best regards
Dirk & Karin (from Germany)

Donna says:

Dear Kirk and Karin,

Cargo ships leave regularly, often at night, and you can check by enquiring down at the Fruit and Vegetable market. Ask how much it would cost to take you to Addu, the price may have changed since I took the journey.

They do stop at various islands along the way too, which I think is part of the adventure in a way, but does slow the arrival.

Typically the journey alone will take three days each way, so you may want to catch a flight back to Male’, as I did, otherwise all your six days will be spent travelling, unless that is what you want?

I took a three day boat trip aboard the Best Line vessel from outside the Fruit and Vegetable Market and paid for a cabin room for approx 100Rf per day (300 RF).

Call Captain Hakeem of Best Line on Maldives (00960) 792 3414 or 799 5737. I would suggest to call him or go to the fruit and vegetable market in Male’ to try to hitch a lift with another cargo boat. Typically they leave and then return on a 10 day cycle, so you can blag a return trip too. This was back in 2011 though, so things may have changed.

Once you arrive in Addu, there are plenty of guest houses now but when I went I had to stay at a local person’s house and a resort! That’s how much things have moved on. I have lots of contacts in Addu so I can take the hassle out of it for you and arrange the booking but would need to know when you arrive. Tell me your budget and travel patterns and I will get back to you. As for travel around Addu itself, you can follow my handy guide for tips on what to do when on the island: https://backpackmaldives.wordpress.com/2011/02/20/backpacking-around-addu/

Query: Christmas in the Maldives

Donna, Firstly, thank you for the great information on your blog! It has been a huge help so far!

My husband, his brother and I have decided to visit the Maldives for Christmas and New Years this year. We are in our 20’s and thus are doing it on a budget, but a decent budget nevertheless. We are looking at an apartment on Villingili because it is close to Male and other resort islands, and of course the price of accommodation is cheaper ($90/night). I see that I cannot wear a bikini in Villingili but I can on nearby
islands. This is a sacrifice that I am willing to make as a result of cheaper
accommodation. Is this a good idea?

We are looking forward to this holiday as it will be the first Christmas as a married couple and in an exotic destination. We are mostly excited for relaxing on the beaches, trying local foods and experiencing the culture. My brother-in-law is looking forward to the night life and hopefully some dives too. I read your blog post on diving – do you recommend that we get certified before we come or is it easy to find divers
who will take you down without certifications?
Or better yet, is there school that can teach you there?
Thank you so much for your help and your time in reading my questions! It is always much easier to travel when you are organized and aware of what you are walking into! Thanks Carla

Donna says:

Thank you for reaching out Carla. First of all, I can confirm that there is a very good diving school on Villingilli which comes highly recommended. Divers Lodge is located on the island of Villingi and is run by Fiyaaz and his brother Yasser lead the dives and are friendly and experienced. In fact the whole crew on the boat are full of information about the area and other dives spots on other islands.

In terms of spending Christmas on the islands as a married couple, I would warn you that displays of public affection are not allowed in the Maldives, and Christmas is not recognised, so you may want to book in to a resort like Kurumba for Christmas? I can enquire to get you a really good deal and you can still stay in Vilingilli as it is but a 20 minute journey. Of course as you know bikinis nor alcohol are allowed in the islands so I would recommend that if you would like to celebrate in the traditional fashion.

Hope this helps!

Query: Fruit and Vegetables