Maldives Islanders Experience - 03 Nights
Starting from $562 per person
For a long time the Maldives has not been considered a destination suitable for back packers, yet alone affordable. But now with the introduction of local island guesthouses and budget airlines flying from Sri Lanka and India, the Maldives is beginning to find itself on the backpacker map. Our backpacker breaks are designed to either work as a selfcontained budget Maldives experience or as a start to an independent stay in the archipelago.
Guraidhoo also in South Male Atoll, it is a typical fishing island with about 2,300 inhabitants, with sandy roads and palm trees. A 30 minute walk around the island highlights locals going about their daily routine; carpenters at the small boat yard traditionally constructing typical dhoni boats, locals drinking coffee in the many small coffee shops and children playing simple games in the street. Sit and watch the sunset alongside the locals on the public beach or kick back in a traditional seat called a ‘jolie’ and watch the world slowly pass by. Guraidhoo is a regular stopping point for safari boats and local shops have quickly adapted by offering all kind of souvenirs and a handful of local restaurants and coffee shops. Guraidhoo offers an insight in to the ‘real Maldives’.
All of our guesthouse accommodation is handpicked to provide a balance of comfort, good service, local atmosphere and value for money. We have chosen a selection of locally operated guesthouses that provide comfortable clean rooms, friendly service and good food. All rooms have en-suite bathrooms, AC, ceiling fans and complimentary WiFi, whilst water, tea and coffee is always available. Most of the guesthouses are single or double story. Some are set facing out to the ocean with a terrace or balcony. Others are built around a private garden or beach area, but in each you can be assured of a warm welcome.
Transfer Options
- Arrival in Maldives required by midday in order to take ferry transfer option included
- Departure from Maldives required after midday in order to take departure ferry transfer option included
- No ferry transfers on Friday
- Private speedboat transfer $250 one way up to 8 pax
- Shared speedboat transfer $35 per person
Accommodation Options
- Includes standard room at Guraidhoo Palm Inn
Included
- 3 Night Deluxe room accommodation including breakfast
- 1 local dinner
- 1 beach dinner
- Airport and domestic transfer assistance
- Return transfer by public ferry
- Island tours and Hedika Experience
- Snorkeling Trip x 2
- Services of English Speaking Guide
- All Local Tax
Day 1
Upon arrival you will be met by your guide who will accompany you on a tour of the capital city, providing opportunity to visit places of interest including the fish market, local market, Presidents Palace and Friday Mosque. After lunch transfer by local ferry (approx. 14.30) to your guesthouse on the local island of Guraidhoo, South Male Atoll, 120 minutes from Male. Sit up top on the ferry to view the beauty of the many Maldives islands that pass you by whilst keeping your eyes open for dolphins!
Upon arrival you will have time to settle in before either relaxing in the garden at the guesthouse or on the local beach to watch the sun go down. Dinner this evening is spent with a local family just don’t expect silver service as traditionally meals are eaten without the aid of a knife and fork!
Day 2
Following breakfast accompanied by your guide take a few steps from the beach into the ocean to explore the house reef of Guraidhoo for your first underwater encounter! Your guide will provide a safety briefing on responsible snorkelling and act as your ‘spotter’ pointing out marine life that may not have caught your eye. They will assist less confident or inexperienced snorkelers, ensuring your equipment is comfortable and you feel safe in the water. As the afternoon cools down accompanied by your guide time is spent exploring Guraidhoo with the opportunity to learn about the local way of life including a visit to the Mosque, visit the boatyard learn how the common wooden boat known locally as a ‘dhoni’ is built, stop and chat with children playing in the street and watch the ladies of the community begin their evening meal preparations. Stop by a local cafe to sample traditional ‘hedika’ - Maldivian savoury and sweet short eats served with black tea.
Day 3
Following a local style breakfast we travel by speedboat to two of the best nearby reefs. The coral reefs of the Maldives are inhabited by diverse marine life and are teaming with colourful fish and corals. Keep your eyes open for turtles, sharks and rays you never know what may be in the blue! On return to Guraidhoo the afternoon is free for you to participate in optional watersports, diving or surfing.
This evening enjoy a relaxed beach BBQ under the stars with the option to include traditional dancing and the beat of the ‘bodu beru’ where a group of men sit around the ‘bodu beru’ – big drum and sing to a rhythmical beat until they reach a crescendo.
Day 4
Following an early breakfast you will transfer by early morning public ferry to Male and on to Male International Airport or your onward destination.
End of tour
End of tour
For a long time the Maldives has not been considered a destination suitable for back packers, yet alone affordable. But now with the introduction of local island guesthouses and budget airlines flying from Sri Lanka and India, the Maldives is beginning to find itself on the backpacker map. Our backpacker breaks are designed to either work as a selfcontained budget Maldives experience or as a start to an independent stay in the archipelago.
Guraidhoo also in South Male Atoll, it is a typical fishing island with about 2,300 inhabitants, with sandy roads and palm trees. A 30 minute walk around the island highlights locals going about their daily routine; carpenters at the small boat yard traditionally constructing typical dhoni boats, locals drinking coffee in the many small coffee shops and children playing simple games in the street. Sit and watch the sunset alongside the locals on the public beach or kick back in a traditional seat called a ‘jolie’ and watch the world slowly pass by. Guraidhoo is a regular stopping point for safari boats and local shops have quickly adapted by offering all kind of souvenirs and a handful of local restaurants and coffee shops. Guraidhoo offers an insight in to the ‘real Maldives’.
All of our guesthouse accommodation is handpicked to provide a balance of comfort, good service, local atmosphere and value for money. We have chosen a selection of locally operated guesthouses that provide comfortable clean rooms, friendly service and good food. All rooms have en-suite bathrooms, AC, ceiling fans and complimentary WiFi, whilst water, tea and coffee is always available. Most of the guesthouses are single or double story. Some are set facing out to the ocean with a terrace or balcony. Others are built around a private garden or beach area, but in each you can be assured of a warm welcome.
Day 1
Upon arrival you will be met by your guide who will accompany you on a tour of the capital city, providing opportunity to visit places of interest including the fish market, local market, Presidents Palace and Friday Mosque. After lunch transfer by local ferry (approx. 14.30) to your guesthouse on the local island of Guraidhoo, South Male Atoll, 120 minutes from Male. Sit up top on the ferry to view the beauty of the many Maldives islands that pass you by whilst keeping your eyes open for dolphins!
Upon arrival you will have time to settle in before either relaxing in the garden at the guesthouse or on the local beach to watch the sun go down. Dinner this evening is spent with a local family just don’t expect silver service as traditionally meals are eaten without the aid of a knife and fork!
Day 2
Following breakfast accompanied by your guide take a few steps from the beach into the ocean to explore the house reef of Guraidhoo for your first underwater encounter! Your guide will provide a safety briefing on responsible snorkelling and act as your ‘spotter’ pointing out marine life that may not have caught your eye. They will assist less confident or inexperienced snorkelers, ensuring your equipment is comfortable and you feel safe in the water. As the afternoon cools down accompanied by your guide time is spent exploring Guraidhoo with the opportunity to learn about the local way of life including a visit to the Mosque, visit the boatyard learn how the common wooden boat known locally as a ‘dhoni’ is built, stop and chat with children playing in the street and watch the ladies of the community begin their evening meal preparations. Stop by a local cafe to sample traditional ‘hedika’ - Maldivian savoury and sweet short eats served with black tea.
Day 3
Following a local style breakfast we travel by speedboat to two of the best nearby reefs. The coral reefs of the Maldives are inhabited by diverse marine life and are teaming with colourful fish and corals. Keep your eyes open for turtles, sharks and rays you never know what may be in the blue! On return to Guraidhoo the afternoon is free for you to participate in optional watersports, diving or surfing.
This evening enjoy a relaxed beach BBQ under the stars with the option to include traditional dancing and the beat of the ‘bodu beru’ where a group of men sit around the ‘bodu beru’ – big drum and sing to a rhythmical beat until they reach a crescendo.
Day 4
Following an early breakfast you will transfer by early morning public ferry to Male and on to Male International Airport or your onward destination.
End of tour
End of tour
Transfer Options
- Arrival in Maldives required by midday in order to take ferry transfer option included
- Departure from Maldives required after midday in order to take departure ferry transfer option included
- No ferry transfers on Friday
- Private speedboat transfer $250 one way up to 8 pax
- Shared speedboat transfer $35 per person
Accommodation Options
- Includes standard room at Guraidhoo Palm Inn
Included
- 3 Night Deluxe room accommodation including breakfast
- 1 local dinner
- 1 beach dinner
- Airport and domestic transfer assistance
- Return transfer by public ferry
- Island tours and Hedika Experience
- Snorkeling Trip x 2
- Services of English Speaking Guide
- All Local Tax
Photo Credit - @blissdhigurah
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100% locally owned
Monies you pay us, stays in Sri Lanka, benefiting local economy.
Local knowledge
We know Sri Lanka well. We offer your you "Insider secrets" which could only come from locals. We are not the regular travel agent who promotes big chain hotels and taking you from one monument to another. We provide you an experiential journey to remember.
Responsible Travel
We source local expertise and knowledge from the villages which benefits their livelihood when you patronize our services.
Authentic Experiences
We only promote authentic travel experiences hosted by fellow locals to give you the most authentic Sri Lankan experience. No fake or staged experiences, no visits to tourist traps, no shopping unless you decide to do so.
No animal exploitation
No Elephant back rides; No Turtle Farm visits and no visits to chained animal complexes.
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we design your trip with expert insider suggestions to suite your taste and budget.
