Has anyone backpacked round the Maldives?

[Hummmmaybe]

Niche ask!
We definitely can’t afford to stay on a resort and I know some of the islands have now opened up to tourism outside of the resorts. Has anyone actually done it though? Any recommended islands? Any tips?

I just found this article when I googled - not sure if you have already seen it :)

https://www.travelsofabookpacker.com/blog/backpacking-maldives-on-a-budget

Hiya, I haven’t, but I have been to the Maldives and IMHO its USP is really the luxury islands, direct access to reefs etc. I would choose another archipelago to backpack around if I could not access this. Perhaps the Flores region of Indonesia which is much more suited to backpacking and equally as magical, for example.

I haven’t but have been to resorts. A couple of things, it won’t be super easy, the Maldives is not set up for this type of tourism and getting from one island to the next won’t be super easy. The atolls are also huge so chose islands that are close to each other otherwise you will spend a long time and lots of money on boats. Some islands are more conservative I understand and locals don’t like women on the beach and drinking. Maldives is a Muslim country after all. Depending on how much time you have I would choose 2-3 islands max, do 1-2 nights in Male too. Maldives are beyond beautiful, you will have a great time.

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/maldives-on-a-budget

if you can stretch it stay in a cheaper resort for a few nights, for the experience.

Thanks for the replies. I’m expecting not to be able to drink etc. I am confused about getting from island to island (and which 2-4 it would be best to visit!) The ferry timetable looks complicated!
Just done Flores @GotoutoftheUKphew … some great sights!

@Hummmmaybe there is no real regular ferry between islands. (And bear in mind some are hundreds of miles apart) resort tourists take speedboats or seaplanes, both are expensive. You need to rely on local fishermen or the not regular ferry service ro hop between islands. Therefore it’s best to choose 2 that are close to each other, or close to Male. Otherwise you will lose a day travel going back to Male and going back out again. My understanding is that there are islands with guest houses that are close to Male and you can also book a Dhoni boat cruise. Btw I would not consider this with children, mine often got upset stomachs even in the resorts and it gets very very humid and hot.

There was also a daily mail article recently. Will try and find it. https://www.gadventures.com/trips/maldives-dhoni-cruise/AFMS/

I was surprised to read how oppressive the Maldives is as a Muslim country as well. Outside the tourist areas

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-12330757/Paradise-pennies-holiday-Maldives-LOT-think-38-night-hotel-rooms-4-restaurant-meals-beach.html

maafushi seems a good call and less than an hour boat ride from Male.

Most employees in the resorts are not Maldivians but from other non Muslim countries. My understanding is locals don’t like to serve alcohol and often disapprove of women in bikinis. The islands with locals often live very simple lives with girls getting married young and no alcohol.

I’ve been to the Maldives and Fiji and I would 100% recommend Fiji to backpack around. The islands are just as beautiful and I did some of the best snorkelling/diving of my life there. The Yasawa islands are completely set up for backpackers and we also found the mainland easy to get around.
The Maldives were beautiful but not set up for what you’re suggesting, and honestly, Fiji will give you a far richer cultural experience in my opinion.

From human rights watch

”The government led by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih pledged to tackle corruption and advance human rights, but in reality, failed to bring essential reforms to the justice system.
The influence of Islamist extremist groupsand political leaders remained pervasive within the government, police, and the judiciary. Authorities bent to pressure from these groups, as well as from the Muslim fundamentalist Adhaalath Party—a member of the ruling coalition—by rolling back fundamental rights, including freedom of speech and assembly, and the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people, and of women.”

If you want that climate but want to backpack I highly recommend Sri Lanka, flights aren't cheap but once there you can stay fairly cheaply, eat fairly cheaply and you will be very much welcomed. The coastal area has amazing beaches but you have the option of the hill country, safari etc. I'm been a few times and think I should go elsewhere for my honeymoon but it really does have everything there

https://www.opendoorsuk.org/persecution/world-watch-list/maldives/

this from a Christian website but still - surprising.

Really useful info here, thanks! We booked a crazy cheap flight (as part of our travels) so just deciding how best to do it. Funnily enough @anothernamechangeagainsndagain flights from the Maldives to Sri Lanka are very reasonable so that’s looking like our next stop!
Fiji is a great shout but the flights are just too expensive for us atm.

See also Foreign office advice:
Laws and cultural differencesMaldives is an Islamic country. It is illegal to publicly observe a religion other than Islam. Make sure that your actions do not offend, especially during Ramadan or when visiting religious areas around mosques. Violations of local laws may lead to a prison sentence.
Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country. In 2024 Ramadan is expected to take place between 11 March and 10 April in Maldives. During this time, do not eat, drink or smoke in public in the daytime, outside of holiday resorts. Get more advice when you arrive from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts.
Alcohol laws and bansAlcoholic drinks are only available on resort islands. Do not take any alcohol out of your resort. You can be arrested and deported for possessing and drinking alcohol, or being intoxicated outside resorts and on inhabited islands.

I love love the Maldives and would go every year if budget would allow. But is it the place for a woman backpacking, probably not but also not impossible. Just follow the local rules and be mindful of what you wear and do.

Thank you @Sonora25 I’m trying to work out the local laws so info welcome. I read that bibles are illegal and dogs are banned (we’ve been chased a couple of times on this trip to that prob welcome at this point!) I have a couple of suitable outfits in my bag so will just have to stick with the same 2 or 3 for a couple of weeks!

If you are travelling with a male partner, pretend you are married. If you are travelling with a female partner, pretend you are related (cousins) if possible.
choose your island well and one that’s used to tourism (has more than one guest house) and you will be fine. Don’t hang around late in Male or try and go clubbing or anything like that.

You can get beautiful and v cheap sarongs that are perfect for covering shoulders or making a long skirt.

@Hummmmaybe I'm intrigued by your travels - are you on the road at the moment? Booking point to point flights?

@Sonora25 married so that should make things a little easier.
@House4DS I am! Basically looking at cheap flights and that becomes my next destination. Maldives ‘planning’ (we don’t plan much!) is giving me a headache tho!

How long are you planning to stay? If less than a week do 1-2 days in Male, boat ro Maafushi, book guest house there and excursions (snorkel trips etc) and that’s it. If more than a week, I would do 2 islands. Any more and you will spend half the time travelling back and forth.

Lots of places on booking.com on Maafushi, choose somewhere with aircon, the humidity is killer at night.

Good point re the aircon. Not sure how long we’re staying at the moment. Not too worried about losing time moving between the islands, usually enjoy the actual journey!
I think we’ll plan for 3 islands to start with (thanks to the article above!) and take it from there. Thanks for all the suggestions!

Have a lovely time and please report back!