Our Maldives Travel Experience – May 2018
Sometimes, the best gifts we can give ourselves are not things we can keep, but memories we can carry with us.
After getting married in January 2018, my husband and I decided to give ourselves a little honeymoon gift, a short trip to the Maldives in May 2018.
The Maldives had always been on our travel bucket list. We had seen photos of its crystal-clear waters, beautiful islands, and breathtaking beaches, and we couldn’t help but dream of experiencing it for ourselves.
We loved traveling to places that allowed us to step away from the busy city and simply enjoy a different environment. At that time, we were living and working in Dubai, so a few days away from work and the busy city life felt like exactly what we needed.
And so, we started planning our little Maldives adventure.
How to Make the Most of a 10-Hour Layover in Hong Kong
Planning Our Maldives Trip
Before booking, we contacted several travel agencies, including Holiday Factory, HolidayMe, Tabeer Tourism, and Musafir. We wanted to compare the available packages and find something that offered good value without spending more than we could afford.
After comparing our options, we decided to book with Holiday Factory. Their agents were accommodating and answered our questions throughout the booking process.
Our package was for 4 days and 3 nights (4D3N).
At the time, we paid approximately AED 2,500 (around USD 680) per person.
The package included:
- Return economy-class flights from Dubai to Malé
- Accommodation at a three-star hotel
- Breakfast
- Airport transfers
- Other arrangements included in the package
Travel note: The prices and package details in this post are from our trip in May 2018. They are included to document what we actually paid at the time and should not be considered current Maldives travel prices.
Day 1: Exploring Malé
We left Dubai at around 11:50 PM and arrived in Colombo at approximately 7:00 AM. After a short layover of less than two hours, we continued our journey to the Maldives.
We finally arrived at Malé International Airport at around 10:00 AM.
After landing, a Holiday Factory representative picked us up and transferred us to our hotel in Hulhumalé. We were exhausted from the journey, so we took some time to rest before our afternoon activity.
Since the city tour was not included in our package, we paid an additional USD 20 per person.
Before heading out, we also had some time to explore the area around our hotel. We walked around the nearby public market and seaside restaurants and enjoyed our first glimpse of everyday life in the Maldives.
Our first glimpse of the Maldives
Our First Ferry Ride
A few minutes before 4 PM, our driver picked us up and took us to a ferry pier. We were told that our city tour would take place on another island, so we needed to take a ferry to reach our meeting point.
It was actually my first time riding a ferry, and I wasn’t sure how I would handle it. I thought I might get seasick, but thankfully, the ride was smooth and enjoyable.
As we traveled, we could see small islands in the distance. The scenery was beautiful, and it was exciting to realize that we were finally experiencing the Maldives in person.
14 Things to Do in Azerbaijan: Our Travel Experience
Exploring Malé City
We met our local guide at the pier and began our walking tour.
To our surprise, it was primarily a walking tour. Fortunately, my husband and I were regularly working out at the gym at that time, so walking around the city for several hours wasn’t too difficult for us.
Our guide was friendly, knowledgeable, and informative. He showed us several important landmarks and shared interesting stories about the city.
During our four-hour tour, we visited places including:
- The Presidential Palace
- Parliament Office
- Grand Mosque
- Islamic Centre
- One of the oldest mosques in Malé
- Public Square
- Artificial Beach
- Seaside areas
We also saw local schools and everyday scenes around the city.
The tour gave us a glimpse of life beyond the beautiful resorts that the Maldives is usually known for.
The tour eventually ended with a dinner buffet featuring Sri Lankan and Maldivian dishes.
It was an exhausting first day, especially after our overnight journey from Dubai, but it was definitely worth it.
Malé City landmarks
Day 2: Snorkeling, a Yacht Ride and Huraa Island
We started our second day with breakfast before heading out for another adventure.
We purchased an Adventure Boat Safari Cruise for USD 120 per person, which included:
- A yacht trip
- Snorkeling equipment
- Two-hour snorkeling activity
- Buffet lunch at Cinnamon Dhonveli
- Guided tour of Huraa Island
May is considered a rainy period in the Maldives, so we weren’t sure what the weather would be like.
Fortunately, we were blessed with beautiful weather that day. The sky was clear, the sea was calm, and everything seemed to work in our favor.
And then came another first for us—a yacht ride!
Our yacht adventure
Our First Snorkeling Experience
The snorkeling experience was one of the highlights of our trip.
It was our first time snorkeling, and seeing the crystal-clear Maldivian water from above was already incredible. But seeing what was beneath the surface was even more amazing.
We spent around two hours snorkeling and admiring the underwater scenery.
It was a completely different world.
First time snorkeling
Lunch at Cinnamon Dhonveli
After snorkeling, we headed to Cinnamon Dhonveli for lunch.
The buffet offered a wide variety of food, including Mediterranean, Western, Maldivian, and Sri Lankan dishes.
After lunch, we continued our journey toward Huraa Island.
Exploring Huraa Island
Huraa Island was completely different from the resort environment.
It was a small and peaceful local community where we were able to see homes, small shops, and everyday island life.
We spent around two hours walking around the island with our guide.
We passed by local houses, a private resort, a shallow waterway, and a small souvenir shop where we were offered fresh coconut juice.
It was one of those moments when we didn’t need anything extravagant. We simply walked, looked around, talked, and enjoyed the peaceful surroundings.
Huraa Island
“A peaceful afternoon exploring Huraa Island and getting a glimpse of local island life.”
Unfortunately, the weather changed toward the end of our tour.
Heavy rain and strong winds arrived, making our return yacht ride much more exciting than expected!
The sea was no longer as calm as it had been earlier, and the ride felt a little like a roller coaster on the water.
Still, we laughed about it and enjoyed the adventure.
Day 3: A Day at Cinnamon Dhonveli
For our third day, we decided to spend the entire day at Cinnamon Dhonveli, one of the beautiful resort islands we visited during our trip.
We were picked up from our hotel and transferred by a larger yacht.
At the time, the resort offered different day-trip packages, including:
USD 45 per person
Resort access + lunch + soft drinks
USD 90 per person
Resort access + buffet lunch + unlimited beverages
We chose the second option because we wanted to make the most of our resort experience.
Welcome to Cinnamon Dhonveli
Enjoying the Resort
There was so much to see around the resort.
We took plenty of photos, walked around the property, relaxed by the beach, and admired the famous ocean villas.
At the time, we couldn’t afford to stay in an ocean villa, but we promised ourselves that perhaps one day we would return and experience it.
There is something incredibly peaceful about sitting near the ocean and listening to the waves. Even now, remembering those moments brings back a sense of calm.
The resort also had swimming pools for adults and children, playgrounds, cottages, restaurants, and other areas where guests could simply relax.
A dream for another trip
Our Budget Travel Tips
Although the Maldives is often associated with luxury resorts and expensive vacations, our experience taught us that you don’t necessarily need an extravagant budget to enjoy the country.
Of course, our trip was in 2018, and prices have changed considerably since then. Still, some of the lessons we learned may be useful when planning a trip.
1. Compare travel packages
Don’t immediately book the first package you find.
We contacted several travel agencies before deciding which package worked best for us.
2. Look beyond luxury resorts
Staying on a local island or in Hulhumalé can provide a different experience from staying exclusively at a private resort island.
It can also be a more affordable option depending on your travel style.
3. Bring some snacks
We brought some familiar food with us because we weren’t sure what we would want to eat during the trip.
One of our emergency meals was instant noodles with a boiled egg, which we prepared using the electric kettle in our hotel room.
It wasn’t exactly a fancy Maldives meal, but it definitely did the job! 😂
4. Explore around your hotel
Before booking expensive activities, take some time to walk around your accommodation and discover what’s nearby.
We found local food shops, restaurants, seaside areas, and other interesting places simply by walking around.
5. Bargain when shopping for souvenirs
If you’re buying souvenirs, don’t be afraid to politely ask for a better price.
Our guide also helped us understand where we could find reasonably priced souvenirs.
Day 4: Our Last Day in the Maldives
Sadly, every vacation eventually comes to an end.
We spent our final day exploring the area around our hotel, buying a few souvenirs, and interacting with some of the local people.
By noon, our driver picked us up and transferred us to the airport.
As we headed back to Dubai, we couldn’t help but feel grateful for everything we had experienced during those four days.
It was a short trip, but we managed to create memories that we would carry with us for years.
Looking Back at Our Maldives Adventure
Our Maldives trip wasn’t about staying in the most expensive villa or having a luxurious vacation.
It was about experiencing something new together.
It was about riding a ferry for the first time, snorkeling for the first time, exploring Malé on foot, riding a yacht, walking around Huraa Island, meeting local people, trying different food, and simply enjoying a few days away from work and the busy city.
Most importantly, it was about spending quality time together as newlyweds.
At the time, we were simply enjoying our trip. Looking back now, I realize how precious those moments were.
We didn’t know what the future would bring.
We didn’t know that our lives would eventually take us from Dubai to Finland, that we would experience migration, new challenges, studies, work, parenthood, and an entirely different chapter of life.
But that is exactly why I love looking back at old travel memories.
And this little Maldives adventure will always be one of those memories.
Leaving Dubai: A Bittersweet Goodbye
Final Thoughts
Traveling has always been more than simply visiting beautiful places for me. It gives us an opportunity to pause, breathe, learn, and appreciate the life we have.
This trip reminded me that we don’t always need a huge budget or a long vacation to make meaningful memories. Sometimes, a few days away with the person you love is enough.
Our Maldives trip happened in May 2018, but the memories still feel special today.
And perhaps that’s the greatest thing about traveling: the trip eventually ends, but the memories become part of our story.
“We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.”
Bible Verse
“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.”
— Psalm 24:1 (NIV)
Final Thoughts
Looking back at this trip years later, I am reminded of how quickly life changes. In 2018, we were newlyweds living and working in Dubai, excited about exploring the world together. Today, our lives look very different, but those memories remain.
Sometimes, we become so focused on our responsibilities, goals, and problems that we forget to stop and appreciate the beautiful moments God allows us to experience. Traveling gave us a chance to slow down and enjoy His creation, but more importantly, it gave us memories that we can look back on with grateful hearts.
We may not know where the next chapter of our lives will take us, but we can always choose to appreciate where we are today.
Keep exploring. Keep making memories. And above all, keep trusting God’s journey for your life. ❤️
Published: December 26, 2019
Updated: August 2026
Wonderful post! Been discussing future vacation destinations with my husband recently. Maldives is on the list and I love the idea of being able to make the trip on a budget. Stunning images thanks so much for sharing your experience.
Thank you Cynthia! It is indeed difficult to plan about travelling at the moment. Nevertheless, since we have lots of time to reflect and prepare our Bucket Lists, we can consider adding travelling to these wonderful places to our list.
Thank you Cynthia! It is indeed difficult to plan about travelling at the moment. Nevertheless, since we have lots of time to reflect and prepare our Bucket Lists, we can consider adding travelling to these wonderful places to our list.
My sister lived in Maldives for 8 months. She loved it and said it really was like paradise.
Your sister must be very lucky! We spent less than a week there and we already enjoyed a lot! What more if we spend few months there! That would be wonderful and unforgettable life experience. Would want to visit there again soon!
Maldives is one of my dream destinations! Glad to have gotten tips from you.
Happy to help CA! Hope you also achieve your dream of visiting such a magnificent place soon!
I can see form your faces that you enjoyed your honeymoon in Maldives. It is a beautiful country and Ive heard so many interesting facts about this place.
Indeed Ramil, there are lots of interesting and magnificent spots on that paradise. Our visit was quote memorable, so we will definitely revisit soon .
I can see from the photos that you enjoyed your honeymoon. Maldives will surely be in my bucket list.
We surely did Ramil! Thank you, hope you enjoy your visit there too, soon!
Someday, I’ll visit Maldives with my boyfriend. Thanks for this guide.
Hope you enjoy your visit too Arris! Good luck!
Thanks for this awesome guide, I had to half my plans of visiting Maldives due to this coronavirus ourbrake. Nevertheless, i enjoyed reading your guide
You’re welcome Utaji! This is really a depressing time of our lives. The outbreak inhibits us from doing things that we love. Hopefully, this crisis ends soon and we will be able to travel to different places again.
Your pictures look like heaven! I’d love to go to Maldives at some point. Thank you for sharing this information.
You’re welcome dear. Happy to share our travel experience to aspiring travelers so we can all discover the world together. Hope you can visit there too soon!
What a fun trip! Maldives looks like a beautiful place to visit.
It is indeed a beautiful place to visit Mom Elite! Also, it’s a nice place to spend time with your family, friends and loved ones.
This looks like an amazing trip! The Maldives are definitely on my travel bucket list!
That’s great to hear Bailey! Hope you visit there too soon! Keep adding to that bucket list, good luck!
This sounds like an awesome trip. Good price and lovely photos. Thanks for sharing.
The price is really worth it for the experience! You’re welcome and happy to share helpful information on our travels. 🙂
I knew it! you guys are Filipinos. Anyways, you had an amazing trip. I wish to have the same adventures like yours.
Sure we are Oscar! We love to discover new places and have budget-friendly adventures. Hope you visit there too!
Thank you for letting me be in the Maldives to your post. I can’t wait to travel again.
You’re welcome Marjie! Happy to share one of the greatest travelling experience that we had. And hope you visit there too!.. soon..
Your article about Maldives is really informative. I have always wanted to visit that awesome city. Thanks for sharing this Diane.
You’re welcome Neil! Hope you visit there too soon! The place is really beauiful, amazing and one of its kind.
Maldives is such a dream destination! I’m dreaming of being there, right now! And the Lucky Me pancit canton with eggs towards the end, is so FIlipino – we do it all the time! 😀
Indeed, right Shiela?! Wherever we go, we always carry food packs such as canned goods, sardines, tuna and, of course and always, instant noddles! Ha ha.. We actually cook it using the water boiler/ thermos inside our hotel room. Also, we boil eggs using the same too! 🙂
hi
firstly congrats for the marriage, it was a pleasure to know that. I liked your snorkeling videos , have always wantedt o try that . Maldives is expensive going by the amount you were detailing, one does need to save to enjoy luxuriously out here
Hello Sumit! Thank you for the greetings and appreciating my little “documentaries”. I agree with what you’ve said, one should really save funds in order to enjoy the Maldives. But, I can tell, it’s totally worth it.
It looks like you had a great trip. I really want to visit Maldives in the future.
Sure you can dear! Everything is possible, make sure to add it on your Bucket List!
wow!! thanks for these budget tips to travel to maldives, learnt them all
You’re welcome Sienny! Hope this information helps.
Maldives has been one of the most scenic and visited places for a vacation. I wish we can still visit the place after this pandemic.
Sure you can Magz! Hope you’ll be able to visit there, ’cause I’m sure you will enjoy it a lot! Not only it is beautiful, but the place is so relaxing too!
Looks like you had a blast! And it’s a really good idea to record everything! Now you have a memory that you can always look back at whenever you want.
That’s true Salmotus! I really did my best to at least record the whole tour and take some pictures too. Who know when we’ll be back there right? These are really great memories to treasure.
My dad loved Maldives. Snorkelling over there is beautiful. I havent been there sice dad passed away but your detailing about the trip was beautiful. Anyways, congrats on your wedding.
I’m sorry to hear about your dad Monidipa. And yes, that place is really wonderful, a great place to spend time with family and your loved ones. Thank you for the greetings!
Wow! The Maldives looks so beautiful. I’m adding them to my bucket list.
GOod luck Wendy! Hope you visit there soon too! I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.
Oh wow, thanks for some money saving tips because I would love to The Maldives. It is a sea paradise!
You’re welcome Aisasami! It is such a wonderful place to go.
Maldives!!! 🙂 This paradise is truly one of the best beaches in the world. The crystal clear water adds to its pristine beauty. Indeed perfect place for honeymoon. 🙂
The Maldives is really a wonderful place Don! I agree, they do have crystal clear waters, I witnessed this in front of my eyes. It is such a wonderful place, I’m out of words now. 🙂
The Maldives is really a wonderful place Don! I agree, they do have crystal clear waters, I witnessed this in front of my eyes. It is such a wonderful place, I’m out of words now. 🙂
Ang pretty mo Dianne!! ❤️ Seems like you had tons of fun! I’m a beach bum and I’ve always wanted to go to Maldives (it’s on the bucket list!) but my plans keep canceling (due to work). Thank yooouuuu for the tips!
You’re welcome Polly Amora! And thank you for the compliments! It is indeed difficult to find time to travel especially when we have to work. But for sure, you’ll find some time to go there. For sure, you will enjoy the beaches of the Maldives too!
My girlfriends and I were just talking about planning our next trip. Maldives is definitely on the list now!
Surely Mariah Krystal. Maldives is one of the places one should consider of travelling to! You would definitely enjoy your visit there with your friends. Take care! 🙂
I’ve always wanted to go to Maldives!! It’s like a paradise there!
It is definitely a paradise Lorita! You’ll forget your life issues, problems, the hustle bustle of the city… and your name too! (ha ha.. kidding) Hope you visit there soon too! You’ll definitely be amazed of its beauty!
OMG Maldives is one of my dream destination. Nakakainggit naman! The beach looks so pristine 😀
Thank you for the appreciation Blair! Don’t make “inggit”, instead, book a ticket and go there na! Maybe not now, but real soon! Chase your dreams! 🙂
The Maldives looks amazing! What an amazing trip for you and your husband.The time you spent on the yacht has me super jealous!
Maldives is superb Shelley! We just had a really good timing as we are the only passengers in all the yachts that we rode on. The experience was amazing.
I love Maldives and I really love beach and scenery view. this is one of my bucket list to visit awesome photos.
Indeed Maysz! Everything there is picturesque, you will really enjoy taking a lot of pictures and spending time with nature especially the sea.
the views are breath-taking there! what a great package deal… when this health pandemic is over I’ll be sure to visit, I so badly need a vacation!
That is so exciting to here Eloise! The package was really good, we totally recommend it if you prefer to stay on a 3-star hotel, but you may also choose whether you want to stay in a resort island or in an ocean villa. Will try those on our next visit! Good luck!
OMG!! You’re post just gave me life!! Hubby and I are wanting to visit next December, I can’t wait!!
OMG!! You’re post just gave me life!! Hubby and I are planning to go next year and trying to see the best route. I saw you guys went through Dubai.
Hello Kevine! Actually we came from Dubai as we are currently residing here. Our flight has a 2-hour stopover in Sri Lanka, then last stop at Male, Maldives. It was such a nice trip, you would surely enjoy it with your hubby! Good luck!
Oh, wow! The Maldives look AMAZING. I’ll have to add them to my ever-growing travel bucket list. It looks like you guys had the best time 🙂
Louise x
We did have an amazing time there Louise! I know you will also enjoy your time once you get there. No time to waste once you’re there! Good luck on your bucket list! I have a long one too. 🙂
Oh, my! I am very curious on how beautiful Maldives is. Every photos says that I need to visit that paradise someday. and it seems like you really had an amazing experience there.
Commenting for Elizabeth O
We really had a wonderful stay in Maldives Billy. Hope you would visit there too soon! Good luck!