Exploring the Maldives

by Excel V. Dyquiangco / January 8, 2025

When you think of paradise, the Maldives inevitably comes to mind. Pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and an underwater world brimming with life – this tropical haven had always been on my travel bucket list. Recently, I had the opportunity to visit two of its enchanting islands: Maafushi and Filhahohi.

Maafushi: A Vibrant Local Gem

Our adventure began in Maafushi, one of the most popular local islands in the Maldives. Unlike the luxury resorts that dominate many parts of the archipelago, Maafushi offers a peek into the authentic Maldivian way of life, complete with affordable guesthouses, savory cuisine, and friendly locals.

The island’s charm lies in its ability to balance tourism with tradition. Walking along its sandy streets, we encountered colorful houses adorned with bougainvillea, and the aroma of freshly grilled seafood wafting through the air. The local restaurants served mouthwatering dishes like mas huni, a traditional Maldivian breakfast of tuna, coconut, and spices, paired with warm roshi flatbread. 

There were a couple of activities on the island that we could also do in the Philippines, such as banana boat rides and parasailing. I also saw an advertisement for a submarine water adventure, but I didn’t get involved with any of these since I was on a tight budget.  

One highlight of our stay was perhaps the relaxation on the beach. Some tourists had laid out their beach blankets and benches to read a book or sleep while others watched the sun dip on the horizon. I did both and it was such a magical experience, primarily because I wasn’t doing or thinking about anything and this was something that I had longed for in a while.  

Filhahohi: A Serene Escape

After the laidback atmosphere of Maafushi, Filhahohi – often called Filhahohi Maldives or Filhahohi Island Resort – offered a more tranquil and serene retreat, one that was a lot quieter. This private resort island is a slice of paradise, perfect for those seeking solitude and natural beauty.

From the moment we arrived, the island’s lush greenery and powdery white beaches took our breath away. Our day trip on this island was spent traipsing around the overwater bungalows, standing above the gentle waves on narrow and long legs. We initially thought the beaches surrounding the area were deep, but it was so shallow that getting to the middle of this overwater bungalow was just knee-deep.  

The resort itself was a haven of comfort and the food was heavenly. The beachfront bungalows were just steps away from the ocean, allowing us to be mesmerized by the soothing sound of waves. 

What made this trip truly special was the contrast between the islands. Maafushi’s lively energy and cultural authenticity were beautifully complemented by Filhahohi’s serene luxury. Together, they offered a comprehensive Maldivian experience that catered to both my adventurous spirit and my need for relaxation. But in all honesty, I liked Filhahohi better since I am more of a laidback type of guy. 

As I boarded the boat back to Malé, I couldn’t help but feel a pang of longing to stay longer. The Maldives had woven its magic around me, leaving me with memories of azure waters, vibrant marine life, and the warm hospitality of its people. It’s a destination I’ll treasure forever – and one I hope to revisit someday.

Tips and Tricks

1. Always bring enough cash with you – my daily allowance was $50 a day, but I spent $40 only. Food was expensive as the cheapest was around $20 a meal.
2. Do not exchange your US dollars for Maldivian currency as not all stores in the area accept local currency. Use dollars or if you don’t have enough, you can use ATMs. 
3. Buy souvenirs on the island as these are less expensive than those in Male. In the capital city, you have to look for a souvenir shop and there are not a lot. We walked around for 30 minutes to find one only to see that the prices were double. For example, magnets in the island cost $2 apiece while in Male, it is $4 apiece.

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