Maldives & Sri Lanka
2024
Highlights:
Summary
We joined a friend for 2025 New Years, enroute had a stopover in The Maldives for a bit sun and aquatic fun.
The Maldives was once an expensive and exclusive destination but since 2022 they allow tourists to lodge on the normal non-resort islands which dramatically cuts costs. Multiple budget friendly tour companies have emerged since but the food remains deplorable.
After their credit default, Sri Lanka has focused intensely on its tourism industry which has made it a fantastic attractive destination to backpack. It's affordable and beautiful. Safety is top notch making it the ideal first taste of South Asia.
Scores
Maldives
Sri Lanka
Beauty
Affordability
Food
Hospitality
Safety
Accessibility
Video
Final Score
3 / 10
Advice
Trip Duration
Maldives: 1 week / Sri Lanka: 3 weeks
Currencies Used
Maldivian Rufiyaa MVR & Sri Lankan Rupee LKR
Best Months
December - March
Daily Budget
Maldives: $150USD / Sri Lanka: $30USD
Challenges
The Maldives is exceptionally hard to travel freely, there are many 'gotchas' like ferries needing pre-booking or not running on certain days.
Do
Leave an extra day or two in The Maldives free as weather and unforeseen circumstances can make it impossible to see certain ocean life, e.g the whale sharks and manta rays.
Dont
Never trust your host/hotel in The Maldives. Whenever they say 'no problem', you're going to have a big problem. Ensure you make your own plans with receipts or guarantees.
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