Things to do in Maldives

More about Maldives

Maldives has extraordinary natural beauty, especially the sea. The water is crystal clear and the sand is sparkling white when exposed to sunlight. It’s also popular for the stunning underwater world. Its beauty makes this location one of the most-visited destinations for vacation. Several activities that tourists often do are scuba diving and snorkeling. Apart from that, there are also some natural, shopping, and culinary tourist attractions.

When you visit Maldives, keep in mind to explore every spot and activity in this place. Enjoy the local cuisine tour with an English-speaking tour guide, do a Villimale eco walking tour to explore the island, and try some thrilling adventures like snorkeling and surfing. Maldives is the best option to run from the city's hustle and bustle and take some fresh air.

You can use a full day tour to ease your vacation. It’s a round trip from the meet up location where you can get lunch and snorkeling experiences. You will feel the peace and calm breeze greet your visit. So, let your adventure begin and spend an amazing time in Maldives!

Best Things to Do in Maldives

To get the fullest joy, you can try some best things to do in Maldives. From culinary journey to heart-pounding activity, Maldives offers the perfect entertainment. Here are several things to explore in Maldives.

1. Enjoy a Full Day Tour in Maldives

Your holiday can be convenient and enjoyable by using a full day tour. A day in Maldives will be spent snorkeling, lunch, Hedikaa experience, and fun time at the beach. Learn about the culture and see the breathtaking views take away your tiredness. It’s good to come with your family or friends so you can have an unforgettable moment in Maldives. Don’t worry about the transportation to reach this place because the tour includes a round trip from the meet up location.

2. Explore the Underwater World in Maldives

Since Maldives is famous for its sea and underwater world, you should go snorkeling and watch the numerous sea species in the crystal-clear water. Some popular locations for snorkeling are Banana Reef and HP Reef. A banana-shaped coral reef offers extraordinary beauty with a variety of marine life such as colorful fish, turtles and reef sharks. Then, in HP Reef, you can see many species of tropical fish, including the majestic manta ray. Prices for diving vary depending on the operator and package chosen. 

3. Do a Culinary Trip

Beside the stunning natural beauty, Maldives has local dishes that can’t be skipped. You can book a Male local food tour and experience the Hedhikaa activity. Hedhikaa is a collection of traditional snacks that are common to enjoy in the Maldives. It usually serves gulha (fish-stuffed puffs) and bajiya (vegetable-stuffed puffs). Maldivian cuisine emphasizes the richness of the sea which can be seen from the combination of sea ingredients and spices.

4. Book a Villimale Eco Walking Tour

If you want to experience a trip in the eyes of a local resident, you can book a Villimale Eco Walking Tour. This tour lasts 4 hours and starts at 02.00 PM. You will discover the peaceful paths of Villimale, get some insight about Save The Beach's marine preservation projects, and find out about the Maldivian ecosystem's distinctive features and conservation difficulties. Enjoy a Maldivian evening tea as the perfect closing. Don’t worry about the language barrier because this tour includes an English-speaking tour guide.

5. Watch the Sea of Stars in Vaadhoo Island

Vaadhoo Island is a small island famous for the amazing natural phenomenon known as the "Sea of ​​Stars". When the sky is dark and there is no moon at night, the beach on Vaadhoo Island will look like a mirror reflecting the stars in the sky. The blue light from the plankton being swayed by the waves creates the illusion as if the stars are falling into the sea. Besides, Vaadhoo Island also offers beautiful white sandy beaches, clear sea water, and a peaceful atmosphere. Visitors can do swimming, snorkeling, diving, or just relaxing on the beach while enjoying the stunning views.

Maldives Transportations

The quickest method to get around the Maldives depends upon the type of island you're on. However, most people stay at their preferred resort island. Since islands in Maldives are not quite large, the public transportation offered is limited. Here are some main modes of transportation in Maldives.

1. Bus.

Maldives has 5 bus lines and 40 bus stops. The bus lines run from the north to the south, stopping between Local Market and the Greater Male Bus. The most western station is Villingili Ferry Terminal, while the most eastern stop is Bank Of Maldives. You can see the route timetables, as well as departure and arrival schedules at stations in the application which displays real-time updates. The bus fare starts from RM 1 depending on your destination.

2. Seaplane.

Flying by seaplane is one of the most magnificent ways for getting around the islands. The seaplane station at Velana International Airport is located in a distinct building from the international arrival and departure terminals. You will be transported to and from this location via shuttle bus. Usually, seaplanes accommodate about 10 passengers and cost RM 1.000 per person for a round-trip. Seaplanes may not be comfortable transportation, but as they fly at a lower height, the breathtaking sights overcome these minor inconveniences.

3. Boat/Dhoni.

The most effective method to travel in the Maldives is to take ferries and speedboats. Also, Dhoni charters and speedboats are open for rent in Male and the surrounding islands. Boats transport tourists from their destinations to the islands in the North and South Atolls. The rental price starts from RM 200/hour depending on the types of your boat. Keep in mind that boats are not operational after dark.

4. Bicycle.

Cycling can be one of the most enjoyable ways for exploring the islands. Although it doesn’t have bike rentals, many resorts provide bicycles accessible for guests. Some resorts also offer guided bicycle trips around their area. Get the perfect journey and enjoy the beauty of Maldives by riding a bicycle.

Recommended Maldives Food

After a long day of exploring, take yourself to the best eateries in Maldives. You can enjoy the local cuisines while seeing the sea side view. Some recommended Maldives restaurants you can visit, including:

1. Hot Rock Restaurant

Address: Vilamendhoo, Dhangethi, Maldives

Operational Hours: 07.00 PM - 10.00 PM Daily

Hot Rock restaurant provides an exceptional dining experience situated over the backdrop of the Maldives' breathtaking beaches. Chefs will cook your cuisine on hot volcanic rocks directly at your table, ensuring that every meal is perfectly cooked with plenty of natural, rich flavors. Their menu has a tasty selection of local meats, seafood, and vegetarian choices. Don't miss trying their famous foods such as the Mexican Fajita, Surf & Turf platter, and Dark Chocolate pie.

2. Muraka Restaurant

Address: Arena Veli Seaview, Ziyaaraiy Magu Road, Maafushi 08090, Maldives

Operational Hours: 07.00 AM - 11.30 PM Daily

Muraka Restaurant in the Maldives will blow your mind with its cocktails and mouth watering seafood specialties, which are famed for their unique flavors. Muraka is frequently regarded as one of the top restaurants in the Maldives, and its extensive menu will please your senses with the wonderful presentation of seafood platters. They are popular with excellent signature dishes such as Yellow Fin Tuna Tartare, Maldivian Lobster, and Triple Gin Seared Meat Tomahawk Steak, which demonstrate the chef's expertise in culinary arts.

3. The Spice

Address: 987M+CWX, Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives, Kanifushi Island, Lhaviyani Atoll, Maafilaafushi, Maldives

Operational Hours: 07.00 AM - 10.00 PM Daily

The Spice's meals and ambiance symbolize a mix of modern and traditional characteristics of the Maldives. You will enjoy breakfast and lunch buffets featuring Asian, European, and Maldivian delicacies. The dishes are made using premium supplies for the best service. You'll be entertained with the light-colored decor and the astonishing panorama of greenery and turquoise water. At night, the restaurant arranges theme nights to guarantee that guests have a good time.

4. Maaniya Restaurant

Address: FRM2+R8W, Fenfushi, Maldives

Operational Hours: 07.30 AM - 09.00 PM Daily

From healthy vegan to non-vegetarian meals, Maaniya restaurant offers an array of delights for you to discover. Enjoy on a one-of-a-kind culinary trip at one of the top restaurants in Maldives, where award-winning chefs make a wonderful buffet meal mixed with modern international and appealing Maldivian flavors. Don't miss out on their freshly-made pastries, seafood specialties, fruit platters, and Maldivian curries.

5. Guduguda

Address: 9XRJ+847, Huruvalhi, Kinolhas, Maldives

Operational Hours: 07.30 PM - 10.00 PM

Guduguda has a trendy and lively atmosphere. It's one of the finest restaurants in the Maldives, with unique Maldivian dishes prepared by a native woman over an open kitchen. You can see the meals being made as you take in the stunning scenery. The interior shows traditional Maldivian buildings, including wooden furniture and a darkly lighted eating area. You can also use traditional clothes and eat with your hands for a more authentic sensation.

Shopping Places in Maldives

Apart from the attractions and eateries, Maldives also presents unique shopping places where you can buy local souvenirs and so on. Let’s see the perfect shopping area for your trip.

1. Male Local Market

Address: Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Malé, Maldives

Male Local Market is great for purchasing coconut milk, pickles, fresh vegetables and fruits, dried fruits, local snacks, and sweets. It also offers souvenir stores which sell Maldivian handicrafts such as seashells products, lacquer work, wooden arts, and one-of-a-kind products like brooms and slippers from coconut leaves.

2. Arena Souvenirs

Address: WFVR+Q8P, Maafushi, Maldives

Arena Souvenirs is popular as the tourist souvenir shop that offers greeting cards, stamps, accessories, and artwork. Goods available here are wooden bowls, key chains, seashells, t-shirts, bags, fridge magnets, and so on. It becomes a must-visit shopping area because the price is affordable and the products are varied.

3. Chaandhanee Magu

Address: Male, Maldives

Chaandhanee Magu is a popular street market in Male, also known as the Singapore Bazaar, which runs from north to south through the island's center. Scarves, Thundu Kunaa mats, dhonis, t-shirts, and sarongs featuring Maldivian icons can be purchased here as well as other handmade items. Chaandhanee Magu sells both local and international products, with the majority coming from Singapore which makes it a unique shopping destination in Maldives.

Best Time to Visit Maldives

If you intend to travel to Maldives, you can consider some best months to visit Maldives between October to April where you can choose whether you want good weather to stroll around or shoulder seasons with lower costs. The best month to visit Maldives is around the dry season, which normally lasts from November to April. At this time, you can enjoy lovely skies, warm sunshine, and little rain. Scuba divers and snorkelers can also have excellent visibility in the dry season. 

The eastern atolls offer the finest sight, with whale sharks and manta rays most frequently seen during August and November. If possible, avoid the rainy season in the Maldives which lasts from May to October because it brings more rain and severe winds to the islands. Late October and late April are regarded as shoulder seasons, with lower accommodation rates and flight fares. So, travelers can save money greatly.