Cultural Break - 4 Days
For a long time the Maldives has not been considered a destination suitable for back packers, yet alone affordable. But now with the introduction of local island guesthouses and budget airlines flying from Sri Lanka and India, the Maldives
is beginning to find itself on the backpacker map.
Our backpacker breaks are designed to either work as a self-
contained budget Maldives experience or as a start to an independent stay in the archipelago.
Guraidhoo also in South Male Atoll, it is a typical fishing island with about 2,300 inhabitants, with sandy roads and palm
trees. A 30 minute walk around the island highlights locals going about their daily routine; carpenters at the small boat
yard traditionally constructing typical dhoni boats, locals drinking coffee in the many small coffee shops and children
playing simple games in the street.
Sit and watch the sunset alongside the locals on the public beach or kick back in a traditional seat called a ‘jolie’ and watch the world slowly pass by. Guraidhoo is a regular stopping point for safari boats and local shops have quickly adapted by offering all kind of souvenirs and a handful of local restaurants and coffee shops. Guraidhoo offers an insight in to the ‘real Maldives’.
Note: The Maldives is a Muslim country and therefore alcohol is not available on local islands. Subject to availability day/evening visits to resorts can be arranged. Bikinis are also not allowed to be worn on local island beaches; however most of our guesthouses offer private gardens or private beach areas for guests.
All of our guesthouse accommodation is handpicked to provide a balance of comfort, good service, local atmosphere
and value for money. We have chosen a selection of locally operated guesthouses that provide comfortable clean
rooms, friendly service and good food. All rooms have en-suite bathrooms, AC, ceiling fans and complimentary Wi-Fi,
whilst water, tea and coffee is always available.
Most of the guesthouses are single or double story. Some are set facing out to the ocean with a terrace or balcony. Others are built around a private garden or beach area, but in each, you can be assured of a warm welcome.
Upon arrival you will be met by your guide who will accompany you on a tour of the capital city, providing opportunity
to visit places of interest including the fish market, local market, Presidents Palace and Friday Mosque.
After lunch transfer by local ferry to your guesthouse on the local island of Guraidhoo, South Male Atoll, 120 minutes
from Male. Sit up top on the ferry to view the beauty of the many Maldives islands that pass you by whilst keeping your
eyes open for dolphins!
Upon arrival you will have time to settle in before either relaxing in the garden at the guesthouse or on the local beach
to watch the sun go down. Dinner this evening is spent with a local family just don’t expect silver service as traditionally
meals are eaten without the aid of a knife and fork!