Maldives on a Budget: Local Island Trip with Fun Himandhoo Diving Experience

By vivomigsgee in Review Travel June 5, 2022

Hello folks! I’m back! I missed you all! Anyways, it took me six months to update my blog and publish a new article. Well, it would be a pity if I won’t share my latest travel experience in the Maldives.

Speaking of the Maldives, I’ve been expatriated here for almost seven months now and I must say I haven’t really explored much the islands scattered around the country. I initially thought Maldives is all about posh resorts and luxury holidays but I was really surprised with what I discovered. Well, one can enjoy the Maldives without breaking the bank. Yes, you’ve read that right! Traveling to the Maldives on a budget is possible!

Whether you initially plan to splurge on luxury resorts or try the budget-friendly vacation in the Maldives, it is highly recommended to go local. While each travel is subjective, I personally find a budget trip in the Maldives significantly preferable than staying in the more popular exquisite resorts. Equally beautiful seascape, but easy on your wallet. Also, when it comes to the latter, each property is built on a private island, separating you from the rest of the country and denying you the opportunity to interact with the locals. When a friend of mine suggested to visit a local inhabited island called Himandhoo, I didn’t think twice. The next weekend, I packed my bags and visited Himandhoo Island.

Staying in Himandhoo island for three nights has given me a unique perspective on life in the Maldives that few others have had. So, I’d like to share my personal take on traveling Maldives on a shoestring ~ a local island trip with Fun Himandhoo Diving experience.

How To Get to Himandhoo Island

Himandhoo Island is one of the inhabited islands of the Alif Alif Atoll (a.k.a. Northern Ari Atoll) in the Maldives. The island is almost a hundred kilometers west of Malé, the capital of Maldives. It has ferry connections with Malé as well as the other inhabited islands of the atoll. A short seaplane journey from the country’s main airport would take less than an hour to reach this idyllic piece of paradise. For a cheaper option, public speedboat transfer (Male Jetty 1) is also available to get to Himandhoo Island.

Probably the most authentic local island in the Maldives, say hello to Himandhoo Island! Marvel at this divine view without the crowd and experience paradise when you book your budget Maldivian trip with Fun Himandhoo Diving.

What To Do in Himandhoo Island

Himandhoo Island is unique for a number of reasons. You’ve got an underwater world of natural beauty right at your accommodation’s doorstep, with the island’s stunning reef shimmering just offshore. You can paddle out and snorkel around, or hop on a boat and be marooned on a divine untouched island, or take in another marvelous sunset at a nearby sandbank.

My favorite aqua-based activity is a seaward excursion at Himandhoo, where it gets me up close with mesmerizing marine creatures. My mask and fins are ready!

Set out early for a full-day of manta ray cruising or whale shark watching, take off on a fishing expedition day or night, snorkeling or diving, or even bask in the sun with turtles and dolphins. North Ari Atoll is a wild blue playground for all sorts of encounters and ocean adventures, with a new path of discovery to follow every day. Here are some of the exciting activities you can enjoy when you book your customized excursions with Fun Himandhoo Diving.

Scuba Diving

Manta Rays Spotting

Sandbank Exploring

Dolphin Cruising

Island Hopping

Turtle Swimming

Beach Loafing

Snorkeling

Whale Shark Watching

Night Fishing

Spent my last night in Himandhoo immersing myself into the island-community and be one with the locals. It means grabbing that hand line and raw fish bait to experience such special Maldivian form of evening entertainment at no cost at all.

Where To Stay in Himandhoo Island

The island has several guesthouses catering to tourists visiting inhabited islands rather than resort islands. Taking into consideration comfort and value for money, my home away from home for three nights is none other than the best budget accommodation in Himandhoo ~ Origami Inn.

Now more than ever, there’s nothing like stepping away from the capital’s hurly burly and retreating to a cocoon-like bedroom for quality hibernation. The room is clean, spacious, well-lit with a homey ambiance and some extra-cozy touches. Hand sanitizers, clean towels, finest bath essentials and complimentary coffee and tea are also available.

It’s strategically located close to the beach, sunset spot, jetty, local restaurants and more. The owners are very accommodating, always making sure that the guests are in good hands while in Himandhoo.

Where To Eat in Himandhoo Island

A taste of home especially offered in Himandhoo’s Bahay Kubo restaurant is something that makes this local trip a great culinary journey for me. That familiar aroma of meals being served ~ very nostalgic (and mouth-watering, too!).

Thank you for the Pinoy food experience ma’am Cristina (very delicious!). Two thumbs up for a great gastronomic service. PH food cravings satisfied to the nth level!

How Much is Needed for a Local Trip in Himandhoo Island

Discover the best tours and activities around Himandhoo, Maldives and book your travel experience today with Fun Himandhoo Diving. You may also contact Origami Inn for your customized itinerary.

“How much is the budget“, you asked? The simple answer is: IT DEPENDS! The cost of traveling to Himandhoo Island is affected by a lot of factors such as the airfare, travel period, duration of stay and number of activities to try. Regardless, the trip is sure to be affordable (especially the discretionary discounts to be offered by the owners themselves). To give you an idea of how much budget to spend during your entire Do-It-Yourself Himandhoo trip, here are the rates for your reference:

Accommodation (Origami Inn): 70 USD per night (promo rate until November 30, 2022 only)
Transportation (RT Airfare via Skyscanner): Starts at 500 USD per person
Transportation (Local Ferry): 50 USD per way, per person
Food (Bahay Kubo): 40 USD per day for three meals (estimated only)
Excursions (Fun Himandhoo Diving): Starts at 37 USD. See package rates below.

If you opt for a trip that’s already pre-arranged by tour agency in the Philippines with a promo rate that’s all-in, you may want to try the 4D3N Maldives All-Inclusive package for PHP 55,000. Inclusion as follows:

Disclaimer: I am not in any way connected to Airhub Travel and Tours and I will receive no amount of commission should you book your trip with said agency.

In a nutshell, I must say I really enjoyed my short stay in Himandhoo. My heart was really captured by the alluring wonders of Himandhoo that I’d love to go back and stay for longer period in the future.

If you have questions, you may drop a message on the comment section.