Budget travel in Maldives: discovering the local islands

The Maldives are often seen as the ultimate paradise on Earth. Endless shades of blue, powdery white sand, palm trees swaying in the breeze, and coconuts on demand.

When we hear “Maldives,” most of us immediately picture those iconic overwater villas set against a backdrop of crystal-clear turquoise waters. A chain of islands in the middle of the ocean, where time seems to stop and the world feels far, far away. But right after that dreamy image comes a less dreamy thought: the cost.
Yes, the Maldives are a dream destination—but the price of those famous water villas? Not so dreamy.

You might think, “Maybe one day… for a special occasion,” or “I’d love to go, but it’s just not in my budget.” And it’s true—around €1,000 per night for an overwater villa isn’t exactly accessible to everyone.

But that’s where the local islands come in—a hidden side of Maldives that was once only home to locals, but is now being discovered by curious, budget-savvy travelers.

There are around 200 inhabited local islands scattered across the Maldives’ 26 atolls. Most of them are home to between 500 and 1,000 people and vary greatly in size. The largest and most well-known include Malé (the capital), Hulhumalé (the airport island connected to Malé by a bridge), and Fuvahmulah (far in the south, known for its vast natural forest). These islands are accessible by boat or plane and offer all the essentials of small-town : supermarkets, restaurants, clothing shops, hotels, schools, football fields, ATMs, dive centers, and excursion services—not to mention stunning beaches, sandbanks, and lush greenery that rival even the most luxurious private resorts.

Most local islands have tourist-designated beaches where swimwear is allowed (see our article on religion in the Maldives), and many boast vibrant coral reefs just offshore.

Unlike some resort islands that are man-made—built by dumping sand onto reefs—local islands are all natural, often covered in thick vegetation. Locals are warm, welcoming, and go about their daily lives, from attending mosque several times a day to enjoying a traditional breakfast of mashuni at their neighborhood café (see our article on Maldivian cuisine). Children play freely outside, often gathering for impromptu football matches.

Cars are rare on local islands. Streets are made of sand, and it's easy to get around on foot or by scooter—just like the locals do.

Life on a local island moves at a slower pace. You still get that peaceful, disconnected, “desert island” feeling you'd find at a resort—but without draining your savings.

Staying in a guesthouse on a local island typically costs around €100 per night—a far more reasonable budget than a high-end resort.

At Irumaïa, we’ve explored over 15 local islands across six different atolls, taking the time to experience what makes each one unique. Feel free to contact us—we’d love to help you find the island that fits you best!