We opted to go to the Fihalhohi Island Resort, Maldives because it was easier on the pocket. We were actually staying on Maafushi, which is a budget island. The excursions were available to both Anantara and Taj Exotica but it was so expensive for me. Most of the islands take day guests. So, the population on a resort island is made up of tourists who are staying at the resort and floaters like us, who visit it just for a day. Fihalhohi is a beautiful island but then so is Maafushi.
The most expensive part for us about this island hopping was the cost of the speed boat once again. It was 65 US Dollars per head. In contrast the resort entry fee was 24 dollar and with lunch 48 dollars. We opted for the package with lunch because we knew we would be hungry by noon. Staying outdoors does something to the appetite. We were told that the lunch was from 11.30 to 1.00 pm Male time. That puzzled us. They said this island was 1 hour ahead of Male time. Now this was new for me, that different islands were in different time zones in Maldives.
The water bungalows were a sight to behold! I was completely mesmerized with them. There was a staircase going down straight from each bungalow to the sea! When I came back to Maafushi I checked the price of the standard room at Fihalhohi island Resort, Maldives. It was about 200 dollars without taxes. I didn’t even bother to check the water bungalows as I am sure they would be much more expensive. They surely looked good though. On both the islands everyone accepted US dollars. In fact I never used the local currency anywhere except Male. My nephew did use it on Maafushi too. I am not sure if the local ferry will accept dollars though.
The water was so clear around the resort that I could see fish right from the sitting deck near the reception. So, I clicked this picture with my 70-300 lens like I would click a bird! After Maldives I am wondering if I should buy camera casing for the cell phone so that I could take it underwater. You see I always find ways to spend more money!
By afternoon the paradise became incredibly hot. Even a die hard photography person like me was forced to retire to the shade. I did venture in the middle to click this group of fish that came swimming right by the shore. The black spot is formed by a group of fish!
Grey herons were the only birds I could photograph at Fihalhohi. Though I saw Koels and fruit bats too. These herons were such fearless birds that I could click them with my cell phone. They knew no fear of humans or cameras being waved in their faces. They flew away when you tried to get extremely close. Even then they would just hop around lazily a few steps away from you in the most bored fashion.
But by mid afternoon even the birds were looking for shade. It was time to move in and have lunch. Lunch was in a big restaurant. They had stuff for vegetarians and a nice dessert section. They started closing the counters right on time, by 1.00 pm Male time they started removing food.
For us island hopping was expensive but then it was beautiful too. The islands get a lot of day visitors. The only trouble was that they had nothing really going for day arrivals. I thought there would be a few changing rooms at least for day guests but I was told there were not. Wash rooms were there, so was an open air shower. I guess it would add a lot to the experience if they dedicated a few changing rooms for day visitors as anyone who came there would like to go to the sea. I managed to change in the bathroom and had no real trouble.
Overall, Fihalhohi is a beautiful island and by Maldives standards not too expensive. If you are wondering why I don’t have any sunset pictures, it is because we went back to Maafushi at 3.00 pm so that my nephew could play football with the locals at Maafushi!
How beautiful. really mesmerised by the pictures.
Thank you Chitra.
Absolutely stunning pictures! Never knew that Maldives could be done on a budget. Great series of articles.
Chaitali so go now 😀
Awesome pics ! thanks for sharing.
Thank you Mahesh.
WOW So pretty, that’s an expensive speed boat though!
I agree speedboats just kill the budget in Maldives.
Maldives is a PARADISE on earth. Beautiful! Thanks for such lovely pictures!
Renuka I did have a smashing time and I loved it.
Great pictures as usual.. the speed boat was really quite expensive but the views would compensate fully for the tourists..
Yes Maniparna the speedboat is the single most expensive thing in Maldives for budget travelers.
So amazing photos! I wish I could be there too!
I hope you go there soon Mary.
Amazingly beautiful!
Thank you Amit.
Great sights. Terrific capture of the fish, looked like under water photography. 🙂
Indrani after this trip I am really after a casing for my cell phone so I could take it underwater.
So amazing – a beautiful paradise!
Thank you Lady Fi.
Beautiful photos. 🙂 My travel wishlist is increasing after viewing every post 🙂
Deepa 😀 I don’t have a wish list, I am willing to travel anywhere! 😀
Exquisite Maldives!! Super Photos.
Thank you Jayant, it was indeed beyond expectations.
Wow…amazed.. Lovely captures..especially the water bangalows…
Thank you Preethi.
We stayed in a water villa.. Yes it was super expensive…but worth it…wow it was like a dream come true for me….. I am writing a blog post soon on Maldives….
Your blog took me back to those days … Just loved the pictures…
http://www.dwindowseat.wordpress.com
Thank you Divya, I can only imagine and be jealous about your experience 😀
Fihalhohi looks gorgeous. Excellent captures!
It is such a dreamlike place. Thank you Niranjan.
Hi, good to hear you had a great time! ,
Could you possibly tell me the best way to get from Maafushi to Fihalhohi? and how often the boats operate? and also from Fihalhohi back to Male?
I cant seem to find it anywhere on the net :-/
Thanks heaps 🙂
Dee we took a speedboat from Maafushi to Fihalhohi and did a day trip. We didn’t stay at Fihalhohi. So we went from Maafushi to Male and not Fihalhohi. Is Fihalhohi on the local ferry route?
Ah yep I see.. We will be staying at the Stingray Beach Inn for 2 nights then off to Fihalhohi for 3 nights, then back to Male
I know that the ferries don’t operate on Fridays (so I’ve recently read anyways), Im not too sure if the local ferry picks up from Fihalhohi though, i’ll have to look into that one, so was that speedboat ride the $65/a head one was it?
Also Mridula – did you need to apply for any special sort of Visa or anything to enter the Maldives? or can you just book and go there?
Dee they have Visa on arrival for almost all the world but check for the country you are from. It means standing in a queue after the plane lands where they stamp your passport with a visa free of cost. But check for your country.
Hello guys, travelling to maldieves in October, just wanted some advice on fihalhohi island. How much would it be from male to fihalhohi per person ? And then fihalhohi to maafushi? Thinkin of staying in hulhumale for few days or is it worth spending abit more and going to faihalhohi?? Please need help! Thanks
Shule I did Fihalhohi from Maafushi so I do not know the cost from Male. I say check the local ferry schedule and see if there is one for Fihalhohi. Speed boats cost a lot of money unless shared. I have not been to Hulhumale but all islands are beautiful that is what my general conclusion is. Hope this helps a bit.
Also how much is it to participate in the water activities?? wana do everything but within a budget 🙂
We paid 70 dollar per person for a dive at Maafushi. There is another shop that quoted 80 for two dives but they were sold out. Every guesthouse has snorkeling masks and fins which you can rent. At Maafushi it was 25 dollars. As we stayed for more than 3 nights we got to use it free one time.
I would say if snorkeling equipment is cheap at your home buy one and carry it with you. Makes sense if you anyway take many beach holidays.