While in India, we spent most of our time roasting in low-mid 30 degree weather and knew that Bangladesh was going to be even hotter. Taking a look at our itinerary, we evaluated what it would be like gallivanting in Bangladesh in nearly 40 degree weather and decided that it just wasn’t going to be any fun. So we looked at a world map, spoke to some people and decided on a couple of alternative destinations.
Top on our list were Palawan (Philippines) and Sabah (Borneo), but after checking out flight costs, we discovered that getting a flight to the Maldives from Colombo was relatively cheap compared to flying anywhere else in Asia. Taking into consideration that we were in the area (only an hour flight as opposed to 8-9 hours for the other places) and that the Maldives is supposed to be one of the most beautiful places in the world, we decided to cast our backpacks aside, crumple up our trip budget and throw it in the trash (because unfortunately, this kind of beautiful is expensive).
After our short flight to Males, the capital of Maldives, we take a private speed boat ride from the airport to our resort. Surrounded by European tourists carrying fancy luggage who are also staying at our resort, I lean over to Vic and whisper “these people must be looking at us and freaking out about what kind of place they are staying in”. We are still in backpacker mode and are mourning at the thought of leaving Sri Lanka. Thankfully, that mourning is short lived.
There is something surreal about transitioning from a state of mind of being excited to find toilet paper in your room to stepping off a speed boat onto a beautiful island and having a guy hand you cold towels and a fruity drink. Luxury seems all the more luxurious. And for the most finicky of travellers, Maldives does not disappoint. With its crystal clear turquoise waters, white sandy beaches and abundance of tropical fish, manta rays and dolphins that swim right up to the shore, if this place isn’t paradise, then I don’t know what is.
Passing a group of dolphins while en route to snorkeling site.
