By: Expat Life: On Not Being Able to Commit - Expat of the World
[…] expat’ for a couple of years now. I spent 5 months teaching in Vietnam, 9 months in Maldives and about a year in and around Italy. Now I’m temporarily back in my hometown, England– […] By: Sarah
Hello, wow a month will be lovely! Often resorts include speedboat transfers to and from Male in the total price, but depending on the resort these can be up to $200!
I had a look at Bathala and it is a resort. From personal experience there isn't too much to "explore" on a resort. Why not have a look at some local islands? Then you can arrange transfer with the guest house on the local island, or even take the public ferry for a couple of dollars. I would speak to guest house owners about renting boats etc, as they're the guys who know everyone! My friend Siraa is a guest house owner in Hulhumale and should know the right people, if not to travel far away then at least around Male atoll. I travelled to most local islands via public ferry and then took a short transfer over to resorts. You can find Siraa at info@travellodge.mv and the public ferry schedules at http://www.atolltransfer.com/#!ferry-routes/c1jxp.
Good luck planning- I'm incredibly jealous!!
By: Chanandler M Bong
Hi Sarah! I'm set to spend a month in the Maldives this November. I've been reading a few blogs and happened upon yours and is a great read, thanks! I was wondering if I stayed in one of the resorts for a few days, do you know if I have to use their speedboat transfers to and from, say, Male? Do you know of good guys within the city who I can rent for the day to go explore the northern area like Bathala Island?
Thanks! By: Sarah
Hi there! I would say that it depends which island it is (in regards to its proximity to the capital and to other islands). It also depends on her timetable, for example, will she have much free time? Sometimes resort jobs are tough because it's a 6 day week leaving only one day which isn't enough to get away from the island. However, some resort workers are able to save their free days and take them together: the bad news is that it means 20+ days working straight, but then 4/5 days free to leave the island. There are hundreds of expats in Maldives and she can easily contact them through Facebook groups such as "Expats in Maldives". I found it incredibly easy to meet people, especially if you take up water sports, diving, etc. I hope that helps! By: Tuesday
Hi Sarah, thank you for your blog. It sounds so lovely in the Maldives. I have a question. My 21 year daughter (she is both French and Canadian) has been offered a job in a resort in the Maldives. She is nervous to travel so far away from home and living on a small island. I have been checking out everything I can to be able to encourage her and help alleviate her stress and take on this amazing opportunity. I'm wondering what you would say to her about this travel opportunity. Is it easy to meet people? Thanks By: Sarah
Hi Claudia! Thanks for stopping by- oh you'll absolutely love Maafushi, the diving was superb. By: Claudia
Hi Sarah! I really enjoyed reading your blog on Maafushi since I am interested in going there to visit in the fall this year. Thanks for sharing your experience on it! /Claudia By: Sarah
Woah, how is -40 even possible?! You've got thick skin Sab- adjusting to the cold is definitely something I need practice at. Today we had lovely blue skies, it's just a shame my work hours are too crazy to really enjoy it! Still, I shouldn't complain. :-) I've just taken a look at your blog- you're quite the traveller! Excellent photos! By: skates1418
Wow the Maldives look magnificent. I'm sure Italy can't be all that bad, even in the cold.. If you think it's cold there try Northern Sweden (gets up to -40C). I am longing for a beach life after that winter! At least it should be warming up a bit in Italy now! :) By: Sarah
Wow, lucky you! Have a great time!