How to get to your resort/ hotel from Male Airport - a travel guide for first-time travellers

The Maldives is made up of over 1,200 islands, out of which, only around 200 are inhabited. The 200 islands are split into two groups - public and private. Public islands are where locals live and are open to everyone, while private islands belong to resorts. Some resorts are open to visitors whiles others are strictly for guests and staff. Most of the resort islands are located in remote areas and require an additional mode of transport to reach.

If you are staying at a private resort island, check with the hotel what kind of travel arrangements you will need to make. Some hotels require multiple modes of airport transfers to reach while others like Velassaru Maldives only require a short speedboat ride. Some resorts request guests to book all transfers through them, this is mandatory, so there's no getting out of it.

For budget-conscious travellers, staying on a public island, or 'local island' as its commonly known, is a good option. There are several affordable hotels near the capital Male, and the public beaches are just as stunning as the private ones. Staying near Male also means you have greater access to local eateries and cultural sites.

The months between December to April are when you'll see the best weather around the islands. However, this also marks peak season, when prices soar due to hordes of tourists. May to November when you'll find the lowest rates, but it is also when storms are commonly experienced.

The Malé International Airport is situated on Hulhulé Island, the closest island to Male. There's no permanent population as such, and mainly houses airport staff and a few minor hotels for transit visitors. Travellers can reach Male by a 10-minute ferry ride or by vehicle along the causeway.

If you're staying at the nearby Hulhumale island, you can easily reach it from the main bus or take an airport shuttle straight to your hotel. Do note there are no buses running on Fridays and only half-day on Saturday.

One of the largest islands in the Maldives, Maafushi is a popular public island for both tourists and locals alike and is best known for affordable hotels in Maldives. Dive resorts and snorkel centres are also a highlight here. To reach Maafushi, take a ferry or taxi to Male and head to the main Port, from there hop on a ferry direct to Maafushi.

Located just 28kms north from Male island, Thulusdhoo is probably most famous for its coca cola factory and surf spots. To get to Thulusdhoo, head to Male and then take a taxi to the restaurant called MarryBrown, directly in front of it is a port for ferries going straight to Thulusdhoo islands. The departure time varies so ask around the airport whether someone can confirm the time with you.

If you're staying at a private island, and it's not mandatory to book transport through them, then you're in luck. You can find cheaper alternatives, especially if you're staying at a public island first. Seaplanes and ferries travel across the atolls daily so finding a mode of transport isn't hard. You just need to be aware of departure times that are prone to changing abruptly.

Aside from the usual modes of public transport, there's also the option of hiring your own sailing-vessel. It's pretty pricey, but if you can afford it, it's an unforgettable experience.