It tickles me pink that they found me through random search in Google. Yay! But when I checked my posts, I found no substantial posts about Maldives. How disappointing.
So I've decided to write about the basic things I think expats (especially filipinos) may want to know about Maldives. This is a bit late considering we've moved to KL already. But as my mother always tells me, "It's better late than never" =)
Maldives - Sunny side of life
A lot of people still haven't heard about Maldives considering it is a very popular tourist destination. Somebody asked me before - Is it in Europe?
Maldives is part of South Asia. It is a string of islands (1190 islands) scattered over the Indian Ocean. Maldives is a very popular tourist destination for Europeans. It is famed for its turquoise, crystal clear water. When I was still there, there were around 90 resorts and a few more were slated to open that year. Maldives is unique because it is a one island, one resort style.
Maldives - Workplace
There are only two work destinations in Maldives:
1) Male (Capital) - Male is a small city. Don't expect to find ala Manila. No shopping malls, no big cinemas. If you're the type who can't live without malls, then Maldives is not the place for you.
Filipinos who are working in Male are usually employed in the Resort's Head office, Travel agency or in a Telecoms (hello Wataniya people!) And oh, there are no bars too (unless you go to another island).
2) Resorts - Majority of Filipinos working in Maldives are working in the resorts as carpenters, singers, front office people, waiters, reservation officers, architects, managers and even directors and chefs. I used to work in Fullmoon Maldives (I love my stay there!) and was about to transfer to W hotel Maldives but I got married and have a beautiful baby.
Cost of living in Maldives
Maldives is a relatively expensive place to live (my point of comparison is Manila). Land is scarce (thus the high rent on accomodation) and everything is imported (grocery prices are triple sometimes quadruple the price in Manila). If you work in the resort, almost everything you need is provided for. But if you work and live in Male, you have to ask your employer to shoulder your accomodation expense and ask for an additional transportation and food allowance. Based from my recollection, here's a list of items and it's prices (calling my friends in Maldives, please correct me if I am wrong):
Apartment - $700 (one bedroom) $1,200 - $1500 (two bedroom)
Electricity - $60-75/month for a family or group of 4 people
Water - $25/month for a family or group of 4 people
Internet - $50/month
Lunch/Dinner in a resto - $7-10/meal or higher in themed restaurants (I miss Sala Thai and Jade Bistro na din..hehe)
Coffee - $1.50 (no Starbucks though)
Chicken - $4 apiece
Coke in can - 40cents
Filipino Society in Maldives
I don't know how many Filipinos are there exactly in Maldives. All I know is that it is increasing in numbers. They even have an "unofficial group" now. I heard they had a super party sometime ago.
I was in Maldives for three years. And I can truly say I enjoyed my stay there. It may not be an expat's ideal place but Maldives is a nice place to work.
If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big city then Maldives is the place for you. If you want to work abroad and save most of your earnings, then Maldives is the place for you.
I have to warn you though that there are no malls (like the one we're used to in Phils), no Starbucks, no cinemas/movie theaters and other conveniences associated with big cities. If you're the type who cannot live without the above, then Maldives is definitely not the place for you.
Here are some pics while we were still in Maldives.
The place looks desserted! well, it was a Friday morning and locals were probably still sleeping
Male Jetty
Biyadhoo Island Resort
Kuda Bandos - one of the uninhabited islands. Great for Snorkeling
15 comments:
-It's heaven made on earth for tourists, for expats naman depende kung ano ang lifstyle nila and kung paano sila makikisama sa mga taga rito :=)
-oh by the way Cas! it's becoming more expensive na like sa electric bill (i just got our bill today and its 938mrs - almost US$ 74 and there's only two of us lang), our water bill is 407mrs almost US$ 32)...haaaay! paano nalang to?!?)
Thanks for the update cas :)
hi...wow...sayang at d ka natuloy sa w its a great resort and number here...
so saan kna work now???
you look familiar and your wife too....
Meron bang beauty parlor sa Male with filipino hairdresser? Thanks
When we were still there, I've heard of Filipina hairdressers. I've never been to a salon there but my friends have. I just don't remember the name of the salon.
You can ask my friends who are still there:
http://edregin.blogspot.com
http://bonangskie.blogspot.com
Goodluck!:)
hi, josiet!
i'm about to move to maldives... and i'm a bit nervous... i came across your blog while searching sa net... nice ba overall yung place and yung working environment? hehehe... thanks po! your site really helps alot!
-hazel
hi everybody .. iam in a food industry looking for a pilipino store or importer who brings pilipino food in maldives.. our products are barrio fiesta bagoong, condiments, fruit preserves and pancit canton.. anybody who hknow and have the contact please let me know.
Phoebe
barriofiesta_phoebe@yahoo.com
Hello fellow kabayans,
I would like to take this opportunity to ask anyone about travel tips/insights going to Maldives because I am planning a short vacation like 3-5 days with my wife & 3yr old daughter. I have always wanted to explore & visit Maldives but work always kept me pre-occupied.
I need your inputs on the following:
1. Are there entry visa restrictions for Filipinos to travel to Maldives? I mean, do I have to apply/get a Maldives visa before traveling or can it be applied when I arrive in Maldives' Male International airport?
2. I understand that there are so many areas/islands/resorts in Maldives. Since there are too many, which would you recommend for --- a. honeymoon? b. short vacation stay with kids? Are there hotel packages for 3 nights (say Thursday til Saturday) coming from Abu Dhabi, UAE? The internet has lots to offer but I would prefer hearing from someone who is based there.
Hope to receive any response or send me an email - ewencerrada@yahoo.com
In case, we do get to travel over a weekend, we would love to meet Filipinos there.
Thanks,
Eugene
Hi do you have any idea where i can buy chef knives in maldives? thank you
hi. this blog helps because i'm skeptic of going to maldives to work. It encourages me alot. thanks
If you are in Maldives try http:///www.badhige.com Food delivery service to order Filipino favorite fried Chicken and Rice..Good Luck
Have a Manok :)
hi. i'm chris. this is a very helpful write-up for filipinos interested to work in maldives. thanks. i came across a news article about distressed filipinos working in an island in maldives and it makes me nervous. im an architecture graduate and would definitely be assigned in the construction industry if i go there. do you know of any decent recruitment agency that i could rely on?
Hi Chris,
Yeah, I've read about the news you're referring to. That was sad. I don't know what happened there.
Anyway, I am sorry I don't know any recruitment agency. I went to Maldives because I had an invite from my friend to work..
I hope you find a good agency. Goodluck!
good day i was read your comment in maldives where planing to work in maldives my wife she got hired in hospital the salary offer is 1500$ there is possible she bring our family in maldives.and my propession is cook its easy to find the job for my propession how much the salary of cook just basic only.hope u cant help me to advise tnx
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