Online Desk: Nestled serenely within the expanse of the Indian Ocean, the Maldives has lured travelers with its opulent allure. The pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and luxurious resorts have made it an icon in high-end travel. Yet, for those with a more budget-conscious spirit, some exotic tourist destinations in the heart of Asia can offer almost similar experiences. Let’s take a look into some of the most popular budget-friendly Asian alternatives to the Maldives.

10 Best Budget-Friendly Alternatives to the Maldives in Asia

Phi Phi Islands, Thailand

This tropical paradise, along with its mesmerizing blend of stone and sand beaches, is located in the Andaman Sea. Among this island group comprising six distinct islands, Phi Phi Don is renowned for its Monkey Beach and Maya Bay.

In the case of spending the night, Tropical Garden Bungalows come with a jungle vibe with modern amenities.

The airfare to Phitsanulok, the nearest airport to this place, from Bangladesh starts at USD 230 (BDT 25,264.65 at an exchange rate of USD 1 = BDT 109.85) per person.

Meals cost approximately THB 417 or BDT 1,289.45 (THB 1 = BDT 3.09) per day, while local transportation is estimated at THB 253 or BDT 782.33 daily.

The average cost for a couple’s hotel stay in Koh Phi Phi is THB 2,956 (BDT 9,140.58).

Koh Lipe, Thailand

This hidden gem, located in the Andaman Sea, offers hiking opportunities to take in the island’s natural beauty from elevated vantage points. The island provides a variety of amenities, from bars and open-air restaurants to cafes and massage shacks.

Plane fare to Koh Samui, near this destination, from Bangladesh starts at USD 304 or BDT 33,393.28 per person.

Meals cost around THB 964 or BDT 2,980.89, and local transport costs BDT 2,031.58. The common cost for a couple’s hotel stay in Koh Lipe is approximately THB 3,215 or BDT 9,941.47.

Railay, Thailand

Railay Peninsula, situated between Krabi Town and Ao Nang, is a picturesque crescent-shaped coastline. What sets it apart is a steep range of hills that separates it from the rest of the peninsula. The dense mangrove forests, striking limestone karst formations, towering cliffs, and enigmatic caverns have made it increasingly popular among rock climbers.

One-way per person airfare to Railay’s nearest Krabi Airport from Dhaka starts at USD 240 or BDT 26,363.11.

The average daily expenditure includes approximately THB 790 or BDT 2,442.85 for daily meals and THB 929 or BDT 2,872.67 for local transportation. The usual cost for a couple’s stay in Railay’s hotel is THB 4,624 or BDT 14,298.40.

Perhentian Islands, Malaysia

Located off the northeastern coast of Peninsular Malaysia, these are a cluster of coral-fringed islands. These islands are a haven to witness coral reefs, sharks, turtles, and an array of beautiful marine life during underwater adventures.

To reach the islands, Bangladesh to the Sultan Ismail Petra Airport travel costs a bare minimum of USD 362 or BDT 39,764.36 per person.

The regular expenses typically includes meals, which cost an average of RM 33 (BDT 766.45, calculated at RM 1 = BDT 23.23), and local transportation, which averages RM 81 or BDT 1,881.29 per day.

Additionally, a couple’s expenses at Pulau Perhentian Besar cost RM 173 or BDT 4,018.06.

Visa application can be done by applying online as well as visiting the Malaysian embassy in Dhaka.

Pulau Langkawi, Malaysia

Pulau Langkawi, located in the state of Pahang, Malaysia, has a coastline stretching 150 kilometers long and 12 kilometers wide. One of the island’s main attractions is the Juara Turtle Project, an incubator dedicated to safeguarding sea turtles.

For travelers commencing their journey from Dhaka, the airfare to Langkawi airport starts at USD 322 or BDT 35,370.51 per person. The average daily cost for a vacation in Langkawi typically includes expenses such as meals, which cost RM 281 or BDT 6,526.45, and local transportation, averaging RM 106 or BDT 2,461.93.

The standard cost for a couple’s accommodation in Pulau Langkawi is RM 963 or BDT 22,366.44.

EL Nido, The Philippines

EL Nido, at the northern end of Palawan Island in the Philippines, is a coastal town celebrated for its rank among Asia’s finest. EL Nido is famous for its abundant flora and fauna, ancient limestone cliffs, endangered sea turtles, and lush forests, home to over 100 exotic bird species.

The lowest deal of Dhaka to EL Nido Airport is USD 624 or BDT 68,544. The average daily cost includes PHP 1,063 or BDT 2,094.43 (PHP 1 = BDT 1.97) for local transportation and PHP 661 or BDT 1,302.37 for meals.

A couple can expect to spend approximately PHP 1,578 (BDT 3,109.14) for their night stay.

Visa applications can be made at the Philippines embassy in Dhaka or online.

Boracay, The Philippines

This small island situated in the central Philippines, is renowned for its vibrant nightlife. The beach offers a range of activities such as windsurfing, kitesurfing, and kayaking. Boracay provides a splendid setting for beach life, especially between November and May when the weather is cooler.

A trip from Bangladesh to the nearest airport Godofredo P. Ramos costs a minimum of USD 382 or BDT 41,961.29 per person. Travelers should budget PHP 807 or BDT 1,590.04 for meals and PHP 1,572 or BDT 3,097.32 for local transportation.

Moreover, the night stay for two people amounts to PHP 2,604 or BDT 5,130.67.

Gili Islands, Indonesia

This is a trio of small islands off the coast of Lombok, Indonesia, famous for its lush vegetation. Visitors to the islands can partake in snorkeling, diving, swimming, and sunbathing.

The cheapest per-head deal for a Dhaka-to-Lombok journey by air is USD 334 or BDT 36,688.66.

A one-week vacation to Gili Trawangan generally costs around IDR 1,724,043 or BDT 12,148.22 (IDR 1 = BDT 0.007) for one person.

The usual accommodation cost can be IDR 146,755 or BDT 1,034.09 per person. The whole-day meals can cost around IDR 49,993 or BDT 352.27 for one person.

Applicants need to visit the Consular Service Counter at the IndonesianEmbassy in person and submit their visa applications. Proof of a complete dose of Covid-19 vaccination is still required.

Sihanoukville, Cambodia

On the Gulf of Thailand, this beach city is the capital of Preah Sihanouk Province, at the tip of an elevated peninsula in Cambodia’s southwest. The city is flanked by coastal marshlands surrounding the Ream National Park in the east. Especially, Otres Market and Ochheuteal Beach bear Sihanoukville’s signature within the whole of Southeast Asia.

The cheapest plane fare from Dhaka to Sihanoukville is USD 510 or BDT 56,021.61 per person.

The typical budget may include meals, averaging KHR 73,907 or BDT 1,984.44 (KHR 1 = BDT 0.027), and local transportation, costing around KHR 55,132 or BDT 1,480.32 for the entire day.

The accommodation cost for two people in Sihanoukville can be KHR 1,83,600 or BDT 4,929.75.

There is no need to visit a Cambodian embassy or consulate, as the application process is entirely online. For the application, Bangladeshi applicants need a passport, along with no fewer than two blank pages, validated with at least 6 months.

Phu Quoc, Vietnam

This largest Island of Vietnam, with a 150-kilometer coastline, is shaped like a teardrop. From snorkeling and scuba diving to squid fishing, wind sailing, and jet skiing, this island provides the perfect escape from the chaos of metropolitan life.

Dhaka to Phu Quoc journey by air starts at USD 279 or BDT 30,647.12 per person.

A trip to Duong Dong, the main town of the island, for one week may amount to around VND 12,077,081 or BDT 54,070.62 (VND 1 = BDT 0.0045) for one person. The usual cost for one person’s accommodation here is VND 9,86,244 or BDT 4,415.54. The expense for daylong meals can be VND 2,86,245 (BDT 1,281.56 )per day.

Vietnamese tourist visa policy offers e-visas for Bangladeshi citizens, providing an entirely online application process. The passport must have more than a six-month expiry date and at least two blank pages.

Cost Comparison to Maldives

While the Maldives remains an exquisite tropical destination, it often comes at a premium price. Travelers generally spend around MVR 1,205 or BDT 8,573.66 (MVR 1 = BDT 7.12) for meals and MVR 2,140 or BDT 15,226.25 for local transportation.

The one-day stay at hotels in Male, the most popular city, for two people, amounts to MVR 3,621 or BDT 25,763.66.

However, during various peak seasons for tourism, airfare can drop as low as USD 248 (BDT 27,241.88) per person.

Summing Up

Among these top 10 Asian Alternatives to the Maldives, Indonesia’s Gili Islands beckon as the most wallet-friendly choice. On the contrary, Pulau Langkawi of Malaysia adds a touch of elegance without the extravagant price tag. However, globetrotters find Phi Phi Islands, Perhentian Islands, Boracay, and the beaches of Sihanoukville as spitting images of the Maldives.

The costs mentioned above are subject to change depending on the availability of discounts and seasonal offers, tourist seasons and campaigns of respective resorts and airlines companies. Happy travelling!