Alternatives to The Maldives - Relaxing Holiday - Approx $6k Budget

Tech and cars on 08/09/2019 - 12:21
Last edited 08/09/2019 - 14:49

Hi All,

Planning a holiday with my wife for 5 days around 20 Nov 2019. edit: We have been married for 3.8 years.

Budget is approx $6k with flights, food, and accomodation.

I thought we could afford the maldives with that budget, but it looks like unfortunately not.

Some other useful info:

i.) we don't drink alcohol. So food budget of ~$1000 should be sufficient.
ii.) Flights - happy to fly economy.
iii.) Activities - not really planning anything - We want to relax, eat food, swim, and see anything local, but not fussed.
iv.) Accomodation- ideally something quiet, tranquil, where we can sit with some books, stay in read, go for walks, eat food.

Thinking Fiji, Malaysia, Indonesia now that Maldives is not doable for that budget

Any help/suggestions would be very much appreciated.

Travel

Comments

  • Eeples on 08/09/2019 - 12:33
    +1

    You have been married for 5 days?

    • crazyboy on 08/09/2019 - 12:40

      Planning a holiday with my wife of 5 days around 20 Nov 2019

      • [Deactivated] on 08/09/2019 - 17:00
        -8

        That would be called a 'honeymoon' and you can get packages which work out cheaper for those :)

      • HighAndDry on 11/09/2019 - 17:16

        People are being confused (deliberately?) between:

        Planning a [Holiday] With my Wife [Of 5 days] (5 day holiday)

        and

        Planning a holiday with [my wife of 5 days] (married 5 days)

    • Tech and cars on 08/09/2019 - 14:34

      Married for close to 4 years :)

  • hogwarts on 08/09/2019 - 12:33
    +9

    Have you considered a cruise? They have activities and food provided for the set price.

    • dylanando on 08/09/2019 - 12:57

      plus 1 on the cruise, What's more relaxing then when everything is done for you.

    • Tech and cars on 08/09/2019 - 14:35
      +3

      Not willing to take the risk of potentially getting sea sick. It does sound nice, but not what we are after, thanks for the suggestion.

    • craagz on 09/09/2019 - 11:09
      +7

      Not after watching this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nCT8h8gO1g

  • Eeples on 08/09/2019 - 12:40
    +8

    Malaysia has got some nice destinations.
    Penang/Georgetown has plenty of street art, colonial buildings, and great food. Not great for beaches.
    Langkawi island is pretty laid back, nice beaches, things to do if you want. And tax-free,

    Thailand
    Aonang is quiet too; and Railay beach if you really are married 5 days come Nov 20.

    • o53djz7qTPY4der on 08/09/2019 - 13:37

      Second Malaysia:

      Perhentian Islands or Tioman would fit the bill.

      Both are dirt cheap to get there and to stay.

    • matt3 on 08/09/2019 - 14:18

      Wife and I had great Malaysia holiday around Easter. Tioman was relaxing and Malaka was stimulating.

      • tik tok on 09/09/2019 - 09:47
        +6

        'Malaka was stimulating' - dont let the greek boys read that !

        • raging on 09/09/2019 - 19:32

          Username checks out

    • Tech and cars on 08/09/2019 - 14:36

      Thanks - I should write more clearly.

      Malaysia and Thailand both some good - thank you.

    • stewy on 09/09/2019 - 01:06

      Ao Nang is a dump full of pushy Indian touts. One of the worst spots I have been to in Thailand. I'd stay there two nights max and only to day trip to the Emerald Pools and Hot Stream.

      Railay on the other hand is beautiful and very chilled. I'd go back there in a heart beat. I forget which months they are wettest.

      Koh Samui is also a nice place if you want a beach resort sort of holiday but November is one of their wettest months I think. So maybe not ideal.

      Late November should be ok further north in Thailand though. Just check the rainfall graphs in Google first.

      • Tech and cars on 10/09/2019 - 10:06
        +1

        Good advice on rainfall graphs! thank you :)

  • JimmyF on 08/09/2019 - 13:09

    https://luxuryescapes.com

  • Skramit on 08/09/2019 - 13:36
    +3

    Langkawi Island. Some epic 5 star resorts there for half the price of Maldives whilst still being exotic enough to feel like your getting away from it all.

    Or Thailand or Vietnam.

    • Tech and cars on 08/09/2019 - 14:36

      I'll definitely look this up too! It seems like a lot of people are recommending this.

    • bringbring on 10/09/2019 - 03:06

      Langkawi is a bit tacky tho. Polluted beaches etc

      Probably better places for a resort holiday

      • Skramit on 10/09/2019 - 07:15

        Depends where you stay I guess.

    • JimB on 10/09/2019 - 15:18

      I do remember having a great relaxing holiday at The Danna Langkawi.

      Even got upgraded to the 110sqm suite for a night.

      Highly recommended and not expensive for the quality and service of the hotel.

  • Melb69 on 08/09/2019 - 13:43
    +2

    Langkawi island or Phuket.

    • Tech and cars on 08/09/2019 - 14:37

      Thank you

      • Melb69 on 08/09/2019 - 17:56
        +1

        https://www.lastminute.com.au/Langkawi-Hotels-The-Westin-Lan…

        @tech and cars This is where we stayed. You can still get cheaper rooms prices at other resorts looking at it.

        • Tech and cars on 08/09/2019 - 20:11

          Many thanks for sharing!

          Sounds like you would go back if you had your time again. What did you like in particular about your selected place?

          • Melb69 on 09/09/2019 - 18:44

            @Tech and cars: @tech and cars The resort was great for relaxing or you could do some water activities. We went there as a rest break as we had been to KL and Singapore. Our resort had a mini bus service into town. Not that much there, but just something to do. Some shops. We went in December. It is hot and humid there being tropical.

            Our resort also had a day spa area where you could get a message or beauty treatment. Had its own restaurants for buffet breakfast lunch and tea.

            To be honest, if it's you and partner going. You just need a pool, beach, and some good weather. Which alot of reorts have.

            • Tech and cars on 10/09/2019 - 10:08

              @Melb69: That's it - you hit the hammer on the nail. just need a pool, beach, and some good weather. Which alot of resorts have.

  • [Deactivated] on 08/09/2019 - 13:45
    +2

    I recommend Chiang Mai, quality food and massage etc. Also less crowded than Bangkok. You can also book a day trip for nearby suburban places like Chiang Rai

    Penang is good as well but Malaysia in general somewhat pricy compare to the other options. Also Penang is not quite developed compare to KL so expect running around the town without much cooling support. (You can just visit any random tall building in KL and cooldown)

    Fiji was an absolute no-no experience for me, I would rather suggest Hamilton Island for similar but better quality.

    Indo - only been Bali and locals suggest go for some remote area in the island rather than Kuta and surroundings.

    • Tech and cars on 08/09/2019 - 14:38
      +1

      Interesting that you're suggesting no to fiji. It was top of my list.

      May I ask why not?

      • [Deactivated] on 08/09/2019 - 15:20
        +6

        Overpriced for poor quality service.

        For example, dinner cruise in Fiji costs about the same as Hamilton Island yet you will get average pre-cooked meal in Fiji vs chef onboard cooking in front of you in Hamilton Island.

      • Skramit on 08/09/2019 - 15:22

        Most Fiji resorts were built in the 80s. Many have not been upgraded sufficiently since then so appear tired and run down. Rooms may have fresh linin but you can tell the resorts need some TLC. There are some exceptions but generally its a bit tired. It's also expensive to get there compared to asia as there are less flight options. Where as asia, about a dozen or so airlines fly there. If you're after a 5 star experience (as per your desire to go to the Maldives, which screams 5 star luxury) then I would avoid Fiji unless wanting to pay top dollar.

    • 87percent on 08/09/2019 - 17:03

      Food in Fiji is crap, too many Aussies there too

      • Tech and cars on 08/09/2019 - 19:32

        Thanks all - this is good insight to have which didn't jump out at me!

        • conan2000 on 09/09/2019 - 08:57

          Check out Rarotonga/Cook Islands rather than Fiji. Far less crowded, and we were able to holiday there very cheap. $1k for 7 nights, decent accommodation and return flights cost us about $800 all up for two adults.

          • lockmc on 09/09/2019 - 12:50
            +1

            @conan2000: I had the opposite experience. Cook Island we found to be so expensive and the quality of food and service was crap.

        • eloquentloser on 10/09/2019 - 22:40

          The Cook Islands are much more rustic and charming than Fiji, although they are similarly overpriced compared to Thailand. Check out the island Aitutaki, it's truly beautiful and very laid back, has a variety of accomm, and a five star resort (Pacific). Although it's more like 'Fiji Time' everywhere. Thailand has so many microcosms and edgy travel options, but will definitely be less relaxing than the Cooks. ;-)

  • Tiredman on 08/09/2019 - 14:48
    +4

    Malaysia. Good food and cheap 5* hotels. Plus everyone speaks English. Like what others have mentioned, Perhentian (stunning), Langkawi (5* hotels aplenty), Tioman all good choices.

    • Tech and cars on 08/09/2019 - 14:51
      -1

      Mmm, deviating away from Fiji and more towards malaysia now!

      • Skramit on 08/09/2019 - 15:25
        +3

        Smart move. BTW Fiji is better for when you have kids as only 4 hours flight time from Sydney :) Do the longer flight now to asia while you can!

        • Tech and cars on 08/09/2019 - 20:12

          Good advice here! Thank you

  • Almost Banned on 08/09/2019 - 16:26
    +1

    Lombok is a good option.
    Malaysia also great.

    • Tech and cars on 08/09/2019 - 19:25

      I'll look up lombok.

      Thanks

  • [Deactivated] on 08/09/2019 - 17:00
    +2

    Mauritius?

    Edit: Although 5 days might not be worth it for what you'll be spending on flights.

    • Tech and cars on 08/09/2019 - 19:25

      Yeah - needs to be a direct flight ideally less than 10 hours

  • [Deactivated] on 08/09/2019 - 17:47

    https://www.komuneresorts.com/keramas-bali.html

    • Tech and cars on 08/09/2019 - 19:29
      +2

      Wife does not want anything to do with Bali. I'm not sure why. I've tried convincing her otherwise, but she's not just interested.

      • Munki on 10/09/2019 - 13:11

        Too many bogans maybe?

        • Brianqpr on 10/09/2019 - 15:49

          You will only find the bogans in Kuta, Legian and to a lesser extent Seminyak. There are many other great spots in Bali that are bogan free and very beautiful and tranquil. I've visited many times with my family and loved it. Not as cheap as it used to be but still very good value to be had.

      • rave75 on 10/09/2019 - 15:20
        +1

        Bali got really good relaxing resorts, like really good at cheap price. Just stay away from crowded tourist spots.

      • Baghern on 11/09/2019 - 11:23

        Looking at your budget, and what I believe you want. Its easy enough to avoid the bogan tourists

        Just go to Nusa Dua, its purpose built resort area with multiple resorts.

        As is often repeated in the Bali forums, do no go to Nusa Dua if you want local experience.
        Nusa Dua might as well be anywhere in the world. Pricing there is essentially Australian pricing, not Bali/local pricing.

        I started going to Bali too late, as I believe the media trashing of it.

        I love it now. Its a pretty wholesome place considering how popular it is.

        Despite what people think, drugs(the ones tourist wants) are not easy to get in Bali, as it has to be imported… ala Schapelle's booogie bag. Due to lack of local income, its also used as route for 'real' drugs to get to Australia.

        Bali also doesnt have an official red light district, that I know of anyway.

        • Tech and cars on 15/09/2019 - 17:16

          Haha, this is good to know but I don't think I'll be able to convince the wife when these other unexplored options are here!

  • wortho on 08/09/2019 - 18:21

    We want to relax, eat food, swim, and see anything local, but not fussed.
    iv.) Accomodation- ideally something quiet, tranquil, where we can sit with some books, stay in read, go for walks, eat food.

    Pretty much what we were after when we discovered Lord Howe island. We enjoyed it so much we went back 5 years in a row. No passports required as its in NSW ;)

    • Tech and cars on 08/09/2019 - 19:26

      Ah - I'll look this up. Thanks!

    • TimApple on 11/09/2019 - 09:05

      I thought Lord Howe island is quite expensive?

  • red-hot on 08/09/2019 - 19:25
    +1

    You can absolutely do the Maldives on a budget- we did in July. We spent ~2k for a fortnight. Go to the local islands, not the resorts.
    https://www.neverendingfootsteps.com/travel-the-maldives-on-…

    • Tech and cars on 08/09/2019 - 19:28

      Wow, nice! Although, our idea of a holiday is more aligned to a big chain resort, where we get pampered and lounge around. While yours looks more focussed on the experience.

      Would love to do both - but currently, the appetite is for the pampered option!

    • Salty Pretzel on 08/09/2019 - 20:42
      +6

      There's Maldives, and then there's Maldives. A local island is not what people imagine a Maldives holiday to be like.

  • [Deactivated] on 08/09/2019 - 19:42
    +2

    Maldives is 12 hours flying, then to your Island, for 5 days not worth it. Been twice via Singapore and Columbia. 8 + 4 and 10 + 2.

    • Tech and cars on 08/09/2019 - 19:55

      Good point. Didn't consider transport to my own island!

    • tensionday on 09/09/2019 - 22:43

      I highly doubt the travel time would be 12 hours via Colombia

      • [Deactivated] on 10/09/2019 - 07:12
        +2

        meant Colombo, 10 to sri lanka then 2 to Maldives.

  • lainey13 on 08/09/2019 - 19:48
    +1

    $6k is a huge amount just depends on how much of that you must spend. Spent 10 days in Bali including some scrub diving, cost my husband and I less than 4k. Heck for that budget you could stay on an expensive Australian resort and have a much more boring and poorer value holiday ;)
    Fiji is quite expensive. Malaysia has better food than Indonesia. Plenty of resorts everywhere, how far do you want to fly for only 5 days?

    • Tech and cars on 08/09/2019 - 19:54

      Happy to travel up to 10-12 hours, single flight.

    • kolorijo on 10/09/2019 - 06:49
      +2

      Beg to differ in terms of Malaysian food is better than Indonesian. Indonesian food is not just Nasi Goreng or Ayam Goreng. Different regions and islands have their own unique food and special palate. And with more than 10.000 islands, it will take people years to explore the food only.

      • [Deactivated] on 10/09/2019 - 13:18

        found the indo

        • kolorijo on 10/09/2019 - 13:26

          Guilty!!

      • rave75 on 10/09/2019 - 15:22

        Malaysian food is more like Singapore. Indonesia has much more variety.

      • Tech and cars on 15/09/2019 - 17:17
        +1

        Now this sounds like my kind of holiday… going to a country to just eat their food! haha, thanks for your input!

        • kolorijo on 20/09/2019 - 11:40

          Indonesia does have some amazing islands, but they are under developed for tourism, so it might seems a bit rough to get to etc. You could look up Raja Ampat, this place would be the most polished out of them and geared towards international tourism. I have never been there myself so my knowledge is quite limited based on what I read of the internet.

  • catbug on 08/09/2019 - 19:51

    I went to the Maldives in July. We stayed at Ellaidhoo, we got one of the over water bungalows (totally worth it) in an all inclusive package, all meals and drinks, for $1600 for 3 nights.

    The speed boat from Male to the island was $200USD pp. we flew from Sri Lanka but our flights (Mel > Colombo > Male > Melbourne) came to $1500 pp. You could totally do Maldives for $6000~ if you get better flights and hotel deal than me 👀

  • [Deactivated] on 08/09/2019 - 19:55
    +2

    not really planning anything - We want to relax, eat food, swim, and see anything local, but not fussed.

    Accomodation- ideally something quiet, tranquil, where we can sit with some books, stay in read, go for walks, eat food.

    You can do all of those things in Australia too :) I highly recommend the Saffire Freycinet, in Tas. It ticks all your boxes except perhaps for culture.

    • Tech and cars on 08/09/2019 - 19:55
      +2

      What about the weather - it would be a lot colder in Tas.

      • [Deactivated] on 08/09/2019 - 20:00

        November is summer.

        Summer months in Tasmania have long daylight hours and warmer average temperatures, perfect for exploring this iconic Freycinet region. After a day of exploring and with overnight low averages around 12°C, sit comfortably on your private Saffire deck and watch the sunset colours as they splash across The Hazards.

        During the day, when we were there, it was in the low 20c, which was nice and a relief after the heat on the mainland.

        link

        • Tech and cars on 08/09/2019 - 20:13

          Thanks - I'll see if the wife is keen on tassie. We have been before on a more adventerous holiday doing many of the hikes/road trips. It was fun. This time really looking to lounge around and get pampered!

          • [Deactivated] on 08/09/2019 - 20:26
            +1

            @Tech and cars: It was very relaxing and luxurious. Everything was included in our package , from food and beverages to experiences.We got a corporate discount deal through work, so not too sure how much it actually cost. Here's a review I've found :)

          • fantombloo on 08/09/2019 - 21:55

            @Tech and cars: For such a short stay and doing nothing why not just Hammo? Get there in a couple of hours on cheap flights.

    • morse on 10/09/2019 - 10:39
      +2

      Speaking of Aussie destinations. The whole WA coast is pretty amazing. Coral Bay, Ningaloo Reef, Exmouth, Denham, Monkey Mia. I haven't been to Southern WA, but have heard pretty good things about this too. Northern WA Broome and North is likely to be too wet in Nov when you're planning.

  • Herbse on 08/09/2019 - 20:18
    +3

    I'd find a way to make Maldives work, personally.
    They aren't going to be around much longer. Same reason I recently went to see the Barrier Reef.

  • pipe on 08/09/2019 - 20:58
    +1

    You can get really nice 5 star resort in Malaysia for half your budget, and since it is not monsoon season, there is plenty of choice.

    I have stayed here and can vouch that it fits your description:
    https://www.tanjongjararesort.com/

  • Cheap Steve on 08/09/2019 - 21:13
    +1

    Loved Fiji, great place to do a lot or a little.

    Amazing clear blue water for snorkeling, great waves for surfing. I loved the food. My favourite part of the holiday was listening to the beautiful Fijian musicians and singers every night whilst eating fresh seafood on the beach by torchlight.

    • Tech and cars on 09/09/2019 - 10:50
      +1

      This goes against what I have been recommended above! Thank you though!

  • FareEvader on 08/09/2019 - 21:34
    +2

    For $6K you'll live like a King and Queen in Bali or Vietnam

  • Donaldouk on 08/09/2019 - 22:20
    +1

    Viceroy in Ubud Bali.

    It’s very tranquil. It’s private, quiet and close to nature. They even have early morning yoga.

    Not cheap, but should fit your budget.

    • Donaldouk on 09/09/2019 - 19:57

      Why the neg?

      I have been to the Maldives before, as well as other relaxing holiday. This is the closest to it.

    • Tech and cars on 15/09/2019 - 17:18

      Thank you :)

  • [Deactivated] on 08/09/2019 - 22:36
    +5

    Moscow

    • TEER3X on 09/09/2019 - 10:49
      +1

      Nah, Vladivostok

    • Tech and cars on 09/09/2019 - 10:51

      Wait, what? :)

    • rave75 on 10/09/2019 - 15:24
      +1

      might as well visit Chernobyl

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