For most visitors, the Maldives mean idyllic beaches and luxury lodges. Donna Richardson works and stays in the city of Male’, and finds a very different country to the postcard-perfect image.

The undeveloped islands of the Maldives have only just opened up to independent travellers. Donna Richardson charts a course around the heart-shaped Addu Atoll and finds it easy to get around on a budget.

The Maldives are best known for their luxury resorts, crowded onto a few small islands leased to international hotel chains. Donna Richardson hops on a local cargo vessel heading to the archipelago’s southernmost islands and uncovers an alternative Maldives.