UKULHAS ISLAND

Ukulhas is an inhabited island in the Maldives, located in Alif Alif Atoll (also known as North Ari Atoll). This island is becoming increasingly popular among travellers looking for affordable accommodation and a more authentic Maldives experience. Ukulhas is known for its eco-focus, beautiful beaches and abundant underwater life.

This island is famous for its long white sandy beach that stretches along the entire island. The beach is clean and well-maintained, with fine sand and turquoise water, making it an ideal place for swimming and relaxing. The mangrove areas and coral reefs surrounding Ukulhas are home to many species of fish, turtles and other marine life, making it a great place for snorkeling.

The island is also known for its environmental initiative. Ukulhas is one of the first islands in the Maldives to implement sustainable waste management, including recycling and environmental care.

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ACCOMMODATION

You won't find luxury resorts in Ukulhas, but rather smaller, affordable hotels and guesthouses that are popular with tourists looking for a budget-friendly stay. Accommodation prices are lower than luxury resorts on other islands, while the quality of service remains high.

You won't find luxury resorts in Ukulhas

Guesthouses and hotels offer comfortable rooms, often with air conditioning, breakfast and other basic services. Many also organise excursions such as fishing, snorkelling or visits to nearby uninhabited islands.

To book, contact the hotel directly or via https://www.booking.com/

WHAT TO DO IN UKULHAS? | TOP 10 BEST ACTIVITIES

Ukulhas offers a wide range of activities that will be appreciated by travelers looking for beautiful beaches, underwater life and unforgettable experiences. Here are the best activities you can do in Ukulhas:

SNORKELING

Ukulhas is an ideal place for snorkelling thanks to the beautiful coral reefs right by the beach. You can observe a variety of marine life, including colourful tropical fish, sea turtles and sometimes manta rays and sharks. Snorkelling with sharks is offered by most local dive centres. For this activity, you take a boat out into the open ocean.

You can bring your own snorkeling gear, rent it at your hotel, or buy it from local shops. For the best experience, go snorkelling in the morning or later in the afternoon when the sea is calm and visibility is at its best.

Unique experiences include night snorkelling over the coral reef (with torch only). This activity is organised by some dive centres.

DIVING

Around the island there are coral reefs and clear waters where you can see many species of fish, sea turtles, manta rays, sharks. There are dive centers on the island that organize diving trips and courses for beginners and advanced divers.

Which one to choose? That's up to you. They all provide great service, good equipment and unforgettable experiences. These are the best known.

1. Dive Club Ukulhas

2. Murakabay Maldives Dive https://murakabay.com/

3. Reef Rangers https://reefrangersukulhas.com/

The best time to see mantas is between November and April

SWIMMING WITH MANTAS

One of the most popular activities is swimming with the manta rays that often come to the areas around Ukulhas. You can book a boat trip that will take you to places where you are likely to see these majestic creatures. The best time to see mantas is between November and April.

FISHING

The Maldives is famous for its fishing traditions and Ukulhas is no exception. You can go on a fishing trip and try traditional Maldivian night fishing, where you have the chance to catch different species of fish. Fishing trips are organized by local agencies that will provide you with equipment and teach you basic fishing techniques.

BEACH RELAXATION

Ukulhasu Beach is one of the cleanest and most beautiful beaches in the Maldives. You can spend your days relaxing on the fine white sand and swimming in the crystal clear water. The beaches have a peaceful atmosphere and provide space for privacy, so you can relax without the crowds of tourists.

Ukulhasu Beach is one of the cleanest and most beautiful beaches in the Maldives

TRIP TO NEIGHBOR AND UNINHABITED ISLANDS

Ukulhas is surrounded by several uninhabited islands where you can go for a day trip. These trips usually include snorkeling, picnicking on the beach and relaxing on isolated beaches. It's a great opportunity to experience a slice of true Maldivian wilderness and spend the day in a place where you'll have the whole island to yourself.

Neighbouring inhabited islands include Rasdhoo, Mathiveri and Bodufolhudhoo. On each of them you can experience a unique atmosphere.

DOLPHIN WATCHING

A dolphin watching trip is another popular activity in Ukulhas. Local agencies will take you by boat to the places where dolphins often arrive. Seeing these intelligent and playful creatures in their natural habitat is an unforgettable experience. These excursions are often offered as part of snorkelling trips.

WHALE SHARK WATCHING

For lovers of adventure and the underwater world, there is the possibility of a trip to see whale sharks. These impressive animals are harmless and snorkelling with them is an exciting experience. This activity is mainly available on the nearby islands, but a trip to these locations can easily be organised from Ukulhas. This is a full day trip.

YOGA AND WELLNESS

Some accommodations may offer massages, wellness services or organised yoga on the beach for further relaxation during your stay.

LOCAL CULTURE

In Ukulhas you have a unique opportunity to experience traditional Maldivian life. For example, you can visit the local market where the locals sell fresh fish and fruit. The locals are very friendly and open.

RESTAURANTS AND BARS

Ukulhas is a relatively small and traditional island, so unlike larger tourist destinations, you won't find a huge number of restaurants and bars in the Maldives. However, the island does offer cosy local restaurants serving authentic Maldivian food as well as international cuisine, and a few places where you can enjoy coffee or soft drinks. Alcohol is not allowed here due to the Islamic laws in place on the local islands.

LOCAL RESTAURANTS

Local cuisine at Ukulhas focuses on fresh fish, seafood and simple, tasty dishes made with local ingredients. Typical dishes include:

• "Garudhiya": traditional fish soup with rice, chilli, onion and lime.
  
• Grilled fish and other seafood, which is often the main course in most restaurants.
  
• "Mas Huni": a popular Maldivian breakfast of crushed tuna with coconut, chilli and onion, served with traditional Maldivian roshi bread.
  

Although Ukulhas is a traditional island, several restaurants also offer international cuisine. You can have, for example, pizza, pasta, various chicken or beef-based dishes or vegetarian dishes and salads.

Alcohol is not available in Ukulhas

CAFES AND BARS

Alcohol is not available on Ukulhas because the local islands have to abide by Islamic laws that prohibit the consumption of alcohol. However, some cafes and restaurants offer a wide selection of non-alcoholic cocktails, juices and coffee.

Typical drinks include:

• Fresh coconuts that are popular for their refreshing taste.
  
• Smoothies made from tropical fruits such as mango, papaya or bananas.
  
• Coffee and tea available in most places.
  

PRICES

The restaurants in Ukulhas are mostly family-run, have a casual atmosphere and are affordable. As the island is small, food here will be considerably cheaper than in the luxury resorts. Expect to pay around 5-15 USD per person for a meal, depending on what you choose.

Many restaurants offer outdoor seating, so you can enjoy your meal right under the palm trees overlooking the beach.

HOW TO GET TO UKULHAS?

The Ukulhas can be reached by boat or speedboat. The journey by speedboat takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Some hotels can help you arrange transport or advise you on available public ferry options.

SPEEDBOAT

Speedboats are one of the fastest and most frequently used methods of transport from the airport to local islands. The journey time by speedboat to nearby islands is usually between 30 minutes and 2 hours, depending on the distance of the island. The price for a speedboat trip to Ukulhas Island is 50 USD per person for a one-way trip. Reservations can be made on the website https://www.atolltransfer.com/scheduled-speed-boat or your hotel can arrange transportation.

The fast boat port is located directly at Velana International Airport. There are kiosks in the arrivals hall where you report your reservation upon arrival and a staff member will then guide you to the boat that will take you to your island.

PUBLIC FERRY

Public ferries are a more affordable transport option, although they are slower and less frequent than fast ferries. The ferry journey can take up to 6 hours depending on the distance of the island. Ferry prices range between 2-10 USD per person for a one-way ride, which is much cheaper than speedboats and seaplanes.

Ferries do not usually run daily and some islands are only accessible a few times a week. It's important to check schedules in advance as ferries have fixed departure times and can be weather dependent. Tickets are usually purchased on the spot at the port of Malé, but check in advance to see if ferries are available on the day of your arrival. For more information, please visit the website https://www.atolltransfer.com/ferry-routes-c1jxp