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Many first-time travelers to the Maldives typically wonder if they should set aside a few days to visit one of the country’s inhabited islands. It’s a genuine query, and the simple answer to it is YES!
Whether a day trip or a stay for a few days, a sojourn on a public island is your only opportunity to understand the Maldivian way of life. Therefore, a holiday on an inhabited island is undoubtedly a top recommendation, especially for budget travelers.
However, even if you book into a private resort, a tour of an inhabited island can be eye-opening. It allows you to mingle more openly with the locals, immerse yourself into Maldivian culture, and get a glimpse of what life is when you live 365 days in paradise.
Among the most convenient inhabited islands to visit is Huraa. Its ideal location near Malé and the tourist-friendly attitude of the residents have made the island a favorite with both day and long-stay tourists.
About Huraa
An island of significant historical importance, Huraa is the birthplace of the last royal dynasty in the Maldives. Founded in 1757 by Sultan al-Ghazi Hasan’ Izz ud-din, the Huraa Dynasty was the sixth of its kind to rule over the archipelago.
Nowadays, Huraa is a busy public island, with tourism and fishing being the primary sources of income for the locals. Situated just over 20km from Malé, it has a population of around 1000. Measuring at 850 meters x 300 meters, Huraa is a relatively small island but not overcrowded.
Located in the North Malé Atoll, Huraa is near several inhabited and private island resorts. Consequently, it is a popular day trip option with tourists. Accustomed to having visitors, the island’s infrastructure is excellent. There are guesthouses in Huraa, souvenir shops, convenience stores, and several places to eat for travelers. Otherwise, the island has a mosque built by Sultan al-Ghazi, a pharmacy, and a football field.
The diverse topography of Huraa is another one of its charms that regularly attracts visitors. The island has a mangrove swamp in the north and pristine white sand beaches on all sides. The main village in Huraa takes up space in the center and south of the island.
Furthermore, there is a government-approved land reclamation process nearing completion in Huraa. It will increase the island’s size even more.
How to reach Huraa
International tourists wishing to spend a holiday in Huraa have two options available upon landing at Malé Airport. The cheapest option is taking the local ferry that departs at 14:30 every day except on Fridays. The trip lasts 1 hour and 35 minutes and costs as little as $2 per adult one way. The ferry back from Huraa to Malé leaves the island at 8:00 on all days except Fridays.
A faster possibility to reach Huraa is a shared speedboat. Being a popular route, several scheduled boats sail between the capital and Huraa daily. The one advantage of booking a speedboat is that they operate on Fridays as well. A return ticket on a shared speedboat to Huraa costs $30 per adult. The journey from and to Malé lasts roughly 30 minutes.
Transportation around Huraa
It takes roughly two hours to cover the entire island of Huraa on foot if you are walking at a leisurely pace. Exploring the island slowly in such a fashion grants numerous opportunities to meet and interact with the locals.
Alternatively, you can rent a bicycle from your guesthouse. Some hotels in Huraa also give complimentary bikes to all residents. A ride on the cycle is particularly favorable when moving around during the day, as it can get really hot in the afternoon. The locals, though, typically use motorbikes to travel around the island.
Things to do in Huraa
For a small island, Huraa has plenty to offer travelers in terms of activities. Tourists staying on the island can go surfing, night fishing, island-hopping, or spend their time discovering the many hidden wonders of Huraa.
When planning an outdoor excursion, check with your guesthouse host for recommendations. They can help book tours at the best possible prices. Moreover, being local, they know when and where to go for the best experience possible.
Turtle safari
A little-known secret about Huraa is that it has two excellent spots just off the coast where you can witness turtles and blue surgeonfish. Since the island doesn’t have an impressive enough house reef, these nearby areas are excellent options to observe Maldivian marine life.
You do, however, need to book the turtle safari through your local guesthouse. After all, only the locals know the exact time when the turtles or the blue surgeonfish visit these spots.
Surfing
From May to October, Huraa sees a rise in surf tourism. Because the island is near several excellent surf breaks, it is slowly gaining popularity among the surfers who visit the archipelago every year. Most guesthouses in Huraa can arrange surfing trips and also help source surfboards on rent.
There are close to 15 breaks near Huraa. Some of the best surfing spots in the Maldives near the island are Cokes, Chickens, Sultan, Jailbreak, and Ninja.
Village and island tours
Huraa is quite a wonderful island to explore. That is one reason why many tourists come here to spend a day. The perfect tour of Huraa includes a walk around the village and its mosque, chats with friendly locals, a stop at a café or two, and some Maldivian souvenir shopping. Then, rent a bike and head towards the north. Here, you will find the Bikini Beach and the mangrove nature reserve famous for crab pits and bird watching.
Additionally, Huraa is close to Himmafushi, Gulhi, and Thulusdhoo. All three of these public islands are excellent choices for day trips. You can thus take a boat to either one of the islands for a change in scenery.
Bikini Beach
Prior to the expansion in Huraa, the island’s Bikini Beach was small and without much shade. It did have free-to-use sun loungers and a few umbrellas. Now though, it is much broader, ideal for sunbathing and snorkeling in the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Moreover, it is the only free place tourists can strip down to the barest of bathing suits and enjoy the outdoors.
Alternatively, you can also pay a small fee and use the beach at the hotel Pearls Sands of Maldives. Also, if you did not get any snorkel equipment, it is easy to rent the same from your guesthouse.
Resort day
A Maldives resort day is a luxury experience that tourists, mainly staying on inhabited islands, enjoy. It includes spending an entire day on a private resort island, using their beach, swimming pool, and play areas. A resort day pass also includes food and drinks. Although not all retreats allow non-staying guests to visit their island, Huraa has a few resorts nearby where you can go. The two most popular resort day options near Huraa are Cinnamon Dhonveli and Club Med Kani.
Places to eat in Huraa
Huraa is quite a busy public island with several tourists coming and going every day. Consequently, the restaurant and café scene on the island is developing for the better with each passing year.
Most guesthouses and hotels in Huraa have in-house restaurants. While serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner to residing guests, they also welcome outsiders. As is the case with all inhabited islands, please remember that alcohol is not available anywhere in Huraa.
Blue Terrace
The shining glory of the island, Blue Terrace, is the most talked-about restaurant in Huraa. This rather large waterfront restaurant is perfect for family outings and quiet romantic dates. They have indoor air-conditioned seating and an intimate outdoor table set-up in tower-like structures, perfect for couples. As a result, the ambiance here is spectacular, especially at sunset. The menu is equally impressive, and you’ll find everything from steak and fish dishes to mocktails and juices on it.
The Harbor Cafe
The best place to eat in Huraa, Harbor Café is a contemporary-looking eatery near the island’s main jetty. Offering a terrace and air-conditioned indoor seating, the look of the café is very modern, with a décor that includes a large wall featuring chalk art. Its black-on-black interiors and exteriors are eye-catching, as is its diverse menu. You’ll find the best coffee in town here, along with short eats, pizzas, and burgers.
Beach Heaven
A favorite restaurant in Huraa among tourists, Beach Heaven, has ample indoor, outdoor, and waterside seating. Their beach barbeques are very popular, and it is the best place on the island to eat freshly caught fish. Moreover, the restaurant also serves continental breakfast and Maldivian curries with rice. The service at Beach Heaven tends to be a little slow at times, but it is a nice change from the usual cafes in Huraa.
Sunset Restaurant
A part of the Sunset guesthouse in Huraa, the restaurant is nevertheless open to all. Located centrally in the village, towards the south, it has an extensive menu and fast service. Must-try at Sunset Restaurant is the catch of the day, grilled fish, and some of the local Maldivian specialties.
Caffeine Hub
Caffeine Hub is an atmospheric café in Huraa, situated in the southeastern part of the island. It has a charming little outdoor courtyard that they illuminate with colored lights post sundown. Adding to the ambiance are live music sessions that take place in the evening. On the menu here are traditional Maldivian short eats along with mocktails, fresh fruit juice, and coffee.
Best hotels and guesthouses in Huraa
Huraa is a unique public island in that it has a mix of hotels and guesthouses. As a result, it offers both economical as well as slightly luxurious stay options.
Pearl Sands of Maldives
Taking up prime property on the island’s northern tip, Pear Sands of Maldives is the only proper hotel in Huraa. The four-star waterfront retreat has modern, well-furnished rooms with sea views, TVs, and air-conditioners. The property also has a 24-hour reception, terrace, in-house restaurant, and private beach.
Beach Heaven Maldives
Beach Heaven is a no-fuss guesthouse in Huraa with rooms that have double beds, side tables, and almirahs. Adding to the comfort are air conditioners, free WiFi, and bathrooms with showers. Furthermore, the guesthouse has a courtyard, indoor sitting lounge, and a private beach, where they regularly host barbeques. The staff at Beach Heaven is amicable and happy to organize transfers or water sports excursions.
The Sunrise
Having worked in resorts across the Maldives, Sunrise’s owner Sameer knows how to provide his guests with the best service possible. From greeting with a welcome drink to extra towels for the beach, you can expect resort-like service here, at less than one-third the cost. The location of Sunrise, on the eastern coast and by the water, further adds to its appeal. The five rooms at the guesthouse are basic but relaxing. Besides comfortable furnishings, they include unlimited free drinkable water, fresh fruits on arrival, and a mini-fridge to keep your drinks cold.
Aqua Lodge
A great place to stay in Huraa, Aqua Lodge, is in the southwest of the island, about 100 meters from the sea. The rooms here have a contemporary look and come with conveniences such as air-conditioners, private bathrooms, and free WiFi. Aqua Lodge also has a shared kitchen and living area. Breakfast at the lodge is part of the room price. Moreover, the friendly staff is forever ready to help organize all types of excursions around the island.
Kanborani
Only 60 meters from Huraa’s Bikini Beach, Kanborani is a wonderful hotel with a lounge, terrace, restaurant, and 24-hour front desk. They also have a golf cart to help guests with luggage transportation to and from the harbor. Modest in appearance from the outside, Kanborani has both standard and deluxe rooms on offer. All of them come with air conditioners, fridges, kettles, and en-suite bathrooms. However, for a memorable stay, opt for the sea-facing rooms.
Nalaveshi Inn
Although located in the island’s center, Nalaveshi Inn is close to the shops and only a short walk from the beach. Among the facilities at this guesthouse in Huraa are free WiFi, an in-house restaurant, and a relaxed dining and lounging area. Nalaveshi also provides harbor pick-up and drop, free water, and early check-in possibilities to guests. The rooms are comfortable and include double beds, TVs, showers, and wardrobes. The guesthouse also has room service, a novelty when staying on a budget in the Maldives.
Note:
Huraa has been undergoing massive expansion over the past few years. The construction is nearing completion at the end of 2021. In the coming months and years, you can expect even better infrastructure, more guesthouses, and new places to eat in Huraa.
N.B.: All information is correct as of the date of publication. The prices mentioned are subject to change.
