Ukulhas island guide

A romantic getaway, a luxurious retreat, or a family-friendly beach hideaway, most resort islands in the Maldives offer you the very best in vacation extravagance.

However, the beautiful nation of the Maldives also has some truly rustic hidden gems in its kitty, places that offer tourists a little more than the average sun, sand, and the sea.

These islands, inhabited by locals, are an occasion to encounter the culturally enriching side of the archipelago.

Ukulhas is one such island, slowly gaining popularity among adventurous travelers who want to venture out and uncover the true essence of the Maldives.

About Ukulhas

Ukulhas balances the comfort that most budget travelers look for with the luxuries that are the backbone of any Maldivian vacation.

Located at the edge of North Ari Atoll, it is about 70kms from Malé. Blessed by nature, it sits in a picture-perfect setting with painted hues of blues and greens.

While the island’s waters are a playground for enchanting marine life, the conservation efforts undertaken on land won Ukulhas the Maldivian Government’s Green Leaf Award in 2014. Known for its cleanliness, it is also the first island in the Maldives to have a planned waste management system.

Inhabited by little less than 1000 residents, Ukulhas appears as a pearl surrounded by turquoise waters. Its land area is about 0.25 sq. km, with the widest point being only 200m. Ukulhas also boasts a kilometer-long white sandy beach that remains crowd-free.

Bodu Magu, the island’s main road from east to west, is lined with a few grocery stores catering to everyday needs. Here you can buy fruits, vegetables, and mobile sim cards.

The Maldivian Rufiyaa is the primary transactional currency. While no banks, ATMs, or money exchange bureaus exist here, most hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants accept payments in USD. If paying by credit card, some establishments might add a surcharge. 

How to reach Ukulhas

Public ferries and speedboats connect Ukulhas to Malé. The former is the preferred choice of the locals, while the latter is what most tourists use. You can even take a seaplane if short on time.

The public ferries in the Maldives are large wooden boats that take about four hours to reach Ukulhas from Malé. They are the cheapest option as the commute will only cost you $3.50 per person one way. Tickets are readily available at Malé’s ferry terminal.

Public ferry #303 leaves Villingili Ferry Terminal every Monday and Thursday at 0900hrs and reaches Ukulhas by 1305hrs. It travels in the other direction on Sunday and Wednesday, leaving Ukulhas at 0945hrs and arriving in Malé by 1410hrs.

Speedboats are a faster travel alternative. You can pick from scheduled speedboats or book a private one. The listed ones run every day at 1030hrs and 1600hrs from the airport jetty. The return timing from Ukulhas is 0700hrs and 1300hrs. Depending on your booking, the private boats travel anytime between 0600hrs and 1600hrs.

Costing roughly $55 per person, speedboats cover the distance between the two destinations in 90 minutes. If hiring a private speedboat, you’ll end up paying around $700 for up to 18 passengers.

Lastly, you can reach Ukulhas from Malé via seaplane. However, a seaplane will only take you to Rashdoo, a nearby island with a TMA platform. From here, a 20-minute public ferry or speedboat will bring you to Ukulhas. The approximate cost for this round-trip transfer is $520. According to the complete guide for seaplane travel, airlines operate only during daylight hours and need to be pre-booked.

Transportation around Ukulhas

If arriving at the Ukulhas jetty with luggage, you can ask your hotel or guesthouse to send a small van for pickup. However, the island, on the whole, is safe and convenient to walk around. Most hotels and guesthouses offer free bicycles as well.

Do remember to keep yourself hydrated as the heat can be intense. Also, make sure you add suntan lotion and a cap to your packing list for the Maldives.

Furthermore, be careful during the wet season as rains can inundate walking pathways with large puddles, which are slippery at times.

Things to do in Ukulhas

Ukulhas is a versatile island. You can transform your holiday here into an active family escape or plan it to be a quiet romantic gateway. Either way, do keep in mind the cultural sensibilities of the locals. As with elsewhere in the archipelago, dress appropriately while exploring the island and enjoying its public beaches.

Fishing

Given that the island has long been a close-knit community of fishermen, fishing remains the main occupation for most locals. You can take an excursion with them out in the sea for an adventure like no other. For something more structured, look into big game fishing during the day.

To book your fishing activities, ask your hotel or guesthouse staff, who will organize for a local fisher to be your guide. Die-hard romantics who want to do more than catch fish, choose a night fishing trip where you can lounge or lie on the deck and watch the star-filled sky.  

Walkabouts & the beach

Wandering around the island allows you to feel the infectiously serene vibe of Ukulhas. During your amblings, expect to bump into friendly locals and discover quaint gardens which serve as an oasis during the afternoon heat.

The island has many small mosques. Kuda Miskiy, also known as the Old Friday Mosque, is the oldest and dates back to the 17th century. Although much of it has changed, one can still find traces of the original coral-stone and timber structure.

If in search of something completely unique, ask the locals for a tour of the dhoni (traditional Maldivian boats) making yard.

The beach is never too far from anywhere on the island. The Bikini Beach that stretches almost the entire western side is lined with sunbeds and umbrellas, making it ideal for sunset views. The beach on the southern tip of the island is another place you can get that much-desired tan.

Reef snorkeling & diving

The waters near Ukulhas are teeming with vibrant aquatic life. Among them, manta rays and sea turtles happen to be in abundance. Snorkeling around the house reef brings you pretty close to these creatures. Ask your guesthouse for snorkel gear.

A few dive centers operate on the island, offering trips to numerous diving sites near Ukulhas. Some of the famous dive sites around the island are;

Mayaa Thila – A well-known dive site in the Maldives, Maaya Thila is about 8 km from Ukulhas. It is a protected marine area. Coral reefs go down to about 30m here, and the site is ideal for night diving. However, currents can be strong, so beginners need to take extra precautions while swimming in the water.

Hafza Thila – Starting at about 10m, this excellent dive spot goes down to almost 35m. Located at a distance of 0.8 km from the island, it is exceptionally rich in marine life and famous as a shark cleaning station. However, due to strong currents, beginners should avoid swimming at Hafza Thila.

Fesdu Shipwreck – Fesdu consists of a fishing trawler, 30m long, lying on the ocean floor. Over the years, its fame has grown among professional divers. Known for its colorful corals and plethora of fish, you can even swim inside the trawler on days when the current isn’t bothersome.

Shark View Point

The north harbor of Ukulhas is one of the few places in the North Ari Atoll where you can spot Lemon Sharks without having to go off the land. Visible daily between 1200hrs – 1800hrs, aquatic sightings from the jetty include stingrays, various sharks, and eagle rays, apart from Lemon Sharks.

Resort day trip

Surrounded by upmarket resorts, staying in Ukulhas gives you access to the luxuries offered by some of the best island retreats. It is the perfect way to get a feel of a Maldivian resort while staying within your budget. The nearest resorts from Ukulhas are Nika Island Resort, Gangehi, and Ellaidhoo by Cinnamon.

Sandbank picnic

The epitome of romantic encounters is a sandbank picnic in the Maldives. Ukulhas has several tiny sandbanks where white sand and shallow lagoons present you with a desert island indulgence. You can splash around in the blue waters and enjoy a specially prepared lunch here. Most accommodations can arrange this excursion for a bargain price. Do remember to carry an umbrella for some shade.

Places to eat in Ukulhas

Restaurants in Ukulhas offer various cuisines to their patrons, ranging from Indian and Thai to continental and Maldivian classics. However, visitors should keep in mind that, like any other inhabited island, alcohol is unavailable in Ukulhas.

Central Diner Restaurant

Apt to its name, Central Diner is only a 10min walk from any point on the island. Although famous for their Italian food, you can also get a taste of traditional Maldivian dishes here. The fact that it caters meals to most guesthouses on the island is a testament to its quality and taste.

Olhumathi Restaurant

Offering a wide variety of seafood, Olhumathi serves traditional Maldivian and international cuisine. Situated close to Bikini Beach, it is an excellent place for a sumptuous meal during your time under the sun. The restaurant serves limited Indian fare, but their chicken tikka masala is a must-try.

Retro Royal Restaurant

This restaurant wins all bets when it comes to seafood indulgence! Retro Royal is extremely popular with tourists. Their seafood platter is a good option for groups, but their grilled calamari, chili octopus with chips, and garlic prawns are equally well received. A shot of espresso, in the end, seals the deal here.

SeaLaVie Café & Restaurant

The in-house cafe at SeaLaVie Inn, open to outsiders, has a homely atmosphere. Its warm and friendly staff make the restaurant a perfect beachside area to relax and enjoy a hearty meal. Thai cuisine with fresh ingredients dominates the menu.  Dishes like Massaman curry, sweet and sour chicken, spring rolls, and glass noodles salad stand out among the rest.

Fisherman Boat Restaurant

One of the few multi-cuisine restaurants in Ukulhas, Fisherman Boat has a lavish buffet option, similar to the resorts. Located on the grounds of West Sands Hotel, its culinary centerpiece is a boat-shaped wooden table loaded with exotic seafood. Furthermore, the restaurant’s à la carte menu has everything from salads, soups, and pasta, to grilled fish, rice dishes, desserts, tea, and coffee.  

Best hotels and guesthouses in Ukulhas

Due to a growing demand for budget travel in the Maldives, several guest houses and hotels have sprung up on the tiny island of Ukulhas within a short span. As a result, tourists looking to step away from the outlandish nature of island resorts can now choose from several comfortable and cheap accommodations.

West Sands

West Sands is a beachfront hotel with all the standard amenities and conveniences you will find at a Maldivian resort at an affordable price. Besides easy access to the beach, this 3-star accommodation also has a multi-cuisine restaurant. It has 25 rooms, some of which offer sea views. For some pampering, book the suits which come equipped with a jacuzzi. Along with free wi-fi, their in-house entertainment comprises a billiards table and a range of board games.

Gunbaru Inn

An eco-friendly budget guesthouse, Gunbaru Inn offers its residents a lovely sun terrace. This family-run bed and breakfast has 11 rooms that come with cable television, AC, tea and coffee, private bathrooms, and free wi-fi. Their garden invites you to relax and take in the quietude of the island. Scoring very high on cleanliness, the staff here goes out of their way to take excellent care of your well-being.

SeaLaVie Inn

A cozy five-room guesthouse, SeaLaVie Inn, matches most budget travelers’ wants and needs. The rooms here are basic yet satisfactory and come with flatscreen TVs. Some also have a seating area. The garden area offers a relaxing atmosphere with swings and places to sit and read. The staff is always at hand to recommend things to do in Ukulhas and organize daily excursions. They also serve mouth-watering Thai food at their restaurant, which means you don’t have to step out if you don’t want to.

Ostrov Hotel

Ostrov is a 22-room boutique three-star residence with a beach at its doorstep. Among the few hotels in Ukulhas that have a children’s play area, Ostrov further spoils its guests with modern-day conveniences in its bright and airy rooms. The on-site restaurant here serves tummy-filling meals, and the hotel also has spa and gym facilities.

N.B.:all information is correct as of the post publication date, and prices are subjected to change.