Ukulhas

Ukulhas is one of the best diving spots in the Maldives despite being only 1,025 m long and 225 m wide. Opened to tourism in late 2012, this flat coral sand cay attracts travelers seeking diving, fishing, and swimming without crowds of fellow tourists. The island was recognized as an environmental role model and won the Green Leaf Award in 2014.

Ukulhas has about 1,000 inhabitants who are Muslims with diverse heritage as descendants of Tamils, Sinhalas, and other people from the Indian Subcontinent. No land on the island is more than the height of a tall man above the high water mark. The island was the second Maldivian island to be electrified and remains green with coconut palm trees covering a good portion of it.

Dhivehi is spoken here as in all parts of the Maldivian archipelago. Because of a good school teaching British A-level standard and the burgeoning tourism industry, good English is widely spoken throughout the island.

The primary way to reach Ukulhas is by ferry from Malé. The island can also be reached via seaplane for those heading to nearby resorts like Gangehi Island Resort.

The island is tiny and the only available means of transportation is by foot. You can walk around the entire island in less than half an hour. Be careful during rainy season when large puddles can be very slippery.

The best time to visit is during the dry season from November to April. Rainy season brings large puddles on walking paths. The island's compact size means weather can be enjoyed year-round for diving and snorkeling activities.

Ukulhas has only a couple of inns and guesthouses as it has been a travel destination since 2012. Accommodations include Coral Reef View Inn on Vasha Magu, Gunbaru Inn on Chanbeyli Magu, Moodhu Inn on Jumhooree Magu, and Ukulhas Inn. All offer air-conditioning, hot/cold water, free WiFi, and mini-bars. Gangehi Island Resort on the outskirts of North Ari Atoll offers luxury overwater rooms from US$500.

The food scene in Ukulhas has several uninspiring dining options plus a few cafes. Nala Bistro near Nala Veli resort serves fish and seafood for US$6-10 plus 18% service charge and GST, open daily 07:00-23:00. Poblano on the east side offers vegan and vegetarian options. Chef Nur on Jumhoree Magu serves Indian cuisine for US$6 with 10% service charge, open daily 13:00-01:00. There are no real budget options and alcohol is not available, though some hotels arrange it at highly inflated prices.

Activities are arranged by guesthouses. Swimming at the beach is popular with chairs and benches provided on request. Sunset cruises on traditional Maldivian dhoni boats cost from USD40 per person with possible dolphin sightings. Snorkeling gear is provided by hotels with opportunities to spot groupers, octopuses, turtles, manta rays, and giant clams. BBQ excursions cost from US$50 per person. Water sports include jet ski at US$25 per 15 minutes, water ski, and banana rides. Dive Plus on Bodu magu is the only dive center offering dives at US$100 per dive, open 18:00-20:00.

Ukulhas is more about activities than sightseeing. There are a few small mosques on the island, the oldest from the mid-17th century. Fushi island (Ukulhas Picnic island) is a small uninhabited island with white sands, accessible from US$45 per person. Gaagandu is the biggest isolated rock in the Maldives, a limestone islet about 15 m long and 8 m wide, good for diving and snorkeling with abundant moray eels. The sand bank offers fishing opportunities from US$60 per person.

Several simple grocery shops are on Bodu magu, the island's main road running east to west, selling food, beverages, cosmetics, and building materials. Local fruits, vegetables, jams, sweetmeats, homemade sweets, and pickles are available. You can also reload your cell phone at these shops. There are no banks, ATMs, or money exchange offices on the island, but hotels and restaurants readily accept US dollars.

Beach Blends on bikini beach is an outdoor cafe with beachfront seating under coconut palm trees, try the ice latte for $5. Ginger next to the desalination plant on the north end is a quiet cafe run by local women with the best sunset views on the island. Faiymini Kamana on Jumhoree Magu is a locally run cafe on the main street. Alcohol is banned by law but can be arranged by some hotels at highly inflated prices.

Nudism is prohibited throughout the island. Swimming in bikinis is allowed only on bikini beach and prosecuted in all other areas, a rule strictly monitored and enforced by locals. Dress modestly outside designated beach areas out of respect for the Muslim population. Alcohol is banned by law.

Mobile operators Dhiraagu and Ooredoo operate on the island offering 3G/LTE connections. Guesthouses and almost all restaurants offer free WiFi, though it can be occasionally slow. Cell phone reloads are available at grocery shops on Bodu magu.

Ukulhas is generally a safe island. The main safety concern is during rainy season when large puddles on paths become very slippery. There's a small modern health centre with a medical doctor available day and night. For serious medical issues, evacuation to Malé or the Asian mainland may be required.

There's a small modern health centre on the island with a medical doctor available day and night. Serious medical conditions require evacuation to Malé or the Asian mainland.

Rasdhoo is one of the nearest islands and the capital of North Ari Atoll. Thoddoo is an isolated island north of Ari atoll. Bodufulhadhoo, Mathiveri, Feridhoo, Maalhos, and Himandhoo are Ari Atoll islands reachable by ferry from Ukulhas. Gangehi Island Resort on the North Ari Atoll outskirts offers diving, spa, and sand bank experiences via seaplane.