If you are looking for a real insider tip in the Maldives, then you should put this at the top of your list. The small island in the Alif Alif Atoll, around 70 kilometers from Malé, combines everything you could want from a dream vacation in the Indian Ocean: white sandy beaches, crystal-clear water, a house reef right on your doorstep – and all without the hustle and bustle of large resort islands. A vacation on the local island is perfect for anyone looking for a dream vacation on a budget.
Who should visit Ukulhas?
Ukulhas is ideal for anyone looking for a relaxing break away from mass tourism. Whether you are traveling as a couple, alone or even with your family – here you will find peace, nature and warm hospitality. Ukulhas is also a paradise for snorkeling fans. Its proximity to the Ari Atoll, one of the best diving areas in the Maldives, also makes the island a perfect starting point for underwater adventures with manta rays, turtles and sharks.
How to get to the local island of Ukulhas Maldives
The island of Ukulhas is located in the northern part of Ari Atoll (more precisely: Alif Alif Atoll) and belongs to the northern Maldives. It is about 70 kilometers west of Malé, the capital of the Maldives. The small island is known for its sustainable development, clean beaches and beautiful house reef.
The journey to Ukulhas Maldives usually starts at Velana International Airport (MLE) in Malé. From there, there are two main options to get to the island:
1. By Speedboat (recommended)
The most popular and easiest method is the public speedboat, which runs daily between Malé and Ukulhas.
- Travel time: approx. 90 minutes
- Cost: $50 per person (one way)
- Booking: Directly via the accommodation, online via providers such as Atoll Transfer or locally at the port of Malé
- Departure times:
- Departure from Malé: approx. 10:30 am & 4:00 pm
- Return journey from Ukulhas: approx. 07:00 hrs & 13:00 hrs
We chose this option and were completely satisfied with it. We booked directly through our hotel on Ukulhas*.
2. Domestic Flight & Boat
If you prefer a more comfortable option or can no longer find a suitable speedboat connection on arrival in Malé, you can take a short domestic flight to Rasdhoo or Mathiveri airport. From there, the journey continues by boat to Ukulhas.
- Duration: Flight 20 minutes Boat transfer approx. 30 minutes
- Cost: from approx. $150-200 each way
This option is usually more expensive, but is worthwhile for poor speedboat times or longer stays with a lot of luggage.
Travel Tips
- Plan a little more time. There can always be delays with international flights and also with arrival or luggage and the speedboats usually depart on time.
- The boat to Ukulhas only departs twice a day. If you arrive in the afternoon, you may have to spend a night on Malé.
- It is best to book the transfer via your accommodation by email or WhatsApp.
Accommodation on Ukulhas Maldives
We thought a lot in advance about which side of the island we should book our accommodation on. But you don’t need to worry about that at all. The island is so small that you can walk from one side to the other in just a few minutes. The island’s Bikini Beach is located in the south of the island. Most of the hotels are located along the southern tip. The beach is beautiful on both sides.
There is a very wide, long beach in the southwest. It is usually a little windier here. When snorkeling here, you can discover many, but rather small fish. In the south-east, the beach is quite narrow. The hotel’s sun loungers can be found here under the trees and palm trees, so you will always find a shady spot. There is usually no wind here and the water is very calm. When snorkeling here, you will encounter small fish as well as many reef sharks, small squid and, with a bit of luck, turtles and rays. If you snorkel from here towards the pier, you will also come across 2-3 m nurse sharks.
Our Accommodation on Ukulhas
We spent our Maldives vacation at the Ostrov Beach Hotel*. The hotel is located directly on the beach in the southeast, from where you can snorkel perfectly. The staff are really welcoming, especially if you’re traveling with children. The rooms are comfortably furnished and have a terrace or balcony.
Ostrov Beach Hotel on the Snorkeling Beach | Check Availability*
Eating & Drinking on Ukulhas
If you visit Ukulhas in the Maldives, you will soon realize: The island not only has fantastic beaches and a fascinating house reef to offer – you will also get your money’s worth here in culinary terms. The traditional cuisine on Ukulhas is characterized by fresh ingredients from the Indian Ocean. So it’s no wonder that fish dominates the menu. Whether grilled, boiled or as a creamy fish curry. But vegetarians can also eat well on Ukulhas.
Our favorite restaurants on Ukulhas:
- Basilico Restaurant in the west: delicious food on the beach under palm trees
- Yellow Mango: Good Thai food
Is there alcohol on Ukulhas?
Important information for all those who like to enjoy the sunset with a cold beer: Ukulhas is an inhabited island – and on these, the sale and consumption of alcohol is prohibited by law. This applies to all local restaurants and guesthouses.
The Best Things To Do on Ukulhas Maldives
Ukulhas is not only known for its breathtaking beaches and crystal-clear water – the island in the Alif Alif Atoll also offers plenty of exciting activities and excursions that will make your Maldives vacation unforgettable. Whether you want to explore the colorful reef world underwater or paddle relaxed across the lagoon – you are guaranteed to find the right adventure here.
Snorkeling & Diving – Discover the house reef, manta rays and whale sharks
Ukulhas has the great advantage that you can reach a lively house reef directly from the beach. When snorkeling on Ukulhas, you can expect to see colourful corals, curious reef fish and, with a bit of luck, even sea turtles.
Ukulhas is a real insider tip for divers. Several diving schools on the island offer dives in the North Ari Atoll – one of the best diving areas in the Maldives. The manta ray tours, where you can swim with the majestic rays, are particularly popular. During the season (usually December to April), you also have the chance to spot whale sharks on special excursions – a unique experience.
️Island hopping – visiting neighboring islands
If you want to see more of the Maldives, you can easily visit neighboring islands from Ukulhas. A trip to the neighboring local island of Rasdhoo or a visit to a resort island for a day trip is particularly worthwhile – including beach, buffet and luxury feeling.
Local providers organize island hopping tours where you can explore several islands in one day – ideal for getting to know the diversity of the Maldives.
Sharks and rays at the pier
If you want to see sharks and rays, you can look out for them on the pier, especially before sunset. At this time, there are always lots of sharks and sometimes rays in the harbor basin and also under the pier by the sea.
Clothing and behavior on a local island
Ukulhas is not just a resort island, but an inhabited local island. This means that you are a guest in a functioning local community. It is therefore important to dress appropriately, even as a tourist.
Clothing tips:
- Women should cover their shoulders and knees when moving around. An airy sarong or scarf is often sufficient.
- Men should refrain from wearing too tight shorts and walking with their upper body exposed.
- On the bikini beach, you can of course swim in a bikini or swimsuit as usual – this area is clearly marked.
Caresses in public (e.g. kissing or close hugging) are also not welcome in public – a little restraint is appreciated.
Public Beaches vs. Bikini Beaches
An important point for your stay: there are special bikini beaches on Ukulhas where western swimwear is permitted. These are usually well signposted and are located away from the town centers. Some of the hotels also have their own beaches where you can go in normal swimwear. If you are unsure, simply ask at your hotel.
If you are out and about on public beaches or in the city, your shoulders and knees should be covered.
Our experience on Ukulhas
As Ukulhas is becoming more and more popular, there is currently a lot of construction going on. Especially from afar, when you reach the island for the first time by boat, this catches the eye and perhaps briefly tarnishes the paradisiacal impression. However, as soon as you arrive at your hotel and have spent the first few minutes on the beach, this is forgotten.
We felt right at home on the island and especially in our hotel*. We simply spent a very relaxing vacation, enjoyed many snorkelling trips and the beautiful beach. We can therefore only recommend a vacation on the local island of Ukulhas in the Maldives.
Ostrov Beach Hotel on snorkeling beach | check availability*
Practical tips for your trip to Ukulhas in the Maldives
If you’re planning your trip to the beautiful island of Ukulhas, it’s worth knowing a few practical things in advance. In this section, you can find out everything about the best time to travel, what you should definitely pack, what the situation is with money and payment on Ukulhas, whether you can expect WiFi – and what you can do in the event of minor health problems.
Best time to visit Ukulhas: When is it worth traveling?
The climate on Ukulhas is typically tropical – warm, sunny and with high humidity. The best time to travel to Ukulhas is between December and April. During these months, you can expect little rain, plenty of sunshine and ideal conditions for snorkeling, swimming and relaxing.
May to October is the rainy season in the Maldives, also known as the southwest monsoon. It doesn’t rain all the time, but short, heavy showers are common – as are somewhat choppy seas. So if you’re looking for consistent weather, you’re better off traveling during the dry season.
What should you take with you?
There are a few small stores on Ukulhas, but it’s better to bring a lot of things with you from home – especially if you’re looking for quality:
- Snorkeling equipment: Ukulhas has a beautiful house reef right in front of the beach – perfect for snorkeling. Although there are rental options, your own equipment is more hygienic and often better.
- Sunscreen with a high SPF: The equatorial sun is intense. It’s best to use a reef-safe sunscreen that won’t damage the coral reef.
- Mosquito repellent: Mosquitoes can be a nuisance, especially after rain. A good mosquito spray will protect you from bites.
- Light, airy clothing: Cotton or linen are ideal. Also think about clothing that covers your shoulders and knees – especially away from the bikini beach.
Money & Payment on Ukulhas
Although the official currency of the Maldives is the Rufiyaa (MVR), you can easily pay with US dollars in most guesthouses and tour operators on Ukulhas. It is worth taking a few smaller bills (1s, 5s) with you.
- Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted in many accommodations. You can also pay by credit card in restaurants and stores.
- There is one cash machine (ATM) on Ukulhas. Withdrawal costs a fee of 100 MRV plus your bank’s charges. If you need cash, it makes sense to collect money at the airport.
- Tipping is not a must, but is appreciated – a few dollars for good service makes a big difference.
Internet & SIM cards
Wi-Fi is available in most guesthouses on Ukulhas, but the speed is not always stable – especially during busy periods or bad weather. Alternatively, you can buy an ESIM or SIM card at the airport in advance.
- Buy a local SIM card (e.g. from Dhiraagu or Ooredoo) with mobile data volume at Malé Airport.
- 4G works very well on Ukulhas and is often faster than the hotel WiFi.