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Inhabited island in Ari Atoll, Maldives
Photo: Rappey, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Ukulhas (Dhivehi: އުކުޅަސް) island is one of the inhabited islands of North Ari Atoll in the Maldives. The island has only been a travel destination since 2012; therefore, it has just a couple of inns and is somewhat hard to get to. Hence, if you enjoy diving, fishing and swimming without a crowd of fellow tourists, Ukulhas might be the destination you're looking for.
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Ukulhas Picnic island
This is a small uninhabited island with three grown trees in the middle. It's covered by white sands and washed by turquoise water with stunning underwater beauty. There are no toilets, bars or rooms. You can swim, snorkel, play beach games, have a BBQ, do reef fishing. Fushi has also a shallow long reef which projects quite a long distance from the west coast of the island.
The biggest isolated rock in the Maldives. This limestone islet is about 15 m (50 feet) long, 8 m (25 feet) wide, and about 1½ m (5 feet) from the water’s edge, It is the only part of Alif atoll that is above water, and it's a good place to dive and snorkel. The rock has cracked in the middle and has been shattered into two fragments, and it is surrounded by an abundance of sea creatures, in particular, moray eels.
It has only sand, no rocks, no trees. Considered to be a good spot for fishing.
The only dive center on the island, with a very clingy Egyptian instructor.
Fish and seafood menu. More suited to western palettes. Free WiFi.
Standard tourist fare in a nice garden setting. Vegan and vegetarian options. Friendly staff is a plus.
Slightly run down eatery serving decent Indian cuisine and good parattas, plus some tourist fare.
Closest to fine dining and most expensive option you will find on the island.
Outdoor cafe with beachfront seating under coconut palm trees. Try the ice latte ($5).
Quiet outdoor cafe run by local women on the north end of the island. Pints with an espresso machine and the best sunset in the island.
Locally run cafe in the Main Street of town.
Equipped with mini bar, air-conditioning, overhead fans, satellite TV channels, CD player, TV, hair drier, shower with hot and cold water, tea and coffee making facilities, bathrobes, beach towels, direct phone, deposit box, free Wi-Fi and king bed.
Gunbaru
With air conditioning and peaceful garden views, all rooms are well-furnished with a flat-screen satellite TV, minibar and ironing facilities. The private bathrooms have free toiletries and a hairdryer.
Equipped with bathtub, mini bar, air-conditioning, overhead fans, satellite TV channels, CD player, TV, hair drier, shower with hot and cold water, tea and coffee making facilities, bathrobes, beach towels, direct phone, deposit box, free Wi-Fi and king bed.
Ukulhas Inn
All rooms are en suite with hot and cold water, individually controlled air-con. King sized bed, LCD TV with satellite channels, CD/DVD player, free Wi-Fi, mini-bar, hair dryer, phone, touch light and umbrella.
Gangehi Island Resort
Located on the outskirts of North Ari Atoll, Gangehi Island Resort features a diving school, spa, and a long sand bank. It offers rooms situated over water, on the beach, or within tropical gardens.
By seaplane
It's possible to fly to Rasdhoo (a neighboring island) by TMA seaplane, as there is no TMA platform at Ukulhas Island.
The island is tiny and thus the only available means of transportation is by foot. You can walk around the island in less than half an hour.
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Malé · International · MLE
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