Ukulhas: Budget-friendly Maldives vacation on a local island
About the Maldives:
The Maldives is a tropical archipelago in the Indian Ocean, located southwest of India and Sri Lanka. It consists of 26 atolls made up of 1,192 coral islands, around 200 of which are inhabited. Approximately 130 of these islands are resort islands, while others are known as “local islands,” home to the native population.
Difference: Local Island vs. Resort Island
Until 2008, tourism was only allowed on resort islands, which made the Maldives a secluded luxury destination for many years. However, with a change in the law in 2009, locals were permitted to open guesthouses on local islands for the first time. This marked the beginning of affordable Maldives vacations, offering travelers the opportunity to experience the Maldives beyond luxury hotels. Today, about 100 of the 200 inhabited islands have tourist infrastructure, including guesthouses, restaurants, dive centers, and tourist beaches. On about 40 of these islands, the infrastructure is well-developed, including piers and various recreational options.
Resort Islands:
- Privacy, luxury, and alcohol allowed.
- Immaculate cleanliness and well-maintained facilities.
- Higher prices: Rooms from €300/night, meals from €50.
- A wide range of leisure activities such as bars, discos, and karaoke.
Local Islands like Ukulhas:
- Authentic experience: Get to know the local way of life.
- Affordable prices: Rooms from € 50/night, meals from € 10.
- No alcoholic beverages and limited entertainment options.
- Often more waste and construction sites compared to resort islands.
Despite the differences between resorts and local islands, one thing remains the same: both offer white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, beautiful coral gardens, and the characteristic tropical landscape of the Maldives. Whether snorkeling, diving, or boat excursions – travelers can find plenty of activities on both types of islands.
Climate and Best Time to Visit:
The Maldives has a tropical climate with an average temperature of 27-30°C. There are two main seasons: the dry Northeast Monsoon season (December to April) and the wetter Southwest Monsoon season (May to November). The best time to visit is between December and April, when the weather is dry, sunny, and ideal for beach holidays and water sports.
Entry Requirements:
- Visa: Tourists from most countries receive a free 30-day visa upon arrival. However, you must submit the “Traveller Declaration” within 96 hours prior to your departure.
- Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date.
- Proof: A hotel reservation and a return flight ticket are required.
Prohibitions:
- The import of alcohol, pork, drugs, and religious materials for proselytization is prohibited.
- E-cigarettes are also not allowed to be imported.
Health and Vaccinations:
No specific vaccinations are required, but vaccinations for Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Typhoid are recommended.
The islands are malaria-free, but mosquitoes can be a problem. Mosquito spraying is done every evening.
It is advisable to bring a travel first aid kit, sunscreen (SPF 50), and mosquito repellent.
About Ukulhas:
Ukulhas is a charming local island, 1 km long and 300 meters wide, located in the Alif Alif Atoll. It can be reached in about 90 minutes by speedboat from the capital, Malé. Transfer bookings can be made directly through the accommodation, which will take your arrival time at the airport into account.
Local Culture and Lifestyle:
Ukulhas has about 1,200 inhabitants, predominantly Muslim. Women dress traditionally, and tourists are advised to respect this by covering their shoulders and knees outside of the bikini beach. Communication is easy, as most locals speak good English.
The island offers a mix of modern infrastructure and traditional life:
- There is a police station, a health clinic, a pharmacy, sports fields, a gym, and a playground.
- Public beaches and restaurants invite visitors to relax and enjoy their time.
Cleanliness:
Unlike many other local islands, Ukulhas is known for its exemplary waste management. However, the cleanliness level may not be comparable to that of resort islands, where perfection is expected.
Payment Options:
- Cash payments in US dollars are accepted everywhere.
- Credit cards are often accepted, but with additional fees.
- There is an ATM available to withdraw the local currency (Rufiyaa), which must be spent locally as it cannot be exported.
Things to Do in and Around Ukulhas:
- Beach and Snorkeling: Relax on the fine white sandy beach and snorkel at the house reef.
- Shark View Point: In the harbor of Ukulhas, you can observe sharks and rays directly from the pier.
- Sunset Dinner: Enjoy a romantic dinner on the beach of Ukulhas or on a sandbank.
- Resort Day: Spend a day at a resort island, enjoying an all-inclusive package with alcoholic drinks.
- Excursions:
- Snorkeling trips to coral reefs, manta rays, and nurse sharks.
- Sandbank trips or picnics on secluded islands.
- Scuba diving.
- Fishing and octopus hunting.
- Dolphin-watching and whale-shark tours.
- Island hopping to other local islands.
- Experience the traditional Bodu Beru Dance and Maldivian culture.
With Children on Ukulhas:
The shallow, warm lagoons and soft sand make Ukulhas ideal for young children. However, families should avoid boat trips if children or adults are prone to seasickness.
Costs for a Week on Ukulhas
Example Calculation per Person
Flights: 550 €
Round trip with carry-on from Linz via Frankfurt to Malé. We booked directly through Austrian Airlines after using flight comparison websites to find the best deals. The lower price was possible because we traveled on December 24th and returned on January 1st, flew with carry-on only, and used frequent flyer miles.Speedboat Transfer: 100 €
Transfer from Malé, the capital of the Maldives, to Ukulhas and back.
Children pay only €50 for both routes.Accommodation: 450 € for 7 nights including breakfast
We stayed at La Solara Villa, with breakfast included.
Booked through Booking. Direct bookings with the accommodation or the partner hotel La Palma Suites (WhatsApp numbers can be found on their Instagram pages) are often cheaper.Meals: 140 €
Breakfast was included in the hotel.
For lunch, we mostly enjoyed fruit shakes or small snacks from the supermarket.
Dinner was at restaurants. A dinner for four people with drinks cost between 40 € and 70 €, depending on the restaurant.Excursions: 170 €
- 70 €: Half-day snorkeling trip by speedboat to manta rays, sharks, and coral reefs, including a small snack and water.
- 100 €: Day trip to a resort island by speedboat, with all-inclusive food and drinks.
Total Cost per Person: 1,410 € (high season)
Example Costs for a Family (4 People):
Total Cost: About 5,450 € for a week on a local island in the high season (December 2024).
Children pay less for speedboat transfers, food, drinks, and excursions.
Packing List for Ukulhas
Here is our carry-on packing list:
Some essentials to take along for a carefree trip:
- High Sunscreen (at least SPF 50): Essential for protection from the strong sun.
- Swim Shirt: Convenient for snorkeling and boat trips to avoid sunburn on your back.
- Hat and Sunglasses: Protection from the intense sunlight.
- Snorkel and Fins: You can rent these, but having your own equipment usually fits better.
- Drybag (Waterproof Bag): To protect valuables from moisture.
- Life Jackets for Children: Ideal for snorkeling and boat trips.
Restaurants and Bars on Ukulhas
Maldivian cuisine is heavily focused on seafood but also offers influences from many other countries. On Ukulhas, you’ll find a diverse selection of restaurants serving not only local dishes but also Italian, Thai, and Indian specialties. Unlike resort islands, alcohol is not available anywhere on the island. However, you can enjoy a wide range of great drinks at the cafés and bars, from fresh coconuts and fruit shakes to non-alcoholic cocktails.
Restaurant Recommendations on Ukulhas:
Cuisine: Maldivian, Indian, European
Ambiance: Three-story with great views of the harbor. The ground floor has a café with desserts.
Specialty: Popular with locals, affordable.
Cuisine: Maldivian, Italian
Ambiance: Casual, medium price range
Specialty: The best pizzas on the island and a fantastic milkshake served in a coconut.
Cuisine: Italian
Ambiance: Stylish, modern restaurant at the southern tip of the island.
Specialty: High-end, but excellent Italian dishes.
Cuisine: Thai
Ambiance: Located directly on the main street of the island.
Specialty: One of the best Thai restaurants in the Maldives, medium price range.
Cuisine: Seafood
Ambiance: On the main street, in a lush environment.
Specialty: Small portions, high-end, specializing in fish and lobster.
Cuisine: Indian
Ambiance: Simple restaurant on the main street.
Specialty: Affordable prices and great taste.
Cuisine: Maldivian, European, Seafood
Ambiance: Directly on the beach with a beautiful view.
Specialty: Fast and friendly service, medium price range.
Cafés and Bars on Ukulhas
Uncle Bobo
A modern chain with locations also in Malé. Perfect for desserts like cookies and brownies, shakes, and bubble teas. Located directly at the harbor.
Faiymini Kamana
A small, cozy café offering excellent coffee and milkshakes. Located on the main street.
Manta Bay
Located directly on the beach, offering a wide range of drinks, including fresh coconuts, non-alcoholic mojitos, and tasty snacks for lunch.
Conclusion:
Ukulhas offers a perfect blend of local culture, natural beauty, and affordable travel. For travelers willing to forgo luxury but still wanting to experience the magic of the Maldives, this local island is a fantastic choice.
Do you have any questions?
If anything is unclear or if you need more information about Ukulhas, the restaurants, the excursions, or our cost breakdown, feel free to ask in the comments below. I’ll be happy to help! 😊
Best regards,
Julia from traveldisco.shop
P.S. Our Travelfolio passport holder with its chic palm design is the perfect companion for your next vacation – practical, stylish, and just right for all travel enthusiasts!
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