Ukulhas, North Ari
Islands / North Ari
Local inhabited island

Ukulhas

Eco-island with one of the longest bikini beaches

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Alif Alif (AA) 72 km from Malé Pop. 1,284 (2022) 1 km²
Nearest airportVelana International (MLE)
From Malé airport≈1 hr 15 min by speedboat
Population1,284
Bikini beachYes
ATMNo
HealthcareHealth centre
Mobile data4G

Ukulhas is known as one of the cleanest local islands, with a strong waste-management programme and a long, beautiful bikini beach. Manta trips and sandbanks are close by.

Ukulhas opened a waste management centre in November 2011 and is often cited as the first island in the Maldives to manage its waste systematically; a UNDP study uses it as a case study.

'Kudamikiy' The oldest mosque in Ukulhas Island
Rappey · CC BY-SA 3.0
'Gaagandu' (The biggest Isolated rock in the Maldives, Located near ukulhas Island)
Rappey · CC BY-SA 3.0
View of Ukulhas
Rappey · CC BY-SA 4.0
Fushi is a picnic island of Ukulhas Island located at North Ari Atoll.
Ukulhas · CC BY-SA 3.0
Opening ceremony of the children's festival in AA. Ukulhas
The President's Office, Maldives · CC BY 4.0
Opening ceremony of the children's festival in AA. Ukulhas
The President's Office, Maldives · CC BY 4.0

Known for

  • Award-winning cleanliness and recycling programme
  • Long white bikini beach
  • Manta ray and turtle trips nearby

What to expect

  • A quiet village pace — most places are within a few minutes' walk.
  • Cash (USD or MVR) is widely used; larger guest houses and shops accept cards.
  • Friday is the weekly day of rest: shops close around midday prayers and ferries run less.
  • Guest houses usually arrange excursions and transfers for you.

Stays

0 listed
All Guest houseCity / island hotelResortPrivate villa / home stay
No places to stay listed on Ukulhas yet. Own one? List it free.

Experiences

0 operatorsThings to do on Ukulhas
BioluminescenceManta ray snorkelingSandbank picnicScuba divingSnorkelingTurtle snorkeling
No operators listed yet. Most guest houses arrange trips for their guests. Run excursions here? List your service.

Getting there

1 routeHow to get to Ukulhas

Shared speedboat from the airport (≈1 hr 15 min).

Shared speedboat from Velana International Airport (MLE)

1 HR 15 MIN
Several departures daily; times vary by operator
Book through your guest house — they will meet you at the airport.

Schedules are indicative and change with the season. Confirm with the operator or your host.

Food

0 listed
No restaurants listed yet. Most guest houses serve meals. Run a café here? List it free.

Island guide

Facilities · rules · access

Facilities

ATMNO
Clinic / health centreYES
PharmacyYES
Police stationYES
ShopsYES
4G mobile dataYES
Bikini beachYES

Local regulations

  • Dress modestly in the village: cover shoulders and knees (men and women).
  • Bikinis and swimwear only on the designated bikini beach, on excursions and on resort day trips.
  • Alcohol and pork are not permitted on local islands — don't bring them in your luggage.
  • Public displays of affection are frowned upon; be respectful near mosques and during prayer times.
  • Flying drones requires a permit from the Maldives Civil Aviation Authority.
  • Don't touch or stand on coral, and never take shells, sand or coral off the island.

Accessibility

  • Roads are mostly flat, compacted sand; there are few paved paths or kerbs.
  • Wheelchair access is limited — ask your host about step-free rooms before booking.
  • Boarding speedboats and ferries involves steps from the jetty; crews will help.
  • No taxis on most small islands: buggies or bicycles may be available on request.

Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ukulhas · https://census.gov.mv/2022/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/P5.pdf