Ukulhas Island: Maldives’ Eco-Gem & Clean Beach Paradise
Geographic Setting and Location
Ukulhas is an inhabited island in Alif Alif Atoll (North Ari), Maldives. It lies about 71.7 kilometers from the capital city, Malé. The island is oval-shaped, flat, and oriented northwest to southeast. Ukulhas is situated close to the northern boundary of its atoll, surrounded by lagoon and coral reef systems.
Size, Shape, and Landscape
Ukulhas measures roughly 1,025 meters in length and about 225 meters in width, covering about 17.4 hectares of land. The terrain is flat coral sand, with white sandy beaches, coconut palms, tropical vegetation, and narrow internal roads. The landscape is tidy and well kept, with greenery, flowering plants, and coastal dunes making it visually striking.
Population and Lifestyle
The resident community on Ukulhas is around 1,000 people. They lead a mix of traditional island life—fishing, small-scale farming, and crafts—alongside growing guesthouse-based tourism. The people are known for friendliness, hospitality, and for being part of environmental programs, which gives visitors chance to see local culture, music, cuisine, and daily island rhythms.
Environment, Cleanliness & Waste Management
Ukulhas is famous for being the first systematically waste-managed inhabited island in the Maldives. It won the Green Leaf Award in 2014 in recognition of its exemplary cleanliness, waste collection, recycling, and environmental education. There are regular beach-cleaning and planting programs, awareness programs around marine ecosystems and biodiversity.
Beaches and Marine Life
The island has excellent beaches: pristine white sand, clear turquoise lagoon, especially on the west side for stunning sunsets, and a designated bikini beach for tourists. The house reef is close by for snorkeling, with marine life such as sea turtles, reef sharks, rays, a variety of fish. There are famous dive sites nearby like Maaya Thila.
Access & Transportation
Visitors reach Ukulhas via speedboat from Malé, with travel time of about 90 minutes. Public ferries may also operate depending on schedule. Once on the island, exploring is easy by foot or bicycle. There are walkable internal roads, some upgraded, and the village center and beaches are within easy reach.
Infrastructure & Facilities
Ukulhas has a health care center, small shops and markets, cafés and restaurants serving local and international cuisine. Guesthouses and mini-hotels are available. There is a convention center capable of hosting events, meeting rooms, administrative facilities, and amenities for visitors. Basic infrastructure including shops, souvenirs, beach facilities and recreational areas are all available.
Culture and Heritage
Local culture remains strong: traditional Dhivehi language, Islamic customs, and music-dance forms like bodu-beru are part of island life. The mosque and older architectural features are maintained. Local festivals, crafts, and cuisine are part of the appeal. Visitors can experience genuine island community traditions.
Climate & Best Visiting Period
Ukulhas enjoys tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. There are two monsoon seasons: the northeast monsoon (December to April) tends to be drier, with clearer skies and calmer seas; the southwest monsoon (May to November) can bring more rain and wind but still warm weather. Best time to visit for snorkeling, diving, beach days is during dry season.
Tourism Highlights & Experiences
Visitors to Ukulhas enjoy snorkeling from the shore, house reef exploration, diving, beach walks, sunset views, sandbank excursions, fishing trips, coral gardening initiatives, cultural immersion (local food, music, crafts). Eco-tourism is strong; guests often participate in waste management awareness or coral restoration activities. Ukulhas offers an affordable, sustainable and authentic island holiday.
General info
Island Identity & Administrative Division
Ukulhas is part of Alif Alif Atoll (North Ari) in Maldives.
It is governed by a local council that manages development, waste, and tourism under national atoll administration.
Geographic Coordinates
Latitude ~ 4.2151° N, Longitude ~ 72.8645° E.
These coordinates place it approximately 71.7 km west of Malé, making it accessible yet remote enough to maintain tranquility.
Land Area & Shape
Oval, flat coral sand cay, ~17.4 hectares.
With its narrow width (~225 m) and modest length (~1,025 m), island walking tours cover most spots in an hour or two.
Population & Community
Around 1,000 residents.
The population supports fishing, guesthouses, service industries. English is widely spoken among tourism service providers.
Waste Management & Environmental Leadership
First systematic waste-managed local island in Maldives.
Awarded the Green Leaf in 2014. The community runs regular beach cleanups and marine awareness programs.
Beaches & Marine Ecosystems
Pristine beaches, house reef, nearby dive sites.
Excellent snorkeling close to shore; dive sites like Maaya Thila attract reef sharks, rays and diverse marine fauna.
Facilities & Amenities
Guesthouses, cafés, shops, health center, convention center.
Good variety of food options, decorations, souvenir shops, comfortable lodging for varying budgets.
Culture & Traditions
Islamic faith, local festivals, bodu-beru music, traditional food.
Visitors can witness community events, try local dishes like mashuni, curries, participate in music performances.
Transportation & Access
Speedboat from Malé, occasional public ferry, internal roads improved.
Travel takes ~1.5 hours; internal roads being upgraded with drainage and pathways for rainy seasons.
Weather & Best Seasons
Tropical climate, two monsoons.
Dry season (Dec-Apr) ideal for outdoor activities; wet season has more rain but cooler and fewer crowds.
FAQs about
Ukulhas
Ukulhas is approximately 71.7 kilometers from Malé.
The typical way is by speedboat from Malé. Public ferry options may be available.
Yes. The house reef is excellent, and there are dive sites such as Maaya Thila close by, with marine diversity including reef sharks, rays, sea turtles, etc.
Yes, Ukulhas is widely recognized for its cleanliness and has a systematic waste management system. It was awarded the Green Leaf Award.
Yes. There are several guesthouses and mini-hotels available for different budgets.
There is a healthcare center, shops, cafés and restaurants, souvenir shops, beach facilities, and modern guesthouse-style lodging.
Yes. There is a designated bikini beach area, and the beaches are well maintained for tourists.
Yes. There is a designated bikini beach area, and the beaches are well maintained for tourists.
It’s tropical. The dry season (December to April) is calmer, sunnier, best for beach activities. The wet season (May to November) has more rain but still warm.
Yes. Visitors can join coral gardening, marine conservation programs, beach clean-ups, and also participate or observe cultural traditions, local cuisine, music.
The best time is during the dry northeast monsoon from December through April, when visibility is high and sea conditions are calm.