from $70 / night
North Ari Atoll
Coral Heaven
Ukulhas
Bright boutique guesthouse on the cleanest local island in the country. House reef starts at ankle depth.
- House reef
- Eco island
- Beach access
Repeatedly voted the cleanest local island in the country. Powder-white sand, a pristine bikini beach and reefs that start at ankle depth.
EcoHouse reefSandbankFamily-friendly
Where to sleep
Stays on Ukulhas
2 curated stays across our tier rankings.
from $65 / night
North Ari Atoll
Ukulhas Sand Dune
Ukulhas
Quiet, clean and friendly — exactly the pitch. Manta and whale shark trips into South Ari from the jetty.
- Whale shark trips
- Pool
- Half-board
Things to do
On-island & excursions
WildlifeFree
House reef snorkel
Any
Reef starts at ankle depth — turtles, reef sharks, eagle rays all from the beach.
Wildlife$85
Whale shark trip (South Ari)
Full-day
Boat into South Ari Atoll — one of the most reliable whale shark hunts.
Chill$35
Sandbank + BBQ
Half-day
Sandbank picnic with a BBQ lunch grilled on the sand by your guesthouse.
Getting there
MLE → Ukulhas
Mode
Speedboat
Duration
1h 45m
Cost (1-way)
$65
Operator
Ukulhas Express
Scheduled speedboat from Malé, most days of the week. Book via your guesthouse.
Creators loving this island
What the internet says
YouTube
budget
“It's really possible to see the Maldives for under $30 a day — guesthouses, local ferries and a bikini beach all to yourself.”
Independent travel vlogger
YouTube
“Is It Really Possible?! The Backpacker Guide to the Maldives UNDER $30 per DAY”
YouTube
budget
“Gulhi is the best island I found — same atoll as Maafushi, half the crowds, and paradise on a budget.”
Budget travel vlog
YouTube
“This is BY FAR The Best Island of the MALDIVES — Guide to Paradise on a Budget”
YouTube
budget
“2025 update: how to do the Maldives on a budget — Maafushi, Mathiveri, ferries, excursions, food costs all broken down.”
Maldives 2025 budget guide
YouTube
“Budget Travel Guide to The Maldives in 2025 🇲🇻”