We are pleased to present a new Solo Travel Destination Post from Mellissa, a member of the Solo Travel Society on Facebook. Mellissa lives in Singapore and submitted the following report about Ukulhas. Do you have a solo travel destination that you would like to recommend? Submit your description here, along with a few photos, and share it with fellow travelers!
Solo travel rating: 1.5 (1 is easiest, 3 is most difficult. Please see chart below)
Languages spoken: Dhivehi, English
After the rain, a rainbow.
Reasons to Visit Ukulhas
Ukulhas is one of the Maldives Islands that is inhabited by locals, and is slowly opening up to tourists with a handful of guesthouses on the island. Staying on a local island is one way of experiencing Maldives without breaking the bank! It allows you to interact with the local community and experience “the real Maldives.”
Ukulhas is a 4-hour local ferry ride, a 1-hour public speedboat ride or a 20-minute seaplane ride away from the capital city of Maldives, Male. It has received the “Green Leaf” award from the government for its efforts to preserve and keep the island clean.
A dive school has just recently been opened on this local island, so diving is a must! I have seen turtles, sharks, mantas, and dolphins amongst the diverse sea life underwater. Fishing trips and sand bank excursions can be organized as well.
The beaches on the island are quiet and generally clean, and bikinis are allowed, which is very rare in Maldives due to their religion. Locals will not be approaching you with any purchase or services, so you can enjoy the sounds of the ocean without any disturbance.
Preparing for a dive!
Invited by a family to break fast with them during Ramadhan.
Solo Travel Destination Rating System
Safety – 1 (1 very safe, 2 safe in most areas, 3 be cautious at all times.)
Language – 2 (1 English is first language, 2 English speakers easy to find, 3 English speakers rare)
Navigation – 1 (1 easy to navigate by transit or car, 2 poor transit, car necessary, 3 not easy to get around)
Culture – 2 (1 Similar to North America or Western Europe, 2 Different from above but relaxed and easy, 3 Challenging)
Average Rating – 1.5 (1 is easiest, 3 is most difficult)
