Hulhumale: A Guide to the Artificial Island Paradise in Maldives

Hulhumale

📍 Hulhumalé, MaldivesView map ›

🗓 Best Time To Visit:November to April

⏰ Open Hours:N/A

🏖 Things To Do:Beach activities, Visit Hulhumale Central Park, Explore local markets, Water sports, Visit Hulhumale Mosque

💰 Budget:Variable depending on activities and accommodations. Approximate daily budget can be $50-$200

🧳 Traveller Types:Solo travellers, Couples, Families

🔖 Known For:Pristine beaches, Water sports, Hulhumale Mosque, Blend of urban and island life

📍 Distances:6.5 km from Male International Airport, 7 km from Male city

🍽 Local Cuisine:Mas Huni, Maldivian Curry, Bis Keemiya, Fried Yams, Seafood

🏊 Water Sports:Snorkelling, Scuba Diving, Jet Skiing, Windsurfing

🛍 Shopping:Local markets for handicrafts, clothes and souvenirs

🚫 Restrictions:Alcohol is prohibited outside of resort areas

Maldives is a dream destination for many travelers, known for its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and luxurious resorts. But did you know that there is more to Maldives than just the natural beauty? Hulhumale, a man-made island in Maldives, is a testament to the country's vision and innovation. Hulhumale is not only a residential and commercial hub, but also a tourist attraction that offers a unique blend of urban and natural experiences.

Whether you are looking for a relaxing getaway, an adventurous escapade, or a cultural immersion, Hulhumale has something for everyone. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide to Hulhumale as a travel destination, including how to reach, where to stay, what to do, and what to eat in Hulhumale.

How to Reach Hulhumale

Hulhumale is located in the Kaafu Atoll, about 8 km north of the capital city of Male. There are several ways to reach Hulhumale from the Velana International Airport, which is the main gateway to Maldives. Here are some of the options:

- By plane:

You can take a domestic flight from the airport to the Hulhumale International Airport, which is located on the eastern side of the island. The flight takes about 15 minutes and costs around $50 per person. This is the fastest and most convenient way to reach Hulhumale, especially if you have a lot of luggage or are traveling with children or elderly.

- By ferry:

You can take a public ferry from the airport to the Hulhumale Ferry Terminal, which is located on the western side of the island. The ferry takes about 20 minutes and costs around $1 per person. This is the cheapest and most scenic way to reach Hulhumale, as you can enjoy the views of the ocean and the islands along the way. However, the ferry operates only from 6 am to 10 pm, and may not be available during bad weather or high tide.

- By bus:

You can take a public bus from the airport to the Hulhumale Bus Station, which is located near the Hulhumale Ferry Terminal. The bus takes about 25 minutes and costs around $2 per person. This is a comfortable and reliable way to reach Hulhumale, as the buses are air-conditioned and run every 30 minutes from 5 am to 11 pm. However, the bus may not have enough space for large or bulky luggage, and may be crowded during peak hours.

- By taxi:

You can take a private taxi from the airport to your hotel or any location in Hulhumale. The taxi takes about 15 minutes and costs around $10 per trip. This is the most flexible and convenient way to reach Hulhumale, as you can choose your own time and destination. However, the taxi may be expensive and hard to find, especially during busy periods or holidays.

Before traveling to Maldives, you should also check the visa requirements and customs regulations for your country of origin. Most nationalities can get a free 30-day visa on arrival, but you may need to show proof of accommodation, return ticket, and sufficient funds. You should also declare any items that are prohibited or restricted in Maldives, such as alcohol, pork, drugs, weapons, or religious materials.

Where to Stay in Hulhumale

Hulhumale offers a wide range of accommodation options for travelers, from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury resorts. Depending on your preference, budget, and availability, you can choose from the following options:

Hotels:

Hotels are the most common and popular choice for travelers in Hulhumale, as they provide comfort, convenience, and quality service. Hotels in Hulhumale range from 3-star to 5-star, and offer amenities such as air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, TV, minibar, pool, spa, gym, and restaurant. Some of the best hotels in Hulhumale are Hotel Ocean Grand, Hotel Elite Inn, and Hotel Jen. The average price for a hotel room in Hulhumale is around $100 per night, but you may find cheaper or more expensive options depending on the season and demand.

Resorts:

Resorts are the ultimate choice for travelers who want to experience the luxury and exclusivity of Maldives. Resorts in Hulhumale are located on private islands or lagoons, and offer amenities such as air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, TV, minibar, pool, spa, gym, restaurant, and water sports. Some of the best resorts in Hulhumale are Adaaran Prestige Ocean Villas, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives, and Paradise Island Resort & Spa. The average price for a resort room in Hulhumale is around $500 per night, but you may find cheaper or more expensive options depending on the season and demand.

Guesthouses:

Guesthouses are the cheapest and most authentic choice for travelers who want to experience the local culture and lifestyle of Maldives. Guesthouses in Hulhumale are located in residential areas or near the beach, and offer amenities such as air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, TV, fan, and shared bathroom. Some of the best guesthouses in Hulhumale are Le Vieux Nice Inn, Rivethi Beach Hotel, and UI Inn. The average price for a guesthouse room in Hulhumale is around $50 per night, but you may find cheaper or more expensive options depending on the season and demand.

Airbnb:

Airbnb is a modern and convenient choice for travelers who want to have more privacy and flexibility in their accommodation. Airbnb in Hulhumale offers a variety of options, such as apartments, villas, bungalows, or boats. You can rent an entire place or a private room, and enjoy amenities such as air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, TV, kitchen, and laundry. Some of the best Airbnb in Hulhumale are Beach View Apartment, Sea View Villa, and Luxury Yacht. The average price for an Airbnb in Hulhumale is around $100 per night, but you may find cheaper or more expensive options depending on the season and demand.

What to Do in Hulhumale

Hulhumale is a paradise for travelers who love nature, adventure, and culture. There are so many things to do, see, and enjoy in Hulhumale, that you will never get bored or run out of options. Here are some of the main attractions and activities in Hulhumale:

Hulhumale Beach:

Hulhumale Beach is the main attraction and the pride of Hulhumale. It is a long and wide stretch of white sand and clear water, that offers a stunning view of the ocean and the skyline. You can relax, sunbathe, swim, or play on the beach, or enjoy the various facilities and services available, such as umbrellas, chairs, showers, toilets, cafes, and shops. Hulhumale Beach is also a great place to watch the sunrise and the sunset, as the sky turns into a palette of colors. Hulhumale Beach is open 24 hours a day, and is free of charge. However, you should respect the local culture and dress modestly, as Hulhumale is a Muslim island. You should also avoid littering, smoking, or drinking alcohol on the beach, as these are prohibited or frowned upon.

Hulhumale Central Park:

Hulhumale Central Park is a green oasis in the middle of the urban landscape of Hulhumale. It is a large and well-maintained park, that features a fountain, a fishpond, a playground, a jogging track, and a picnic area. You can enjoy the fresh air, the shade, and the tranquility of the park, or engage in some fun and healthy activities, such as jogging, cycling, playing, or picnicking. Hulhumale Central Park is open from 6 am to 10 pm, and is free of charge. However, you should respect the park rules and regulations, such as keeping the park clean, quiet, and safe.

Watersports:

Watersports are one of the most exciting and thrilling activities in Hulhumale, as they allow you to explore the underwater world and the marine life of Maldives. You can choose from a variety of watersports, such as diving, snorkeling, canoeing, kayaking, surfing, jet skiing, parasailing, or banana boating. You can either book a watersport package with a reputable company, or rent the equipment and go on your own. However, you should always follow the safety instructions and precautions, such as wearing a life jacket, checking the weather and the tide, and staying within the designated area. You should also respect the environment and the wildlife, and avoid touching, feeding, or harming the coral or the fish.

Watching Sunsets:

Watching sunsets is one of the most romantic and memorable activities in Hulhumale, as they offer a spectacular view of the horizon and the sky. You can watch the sunsets from the beach, the park, the pier, or the rooftop, and witness the sun dip into the ocean and the sky change colors. You can also capture the moment with Watching Sunsets: Watching sunsets is one of the most romantic and memorable activities in Hulhumale, as they offer a spectacular view of the horizon and the sky. You can watch the sunsets from the beach, the park, the pier, or the rooftop, and witness the sun dip into the ocean and the sky change colors. You can also capture the moment with your camera or your phone, and share it with your loved ones or on social media. Watching sunsets is a free and easy activity, but you should plan ahead and check the sunset time and the weather forecast, to make sure you don’t miss it.

Hulhumale Mosque:

Hulhumale Mosque is a landmark and a symbol of Hulhumale, as it is the largest and the most beautiful mosque in the island. It is a modern and elegant structure, that features a white dome, a golden minaret, and a blue glass facade. The mosque can accommodate up to 5,000 worshippers, and hosts the daily prayers and the Friday sermon. The mosque is also open to visitors, who can admire the architecture, the interior, and the Islamic art. However, you should respect the religious and cultural norms, and dress modestly, remove your shoes, and avoid taking photos or making noise inside the mosque.

What to Eat in Hulhumale

Hulhumale is a paradise for foodies, as it offers a diverse and delicious cuisine that reflects the culture and the history of Maldives. You can find a variety of restaurants and cafes in Hulhumale, that serve local, regional, and international dishes. You can also try some of the street food and the market food, that are cheap and authentic. Here are some of the best things to eat in Hulhumale:

Mas Huni:

Mas Huni is a traditional and popular breakfast dish in Maldives, that consists of shredded tuna, coconut, onion, chili, and lime. It is usually served with roshi, a flatbread, and tea or coffee. Mas Huni is a healthy and filling dish, that provides you with protein, fiber, and vitamins. You can find Mas Huni in most of the restaurants and cafes in Hulhumale, or make it yourself with fresh ingredients.

Garudhiya:

Garudhiya is a staple and classic dish in Maldives, that consists of a clear fish broth, made with tuna, water, salt, and curry leaves. It is usually served with rice, roshi, lime, chili, and onion. Garudhiya is a simple and flavorful dish, that showcases the freshness and the quality of the fish. You can find Garudhiya in most of the restaurants and cafes in Hulhumale, or order it from a local home cook.

Hedhikaa:

Hedhikaa is a term that refers to the snacks and the finger food that are popular in Maldives. They are usually eaten in the afternoon or in the evening, with tea or coffee. Hedhikaa can be sweet or savory, and can be made with fish, coconut, flour, sugar, or fruits. Some of the most common and delicious hedhikaa are bajiya, a pastry filled with fish and onion, gulha, a ball of dough stuffed with fish and coconut, and bondi, a sweet made with coconut and sugar. You can find hedhikaa in most of the street stalls and the markets in Hulhumale, or buy them from a local bakery.

Hulhumale is a hidden gem in Maldives, that offers a unique and diverse experience for travelers. Whether you are looking for a relaxing getaway, an adventurous escapade, or a cultural immersion, Hulhumale has something for everyone. You can enjoy the stunning beach, the green park, the modern mosque, the exciting watersports, and the delicious cuisine in Hulhumale, and discover the beauty and the innovation of this artificial island.

Hulhumale is a perfect destination for any type of traveler, whether you are traveling solo, with your partner, with your family, or with your friends. Hulhumale is waiting for you, so don’t hesitate and book your trip today. If you need any help or advice, feel free to contact me or visit the Tripoto website for more information and inspiration.

We hope you enjoyed this travel guide to Hulhumale, and I hope to see you soon in this island paradise.

Hulhumale Reviews

MiltonVines

5 Followers

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Scattered across the Arabian Sea, south-west of Sri Lanka and India, the Maldives present the face of a dreamy, tropical idyll to travellers from all over the world, who fly in to savour picture-perfect coral atolls fringed with white sand, luxurious resorts and world-class water sport. We are one of the most vulnerable countries on Earth But perhaps no other nation faces an environmental threat quite like the Maldives. Its luxury beach resorts may be world-famous, but with more than 80% of its scattered 1,200 islands less than 1m above sea level, rising oceans threaten its very existence. “We are one of the most vulnerable countries on Earth and therefore need to adapt,” said the country’s vice president Mohammed Waheed Hassan in a 2010 World Bank report that warned how, at current predicted rates of sea level rise, all of the Maldives’ around 200 natural inhabited islands could be submerged by 2100. The low-lying Maldives islands are threatened by rising ocean levels due to climate change (Credit: Credit: Matteo Colombo/Getty Images) The low-lying Maldives islands are threatened by rising ocean levels due to climate change (Credit: Matteo Colombo/Getty Images) But Maldivians are determined to fight back to preserve their existence. Back in 2008, then-president Mohamed Nasheed made global headlines by announcing a plan to buy land elsewhere so his citizens could relocate should islands become submerged. That plan gave way to considering whether it might be best to work with the sea rather than against it, by building floating urban developments – as has been done in cities like Amsterdam. Instead, the Maldives turned to a different form of geo-engineering: creating a 21st-Century city, dubbed the “City of Hope”, on a new, artificial island christened Hulhumalé. Pre-Covid, curious tourists could visit the new island city as it takes shape around 8km from the capital city of Malé by hopping on a 20-minute bus from the airport over the bridge. Yet, few who come to the Maldives on short luxurious breaks will think about the pragmatic social issues Hulhumalé aims to solve. With more than 500,000 inhabitants scattered across the archipelago, delivery of services is one resource-draining logistical nightmare. Lack of job opportunities is another, driving youth unemployment to more than 15%, according to a 2020 report by the World Bank. As well as the long-term threat of submersion, increasing coastal erosion also threatens the 70% of infrastructure – homes, other buildings and utilities – located within 100m of present shorelines. There’s also worries over encroaching salty seas tainting precious fresh water sources, plus risks posed by unpredictable natural disasters, like the 2004 tsunami that killed more than 100 people in the Maldives. The new, artificial island of Hulhumalé was built using millions of cubic metres of sand pumped from the seabed (Credit: Credit: Hassan Mohamed) The new, artificial island of Hulhumalé was built using millions of cubic metres of sand pumped from the seabed (Credit: Hassan Mohamed) “After the 2004 tsunami, a programme for enhancing resiliency through safer islands was introduced,” explained Areen Ahmed, director of business development at the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) that oversees the City of Hope. “Hulhumalé is being developed through careful considerations of climate change in its architecture and communities.” Ongoing land reclamation using millions of cubic metres of sand pumped from the seabed has raised the new island more than 2m above sea level, while the island’s growing City of Hope is seen as a vital new settlement to relieve the over-crowding that currently blights Malé, where more than 130,000 people cram into 1 square mile (just more than 2.5 sq km). You may also be interested in: • Is the future of travel underwater? • A Maldives you can actually afford • The island with a key to our future “Malé is one of the most densely populated cities on Earth,” said Kate Philpot, who worked as a science officer in the Maldives, researching reef fish for the Korallion Lab marine station, before becoming senior ecologist at UK-based consultancy Ecology By Design. Phase one of Hulhumalé’s land reclamation, consisting of 188 hectares, began in 1997 and was completed in 2002. Two years later, the island celebrated the arrival of its first 1,000 residents. Further reclamation of 244 hectares of land was completed in 2015, and by late 2019, more than 50,000 people were living on Hulhumalé. The new island will eventually house up to 240,000 people and help reduce over-crowding in Malé (Credit: Credit: Mr Sham'aan Shakir- Shammu) The new island will eventually house up to 240,000 people and help reduce over-crowding in Malé (Credit: Mr Sham'aan Shakir- Shammu) But ambitions for Hulhumalé are far greater, eventually envisioned as hosting up to 240,000 people in well-designed style by the mid-2020s. This vision includes a diverse mix of quality housing, new employment opportunities plus open recreational space three times larger per person than Malé. According to Ahmed, in contrast to the unplanned and over-crowded nature of Malé, Hulhumalé was designed with many green urban planning initiatives. “Buildings are oriented north-south to reduce heat gain and improve thermal comfort. Streets are designed to optimise wind penetration, reducing reliance on air conditioning. And schools, mosques and neighbourhood parks are within 100-200m walking distance of residential developments, reducing car use.” Electric buses and bicycle lanes are also part of the new city landscape. Varied housing needs are also being catered for. “Hulhumalé comprises diverse housing projects: mid-range, luxury and social housing,” said Ahmed. “Sixty percent of mid-range housing units have to be sold under the pricing ceiling set by HDC.” Affordable social housing is available for specific groups, including single women and those affected by displacement and disasters. There has been detailed consultation to ensure housing and the wider built environment is accessible to those with disabilities. Enviable digital infrastructure proposals complement green initiatives and social planning, said Ahmed, who describes Hulhumalé as “Asia’s first 100% gigabit-enabled smart city”, with fast digital access for residents based on widespread optical fibre technology known as GPON (Gigabit Passive Optical Networks). Hulhumalé has been designed with green urban planning initiatives and sustainability in mind (Credit: Credit: Hassan Mohamed) Hulhumalé has been designed with green urban planning initiatives and sustainability in mind (Credit: Hassan Mohamed) “The ultimate benefit of building a Smart City from scratch is that Hulhumalé will be seen as a city of resilience – built by the people of Maldives for the people of the Maldives,” said Professor Hassan Ugail, a Maldivian computer scientist who is helping to make Hulhumalé a smart city, alongside his work as director of the Centre for Visual Computing at the UK’s University of Bradford. Malé is one of the most densely populated cities on Earth Hulhumalé aims to tick boxes with regard to sustainable urban development too, including drawing around a third of its energy from solar power and harvesting rainwater to boost water security. Yet isn’t the very act of building an artificial island something harmful to the environment – especially in a place famed for coral reefs and pristine white-sand shores? When Belgian company Dredging International completed the 244-hectare expansion of the island in 2015, the operation required sucking around six million cubic metres of sand from the surrounding seabed to then transport and pump onto Hulhumalé. “Land reclamation work is particularly problematic,” said Dr Holly East from Northumbria University’s Department of Geography and Environmental Sciences, an expert in coral reef islands with experience conducting research in the Maldives. “Not only can it destroy coral reefs, but [it] also creates vast plumes of sediment that travel to other reef platforms. Sediment smother[s] corals and blocks out sunlight, impacting their capacity to feed, grow and reproduce.” All of the Maldives’ around 200 natural inhabited islands could be submerged by 2100 (Credit: Credit: Carl Court/Getty Images) At current predicted rates of sea level rise, all of the Maldives’ around 200 natural inhabited islands could be submerged by 2100 (Credit: Carl Court/Getty Images) But with its steadily growing population, land reclamation has become a simple fact of Maldivian life, with existing coral reef providing the obvious foundation. “Efforts have been made to reduce impacts of the development of Hulhumalé, including translocation of some corals,” said Philpot. “However, it can take a long time for them to become established elsewhere – and there is often a poor success rate.” Yet with her years of experience in the Maldives, Philpot is well aware of competing demands. Tourists may come and go, but local people need land to live on and jobs. She also makes the rather ironic observation that Hulhumalé is rising in an area that has already, to some extent, been spoiled. “Construction is likely to be less damaging than elsewhere in the Maldives,” she said. “It seems preferable to develop an area with relatively high levels of boat traffic and pollution compared to anywhere else within the Maldives that remains relatively unspoilt.” In this view, she is backed by the World Bank’s 2020 report, which notes “the Greater Malé Region, particularly in Hulhumalé, do not have significant natural habitats – and the coral reefs are mostly degraded”. Despite the Maldives’ idyllic reputation, many local children never get the opportunity to go snorkelling (Credit: Credit: Carl Court/Getty Images) Despite the Maldives’ idyllic reputation, many local children never get the opportunity to go snorkelling (Credit: Carl Court/Getty Images) Waste disposal remains a key issue – both in terms of construction waste for Hulhumalé, as well as waste from its growing city of inhabitants. “Much of the waste has been transported and stored in the purpose-built island of Thilafushi,” explained Philpot wryly. Hulhumalé will be seen as a city of resilience – built by the people of Maldives for the people of the Maldives Maldivian authorities counter the idea that this is basically a tropical rubbish dump, albeit rather vaguely. “All measures to minimise the impact of construction on the environment are monitored by the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) of the Maldives,” Ahmed told me. While Hulhumalé is being fashioned primarily to improve the lives of Maldivians, its City of Hope also aims to be a beacon for a new cohort of tourists interested in more than just lying in a beachside resort bubble. A 2018 World Finance report, for example, highlights the potential for medical and sports tourism tied into upcoming projects such as the Maldives’ first multi-specialist hospital, water theme park and yacht marina. Philpot also hopes the dreams driving Hulhumalé will extend to a greater appreciation of their surroundings by the next generation of Maldivians. “I taught coral ecology classes to Maldivian children between [the ages of] 14 and 17 – and more than half my class had never put their faces in the water with a snorkel on,” she said. “Their amazement at what they saw was so exciting – but also sad, that they lived so close to the sea but never got the opportunity to experience being underwater. Perhaps with more direct education aimed at marine biology there would be more interest in preserving and protecting the marine ecosystem amongst the young.” Rather than just building a City of Hope, in other words, the people of the Maldives are taking an island-building path into the future that could make the Maldives a Nation of Hope.

Neha jain - sweety

83 Followers

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After reaching Hulhumale (airport island) take a ferry from the jetty to the Male city (it will charge 10 Maldivian Rufiyaa per person) within ten to fifteen mins you will reach to male. After reaching male you can take a speed boat or ferry for Maafushi island. Please note there is a particular time in which the ferry and the speed boats run, you have to check the timetable for that. A speed boat may charge you $25 or $20 and a ferry will charge you 50 Maldivian Rufiyaa. If you landed late evening then you can stay for a night in Hulhumale and next day you can depart for Maafushi. Maafushiis comparatively cheaper and beautiful than Male city and Hulhumale and very important there is a lot more activities to do over here, this island is famous for its water activities and excursions like half day tour, full day tour, sand bank, dolphin and whale watching, picnic island, island hopping, local island visit, half day snorkelling, scuba diving, day trip to luxury island resorts. U can get a beachside hotel at a very reasonable price. Almost every hotel and guesthouses have the bicycle so you can drive the whole island whenever and wherever you want and there is a private beach where you can wear the bikini. Male cityis more commercialised and crowded there is no beach in the city except for an artificial beach so if you are on a holiday I would recommend staying at secluded and hassle free place to enjoy the beauty of island Luxury Trip If you are in a mood of complete relax and luxury and you are a honeymoon couple then I would recommend staying in a private island resort hotel and you must opt for sunset over water villa because it is an amazing experience to feel the ocean all around you. The luxury resorts also offer many activities like the day trips, snorkelling and scuba diving, and if you are a sports person then you can go for motorised and nonmotorized activity like paddle boating, kayaking etc. Take a good massage therapy and I am sure you will enjoy each and every moment spent at the resort. Diving Maldives is rich in its marine life. There are various diving points like the manta ray, shark point, banana reef, coral garden etc. If you want to explore the underwater than it will be better to take a live aboard for a week or two it is up to you, The cruise would take you through some best diving sites but for that you must have a diving certificate, people who are not good swimmer may enjoy snorkeling, fishing etc. and while sunset you may get a chance to see Dolphins accompanying you. This cruise generally runs with an all inclusive programme. Sunburns are very common so bring a good sun's cream lotion.

Madhan S

80 Followers

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We boarded our flights (Air India) at 2:00 in the afternoon and the departure was at 2:20. There is only one direct flight from Bengaluru-Male and that's Airindia flight at 2:20 pm. The travel time is 1:55 hours but they reached Male in 1:30 hours. It was a rough flight in Male. They took 4 attempts to land the flight. When this flight landed there was a applause in the cabin for safe landing. After that we filled a form for visa on arrival and then we passed the immigration to pick out luggage. We had taken 250 dollars with us other than the resort and hotel bookings. We converted 70 dollars to MVR (Maldivian rufiya) 1 dollar = 15 rufiya (1 rufiya = 4 rupees). We took the currency and headed to mobile network Shops. There are two networks dhiraagu and ooredoo, both give same offers. In airport they had only data pack sims. I asked for calls only sim as there will be wifi in all the hotels and resorts and even in airport as well, but they said they had only data pack sims. They were offering 10GB and 7 days validity for 15 Dollars, so we thought we will skip it. We headed out and enquired with the locals and airport officials for directions to go to Hulhumale. There is bus tranfer as well as taxi to Hulhumale. They charge 20 rufiya per person in bus tranfer and 100 rufiya per trip in taxi. As the Hotel we booked had there owncabfor transfer, they charged us 10 Dollars for round trip for both of us. So we reached the hotel at around 7 pm. We had done our resort bookings from 16/11/2019 so we stayed in a hotel in Hulhumale for 15th night. We had booked a hotel named UI Hotels. We kept our luggage in the hotel connected to the hotel wifi and searched for a good place to eat near by and found a decent looking place to eat and had our dinner. The hotel had buffet with around 6 items and were charging 10 dollars (150 rufiya) per person. Our dinner bill was 160 rufiya, we had some good Maldivian food (As we don't how the different items tastes, we asked for the waiter for suggestions. After the dinner we roamed the island for sometime and headed back to the hotel.

Arshiya Naushad

61 Followers

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This was the shortest and most impromtu trip Ive had and we were on a budget as well. So this trip is basically for people who are visiting Maldives just for the weekend and doesnt want to spend on expensive resorts. Arrive at Maldives, Airport . As you know Maldives is basically an archipelago of islands and the airport is situated in hulhulè island. The nearest island was Hulhumalè which was connected by bridge. We had booked the days accomodation at hulhumalè. From the airport we took a cab to our hotel. We stayed at Vista beach retreat via booking.com . It was more of a guest house than a hotel. It is sea facing. The premium rooms are sea facing . Our room was a lil small but clean. After having lunch at Vista, we head out for a business meeting. After which, we had some good time at the beach. The pristine blue waters and calm ness is soo worth it . We had dinner from Tandoori flames which was only a 5 mins walk away and then called it a day.

Saumiabee

5883 Followers

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Around 30mins away from Hulhumale, lies the Back Faru dive site which is one of the easiest dive sites of Maldives. This dive site does not experience high tides and high currents, and thus, is a good site to test your diving skills, in case you're a beginner. Back Faru also boasts of high under-water clarity due to its calm waters, and is hence, the perfect site to start out at. The reefs here are initially shallow and then become deeper as you go, therefore, slowly leading you to the passage of exuberant marine life. Some of the unique species that you may spot here are moorish idol, Maldives blenny, and honeycomb sharpnosed puffer.