Ukulhas, Maldives 🇲🇻
#1223
,
Nomad Score:
50%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Ukulhas is a beautiful island located in the Alif Alif Atoll, famous for its eco-friendly approach and vibrant community. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 1,500 residents |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 25 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 MVR ≈ 0.065 USD. Cash is widely used; ATMs are available. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type G sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Available from Ooredoo and Dhiraagu with decent coverage |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Major cards accepted, including VISA and MasterCard. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include guesthouses, Airbnb, and local homestays. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, but cash is still preferred in many places. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses available starting from $30 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Ukulhas Villa and Coral Garden are affordable options. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Near the harbor for easy access to tours and amenities. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Accommodations near the beach offer a good work-life balance. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Currently, there are no dedicated coworking spaces, but several cafes accommodate remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe 4U is known for its good coffee and fast WiFi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetup with fellow expats and digital nomads organized monthly at local guesthouses. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Join Ukulhas Community Facebook groups for local events and meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | No local taxi apps; rely on local taxis or arrange pickups from accommodations. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycles can be rented from local shops on the island. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Ukulhas Beach is known for its stunning white sands and crystal-clear waters. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | TransMaldivian Airways connects to nearby atolls. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Maldives-HA Island International links major cities worldwide. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The island does not have highways; travel is primarily by boat or bike. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There is no train service; ferry services are available from Malé. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Limited, as public transport is mainly ferry-based. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Travel is primarily by local ferries. Speedboats are also available. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Ukulhas Health Centre provides basic medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Island Yoga offers sessions focusing on relaxation and mindfulness. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Limited to small fitness centers; outdoor fitness activities are popular. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services available at most guesthouses. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Limited delivery options; local restaurants often allow orders directly. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Mas Huni, a traditional Maldivian breakfast made with tuna and coconut. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Available at local cafes; try the veggie curry at Cafe 4U. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Try local sweets at the Ukulhas Snack Shop. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets available, especially for fresh fruits and seafood. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Maldivian online retail is limited; local shops preferred. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Local grocery stores offer delivery services within the island. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Limited nightlife; small beach bars serve drinks until 10 PM. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Local brewed beer is available at select bars. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited options, but wine is available at resorts. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Local stalls offer snacks like fried fish and samosas. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Indian and Sri Lankan cuisines are prevalent on the island. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The local congregation mosque is notable for its unique architecture. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Ukulhas does not have major museums but local art can be found in guesthouses. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Visit the old fishing village area to appreciate local history. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Several mosques reflect the cultural heritage of the island. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Local festivals are celebrated, including Ramadan and Eid. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The whole island serves as a cultural district with many influences. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local events and performances are sometimes held at community centers. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Weekly markets offer fresh produce and local crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local music is available in gatherings, especially during events. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Minimal, but you can find murals in popular areas around the island. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes can be arranged with locals at guesthouses. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Limited art galleries, but local craftsmanship is showcased in shops. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The old mosque is a key sight reflecting traditional Maldivian architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Ukulhas is known for its sustainability initiatives and marine conservation. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Several nearby islands offer snorkeling and diving opportunities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Maldives National Park is accessible via boat for eco-tourism. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The island can be easily explored by bike, with paths along the beach. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Sunset views are best seen from the western beach. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Good spots can be found around the nature reserve areas. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Beachside areas allow for bonfires in designated zones. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local post office available for basic delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Limited to a few local shops; major repairs may require sending to Malé. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some guesthouses provide facilities for recreation. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local languages are taught informally in community centers. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The community center has books available for reading. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community center offers various activities and gatherings. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited gaming options; mostly board games at local cafes. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos; entertainment is mostly local and traditional. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $80,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $72,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $150,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $132,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $224,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $200,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 0% on income generated outside Maldives. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 0% tax on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | No personal income tax; expats enjoy tax benefits. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 0% |
| 🧾 VAT | 6% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Not applicable due to no personal income tax. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | No annual property tax for expatriates. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | No property transaction tax for foreigners. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | 0% tax on worldwide income for expats. |