Local Maldives Budget Island Ukulhas Walking Tour

Ukulhas Main Street Walk: Restaurants, Prices, Shops, and Daily Life

After checking in at Koimala Beach Guest House, we went out for lunch and to explore the island. We took the sandy road and found a restaurant that we liked within minutes. Olhumathi Restaurant impressed us with their lower prices compared to Dhigurah.

Prices seemed to be noticeably cheaper than Dhigurah —coffee for two to three dollars, desserts for two to four, and main dishes like fried rice or noodles about five to seven dollars. The difference was significant, often around thirty 35 to 50% of Dhigura’s, making Ukulhas a budget‑friendly choice for food.

Continuing along the main street, the island’s quiet atmosphere becomes obvious. The road is sandy, but Ukulhas had sidewalks, giving it a more organized feel than many other local islands. Small convenience stores appear frequently, selling fruits, vegetables, snacks, toiletries, and household items. Most shops require customers to remove their shoes before entering, a common local practice. Prices are not always displayed, but shopkeepers readily assist.

We also passed several guesthouses, construction sites for new hotels, and a few cafés offering coffee and mango sticky rice. We found the 1st barbershop, as Ukulhas only has 2 of them. I decided to have a haircut the next day.

Ukulhas also has a Bank of Maldives ATM, allowing withdrawals in both Maldivian rufiyaa and US dollars. Also, we saw a mini standalone bank branch for locals.

The island’s peaceful nature really stands out. Compared to the busy city Hulhumale, Ukulhas felt calm, with minimal noise and slow-paced daily life. The main street eventually leads toward the ocean, confirming how compact the island is.

Exploring Ukulhas can be done in a couple of days, yet its charm makes visitors stay longer. Our 3 nights felt like the perfect blend to shoot our YouTube videos and relax with ease.