Ukulhas Complete North to South Walk: Beaches, Fish Processing & Local Life

Walking Ukulhas: West Side Beach, Fish Drying Area, Cafes & Guesthouses

In the last article, we walked Ukulhas Main Street. Today, we decided to cover the full island from north to south.

The first thing we noticed on the northern tip was a public outdoor gym. The equipment was free to use and locals often stopped by during cooler hours. It’s located directly across from AA Ukulhas School, the island’s main educational center, surrounded by benches and shaded areas.

Moving south, the main street becomes easy to identify because of the sidewalks—something not all Maldives local islands have. The sidewalks run straight through the center of Ukulhas, making navigation simple. It was extremely hot and quiet: we saw a very few people outside. We saw lots of traditional Maldivian net‑style chairs along the way, designed to let air flow through and keep the seat cool. It’s an ingenious design and I haven't seen them in any other country.

A short turn later, the beach immediately came into view. The turquoise water was immaculately clear and there were swings along the sand and the ocean breeze felt like heaven. The west side was noticeably peaceful, with shaded areas under large trees and a cooler breeze compared to the center street.

One of the most unique sights we encountered was the fish‑drying area. We saw workers cut and prepare large fish—often marlin or sailfish—before laying them out to dry. This is a rare experience for visitors, as most tourists never see traditional fish processing up close in the Maldives. The area was filled with rows of drying fish and workers handling fresh cuts, giving a glimpse into local industry.

Continuing south, the beachfront becomes lined with cafés, guesthouses, and small hotels. Many offer seating facing the ocean, allowing visitors to enjoy coffee with a view. Coconut stalls, decorations, and shaded walkways add character to this part of the island. Ukulhas also has designated bikini‑beach zones, clearly marked with dress‑code signs. Unlike many local islands, Ukulhas offers the longest bikini beach around its coastline.

We ended at the southern tip, where fine white sand and calm waters highlight why Ukulhas is popular among budget travelers. Despite its small size, the island offers a complete mix of local life, beaches, cafés, and unique cultural experiences—all within a single, easy walk.