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Atoll Haa Alifu located in the northern region and only recently became available to tourists. The atoll consists of 42 islands, 16 of which are inhabited. In total, about 14 thousand local residents live here. The coastal waters are rich in underwater life and are considered one of the most fishing spots in the archipelago. All islands have a certain direction here.
So, Ihavadhu and Huvarafushi are known as the fishermen's domain, along the coast of Uligamu there is a bay for yachtsmen and sailing enthusiasts, and Dhidhodhu is home to the largest number of indigenous people. Matirah Island serves as the cultural and religious capital of the atoll. There is an old mausoleum with a sacred tomb, to which Muslim Sufis from all over the world regularly make pilgrimages. On the island of Kelaa, during the Second World War, a British naval base was located, traces of which have survived there to this day. Several island hotels form the tourist image of the resort, and the abundance of coral reefs that attract diving lovers here perfectly complement the beautiful landscapes of this region. Haa Alifu is a respectful distance from the country's international airport. On a seaplane it can be overcome in 50-60 minutes, plus some more time is required in order to get to the destination by boat.
One of the most luxurious islands - hotels in the atoll, is Beach House Maldives The Waldorf Astoria Collection 5 *... It is equipped with magnificent villas that carefully shelter from the sun, exotic trees of the tropics, the shade of which falls directly into the ocean. Each villa has its own pool and green garden where you can sunbathe and enjoy the natural sunbathing. There is also a diving center, massage parlor, several bars and restaurants on site. If you wish, here you can rent a boat, pedal boat or boat to go to explore the flora and fauna of these places. The coast of the island has a wide coastline and wonderful white sand. Throughout the day, tourists are encouraged to engage in any water sports or take a boat trip to other islands and nearby atolls. Not far from Beach House Maldives The Waldorf Astoria Collection is another wonderful island hotel, Island Hideaway at Dhonakulhi Maldives 5 *, literally immersed in greenery. In its shape, this small piece of land resembles a crescent moon that has fallen from the sky into the azure waters of the Indian Ocean, which includes several dozen secluded villas on the coast itself. The abundance of all kinds of sports entertainment, combined with exotic Maldivian dishes and their own water transport, enable the guests of the island to diversify their recreation program as much as possible.
Cinnamon Island Alidhoo 5 *, Jumeirah Dhevanafushi 5 * and club hotel Robinson Club Maldives 4 * are magnificent island hotels located in the waters of Haa Alifu Atoll. They are also luxuriously decorated and serviced by highly trained staff. All services for rental of transport and equipment for underwater diving are also offered to the guests. Coral reefs around the islands abound not only with exotic animals, but also attract with their unusual shape. Here you can fish in glass-clear water, admire the sunset or swim in the moonlight.
Meanwhile, all hotels have high-tech communications and access to the Internet, which makes it possible for guests of the resort at any time to briefly restore their connection with the outside world and remember the benefits of civilization.
Unlike most of the islands and atolls of the archipelago, there are not many divers on Haa Alifu. Most likely this is due to the lack of promotion of the resort and its remoteness from the rest of the territory, especially since the underwater world near the local shores is in no way inferior in the brightness of colors and variety to other regions of the country. These places are popular among sailing fans due to the fact that the local weather conditions, and in particular the strength of the wind, contribute to a comfortable movement on the waves. Snorkeling in the waters here turns into an exciting adventure, as the marine inhabitants, unencumbered by the attention from tourists, willingly make contact and allow themselves to be examined in all their diversity.
The fact that Haa Alifu Atoll is a relatively newly formed resort gives it a number of advantages. Many places here have not yet been explored by tourists, and hotels are not packed with countless guests. This allows romantic travelers to spend an unforgettable time surrounded by coconut trees, tropical vegetation and azure waters of the Indian Ocean. A minimum of people, deserted beaches and complete unity with nature are an excellent motive for exploring these exotic and mysterious islands of the mysterious atoll, located more than 100 kilometers from the capital of the republic.
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The islands are all different, each with its own flavor. And now we will tell you about each of them, revealing the secret of how to have a cheap vacation in the Maldives.
Important! If you are going to relax in the Maldives inexpensively, then you need to keep in mind that a budget trip to the Maldives will still be more expensive than a vacation in Thailand or other countries of Southeast Asia. However, it will be significantly cheaper compared to all inclusive tours to the bounty islands.
Read more:
North Ari Atoll Map
Map of North Ari Atoll (Alif-Alif) - clickable!
Islands of Ari Atoll on the map
Rasdhoo island
Rasdhoo island (Rasdhoo island) is located on a small geographically isolated atoll 58 km from Male, but it is part of the North Ari atoll (Alif-Alif atoll) and is even its administrative center. The island is not very large, completely built up, but there are many shops, cafes and restaurants, and most importantly there is a bank and a post office! The presence of an ATM greatly facilitates the life of a tourist - no need to think about cash and how much to take with you from the capital, but withdraw it from the card at any time.
Rasdhoo Island is famous for its beautiful diving spots, the legendary Maya Tila ( Maya Thila) and Fish head ( Fish head). There are also several diving schools on Rasdoo where you can learn to dive. But Rasdu is not just diving, other sea sports are popular here - windsurfing, snorkeling, parasailing and so on.
Since Rasdhoo is isolated from other islands and there are no beautiful lagoons around it, you should watch the strong current while snorkeling. There is a sand spit near the island Finolhu and a desert island Madivari can take you for the whole day.
Good to know:
There are also bounty islands near Rasdu - Kuramati Island Resort(price per room per day - $ 600) and Veligandu Resort & Spa(cost of living per day - $ 700). However, these, unlike those located in the neighborhood of Maafushi Island, do not allow guests from other islands to their territory, including the sand spit belonging to the Kuramachi resort. But hotels on the island of Rasdhoo please with more democratic prices - there are for $ 50-60 (plus taxes), but most of the hotels keep the price of about $ 100 per room per day.
- Hotel with rooftop veranda, close to the beach - Relax Inn →
- Located on the bikini beach, breakfast included - Island Inn Beachfront →
- Cozy rooms and friendly staff, excellent restaurant - Dive lodge →
- The state ferry from Male departs from New Harbor ( Viligili Terminal) and costs 53 rufiyaa. The journey will take 3.5 hours. The schedule can be seen at the end of the article.
- Speedboat runs from Petrol jetty every day, price - $ 40 per person. Leaves Male at 16:00 and at 7:30 from Rasdhoo. Travel time is 2.5 hours.
- Also, the Kuramati resort provides a fast boat: every day from 9:00 a boat departs to Rasdhoo. The return boat departs at 6:00 every day from the pier of Kuramachi Resort. So you will have to agree with your guesthouse to be dropped off at the departure. The boat spends 1.5 hours on the way. This transfer costs $ 95 per person.
- A seaplane flight from Male to Rasdhoo Island will cost $ 260 per person one way or $ 350 both.
- From the island of Rasdoo you can get to other islands of the Ari-Ari atoll, including the island of Toddoo, which is also isolated from all. Ferries run every day on schedule, except Friday.
Read also:
(Thoddo island) is located 67 km from Male and, like Rasdhoo, is somewhat distant from the main Alif Alif atoll. This island has become extremely. Toddu is an island-plantation, fruits (the local watermelons are especially famous) are delivered from here throughout the state (through Male, of course!). That is why there are more mosquitoes on Toddoo than on other islands.
Interesting fact: Buddhist ruins were found on the territory of Toddoo Island, which were subsequently finally destroyed, but nevertheless managed to shed light on the history of the Maldives before the adoption of Islam in the 12th century.
A beautiful sandy beach stretches along the coast, which made Toddu famous. Therefore, a lot of people gather here, wanting to enjoy the sun and water. The tourist beach is located in the west of the island, so daily walks for 15 minutes through fruit plantations are provided.
If you are too lazy to walk, then you can rent bicycles in guesthouses. This is what makes Toddu different from other Maldives: it is good to ride a bike here, visit fruit plantations (of course, having received a special permit for this, while picking fruits is prohibited!).
Here is a short video about Toddoo Island:
There are two diving centers on the island, they can organize dives and provide ample opportunities to see the inhabitants of the sea - stingrays, turtles. Here you can also go snorkeling (although there are not very many spots for this), parasailing and other water sports.
Overview of hotels on Toddoo Island
Toddoo Island has much more nature walks than Rasdhoo, and there are many more concentrated in the center of the island. Prices start at $ 50-60 (plus taxes), then jump to $ 80-90. There are cafes and shops on Toddu.
- Small cheap guesthouse with breakfast, garden and wonderful hosts - Palm garden →
- All inclusive hotel with cozy rooms, close to the beach Relax Residence →
- Nice hotel with clean rooms, breakfasts and dinners al fresco Sunrise Inn →
- Guesthouse with wonderful staff and service, there is a hairdryer, a kettle Ari heaven →
- Highly Rated Guest House, Bicycle Rental Resten Inn →
- A hotel with a cozy courtyard, good breakfast and free internet - Evila Inn →
- Ferries from Rasdhoo Island to Toddoo and back run every day except Friday.
- The speedboat to Toddu Island departs from Male at 15:30 and from Toddoo at 7:00 every day, except Wednesday and Friday. The transfer costs $ 50 per person.
- The state ferry from Male to Toddu Island departs from New Harbor ( Viligili Terminal) and costs 53 rufiyaa.
Schedule of ferries Male - Toddoo with a stop on the island of Rasdhoo in the Maldives:
| Ferry route | Departure | Arrival | Days of the week |
| Male - Rasdhoo | 09:00 | 12:10 | |
| Rasdoo - Todd | 15:15 | 16:30 | Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday |
| Toddoo - Rasdoo | 07:00 | 08:15 | Monday, Wednesday, Saturday |
| Rasdhoo - Male | 11:00 | 14:30 | Monday, Wednesday, Saturday |
(Ukulhas island) - the island in the Ari atoll is located 72 km from the capital Male. This unique island was the first to introduce a garbage cleaning system and constantly monitors its cleanliness. For his efforts he was awarded the Green Leaf in 2014. it eco-friendly an island inhabited by friendly people.
The main occupation of the inhabitants of the Ukulhas island in the Maldives is fishing, and the specialization is yellowfin tuna. A special community has developed here, and a visit to Ukulhus can give a much greater idea of the Maldives, add color to the missing palette of impressions.
An old mosque of the 17th century has been preserved on the island of Ukulhas. The island stood at the crossroads of the sea routes of various peoples: Arab, Malay, Indonesian, African, Hindu and Sinhalese traditions were mixed here.
In the northwest of Ukulhas Island, there is a beautiful blue lagoon with a sandy beach and turquoise waters. From May to November, the water is dirtier, the waves are stronger due to the change in wind direction. In the rest of the period, everything is peaceful and beautiful.
There are many restaurants and cafes in Ukulhas serving cuisines from all over the world.
There are two hotels on Ukulhas Island for $ 60-80, the rest for $ 120. This is a great place for families, for couples who want privacy and silence. But you can also come here for a day from the island of Rasdhoo without spending the night.
- Stylish hotel opposite the beach, breakfast included, beautiful reef, inexpensive - Coral Reef View Inn →
- New hotel with good service and reviews, free bikes - Island home →
- cozy guesthouse in a quiet and place, helpful staff, meeting at the airport, transfer - Thun'dee Inn →
Fishermen at sea
How to get to Ukulhas island, Maldives
- The state ferry to Ukulhas Island departs from New Harbor in Male ( Viligili Ferry Terminal). The schedule is shown below. The journey takes 4.5 hours.
- The speedboat to Ukulhas departs from Male every day at 15:00 (Friday at 9:30). Price - $ 60 per person. The boat returns from Ukulhas to Male at 7:00. The trip lasts 1 hour one way.
- From Rasdhoo island you can get to Ukulhas by ferry, which departs in the morning and returns in the evening. The one-way trip lasts 1 hour and costs 22 rufiyaa. There is no such ferry on Friday. You can also take a public ferry from Ukulhas to other islands in Ari Atoll.
(Bodufolhudhoo island) is located 84 km from Male in the heart of North Ari Atoll (Alif Alif). It became the first island in the Maldives to ban the disposable use of plastic bags, and overall holds the mark as one of the cleanest islands in the Maldives.
The beach is open for tourists, here you can sunbathe and swim in a bikini. The island has diving schools and opportunities to explore the local reefs rich in coral and underwater life. And also a large selection of sea excursions - watching dolphins, manta rays, snorkeling on the reef, trips to a sandy desert island Mathiveri Finolhu located next to the inhabited island of Mathiveri. Excursions are quite expensive compared to other islands - prices start at $ 60-70.
With Bodufuludu there is an opportunity to go to the Nika resort ( Nika Island Resort), the entrance fee is $ 30 and spend the whole day on the beach there as a guest. Prices for hotels and guesthouses on the island of Bodufuludu in the Maldives start from $ 50-60 (plus taxes).
- A tranquil place for a romantic getaway - Lagoon View Maldives(rating 9.1 )
- Hotel with family rooms, great service, great beach - Holiday Village Retreat(rating 9.4 )
- Small cozy hotel with an all-inclusive holiday option - Castle Inn(rating 9.5 )
- The state ferry runs exactly on the schedule below. From Male to Bodufolhundhu - it is 5-6 hours sailing on the waves of the Laccadive Sea. Have patience, books, or a pillow. But the price of such a trip is only $ 3.5.
- There is an opportunity to do the same route in just an hour on a speedboat, paying $ 50.
- The transfer from Male to Bodufuludu Island by seaplane takes only 20 minutes, but costs $ 260.
(Mathiveri island) Is one of the westernmost islands of the Maldives archipelago. This is another inhabited island included in the Alif Alif Atoll. It is located 84 kilometers from the capital Male. The island is small and beautiful, surrounded by beaches. Stingrays constantly live near one of them, you need to be careful with them because of the thorn on their tail.
The bikini beach (that is, the beach where you can swim and sunbathe in a swimsuit) on Mathiveri Island is very beautiful. Local residents did not regret it and gave it to tourists. However, they themselves also come and do not pay attention to the tourists. Also, the locals organized a floating bar standing in the sea, a trip for alcohol will cost $ 10 (also very expensive!).
Excursions to Mathiveri are quite expensive, as there is only one diving center here. But over time, this situation should be corrected, and prices will decline. The best time to dive in Alif Alif Atoll is from October to March. Among other excursions, it is worth highlighting a trip to a picnic island, an uninhabited island Mathiveri Finolhu, snorkeling, observation of manta rays and others. Excursion to the beach of the Nika resort ( Nika Island Resort) - $ 70 per person (including shipping and entrance fees).
Useful information
Many Russian-speaking tourists rest on Mathiveri Island in the Maldives. Prices for hotel accommodation start from $ 55-60 for a double room per night.
- The hotel with the most delicious food in the restaurant on the paradise island - Riveli Retreat(rating 9.2 )
- Modern rooms, great food: breakfast, half or full board - Veli Beach Inn(rating 9.1 )
- Nice hotel with new clean rooms for a romantic getaway - Mathiveri Inn(rating 8.9 )
Howget thereto Mathiveri
- On the state ferry from Male, which departs from New Harbor ( Viligili Terminal) according to the schedule shown in the table below. Ferry ticket price - $ 4.
- By speedboat that runs daily from Male at 15:00 (Friday at 9:30). The fare is $ 60. Travel time is 2.5 hours. The boat runs back from Mathiveri to Male every day at 6:30.
- A charter boat costs almost $ 800. The more people travel, the less everyone will pay for the trip. This boat reaches Mathiveri in 1.5 hours.
- A seaplane flight from Male to Mathiveri costs $ 260.
- From Mathiveri Island, you can travel to neighboring islands using the state ferry, which runs strictly on schedule. It must be remembered that the ferry does not operate on Friday.
(Feridhoo island) Is a very tiny and green island in the Ari atoll 90 km from Male, but despite its size, it still receives guests and has prepared beautiful and secluded white sandy beaches for them. Those who want a romantic getaway away from cheerful and noisy companies, without excursions, but just soak up the sun - this is here, on Ferida.
Feridhoo is also famous for being the birthplace of the Maldivian dance bodu take (boduberu), which expresses the very spirit of the island. It arose spontaneously - men returned home at the end of the working day, beat drums and danced.
There is a similar dance - candombe - in Uruguay, but women also participate there. Men play, women dance. The dance came to Uruguay from Africa, from where slaves were brought. How did he end up on the Maldivian island of Feridu?
They say that the descendants of the very slaves from Africa who helped the Sultan build the palace, and then were liberated and settled on these islands, live on the neighboring islands of Maalhos and Himadu. Another clue is that the same dances exist in East and South-West Africa. However, it's amazing how the same culture settles on different continents and continues to connect people who don't even know about it.
Boats off the coast of paradise island
How to get to Feridhoo island from Male
There is a state ferry to Ferida, the schedule of which can be found at the end of the article.
(Maalhos island) Is the westernmost island of North Ari Atoll (Alif-Alif) and the entire Maldives archipelago. It is located apart in the middle of the ocean 90 km from Male.
Maalhos is famous for the ruins of an ancient Buddhist stupa ( mudu), as well as a burial urn made of coral with tantric inscriptions from the 9th century. As the westernmost island, it stood at the crossroads of cultures of different peoples. Sinhalese were brought here, and tantra came from India, and African people from their big continent. Now the population of Maalhos is slightly different in appearance from other Maldivians precisely because of the mixing of cultures in the distant past.
Interesting facts about Maalhos island:
- Maalhos hosts famous festivals throughout the Maldives, including the ancient custom of bathing in seven waves.
- In the 17th century, a ship with gold coins sank here, since then the local reef has been named golden ( Runfaru reef).
There is one guesthouse on the island of Maalhos Gurahaana and several restaurants. And there is not so much entertainment - perhaps fishing, snorkeling, relaxing on the beach and a picnic. The beach is located on the western part of the island, separated from the village by a forest. This is the westernmost part of the westernmost island of the Maldives! A vacation on Maalhos is not only an immersion in authentic Maldivian life, but also an opportunity to be alone away from the noise, among the ocean and the greenery of a tropical island.
Rainforest in the Maldives
How to get to Maalhos island
- The state ferry to Maalhos departs from Male from Viligili Terminal ( Viligili Terminal) at 9 AM. The trip will cost 75 rufiyaas ($ 5) and almost 8 hours by sea.
- A seaplane flight from Male will cost $ 385 for a round-trip ticket.
(Himandhoo island) is located 90 km from Male.
The island has several guesthouses and a typical set of excursions around the house reef: snorkeling at different times of the day, picnics on a desert island, sunset at sea, fishing, watching manta rays (seasonal), dolphins and whale sharks. Diving is also available here, the price for one scuba diving session is $ 65.
How to get to Himandu Island from Male
- The state ferry runs 8 hours from New Harbor ( Viligili Terminal) Male, and the ticket price is $ 4.
- A speedboat transfer will cost $ 1200 for a round trip. Travel time - 1.5 along the waves of the Laccadive Sea.
- Another high-speed boat, the fare of which depends on the number of people. $ 150 for one person, $ 175 for two, $ 200 for three, and so on. This boat leaves Male at 16:00. And he leaves the island of Himandu early in the morning, at 5:30. Travel time is 1.5 hours.
- Seaplane ticket - $ 270 one way, $ 540 round trip.
Ferry from Male to the islands of Ari Atoll (Alif Alif)
State Ferry Schedule (MTCC) from Male to the islands of the North Ari Atoll (Alif-Alif) on the route: Male - Rasdu - Ukulhas - Bodufuludu - Mataveri - Feridhoo - Maalhos - Himandu and back:
| Ferry route (tue, thu, sun) | Time dispatch | Time arrival | Ferry route (Mon, Wed, Sat) | Time dispatch | Time arrival |
|
| Male - Rasdhoo | 09:00 | 12:30 | Himandu - Maalhos | 06:30 | 07:00 | |
| Rasdhoo - Ukulhas | 13:00 | 13:55 | Maalhos - Feridhoo | 07:05 | 07:30 | |
| Ukulhas - Bodufulud | 14:00 | 14:35 | Feridou - Mathiveri | 07:35 | 08:35 | |
| Bodufuludu - Mathiveri | 14:40 | 15:00 | Mathiveri - Bodufulud | 08:40 | 09:00 | |
| Mathiveri - Feridou | 15:05 | 16:05 | Bodufuludu - Ukulhas | 09:05 | 09:40 | |
| Feridhoo - Maalhos | 16:10 | 16:35 | Ukulhas - Rasdu | 09:45 | 10:40 | |
| Maalhos - Himandu | 16:40 | 17:10 | Rasdhoo - Male | 11:00 | 14:30 |
