Hulhumale’ – A Must Visit, If You Are Transiting In Maldives
Hulhumale’ was an idea that developed with the rise of tourism in the Maldives. To sustain the living conditions for the locals and the baffled faces that were then discovering the white spots that lay plastered across the equator. Hulhumale is the island that catches the first ray of sunshine southeast of the bustling capital Kaafu Atoll in the Maldives.
Lying 6.2 km away from Velana International Airport by a causeway the futuristic city has become a touristic destination for one night stops for its suitability. If transiting in the capital for an outbound flight overnight, there are selections of hotels to choose from, the majority being situated on the east coast beach road of Hulhumale. Known locally as Dhigaa Magu the road is one of the most thawed spots to hang out as a blend of restaurants, hotels, water sports are splattered across till the end.
In 1997, the island you see now was a striking stretch of torquoise lagoon. The notion the then-government had was to have a blend of a locally inventive city to accommodate half of the population of 400,000 people living in the Maldives. With the climate change in motion affecting almost all aspects surrounding the little islands, the following presidencies sought to varied concepts to save the distinctive marvel. With a population of 30,000 locals currently and almost half the amount of expatriates situated on the island. Hulhumale has become a safe haven for a diverse community.
A day stay in Hulhumale can consist of a refreshing jog early in the morning through the boasted Hulhumale Central Park which is full of greenery and softness. As the roads surrounding it are closed for vehicles, the park becomes a calming spot for friends and alike throughout the day. Continued with a Super Duper Maldivian breakfast consisting of Mashuni (Coconut and canned tuna mixture), Kulhi Mas (fried tuna in curry paste), baked beans with Roshi (flatbread cooked on a hot griddle) at Shell beans. With the notion of made in paradise, situated near the beach witness the vibrant colours of sunrise at the horizon in the Maldives.
In the afternoon bask in the sun on the tourist beach located at the far end of Dhigaa Magu or relish a bit of relaxing water sports such as snorkelling or canoeing. After dusk, bliss in a scrumptious dinner at one of the many selected points depending on your cravings such as if it’s a steak, you can enjoy one in the Steak and Coffee Bar or if it is a bit of curry craving, Bombay Darbar is where Indian tastes come to life.
Followed by a late-night blockbuster movie at the Schwack Cinema located next to Bread Matters, a hearty day can be tiring.
Nevertheless, if sorting for a serene option on a longer stay, luxury guesthouses such as h78, Rivethi Beach Hotel, Hotel Ocean Grand at Hulhumale’ or Meri Maldives are a few places to choose from. All four of the hotels offer sea view plus cleanliness and hospitality starred above on 7.8 ratings on most booking apps.
With a closer look at Hotel Ocean Grand at Hulhumale’ with 388 customer reviews of great experience on booking.com, the hotel offers a majority of facilities with a sense of privacy of a warm interior which is suitable for most tired travellers.
Maldives is fêted for its underwater splendour hence it would be no surprise that water sports and excursions are available in abundance in Hulhumale’. Along Dhiggaa Magu road almost on every block, a water sports centre can be found. The adrenaline that rushes through when bursting out of the H2O while flyboarding is a must. To experience the crystal clearness of the lagoon and then suddenly to get a 15ft high view of the island is not the peak experience. To let your imagination run wild is a saying but in this case, it really is, the thrill of being able to fly over water using jet propulsion powered watercraft, little is left to the imagination. At Just Salt they provide options such as with a captain or without one.
Likewise, water sports such as jet-skiing, surfing, parasailing and windsurfing are a selected few to get oneself introduced to what is actually possible on the water. Diving in the spectacular reefs that surround Hulhumale’ with exotic reef fishes and corals that you have never seen before, Discover Scuba Diving is a worthy skill to open yourself into the world of diving. Two of the most seemly places to get a first-hand experience would be Ocean Junkies Dive Centre or Scuba Club Maldives in Hulhumale.
Overall, Hulhumale’ is an island of tar and sand that can give a quick glimpse into what the Maldives truly offers its visitors.
