If you are coming to the Maldives to enjoy one of Emperor Divers’ wonderful liveaboard holidays and have a day or two spare, why not visit the fascinating island of Hulhumale?
Very close to Male, the capital of the Maldives, Hulhumale did not even exist until a little over 20 years ago when the island was created by pumping sand up from the seabed.
The project came about so that space could be created to cope with increased need for housing and business properties in the Male region.
However, another key point to this man-made land mass – dubbed the ‘City of Hope’ – was to offer greater protection from rising sea levels. With the low-lying Maldives notoriously vulnerable to the impact climate change is having on the oceans, Hulhumale has been created at two-metres above sea level – twice the average for the country’s other islands.
From the arrival of its first residents in 2004, the island is now a thriving city with big green parks and long beaches all surrounded by the beautiful Indian Ocean.
And from the travellers point of view, it is home to a variety of restaurants and cafes, and a wide selection of hotels making it an ideal transit location which offers a convenient, comfortable, and affordable place to stay.
These hotels are perfect for those who are looking for a short-term stay or just a place to lay their head while they are waiting for their next flight or transfer to an Emperor liveaboard.
The island is well-planned in terms of infrastructure and has excellent transportation networks making travel in, out and within the island easy and convenient. Access to Male comes either by a short ferry trip or by using the impressive Sinamalé Bridge which was opened in 2018.
One of the main attractions of Hulhumale is its amazing water sports activities. Visitors can indulge in a wide range of activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, jet-skiing, and windsurfing while it is also famous for its long coastal stretch, which is perfect for running, jogging, and cycling.
Some of the best transit hotels in Hulhumale include Huvan Beach, Seasalter Maldives, and Season Holidays which all offer a beach-front location while there is no shortage for places to eat with Steak & Coffee, Thai Palace or Bombay Dabour among many offering an international choice of food.
Something all travellers should be aware of – especially when visiting the beach – are the Maldivian laws. Public consumption, and even possession, of alcohol is dealt with by the police while all local traditions, customs and religions should be treated with respect. This is particularly true where dressing conservatively is concerned with shorts and T-shirts an absolute minimum requirement and certainly no bikinis.
Nevertheless, from great beaches to green parks, interesting cultural attractions and various food options along with reasonably-priced accommodation, it is definitely worth looking to Hulhumale for your stopover.
