Overview of Gulhi
Gulhi is a small island in South Kaafu Atoll, located just a few kilometres from the popular tourist island of Maafushi. With a population of only around 800 people, Gulhi is the kind of place where everyone knows everyone, fishing boats bob in the harbour, and the pace of life is measured by the tides rather than the clock. While Maafushi has embraced tourism on a large scale, Gulhi has taken a gentler approach, with only a handful of guesthouses welcoming visitors. This makes it an ideal destination for travellers who want the convenience of being close to Maafushi's infrastructure while enjoying a much quieter, more intimate island experience.
A Quieter Alternative
Many visitors to the Maldives hear about Gulhi through its connection to Maafushi. The two islands are close enough that you can take a short speedboat ride between them, and some travellers split their stay between both. The difference in atmosphere is striking. Where Maafushi has busy streets lined with guesthouses and tour operators, Gulhi has sandy lanes shaded by palm trees and a handful of small establishments. The bikini beach on Gulhi is often nearly empty, offering a sense of space and privacy that is increasingly rare on more developed local islands. If you have come to the Maldives dreaming of a quiet beach to yourself, Gulhi is one of the best places to find it without venturing far from the main tourist circuit.
The Beaches and Sandbank
Gulhi's bikini beach is located on the southern tip of the island and is a lovely stretch of white sand facing clear, shallow water. The beach is well maintained and has some shade from palm trees along its edge. At low tide, the sand extends further out and the water becomes very shallow, which is perfect for wading and relaxing. Nearby, there is a sandbank that emerges at low tide and makes for a wonderful spot to swim and take photographs. Some guesthouses arrange sandbank trips as part of their activities, taking guests out by boat to sandbars further from the island where the sense of isolation is even more complete.
Snorkeling Around Gulhi
The house reef around Gulhi offers decent snorkeling, with a variety of reef fish and coral formations visible in the clear water. The best snorkeling is generally found on the outer reef edge, which is a short swim from the beach. Guesthouses can arrange snorkeling excursions to better reefs in the surrounding atoll, and the proximity to Maafushi means you can also join excursion boats from there. Sea turtles are sometimes spotted in the waters around Gulhi, and the reef is home to colourful parrotfish, butterflyfish, and the occasional small reef shark.
Practical Details
Gulhi is easily reached from Malé by public ferry, which stops at several islands in South Kaafu Atoll including Maafushi. Speedboat transfers are also available. The island is tiny and can be walked around in about ten minutes. Facilities are basic, with a few small shops, a mosque, and the guesthouses providing meals for their guests. There is no ATM, so bring sufficient cash. The island follows the same customs as other local islands, with modest dress expected outside the bikini beach. Gulhi works well as either a standalone destination for those seeking peace and quiet, or as a day trip from Maafushi for those wanting to explore the neighbourhood.