Hulhumale Beach
Hulhumale Beach
3.5
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Angela
9 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
If you like swimming in garbage, this is your beach!
Where to even begin…
Trash - the amount of garbage on this beach is an absolute disgrace & the worst part about it was seeing the locals trash their own environment & home. We saw countless locals having family pick nicks & literally throwing their trash right on the beach and watch as the ocean took it away. My husband and I went around and grabbed what we could and couldn’t believe our eyes. You can’t even walk barefoot on this beach because you’ll step on wires, plastic, diapers, glass, pens, old electronics, and whatever else people decided that day to throw onto the beach and into the ocean. We even saw random molded furniture just hanging out in the beach wasting away. It was disgusting & something the government needs to take action on before they completely pollute and destroy their own home. I couldn’t believe the parents who were letting their kids swim in the garbage!!!! It’s as if it’s a “normal” way of life for this island or something.
Dress code: What blows my mind is there’s a dress code and laws against women wearing bikinis & showing basically anything other than their face and feet while swimming. I couldn’t even wear my shorts which were at my knee in the ocean because locals were “getting upset.” Sooooooo you can throw your garbage in the ocean and beaches but if I show a part of my leg, I’m the one breaking the rules/laws???? Tell me how that makes any sense.
Avoid this beach at all possible costs. Any beaches on Male Island, AVOID. Go straight to your resort and save yourself the disgusting experience.
Where to even begin…
Trash - the amount of garbage on this beach is an absolute disgrace & the worst part about it was seeing the locals trash their own environment & home. We saw countless locals having family pick nicks & literally throwing their trash right on the beach and watch as the ocean took it away. My husband and I went around and grabbed what we could and couldn’t believe our eyes. You can’t even walk barefoot on this beach because you’ll step on wires, plastic, diapers, glass, pens, old electronics, and whatever else people decided that day to throw onto the beach and into the ocean. We even saw random molded furniture just hanging out in the beach wasting away. It was disgusting & something the government needs to take action on before they completely pollute and destroy their own home. I couldn’t believe the parents who were letting their kids swim in the garbage!!!! It’s as if it’s a “normal” way of life for this island or something.
Dress code: What blows my mind is there’s a dress code and laws against women wearing bikinis & showing basically anything other than their face and feet while swimming. I couldn’t even wear my shorts which were at my knee in the ocean because locals were “getting upset.” Sooooooo you can throw your garbage in the ocean and beaches but if I show a part of my leg, I’m the one breaking the rules/laws???? Tell me how that makes any sense.
Avoid this beach at all possible costs. Any beaches on Male Island, AVOID. Go straight to your resort and save yourself the disgusting experience.
Written 20 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MCeeTG
Murano, Italy186 contributions
Dec 2019
It was really sad to see such a beautiful setting covered in piles of garbage. There was garbage on the beach, garbage in the water and garbage blocking parts of boardwalk. Bikinis are also banned on this beach and at all public beaches in Male.
Written 2 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Damiano
Treviso, Italy90 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
We were only there for half a day waiting for the plane, but the beach was very dirty with garbage everywhere and crowded with people always dressed head to toe. Being Islamic they go swimming dressed and do not even allow tourists to go to bed naked, much less in bikinis. In the other islands this is not the case: there is always a bikini beach. If you are looking for the spectacular sea of the Maldives do not come here.
Automatically translated
Written 17 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jay Santos
Makati, Philippines1,318 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
The morning visit here may not be so crowded and littered.
There are nice spots but some places are with lots of garbage (the sad part).
Again, this is a public beach. Maldives is a muslim country. Go figure guys!
There are nice spots but some places are with lots of garbage (the sad part).
Again, this is a public beach. Maldives is a muslim country. Go figure guys!
Written 16 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DurgeshRajadhyaksha
Mumbai, India532 contributions
Mar 2022
Beautiful strip of beach, ideal to spend time in evening, after 4 pm. Water Sports available. Good to interact with locals. Swings & Maldivian Hammocks etc available all over the beach to sit back & enjoy. Dotted with Cafes for a quich bite & Coffee.
Written 17 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vinanda S
Enschede, The Netherlands383 contributions
Feb 2020
Strong wind, good for kite surfing. Swimming for ladies ok in bathing suit (no bikinis allowed). Shame about all the waste there.
Written 4 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Normgarry
New York City, NY127 contributions
Apr 2022 • Solo
Before you book a trip to Maldives you have to decide what is within your budget.
I decided to spend 85% of my budget on business class air travel with Emirates so that I would have a perfectly comfortable ride from New York City to Dubai and then to Maldives and back. That’s almost 20 hours of travel time.
Many other people use the majority of their budget to book a nice resort stay and spend a smaller part of their travel budget on an economy airfare ticket.
The “Maldives” that you’ve probably heard of and seen on social media is most likely video footage or photos from some of the top resorts in this archipelago. When someone says “Maldives“ that is what they are most likely thinking of.
“Hulhumale Beach” is a PUBLIC BEACH.
That is the most important thing to understand. This beach is inside a highly populous city and it is subject to city levels of pollution, stray animals and the other stressors associated with being inside the city. It’s like comparing a public swimming pool to a private pool inside a spa.
There are stray cats roaming around. There is garbage everywhere which includes plastic bottles, construction equipment, debris, parts, etc. fortunately: I never spotted any human waste but there is never the less an overwhelming sense of population and clutter as evidenced by the garbage.
That’s not to say that this is a terrible place. It’s just important to understand that you are constantly surrounded by “city life“. As a New Yorker, I am used to this. I purposefully pick city centers when I go on vacation so this way I can be close to goods and services. If you choose to go to one of Maldives resorts you will be much further away from the city and all of its offerings. Your entire stay will be contingent on the resort’s amenities.
Because there’s so much distance between Hulhumale and the resorts this isn’t likely to be a place that you can travel back-and-forth to considering the sea plane flights are $500 round-trip and the speed boat routes can be pretty pricey as the distance increases.
If you are a “foodie“ there are plenty of restaurants to try but most of them have variations of Indian food, Thai food or Chinese food. It is illegal to import alcohol into Maldives so unless you are on the private resorts you aren’t likely to see beer and alcohol in any of the stores.
Hulhumale beach has several restaurants and cafés to choose from. Unfortunately a large portion of these hotels and restaurants are still under construction as of April 2022. The hotels here tend to be noisy because there is still a lot of construction going on. The hotels also tend to be noisy because this beach is the final approach of many of the sea planes.
Do not come here during Ramadan because the restaurants don’t open until 6:00 PM. Some of the restaurants will make allowances for tourists but most of them don’t. The other important thing to remember is that there are some restaurants that will have buffets for the Ramadan after-hours fast break.
As this is a Muslim country you can expect there to be a call to prayer during certain hours of the day and many of the rules for women must be followed. Some of the other reviewer‘s complained that you can’t wear bikinis in certain places. The private resorts are where you want to be if you choose to wear a bikini.
As far as solo travel goes: there really isn’t a lot to do unless you don’t mind spending considerable amount of money for the water sports. There aren’t very many good looking women to talk to. The majority of the women that you might happen to see our natives and they aren’t very exciting nor pleasing to the eye. If you’re looking for women during solo travel you’re better going off to Thailand or to the Philippines.
It’s also important to note that prices for food are relatively high compared to Thailand or the Philippines. You are likely to pay between $13 and $20 for meal on average.
Hulhumale Beach has a “swimming pool“ flotation moored to the ocean floor. As this is not an enclosed flotation it’s more of a boundary to float in the middle of the water. The locals host swimming lessons in this boundary.
Overall: I can’t say that it’s the worst place in the world because the beach water in the sand is quite attractive. The temperature is around 90° every day and the water is hot tub warm. The main complaints have already been addressed: the pollution, garbage and lack of attractive women.
If you want to get the most out of the Maldives your best bet is to ignore this beach and to plan your stay on one of the islands. Nearby Karumba Island is close enough where it won’t cost you a fortune to travel back-and-forth to Hulhumale or Male if you crave being near a city center.
I decided to spend 85% of my budget on business class air travel with Emirates so that I would have a perfectly comfortable ride from New York City to Dubai and then to Maldives and back. That’s almost 20 hours of travel time.
Many other people use the majority of their budget to book a nice resort stay and spend a smaller part of their travel budget on an economy airfare ticket.
The “Maldives” that you’ve probably heard of and seen on social media is most likely video footage or photos from some of the top resorts in this archipelago. When someone says “Maldives“ that is what they are most likely thinking of.
“Hulhumale Beach” is a PUBLIC BEACH.
That is the most important thing to understand. This beach is inside a highly populous city and it is subject to city levels of pollution, stray animals and the other stressors associated with being inside the city. It’s like comparing a public swimming pool to a private pool inside a spa.
There are stray cats roaming around. There is garbage everywhere which includes plastic bottles, construction equipment, debris, parts, etc. fortunately: I never spotted any human waste but there is never the less an overwhelming sense of population and clutter as evidenced by the garbage.
That’s not to say that this is a terrible place. It’s just important to understand that you are constantly surrounded by “city life“. As a New Yorker, I am used to this. I purposefully pick city centers when I go on vacation so this way I can be close to goods and services. If you choose to go to one of Maldives resorts you will be much further away from the city and all of its offerings. Your entire stay will be contingent on the resort’s amenities.
Because there’s so much distance between Hulhumale and the resorts this isn’t likely to be a place that you can travel back-and-forth to considering the sea plane flights are $500 round-trip and the speed boat routes can be pretty pricey as the distance increases.
If you are a “foodie“ there are plenty of restaurants to try but most of them have variations of Indian food, Thai food or Chinese food. It is illegal to import alcohol into Maldives so unless you are on the private resorts you aren’t likely to see beer and alcohol in any of the stores.
Hulhumale beach has several restaurants and cafés to choose from. Unfortunately a large portion of these hotels and restaurants are still under construction as of April 2022. The hotels here tend to be noisy because there is still a lot of construction going on. The hotels also tend to be noisy because this beach is the final approach of many of the sea planes.
Do not come here during Ramadan because the restaurants don’t open until 6:00 PM. Some of the restaurants will make allowances for tourists but most of them don’t. The other important thing to remember is that there are some restaurants that will have buffets for the Ramadan after-hours fast break.
As this is a Muslim country you can expect there to be a call to prayer during certain hours of the day and many of the rules for women must be followed. Some of the other reviewer‘s complained that you can’t wear bikinis in certain places. The private resorts are where you want to be if you choose to wear a bikini.
As far as solo travel goes: there really isn’t a lot to do unless you don’t mind spending considerable amount of money for the water sports. There aren’t very many good looking women to talk to. The majority of the women that you might happen to see our natives and they aren’t very exciting nor pleasing to the eye. If you’re looking for women during solo travel you’re better going off to Thailand or to the Philippines.
It’s also important to note that prices for food are relatively high compared to Thailand or the Philippines. You are likely to pay between $13 and $20 for meal on average.
Hulhumale Beach has a “swimming pool“ flotation moored to the ocean floor. As this is not an enclosed flotation it’s more of a boundary to float in the middle of the water. The locals host swimming lessons in this boundary.
Overall: I can’t say that it’s the worst place in the world because the beach water in the sand is quite attractive. The temperature is around 90° every day and the water is hot tub warm. The main complaints have already been addressed: the pollution, garbage and lack of attractive women.
If you want to get the most out of the Maldives your best bet is to ignore this beach and to plan your stay on one of the islands. Nearby Karumba Island is close enough where it won’t cost you a fortune to travel back-and-forth to Hulhumale or Male if you crave being near a city center.
Written 19 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
urlauberinEU
Germany51 contributions
Dec 2016 • Couples
The beach is only for Moslem Tourists!
The Bikini beach is the most ugly part and very dirty! The Water is not as nice as on the other parts and the sea Pool is not for Bikini wearing girls! No go! Wasted time and money!
The Bikini beach is the most ugly part and very dirty! The Water is not as nice as on the other parts and the sea Pool is not for Bikini wearing girls! No go! Wasted time and money!
Written 30 December 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BlackyMLeo
Singapore, Singapore2,006 contributions
Aug 2016 • Solo
The beach is fine, the water is not as clear as other part of Maldives and is a bit rough, therefore not so good for snorkeling or swimming. There are small water sport available but is a bit expensive. I will not swim there for sure!
Written 26 August 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ingrid
1 contribution
Jul 2023 • Family
A portion of this beach is unclean, and I think the local government, if there is one, should take the effort to ensure that plastic bags and empty cans are constantly cleaned up.
Written 20 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Omdömena kring Hulhumale strand skiljer sig kraftigt åt, och inget konstigt med det. Vi (2 vuxna och 2 9-åringar) kommer att spendera 1 natt på Beach Palace i Hulhumale. Hur barnvänlig är stranden? Befinner oss just ny på Guraidhoo och Bikiniisland är inte superbra badställe såvida du inte har badskor. Hela botten består av sten och koraller. Därav funderar vi på om botten på bättre på Hulhumale strand!?
Written 13 February 2018
You can have find one in hullemale beach . It's free of cost and very close to from airport .
Written 6 March 2017
Sinthia J
Dhaka City, Bangladesh
is underwater diving possible for a non swimmer?
Written 2 September 2016
as a non swimmer(myself), I did ask about the diving activity ,the guide suggest me to take the "try scuba diving" ...its let u try the feeling of diving. USD70/ 1.5-2 hours/they teach u some basic first,then will go to open water. But, the info I get it from a diving centre which located at Maafushi Island, so i'm not sure if hulhumale having the same info & price. and I found out price in Maafushi Island cheaper than hulhumale! 31dollar for 4 snorkeling point(nemo/dolphin cruise/shark point) + Sand bank lunch
Written 8 September 2016
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