Alif Alif

Alif Alif — North Ari — sits west of Malé and is reached by public ferry or speedboat rather than by plane. It is quieter than Kaafu and less single-minded than its southern neighbour: the islands here trade on clean beaches and easy reef access rather than on one headline attraction.

Two of its islands are covered here. Ukulhas built its reputation on waste management, of all things, and the result is an island that simply looks cared for. Rasdhoo sits on its own small atoll to the north-east and runs almost entirely on diving — the early-morning hammerhead dives at the drop-off are the reason people come.