Housing Development Corporation (HDC) has disclosed that the Kudagiri picnic island would be opened for public from Saturday onwards.

Speaking at the press conference held on Thursday, Director Marketing and Sales of HDC, Niushad Shareef stated that registration is now open for those who wish to visit Kudagiri on Saturday.

Niushad stated that a fee will not be taken from those that want to visit the island in weekends and public holidays. They will however have to make advance bookings.

Niushad adviced to make sure to confirm the ID card number when booking.

In addition, bookings will be limited to seven people per person, he said, adding that the decision was taken to give more people the opportunity to go to Kudagiri.

Bookings can be done via the special hotline of Kudagiri, email and HDC website.

The purpose of the picnic island is to provide a pleasant time for the people. The ferry to Kudagiri costs MVR 25 per person.

People who visit Kudagiri on weekdays will have to pay an entrance fee of MVR 50. Children below the age of 12 will have to pay an entrance fee of MVR 25.

The press conference also saw the Assistant Manager PR of HDC, Ahmed Mimrah highlighting that it is prohibited to bring in sharp objects and barbecue equipment into the island.

Mimrah noted that island will provide basic services and picnic equipment for those who are visiting the island.

Developed on a total of 8 hectares of land, Kudagiri is developed to three start standards. The island has a bay of 1.5 hectares along with a beach area.

Kudagiri picnic island is a 10-minute boat ride from Male’.

While the island will be able to accommodate 500 to 600 people at a time, HDC states that 300 people will be given the opportunity to visit the island this Saturday.