Burulu Inn
A small inn on a real Maldivian island, far from the resort circuit.
A place to stay on Gaafaru
Burulu Inn is a small inn on Gaafaru, a local island in the Maldives roughly 61 km from Velana International Airport. With only one room category and rates starting at $58 per night, it sits at the practical end of Maldives travel — suited to people who want the island setting without a resort price tag. The inn has outdoor dining, a terrace, BBQ facilities, and a shared kitchen. Water sports, diving, snorkelling, canoeing, and fishing are all available, arranged through local operators. The kitchen and picnic area make self-catering straightforward for guests who prefer it.
The honest verdict
A no-frills island inn on a local Maldivian island, with water sports access, outdoor space, and room rates well below resort prices.
Best for
- Budget-conscious travellers
- Divers and snorkellers
- Travellers wanting a local-island experience
- Self-catering stays
Maybe not ideal for
- Those wanting resort-style services
- Travellers preferring a large selection of room types
Outdoor space and terrace
The inn has a sun terrace, a picnic area, and an outdoor dining area. A BBQ facility rounds out the outdoor setup, making it possible to eat outside most evenings. The setting is a local island rather than a private resort island.
The room: balcony and basics
The Deluxe Double Room has an extra-large double bed, a private balcony and terrace, air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, minibar, and soundproofing. The ensuite bathroom includes free toiletries, a hairdryer, and a shower.
Shared kitchen and self-catering
A shared kitchen with an electric kettle, refrigerator, and cleaning products means guests can self-cater. The inn also lists Continental, Vegetarian, Halal, Asian, and American meal options among its highlights.
Water sports on Gaafaru
Diving, snorkelling, canoeing, windsurfing, and fishing are all accessible from the inn. Bicycles are available to rent for getting around the island. Activities are arranged with local operators rather than run from an on-site centre.
Rooms & suites
Deluxe Double Room with Balcony
sleeps 2 · 1 extra-large double bed
- Balcony
- View
- Air conditioning
- Ensuite bathroom
- Flat-screen TV
Inside Burulu Inn
Amenities at Burulu Inn
Bathroom
- Toilet paper
- Towels
- Towels/sheets (extra fee)
- Slippers
- Private bathroom
- Toilet
- Free toiletries
- Hairdryer
Bedroom
- Linen
- Wardrobe or closet
View
- View
Outdoors
- Picnic area
- Outdoor dining area
- Sun terrace
- BBQ facilities
- Balcony
- Terrace
Kitchen
- Shared kitchen
- Cleaning products
- Electric kettle
- Refrigerator
Room amenities
- Drying rack for clothing
- Clothes rack
Getting there
Burulu Inn is reached by seaplane from Velana International Airport, with Gaafaru sitting approximately 61 km away. Seaplane transfers typically operate during daylight hours, so your flight arrival time can affect when you reach the island. Confirm transfer logistics with the inn when booking.
Seaplane transfers typically run $250–600 per person round trip, booked through the property. A few islands in this band are also served by a domestic flight to a nearby regional airport plus a short boat — ask the property which routing is faster for your dates.
On the map
Burulu Inn holds a Google rating of 4.9/5 from 14 reviews. The location is singled out as a particular strength by guests. With only 14 ratings, the sample is small, but the score is consistently high across those who have stayed.
Good to know
Frequently asked
How do I get to Burulu Inn from the airport?
The transfer from Velana International Airport is by seaplane. Gaafaru is approximately 61 km from the airport. You should confirm seaplane schedules and booking directly with the inn before arrival.
What room types are available?
There is one room type: the Deluxe Double Room with Balcony. It sleeps two guests in one extra-large double bed, with a private balcony, terrace, ensuite bathroom, air conditioning, and minibar.
What does the room cost?
Rates start from $58 per night for the Deluxe Double Room with Balcony. Final pricing depends on dates and availability.
What meal options are available?
The inn lists Continental, Vegetarian, Halal, Asian, and American options among its food highlights. There is also a shared kitchen available for guests who want to self-cater.
Can I go diving or snorkelling from here?
Yes. Diving and snorkelling are available and arranged through local operators. These are excursion-based activities rather than run from an on-site dive centre.
What other water sports are on offer?
Canoeing, windsurfing, and fishing trips can all be arranged. Bicycle rental is also available for exploring Gaafaru island itself.
Is there outdoor space at the inn?
Yes. The property has a sun terrace, a picnic area, an outdoor dining area, and BBQ facilities. The balcony and terrace attached to the room add further outdoor space.
Is Gaafaru a local island or a private resort island?
Gaafaru is a local Maldivian island. Burulu Inn is a small inn rather than a resort, so guests experience everyday island life rather than a private resort environment.
Is alcohol available at the inn?
Gaafaru is a local island, and local islands in the Maldives are alcohol-free. The inn does not list a bar among its amenities.
Is the inn suitable for families?
The single room type is a double occupancy room for two guests. Families requiring multiple rooms or interconnecting spaces may want to confirm availability directly with the property before booking.
What is the Google rating?
Burulu Inn has a Google rating of 4.9 out of 5, based on 14 reviews. Guests particularly single out the location as a strength.
How do I book?
The inn can be booked through online travel platforms or by contacting the property directly. Confirming the seaplane transfer arrangement at the time of booking is advisable given the island's location.