CHAPTER 1
Male City And Places To Visit.
Most travelers see the capital Male as a stop station and they don’t take advantage to experience other places to visit. In this chapter, you will know to much stuff you can do while your visit with recommendations of important tours and places to explore and enjoy it in The Maldives.
Maldives Attractions
Where To Stay
Resturants & Street Food
Nightlife
Hotels
Flights
What You Should Know When Arriving At Male Airport?
There are frequent direct flight to Male from most International destinations, including India, Srilanka, Dubai and major airports in south-east Asia, as well an increasing number of charters flights from Europe.
International flights arrive at Male’s Velana International Airport which is built on its own Island and looks like a huge aircraft carrier from the sky.
After the initial factor and the short walk to the airport building, you will need to go through the standard airport procedures. Upon clearing the immigration formalities and claiming your luggage, you will enter the Arrivals Hall, this is where the resorts and tour operators have their counters or representatives. So present yourself at the respective resort counter or tour operator representative.
When the question is about booking transfers in Maldives, knowledge of local information is required. Once you arrive, you want to know exactly how to get from Velana (Male) international airport to your luxury resort and hotel or guest house.
Transfers in the Maldives are totally different. Due to the unique location of this island nation means that to get your resort accommodation you will need to make a domestic flight, speedboat or seaplane transfer depending on where your resort is located so on arrival. The airport representatives will then point you in the direction.
If your stay near male airport or mean your resort can be reached by speed boat, so the representative will escort you to jetty for that luxury speedboat transfer. The ferry pier for speed boat transfers is just outside the arrival hall.
If your stay can’t be reached only via seaplane or domestic flight, so representative will guide you to the TMA (Trans Maldivian Airways ) check-in counter after checking in and dropping off your luggage. You will be transferred by an air-conditioned minibus to the TMA terminal. The TMA Terminal representatives will inform you about the time of your departure and the gate you will be boarding at.
While you’re waiting for your flight, you’re welcomed to enjoy snacks and drinks (indoor and terrace seating available) at the Café and browse through the TMA boutique with exclusive travel accessories and souvenirs to commemorate your spectacular seaplane journey.
TMA operates seaplane flights from its own terminal next to the Male Velana International Airport and has 3 terminal buildings at Male International Airport.
Terminal A is a pleasant modernistic three-story passenger waiting terminal with two lifts. It has a direct boarding facility, satellite television, free Wi-Fi internet, air-conditioning, real-time flight departure information system, and a cozy outdoor deck. Terminal A includes a Café area, eleven dedicated resort lounges, and two VIP lounges.
Terminal B consists of dedicated resort VIP lounges.
Terminal C consists of a large terminal area with direct access to the outdoor deck area and open gates. It also has a Café for passengers in Terminal B & C.
For more information about Male Airport please visit https://macl.aero
Male City
Male’ is the capital city of the Maldives and one of the most densely populated cities of the world and it is famous for its ancient mosque and colorful buildings. With modern high-rise buildings housing the government offices, Male’ is the hub of trade and the central seat of the government accordingly major government offices, banks and businesses are based on Male’.
With welcoming shades with the others, It is a casual town best for wandering without pre-planned itineraries. With heritage buildings on the one hand and trees and waters. The roads are paved and a seawall surrounds this small island where so much takes place every day.
Even if you decide to sight-see without a tour guide, it would not be difficult to find your way around the two square kilometers island Male’, especially if you carry a map with you.
The main street Majeedhee Magu runs right through the island from east to west. Chaandhanee Magu, on the other hand, runs across from north to south. The main streets are lined with shops offering from clothes and jewelry to the latest technological items.
Male’ offers visitors a wide variety of enjoyment, though it is sight-seeing, relaxing or a shopping spree. The water-front souvenir shops offer a wide variety of art and craft items as well as swimming gear and beachwear.
How Many Days Do I Need In Male ?
Most travelers see Male as a stop station before transferring to a resort or another island and don’t take the time to properly explore it.
If you have an extra day, I recommend adding Male City to the beginning or end of your trip and you’ll be glad you did. Take some time to check out the Maldivian capital. There’s so much cool stuff to do in Male, 2 days should be more than enough. I actually wouldn’t recommend spending more than one night in the capital city of the Maldives.
You could see the entire city in one full day tour in Male to get acquainted with the island. I highly recommend full-day tour which covers most important sites like the Friday Mosque, Medhu Ziyaariay, Presidents Palace to the local Market and Fish Market with Lunch break at two different cafes, even you can take a ferry to another island and explore it.
You can easily visit Male in one or maximum two days, so let’s find out together what you can do in Male.
What To Do In Male ?
Male is a destination full of romance and adventure and heading over to it on a vacation is a blessed experience. There are dozens of amazing restaurants, museums, and interesting attractions.
Male is also the perfect introduction into the life of a typical maldivian and their culture. When you are in Male, you cannot miss out its beaches. Water sports are among the best things to do in Male, and they can be enjoyed in all their depth and variety on the beaches around Male.
Scuba diving and snorkeling are the most popular adventure activities in Male, but other interesting things like sea walks and submarine rides can also be enjoyed here.
The northern waterfront has always been the main commercial area of Male’. This area acts as the main hub of trade and is a hive of activity throughout the day. The waterfront and the by-lanes in the area are crowded with shops stocked with a variety of goods and vehicles used in the loading and transportation of goods to the local shops.
On any given day, dhoni’s and other larger vessels from other islands can be seen unloading dried fish, fresh fruits and vegetables from the atolls. So let’s move on and see things to do in Male.
Shopping In Male
Most souvenir shops line the northern end of Chaandanee Magu. Earlier known as the ‘Singapore Bazaar’ for its many imports from Singapore.
Guides and vendors who speak English and other foreign languages with the visitors, point out the best locations and helping them to bargain over prices.
The souvenir shops are stocked with an ample supply of gifts and souvenir items that you can take away as mementos. Best buys include the Maldivian mats woven with local natural fibers and the beautiful lacquered vases and jewelry boxes.
Attractive too, are the hand-carved wooden miniature ‘dhonis’. When shopping for souvenirs, all visitors should keep in mind that the export of products made of turtle shell, black coral, pearl oyster shell and red coral is prohibited.
Shopping is the favorite activity for the locals, especially in the evenings when it is cooler. The Majeedhee Magu, which is the main road on the island, has along its sides various shops selling goods from the smallest commodities to virtually everything you could think of.
The shops are well stocked with garments, perfumes, cosmetics, jewelry, watches or electronics, to name just a few. Many find it a pleasant experience to join the throngs of shoppers on the main shopping streets in the evenings. All shops are open until 11.00 in the night, except for prayer times, when they are closed for 15 minutes.
The Male Fish & Local Market
These are actually two separate markets, but I have combined them together because they’re next to each other.
The Male Fish Market
Is the commercial epicenter of arguably the country’s most important industry. This is one place where you can get an authentic feel of Maldivian culture. Fishing is the 2nd largest industry after tourism. The fishermen will sell off their daily catch in this local fish market.
The strong smell shouldn’t deter you from visiting fish market in Malé, it is fun and eye-opening to see various kinds of fish found in the water of Maldives.
The Male local market
It is just a block away from the Male’ fish market on the northern waterfront. It is divided into small stalls. Though busy and noisy, the pace is slower and the atmosphere peaceful compared to the hectic activity in the rest of this neighborhood.
Each stall is filled with a variety of local production, mainly from the atolls. Here where the local producers showcase theirs produces. You could try different kinds of local vegetables, fruits and yams, packets of sweetmeat, nuts and breadfruit chips, bottles of homemade sweets and pickles and bunches of bananas hanging on coir ropes from beams Roof.
The busy produce market gives you an enjoyable taste of the Maldives people. From all over the country, gather here to sell home-grown and imported vegetables.
Coconuts and bananas are the most plentiful product. Getting around the different stalls of fruits and vegetables is somehow a way to know the products that the local territory offers.
I highly recommend visiting both because you’ll see how locals live.
Places To Visit In Male City
Grand Friday Mosque & Islamic Center of Male
The Islamic Centre is known for excellent architecture fused with traditional Maldivian and Islamic concepts. The golden dome of The Islamic Centre is the most lively architectural landmark of Male’ that you would notice while approaching Male’ from afar.
The spectacular golden dome in all its magnificence dominates the skyline, as you approach Male’ from any direction. The building symbolizes the religion of Islam, which is practiced by the entire population of the Maldives. Opened in 1984 consists of a mosque large enough to accommodate 5000 worshipers, a library of Islamic literature, a conference hall and numerous classrooms and offices is a popular attraction for tourists.
The Islamic Centre, housing the mosque Masjid-al-Sultan Muhammad Thakurufaanu Al Auzam.
The Grand Friday Mosque also known as Old Friday Mosque located in the centre is named after one of the most celebrated Maldivian heroes, Sultan Muhammad Thakurufaanu Al Auzam of the Maldives.
The mosque is the largest in the Maldives, and also one of the largest in South Asia. So it might come as a surprise that Male’s crown jewel is the Islamic Centre’s Grand Friday Mosque, an impressive whitewashed building marked with a sweeping staircase and a gleaming golden dome.
The interior of the mosque is adorned with intricate wood carvings and Arabic calligraphy and has amazing ancient woodwork inside.
This place of worship can host about 5,000 people, though it’s worth noting that non-Muslim tourists can only explore the interior outside of prayer times, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. A dress code is also strictly enforced, with men required to wear long pants and women a long skirt or dress.
Republic Square In Male
Republic Square, also known as Jumhooree Maidan, is a popular informal gathering place. It is an open space with lots of birds and a flagpole with a Maldivian flag.
This place is worth visiting for tourists. You can’t miss this structure with the huge Maldivian flag & plenty of pigeons around being fed. It’s a square opposite the presidents jetty, also cannot be missed. White structure that resembles a portion of the sydney opera house, which some locals use as a reference point for tourists trying to find the place.
This square has a small park where locals and visitors hang-out. The Republic Square is found close to the north shore of Male’.
This is a place to sit down and just relax. Nice park with a great sea view. Next to the park is the president’s palace. On the sea-ward side, is the Presidential Jetty used by the president and officials to travel to various locations. Right next to the Republic Square you will find the Headquarters of the Maldivian National Defence Force and Maldivian Police Service, as well The Islamic Centre is next to the square.
“Shaheed Hussain Adam” the Police headquarters building with the Maldivian flag installed on a tall flag post in front of this imposing building is a prominent landmark at Jumbhooree Maidan. All the prominent landmark buildings and tourist attractions of Male’ City are within walking distance from Jambhoore Maidan.
It’s very central & close to the jetty point for a speedboat, close to many shops, a small mall, souvenir shops. Where local fish market are at a walk-able distance, close to the mosque, park, many shops, restaurants and sightseeing places.
Nothing much to do here, if you have extra time sit & chill. You can sit here and enjoy the scenery and watch the hustle & bustle of boats & the “millions” of motorcycles around where you can take photos to enjoy the view around. Good area to walk around during the evening the water fountain looks great at night.
Male National Museum
The new building of the museum is also located in Sultan Park. The building was designed, built and financed by the chinese government on 10th July 2010, but was officially opened and declared as the national museum two weeks later on Maldives’ Independence Day, 26th July 2010.
The museum houses a number of wonderful objects belonging to the Sultans. It consists of the ornaments and costumes worn by various kings and queens, stone items of the Maldives pre-Islamic period, paper and cloth manuscripts, arms and armor, photographs of important personalities, anthropological objects and other such items that exhibit the past Maldivian way of life.
A visit to the museum gives instant insight into the wealth of history most visitors never suspect existed.
The museum has a massive assemblage of royal antiquities ranging from the Buddhist and Islamic era making it a paradise for the lovers of history and crafts.
The museum is open daily except for Friday and public holidays from 9.00 to 11.40 and 3.00 to 5.40. A small fee is charged for admission.
Male Sultan Park
Sultan Park is located in front of the Republican Monument discover to mark 30 years of independence. Previously the Sultan Park site housed Maldivian Royal Palaces.
Built beside the demolished Royal Palace in Maldives’ capital city Male. Sultan Park, also known as the Rasrani Bageecha, is a public park formed after transforming the palace’s royal gardens. The giant iron gate at the entrance of the park is the only piece that speaks of the palace’s former glory.
The Sultan Park, opposite the Islamic Centre and its public park. Built on the southern side of the demolished Royal Palace grounds in the 16th century in the capital of Maldives, Male. This is a small park (like Garden). It is a place of relaxation but also a lot of local people are there.
The entrance is subject to pay there are kids’ playgrounds (Not Wowww) and it’s free of charge for Maldivians and children under 18. Kids of course enjoy it. If you are a foreigner, the entrance fee is around $5 USD. It has enough trees and shades to hide from the sun and enjoy the weather under Plumeria trees.
In the evening colored fountains, a night visit would be more interesting with all those lights.
In my opinion, You may want to visit this park or may not. So, if you wish to try this experience go on, If not avoid it.
Victory Monument Of Male
If you are historical and you love history this is for you. History with pride honoring the past. Every country takes pride in something and
being interested in the good things that have been happened.
A short walk from Sultan Park and the Grand Friday Mosque, the Victory Monument is an interesting monument dedicated to a turbulent period in Maldivian history. This monument is nothing but a plaque inscribed in a wall. The awesome story is the history behind it.
The Monument was erected to commemorate the defeat of Sri Lankan, Tamil Tigers, who in 1988 attempted to infiltrate and invade The Maldivian Capital, Male.
It’s s place which brings us on history and explained the past where Sri Lanka attacked Them and they lost some of the lives there. With the help of the Indian army, they won the war and it’s momentous of victory.
Honestly speaking, there is nothing very special for the tourist but a lot of attractions nearby. So when you visit other attractions spend some good time there to salute national heroes.
Though, this has historic significance related to a military event. For any traveler it’s just a simple monument. It’s the kind that you would take look, take a picture and move on. It’s already part of the Male city tour. So do go with a guide and he will explain the historic significance just need to take a photo and move on.
Male Presidential Palace
Presidential Palace or Mulee’agei is the residence of the president of the Maldivian republic. Situated right opposite to the Friday Mosque (Hukuru Miskiiy). In Male, the palace built in 1906 by Sultan Mohamed Shamsuddeen III, replacing a house dating back to the mid-17th century.
The palace with its wrought iron gates and fretwork friezes on its roof edges and well-kept garden was intended for his son, but the Sultan was deposed. During World War II vegetables were grown in its garden to help relieve food shortages.
It became the President’s official residence when the Maldives became a republic in 1953. It remained so until 1994 when the new presidential palace was built. Where has been home to 4 presidents till now.
It can only be viewed externally, visitors are not allowed to go inside.
Male Medhu Ziyaaraiy
Medhu Ziyaaraiy is the tomb of Abdul Barakat Yoosuf Al Barbary. A religious scholar from Morocco who converted the Maldives to islam in the 10th May 1153.
This shrine is found a few steps away from the Friday Mosque Male. People visit Medhu Ziyaaraiy to honor Abdul Barakat Yoosuf Al Barbary for introducing the enlightenment of islam to the Maldives.
Due to the tomb’s close proximity to other tourist places, it is also included in the sights-list of the regular tour guides’ circuit. In addition to locals, many interested tourists also visit the tomb to learn more about this site of historical value.
Remember there’s nothing much to see, although I think it´s worth a visit as it has quite interesting architecture and colors. All you can have is a picture because you can’t enter this place.
The Tsunami Monument
The Tsunami Monument is located in the southwest corner of Male, in Maafannu district, in a peaceful park overlooking the ocean. It is one of the most famous landmarks in Male.
It is not too huge, but a beautiful landmark with stainless steel rods. Placed in a round circle representing the number of lives that were lost in the 2004 Tsunami. The uneven sizes of rods symbolize different ages of people who died in the disaster. Whereas the twenty round balls placed around the structure represent the twenty atolls that were affected.
You can enjoy here the experience of the sunset.
The National Art Gallery Male
The national museum, national library and art gallery are located just beside sultan park.
The National Art Gallery Male established by the government of Maldives in 1999. It showcases regular displays of Maldivian and international artworks to preserve the history and instill patriotism among the people of the Maldives.
Under one roof you’ll find the national library, various cultural centers from countries around the world. This exhibition space, which has temporary displays of Maldivian art.
The small gallery has regular exhibitions. Showcasing a variety of artworks from photography to paintings and conceptual works, by local and regional artists.
But there is no permanent collection, so often there’s nothing to see here if there’s not an exhibit. But it’s worth dropping by to check.
Esjehi Gallery In Male
Esjehi art gallery is one of the spectacular tourist attractions and a beautiful place to visit in city male. Whether you want to see modern or traditional art, the gallery will satisfy your senses.
A small gallery that manages to show a great amount of both traditional and modern Maldivian art. Esjehi is located on Medhuziyaraiy Magu in a beautiful building dating back to the 1870s.
There is a workshop where the artists display their work. Where you can witness some of the finest antique traditional arts and crafts on display. The gallery offers proper decorous artworks. Also host exhibitions where the various maldivian artists gave an opportunity to buy the best art pieces you will find in this gallery.
Visitors to the gallery will also see original maldivian crafts and arts. The intimate nature of the gallery means that visitors often have the opportunity to meet artists in person to discuss their work.
China Friendship Bridge (Sinamalé Bridge)
The capital area consists of four islands, Malé, residential islands of Hulhumalé and Villimale as well as Hulhulé Island. Which is the island allocated for the main airport, Velana International Airport.
You can imagine, traveling between these islands took a lot of time and money. So many residents lived on Hulhumalé Island and traveled to the capital for employment and other purposes. The airport is a hub from which maldivian citizens traveled to islands and abroad. Traveling by boat meant a lot of hassle for people, especially if you had to make the journey with children, the elderly or the disabled.
Connecting capital Male and neighboring Hulhule island where the Maldives’ main international airport is located. The two-km bridge makes it possible for locals and tourists to transfer between the two islands on land within a short time.
The bridge project was the first such mega-development project to be conducted in the country. Bringing in new hope for the country in dire need of connectivity in ways other than ferry and air. Before the Sinamalé Bridge, such a project was just a dream for Maldivians.
The chinese government has always been a willing partner for the Maldives. The bridge has proven that nothing was impossible through genuine partnership.
Male Artificial Beach
As the name itself implies, it is a man-made beach. This place is a public area and closer to a busy road on aside. A long stretch of land reclaimed from the sea forms the beach. The specially made swimming area is available and is a favorite haunt of the people of Male’ for sea bathing.
Since it is an open space there are certain restrictions in using swimwear. You must wear appropriate clothing if you do go swimming, meaning no western-styled bathing suits. Cafe’ and restaurants are available for visitors also a place of social gathering where carnivals, shows and concerts are held. There are also facilities for certain sports.
This beach is for the locals and not really recommended for tourists who want a “real” beach experience and wish to have a relaxing time. So I would recommend Hulhumale beach where there is a specified controlled area for tourists you can go by car or by bus.