Getting there

Malé is situated on its own island and is just a short boat ride away from the international airport on the neighbouring Hulhule Island. The usual method of transport from the airport island to Male (and back), is a regular shuttle service by 'Dhoni' (Maldivian style of boat). This is relatively slow and will take about 15 to 20 minutes depending on the weather conditions. This shuttle service runs every 15 minutes from 6:00 am to 12:00 midnight. After midnight the shuttle runs irregularly up untill 6:00 am the following day.

Male’ s city centre is on the northern side of this rectangular island and it is here where the harbour, government offices, and cultural sites are situated. The residential area is in the south central area. Malé’s main street, the Boduthakurufaanu Magu, goes all the way round the island close to the waterfront. Malé is best explored on foot and it will take only about an hour to do the sightseeing tour of this tiny city. A morning’s excursion with a stop for a local meal is recommended.

Historical background

History suggests that the Maldive islands have been inhabited for more than 3,000 years, perhaps first settled by travellers on the ancient Silk Route from the Indus Valley civilization. Archeological evidence suggests the existence of Hinduism and Buddhism before the country embraced Islam in 1153 AD. The physical features of today’s Maldivians, their traditional rituals, music and dance forms as well as their cuisine is a result of a melting pot of cultures of the people that inhabit the numerous maritime routes of Africa, Arabia, India and Sri Lanka.

Sights

Much has been cramped into the four sq km area of Malé including high-rise buildings, homes, shops, bazaars and a small network of paved roads. Government offices are located in one area and the main streets are lined with shops and offices. The old bazaar area is the hub of wholesale and retail trade. Interesting places to visit includes the fish market and the local market at the northern waterfront. Watch Dhonis (traditional boats) unload dried fish, fresh fruits and vegetables from the atolls. The new harbour is located in the south-west corner. The 400-year old Friday Mosque, Mulee-aage, and the Islamic Centre are interesting landmarks.

Food & drink

Maldivian cuisine is a spicy blend of Arabic, Indian, Sri Lanka and Oriental flavours with fish, mainly tuna, a favourite dish. Resorts on the Maldives usually have international cuisine and interpretations of local dishes as a part of their buffets. For those wishing to try authentic Maldivian cuisine, we recommend eating at a café in Malé. Here varieties of snacks or 'short-eats' – pastries such as samosas -- are served. Lunch includes fish and curries served with roti - pancake style breads. There are some good restaurants, cafes and bars serving local cuisine, fresh juices, and soft drinks. Alcohol is not available.

Shopping

Shopping almost exclusively takes place in Malé, unless you want local handicrafts or hotel or national-branded garments from the resorts. The Majeedhee Magu, the main road on the island, sells most commodities, big and small. Most souvenir shops are at the northern end of Chaandanee Magu. A few upmarket shops – Reefside, Evince, Le Cute, and Sonee Sports -- sell designer clothing, beauty products and electronic equipment.

Events

The Maldivians follow the Islamic calendar and the most important festival is Ramadan, celebrated in September. During this time the people undergo 30 days of daytime fasting and most work places have shorter working days. The Maldives Independence day falls on July 26 and official celebrations are held at Malé’s Independence Square. There are also other national days and religious days in the calendar that are celebrated, but these do not usually affect the island resorts.

Activities

Grand Friday Mosque: Built in the 17C, the Huskuru Miskiiy or Friday Mosque served the population of Malé as their main mosque for almost four centuries, until the Islamic Centre and Grand Friday Mosque took over the function in 1984. Built by Sultan Ibrahim Iskandhar in 1656 the mosque is a masterpiece of coral curving and traditional workmanship. The walls of the mosque are hewn together with blocks of filigree-curved coral blocks. Heavy wooden doors slide open to the inner sanctums with lamp hangings of wood and panels intricately curved with Arabic writings.

Mulee-aage: In front of the Hukuru Miskiiy is Mulee-aage, a palace built in 1906 by Sultan Mohamed Shamsuddeen III. The palace, with its wrought iron gates, fretwork friezes on its roof edges and well-kept garden, was intended for his son, but the Sultan was deposed. It became the President’s Official Residence when Maldives became a republic in 1953 and remained so until 1994, when the new Presidential Palace was built. At present Mulee-aage houses the President’s Office.

Islamic Centre: As you approach Malé, you will see one of its famous architectural landmarks - the Islamic Centre with its golden dome. Completed in 1984, the centre consists of a mosque which can house 5,000 people, an Islamic library, conference hall, classrooms and offices.

National Museum & Sultan’s Park: The museum is housed in an Edwardian style building, the only remaining building of the former Sultan’s Palace, which is now the Sultan’s Park. The museum is open daily from 9.00 to 6.00 p.m. except Friday and public holidays. A small fee is charges for admission.

National Art Gallery: Located on Majeedhee Magu, this small gallery provides a medium for local artists to exhibit their creative talents in different mediums from paintings to photography. The gallery is open for 9.00 – 6.00 pm, Sunday to Thursday.

Fish and produce markets: Located along the Northern waterfront, the fish market is an interesting experience where local fisherman brings in their day’s catch for sale. The floors are scattered with tuna, grouper and variety of other fish. The fruit and vegetable market is another interesting scene where villagers bring in their produce ranging from coconuts to bananas for sale.