Joanna James
When you say the Maldives, you think of the beaches and resorts, not shopping. However, you still have to shop for souvenirs and other miscellaneous reasons. So, here's a list to help you!
The Divehi word "magu" translates to street in English. Therefore, this is a street market where you can find anything and everything from the general electronics to apparels and some Maldivian only goods like dried fish chips! Fish chips are delicious and can be either eaten on their own or added into their curries for more flavour and texture. This is a well-known street in the capital city, Male. They are open till around 11 pm making it convenient for the tourists to visit them after spending their day exploring other parts of the island. Majeedhee Magu is a popular place for the tourists because it is usually included in the itinerary of the tours organised by well-known hotels like Adaaran Club Rannalhi.
This is an elegant boutique that mainly has European style items like lifestyle products with a local twist. You can find cushion covers, satchels and fridge magnets that are handcrafted by the local artisans. These make a good gift or souvenir for yourself or someone back home.
Another street market often referred to as the "Singapore bazaar" by the locals, has many imported goods from, well, Singapore. If you are to make lists such as a to-do list in the Maldives, places to visit or things to buy, do include Chandhanee Magu in it! Because apart from imported goods, you will also find an extensive collection of local handiworks. A popular item that you could buy from here is a "Thudu Kona" which is a mat woven with local fibres and have geometric designs. You could take one of these back home as a memento.
A duty-free shop that sells perfumes and fragrances, cosmetics and healthcare products. This is probably the only place you should consider buying perfumes in the Maldives. Most locals prefer buying their high-end cosmetics from here.
This, unlike others, is department store with three levels. It's probably one of the few department stores in the Island. Level one is where you can find household items and electronics. Level two and three is your area of interest; this is where you will find a number of local mementoes and handicraft items that would make an ideal souvenir. It is almost always quite busy and stays open until 10 in the night.
Located on the north waterfront in the Maldives, this is another favourite place for both locals and tourists to do their shopping. One of the most tempting features that allures tourists into this market is the many number of stalls that sell local snacks and street food like Bis Kamiya (Maldivian samosa), Boshi mashuni (banana flower salad), Gula (a Maldivian version of a cutlet, usually made with fish), Garudhiya (fragrant fish soup) and saagu bondibai (sago pudding) to name a few.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
