Joanna James
As one of the country's least-visited quarters, Male is a captivating metropolis that's waiting to be discovered by the travelling masses. Home to all of the archipelago's cultural highlights, having a good time in Male can not only include shopping and sightseeing but undersea adventures as well.
No tour of Male would be complete without exploring the largest and most impressive mosque in the Maldives. The Grand Friday Mosque is not only an architectural icon and a sacred space but a landmark that has come to symbolize the Maldives. With its coral stone facade and golden domes, the majesty of this place of worship down Ibrahimee Magu is difficult to capture in words. Offering visitors stunning views of the ocean, the white marble building is open to visitors from 9 am to 11.30 am and then again from 1 pm to 3 pm and 4 pm to 5 pm every day except Thursdays and Fridays when the timings differ slightly.
Tourists don't need to have a particular passion for history to enjoy a tour of the National Museum in Male. Located at Sultan Park, the National Museum is spread out over three=floors where some of the country's finest relics and artefacts are on display. Some of the most coveted exhibits on show at the museum include ancient weapons and household items from the medieval period. The first floor is dedicated to religious and defence related exhibits while the second is dedicated to the more modern era.
Tipped to be the most thrilling activity tourists can sign up for in Male, a submarine ride beneath the underwater landscapes surrounding Male is a one of a kind adventure where even the kids can join in. the tour lasts a little less than an hour and is ideal for those who wish to discover the beauty of Maldivian coral reefs and the country's marine life heritage without getting wet. Reaching depths of 100m, the submarine ride often includes glimpses of yellow striped snappers, lionfish and even yellow boxfish. The tours set out at 8.30 am, 10 am, 1.30 pm and 3 pm and are a great alternative to those who cannot enjoy a scuba diving tour from their base.
While shopping may not be synonymous with the best things to do in the Maldives, it is surely one of the top things to do in Male. Spread out across the entire length of Male, this colourful shopping street allows shopaholics to stock up on local goodies and souvenirs. Not only are the handicrafts and other curios on sale at Majeedhee Magu but tourists can rest assured that the quality of the ethnic accessories and other souvenirs are top-notch.
If you are staying at Reethi Faru Resort, you can step out of your private villa and enjoy the beach, but if you need a change, head to the main island. Although Male's beaches may not be as spectacular as those in the outer atolls, Artificial Beach still remains one of the city's finest leisure hubs. Perfect for those who wish to wine and dine by the beach or enjoy splashing around, this public beach is open around the clock so vacationers can head out to this area at all hours.
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