Joanna James
Most tourists land at Velana International Airport and then head straight to their resort island, which is no surprise, as the resort islands usually get all the glory – as they should. However, Malé has something to offer too. With the right guidance and a bit of planning, you can have a jolly time in Malé, exploring Maldivian culture and indulging in a bit of shopping. Here’s how you can experience the Maldives' capital city before going to your resort island.
Well, resort islands are a different world compared to the densely populated Malé. With only six square kilometres and 15,000 people, Malé is among the smallest capitals in the world. Here, you can see local life unfurl, have lunch at a small restaurant, and visit street markets – the sort of things you don’t get to do on resort islands, where grander things await, overlooked by mostly foreign staff.
Yes, you won’t find the best resort in Maldives here, but perhaps you won’t mind staying at a guesthouse. However, you could choose a resort located close to the Maldives and head there once your exploration is over. For instance, NH Maldives Kuda Rah Resort in South Ari Atoll is about a 30-minute seaplane ride from Malé.
You’ll be endlessly basking in sunlight on resort islands, but your time in Malé is a rare opportunity to explore the Maldives’ public beaches. Artificial Beach on Malé Island is on the eastern coast. Although it’s a human-made beach, locals don’t seem to mind that, and neither do tourists visiting Malé. Note that you cannot wear your swimsuits here. However, Hulhumalé Beach on Hulhumalé Island features designated areas where swimsuits are allowed. A short ferry ride from Malé is Villingili Public Beach. You’ll find the atmosphere here to be more relaxed and laid-back compared to what you find in Malé.
The rich heritage of the Maldives isn’t exactly part of the regular tourist experience. However, you can change that by visiting the National Museum Maldives, which contains a vast range of artefacts. Some of them even date back to the era when the Maldives was a Buddhist country. The museum is housed inside what once was a sultan's palace. The collection includes some of the personal items that belonged to sultans too.
The Maldives is predominantly Muslim and takes pride in its mosques. The Grand Friday Mosque is among the top places to visit in Malé for its traditional Islamic architecture and religious significance. The staircase is a definite highlight, and even more prominent is the golden dome that commands your attention, even if you are miles away. When the mosque is not occupied for prayers, non-Muslims are allowed to take tours. However, keep in mind that you’re expected to dress modestly for the visit. This means long skirts or dresses for female visitors and long pants for male visitors.
Malé isn’t a city with glamorous shopping malls, but there’s a fair bit of retail therapy to be enjoyed here. Malé Local Market is an excellent spot to shop like a local, while Chaandhanee Magu is where you can pick up a few local crafts to take home. Visit Centro Mall to find familiar international brands and to dine at the cafés.
The Maldives has a tropical climate with a dry season and a wet season. If you wish to explore the outdoors, you should visit during the dry season, from January to April. Not only does this time allow you to explore outdoor attractions without the rain getting in the way, but it also brings excellent visibility, perfect for water sports such as snorkelling and diving.
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.
