Malé the capital
Malé with a population of about 100,000 is the commercial and political hub of the Maldives. It is home to all government ministries and departments, all of the larger companies, banks, communications and the key institutions that control the nation's economic and social life.
Malé consists of five districts or wards; four on the island of Malé, a fifth on Vilingili, the island to the west of Malé just 10 minutes away by boat. The Malé International Airport is on Hulhule Island, a couple of miles to the north east of Malé.
Sights of Malé
Hukuru Miskiiy
Built in the 17th century the Hukuru 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 - probably the best display of coral curving anywhere in the world.
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. The area surrounding the mosque is a cemetery with a legion of intricately curved coral headstones. The Munnaaru or minaret in front of the mosque, used to call the faithful to prayer was built in 1675 by the same Sultan.
The Presidential Palace
The Presidential Palace, Theemuge is one of the most important attractions for those visiting Malé and is on the itinerary of any tour in Malé. The design and architecture of the palace combines the grandeur of local tradition with modernity. The palace is on Orchid Magu west of the main shopping area.
Mulee-aage
Mulee-aage was built just before the First World War by Sultan Shamsuddeen III for his son. The Sultan was deposed and his son never took office. In 1953, during the First Republic Mulee-aage was designated as the Presidential Palace and was the official residence of the president until the new Presidential Palace was built.
Islamic Centre
The Islamic Centre opened in 1984, is located between Meduziyaaraiy Magu and Ameeru Ahmed Magu. The Centre's most important feature is the grand mosque, Masjidul Sultan Mohammad Thakurufaanu al A'zam which holds up to 5,000 people. In addition to the Grand Mosque, the Islamic Centre houses a conference hall, an Islamic library and classrooms.
Sultan Park & Museum
The Sultan Park and the National Museum are part of the old Sultan's Palace and Palace grounds during the time of the monarchy. The Museum opened in 1952 and displays a large variety of objects and artifacts from times gone by. The collection comprises of relics from the Pre-Islamic times to royal antiquities belonging to different monarchs. The Museum is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. except Fridays and public holidays.
Medhuziyaaraiy
Just opposite the small park adjoining the Hukuru Miskiiy, is the tomb of Abu-al Barakaat, to whom the nation pays its respects for bringing to our shores the enlightenment of Islam in 1153.
Markets
Fish Market
One of the most exciting places to visit in Malé is the Fish Market. The market really comes to life in the afternoon when dhonis, or the local fishing boats start arriving with their catch. Maldivians buy fresh fish for their homes every day and a visit to the fish market is part of the day's program for many.
Local Market
A little further to the west of the fish market is the aptly named Local Market. The market consists of a series of stalls that stock the produce of islands from all over the Maldives. This is the place to be if you wish to sample some of the local fruits or preserves.
Eating Out
Wherever you are in Malé, there is a restaurant, a coffeeshop, or a teashop, or an eating establishment of some sort near you. Each type offers a different type of food and social experience.
Restaurants
There are several restaurants, some of which are air-conditioned and others providing a more relaxed open-air concept. Restaurants range from those offering sophisticated international menus to those serving more localized Asian and European dishes. Some are open from breakfast, while others are open from lunchtime. All restaurants close at 1.00 a.m. in the morning.
Tea Shops
The traditional Malé teashop is still the most popular amongst the locals. Here you get to enjoy local foods and are sometimes noisy with lots of activity. There are several teashops scattered around the island. If you are in a hurry this is the ideal place as they serve the local version of fast food. Teashops open early in the morning some as early as 5.00 a.m. and close at 1.00 a.m.
Coffee Shops
The coffee shop is the modern version of the teashop. Coffee shops serve a variety of snack and quick meals such as noodles and fried rice. Mostly small and cozy, they offer good meals at lower prices compared to restaurants. Coffee shops open in the morning between 8.00 a.m and 9.00 a.m and remain open until 1.00 a.m in the night.
Sport & Recreation
Maldivians are avid sports fans and enjoy playing and watching a wide range of sports and games. Football is the most popular sport in the country and there are several tournaments of different levels held throughout the country each year. Volleyball, swimming, basketball, cricket, athletics, badminton and tennis tournaments are signifi-cant events in the national sports calendar.
Facilities in Malé
There are several gyms, fitness clubs and aerobic centres in Malé, with professional equipment and trainers. Billiards and pool are increasing in popularity and there are a few snooker and pool centres in Malé.
Maldives is known for its diving and spas, and Malé is no exception. Although few in numbers, there are diving centres and spas right here in the capital.
Surfing is one of the fastest growing sports in the country. Malé Point, a recognized surf break, south east of Malé, is popular with local surfers.
Shopping
Malé is the commercial hub of the Maldives and there are a variety of shops, serving the needs of the 80,000 residents of the city and the thousands of shoppers who come to Malé from the islands. While the neighborhood convenient stores may be open at 6.00 or 7.00, shops in the main streets open around 9.00 or 10.00 in the morning. All shops close at 11.00 p.m. Shops are closed for 15 minutes for prayer times.
Souvenir Shops
The northern end of Chaandhanee Magu is famed for its souvenir shops, however there are few other good souvenir shops located elsewhere in the city. Souvenir shops offer a variety of souvenirs, local handicraft, t-shirts, batiks and a variety of books on the Maldives in different languages.
Bookshops
There are several bookshops and stationery shops in Malé. The main bookshops stock a variety of educational books for students, fiction and non-fiction and children's books from well-known international publishers.
Majeedee Magu and other main streets are lined with shops selling clothing, shoes and a variety of other products. Some shops specialize in internationally renowned brands of sports goods, clothing and lifestyle products, and electronics. Shops are open from morning till 11.00 p.m.
Post & Communications
Telephone Services
Telephone and mobile phone services in the country are provided by Dhiraagu, the Maldives telecommunications company. GSM Mobile phone services are also provided by Dhiraagu and Wataniyya Telecoms; post and prepaid services are available. Roaming arrangements are available for customers of major mobile operators in the world.
Online
There are several cyber cafés located in different areas of Malé. Internet services in the Maldives are provided by two ISPs licensed by the government.
Postage & Courier Service
The Maldives Post Limited provides postal services in addition to their express courier service EMS. Most of the international courier services are also represented in Malé.
Money Matters
Currency / Money Changers
The local currency is the Rufiyaa. A Rufiyaa is 100 Laari. The Rufiyaais in denominations of 500, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5 Rufiyaa notes, 1 and 2 Rufiyaa coins and 50, 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1 Laari coins. The exchange rate as of December 2004 is MRf. 12.75 against the United States Dollar. All resorts, hotels, most major shops and restaurants are authorized money changers and can accept payment in most major currencies and by credit card.
The Bank of Maldives Airport Branch located at the arrivals terminal also offers money changing services. If you are in need of Rufiyaa while in Malé, banks would be the most convenient choice.
Banks
The Bank of Maldives is the national bank and has several branches in Malé. The Bank also has branches in some of the other major population centers such as Seenu Atoll Hithadhoo, Haa Dhaalu Atoll Kulhudhufushi and Lhaviyani Atoll Naifaru. There is also a branch of the bank at Malé International Airport. Other banks include HSBC, State Bank of India, Bank of Ceylon and Habib Bank.
ATMs
Most of the banks represented in Malé provide automatic teller machine (ATM) services. There are several Bank of Maldives ATMs and ATMs of other banks conveniently located at several key points in Malé, which offer regular ATM services as well as credit card services for some major credit cards.
Getting Around
Taxis
Although Malé is relatively small you may need the services of a taxi especially if it is raining. In Malé taxis charge between Rf. 15.00 - 20.00 per stop, with an extra charge of Rf. 5.00 for luggage carried. Although taxis can be hailed on the street, the norm in Malé is to call one of the many taxi centres that operate in the city.
Airport Ferries
Ferries to the airport charge Rf 10.00 per person before midnight and Rf 20.00 after midnight. If you are in a large group it may be more convenient and economical to charter one. The price for chartering a ferry is Rf 250.00 before sunset and Rf 350.00 after sunset. The airport ferry jetty, jetty no.9, is located in Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Henveiru, close to Nasandhura Palace Hotel.
Inter Atoll Air and Sea Transport
There are four regional airports in the country. Island Aviation operates regular scheduled flights to Ganin Seenu Atoll, Kadhdhoo in Laamu Atoll, Kaadedhdhoo in Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll and Hanimaadhoo in Haa Dhaalu Atoll from Malé International Airport. There are no scheduled domestic passenger and cargo ships, however many travel between Malé and the atolls on a regular basis.
Seaplane Services
Bookings for seats or for private charters of seaplane can be organized from Malé, from the airport or from the resorts.
Speedboat and Dhoni Services
Dhonis are convenient only to travel to short distances mainly because of their slow speed. Dhonis are especially convenient for diving and excursions. There are several companies providing speedboat and dhoni charter services in Malé.
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