You're in the Maldives and the same question always comes up.... Is it worth visiting Malé, the capital of the Maldives? Many will tell you no, but I would say, if you have the chance, do it because you will see the local life in its purest form. If you are one of those who prefer to stay in a resort and not get into bustling places, then don't visit Malé...but I warn you that you will miss an experience in the capital of the Maldives.
Malé, the capital of the Maldives
Malé is the most populated island of the Maldives. The island is only 5.7 square kilometers in size but has a population of 136,000, making it one of the most densely populated cities in the world.
It is the administrative and commercial center where are the offices of many hotels and logistics centers as well as many businesses to supply all hotels, restaurants and other establishments. The city of Malé is chaotic... but nothing compared to its neighbor India.
I take this opportunity to tell you that there are many flights from India to Malé and an India-Maldives combo trip is a perfect option 😊.
Although it is not a particularly beautiful city, I confirm...it is not, it is the place where you can soak up the local culture and get into their day to day life and lifestyle. For that reason, I always recommend visiting it as it is part of the country's history and where most things happen, since in the islands everything is very, very quiet.
In the capital of Maldives there are plenty of restaurants, stores and cafes. The best way to get around the city of Malé is by motorcycle, and believe me it is full of two-wheeled vehicles :)
What to see in Malé, Maldives - What to do in Malé
If you are still not sure whether to visit Malé or not, here I propose a list of things to see in the capital of the Maldives with my best intention to convince you to visit her!
Fish market
For me, this visit is a must because in a country surrounded by water, fish is their main local product. Be prepared to see giant tuna and all kinds of fish laid out on slabs on the ground. The best time to go is in the afternoon when the fishermen arrive in the boats, Dhonis (traditional boats), with their fresh merchandise and the auction begins.
Truly, this is a unique activity in Malé but it is not suitable if you are sensitive to smells (especially the intense smell of fish).
Malé local market
This market is right across the street from the fish market and you will find all kinds of exotic fruits in their stallsmany of them come from IndiaSri Lanka or Thailand because Maldives is quite limited in terms of agricultural production... its most abundant products are fish and coconuts!
There is a local market area dedicated to dried and smoked fish in different varieties and you can also find some typical sweets such as the Bondi, made with coconut and sugar and rolled in a leaf like a cigar, an experience for all the senses!
Hukuru Miskiiy - Former Friday Mosque
On the small island of Malé there are many mosques but the most important one is the Former Friday Mosque is the oldest in the country and the only remaining construction of the ancient and monarchic capital. Its walls are made of coral carved with the utmost delicacy. In 2008 it was named UNESCO World Heritage as the only monument made of coral..
They don't always let non-Muslim visitors in but you can try your luck between 9am and 5pm (remember to wear appropriate clothing).
Next to the mosque there is a small cemetery in which there are tombstones of some Sultans who marked the history of the country (tombstones marked in gold).
Friday Grand Mosque
This mosque is the largest mosque in Malé and the Maldives. It was inaugurated in 1984 and was financed by several Muslim countries.
Medhu Ziyaaraiy
It is the tomb of the Moroccan scholar Abdul Barakat Yoosuf, who introduced Islam to the Maldives in 1153.
Legend has it that Abdul helped the people of the Maldives to get rid of a sea demon called Rannamari and because of this the king agreed to convert the Maldives and its people to Islam. Locals visit the tomb to thank Abdul for showing them the way and for enlightening their lives with Islam.
Artificial Beach
This is the only beach in the capital of the Maldives and in the evenings is usually a very busy place for the local population, they sit there with a coffee or Red Bull (a drink widely consumed in the Maldives) to socialize and watch life go by.
This beach is not Bikini Beach so if you want to swim it must be like the locals do in shorts and t-shirt... unless you have a nice burkini.
Sultan Park and the National Museum
If we travel back in time, This park was one of the gardens of the Sultan's palace. It does not have the splendor of yesteryear but it is still a beautiful enclave in the capital of the Maldives. Sultan Park, as well as the man-made beach, are the locals' favorite places to hang out and socialize.
The National Museum was also part of the boundaries of the Sultan's Palace. In this museum you can relive the history of the Maldives and its different eras and conquerors.
Tsunami Memorial
This monument is a tribute to the victims of the 2004 Tsunami which took more than 100 lives and many missing. The monument is formed by metallic spheres symbolizing the atolls of the Maldives and upward design replicates sea level rise. The rods represent each person who passed away and each one has the name engraved on it. This monument reminds us that the sea is the country's greatest ally but can also become its worst enemy.
Hulhumale Island
This island is annexed to the airport and in recent years has been developed as a residential area as Malé is no longer able to accommodate more and more land needed to build.
It doesn't have much to see but you can walk around and see the differences between Hulhumale and Malé, the former being much quieter and more organized. Accommodation options in Hulhumale have proliferated quite a lot and many prefer to spend a night here before their return flight as it is closer to the airport and much more relaxed than the chaotic Malé.
Flights to Malé
About 300 flights arrive in the Maldives every day. Check my post to Some of the airlines that fly to the Maldives include Turkish Airlines, Etihad, Qatar Airways, Iberia... find a cheap flight ticket and read the tips for cheap travel to Maldives.
Maldives Airport in Malé
Malé airport is called Velana International Airport and is located on the island of Hulhule. It is very small and is always crowded. All resorts and hotels have their own booth or lounge and welcome travelers upon arrival.
How to get to Malé from the airport
You can take the public Ferry which takes about 15-20 min to Malé Island, another option is a cab to Malé via the Sinamale Bridge which opened in 2018.
Hotels in Malé
Although Male is not a very touristy city, there are some travelers who decide to spend a night to discover the capital of the Maldives before taking their return flight. There are also many local travelers who visit the city of Male to do administrative formalities. Therefore, one of the most populated cities in the world per square meter, has many hotels.
If you want to accommodation in Malé, I recommend Samann Grand, just 2 minutes from the artificial beach and the hotel. Summer Beach Maldives also the same area and with very good views. If you are looking for cheap accommodation in Malé, Reef Guest House is a favorite in the capital of the Maldives.
Map of Malé
I hope you will be encouraged to visit Malé and enjoy everything there is to see in the capital of the Maldives. I would love to hear about your experience when you come back. I'll read you in comments :)
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