Male: transit or day trip
Male: transit or day trip
Caterina Fattori
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Do you need to spend an overnight in Male because of an early flight or a late landing in the Maldives? Or do you have a few hours of transit to your local island vacation?
Here is a list of what to do in the tropical Capital!
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Male for most of tourist is nothing more than a transit point to their gateway on one of the resorts or local islands.
Someone chooses the capital for a day excursion and gets to experience the feeling of walking in a kind of Tetris metropolis.
How to reach the Capital
From Velana International Airport you can choose to take the local ferry, taxi, or bus.
By ferry, the ticket office is in front of the jetty at the airport, the ticket costs 10 MVR or 1$. In almost 15 minutes you will reach the capital at Hulhumale ferry jetty.
Hulhumale' Ferry Terminal
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Inside the building, you will find the ticket office for the local ferries (to Hulhumale and the airport).
There is a wide waiting lounge, with a sitting area, where you can rest while waiting for your ferry.
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Taxis are available from the airport exit, and the cost to reach the center should be around 75-100 MVR. Ask the driver to drop you at the hotel (if staying overnight) or at Republic Square, the best spot to start your stroll around.
If you want to use public transportation, the bus stop is in front of the domestic airport, it's better to get off at the first stop after the Sinamale (Male-Hulhule) bridge (STELCO stop) or ask the driver about it.
Be aware that on Friday there is a "prayer break", so won't be available for the service during this time. Check the MCC website for the schedule.
What to see and visit
Most of the touristic attractions are really close each other and along the main street.
Fish Market
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After reaching the capital you should get to know the locals while visiting the typical markets, in particular, the fish and the fruit market.
The fish market is really busy during the morning. Check how fast the guys can clean and prepare the fish!
Outside, you can see the harbor full of boats (ferries and fishing boats) where fishermen return from the sea and carry their catch across the busy street (normally tuna), which will then be weighed and sold.
Next to the fish market, the fruit market (the only one in the country) shows in small quantity, products of Maldivian agriculture. Coconut, Mango, papaya, guava, bananas, and watermelon are available depending on the season.
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Republic Square
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The big square in front of jetty number one (known as the Presidential one), is marked with a giant Maldivian flag.
This is an excellent place for visitors to relax under some trees, a waiting area for ferries to local islands.
In the last years, became an area for pigeon feeding.
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Masjid Al-Sultan Muhammad Thakurufaanu Al-Auzam
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The Grand Friday Mosque in Malé is one of the most imposing places of worship both in the city and in the whole Country.
The design of its staircase and imposing golden dome make it one of the top sites tourists flock to in Malé.
Non-Muslim visitors can tour the mosque outside prayer times, and they have to be modestly dressed to be allowed entry: long dresses for women and long pants for men.
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Sultan Park
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Sultan Park is just behind the National Museum, and it's the perfect escape to traffic and heat in the capital.
It is one of the few places in the city where you can find lush gardens and trees.
The park offers a peaceful retreat where visitors can relax or simply enjoy a stroll.
Park entrance fees for foreigners
● Foreigners with work permits: 15 MVR per person
● Foreigners without documentation: 50 MVR per person
● Foreigners with tourist visa: 75 MVR per person
● Foreigners with cameras: 500 MVR
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National Museum, Maldives
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It contains a well-labeled collection of historic artifacts sign of the history of these isolated islands.
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Old Friday Mosque Minaret (Since 1675)
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The mosque is one of the oldest and most ornate mosques in the city. Its peculiarity is the intricate coral carvings.
The mosque's adjoining round blue-and-white minaret.
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Tsunami Monument
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It's the memorial to the victims of the devastating 2004 tsunami, that claimed the lives of 74 Maldivians.
The rods of the structure pay homage to the victims and their names are carved on it.
The 20 steel spheres encircling the monument symbolize the atolls of the country, while the rising pillars stand for the waves of the tsunami.
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Rasfannu
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If you wanna relax a bit during your visit to the Capital this is an artificial beach, where you can find also some "joali", the local amok, to chill out.
There are also some small shops with good refreshments around the area.
REMEMBER if you wanna swim, you should follow local rules, this is NOT a bikini beach!
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Whale Submarine
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Experience the underwater world onboard the whale submarine. You will descend up to 45 meters beneath the surface, with chances to see different types of reef fish along the trip.
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Coffee or food o'clock
In the Capital, you can find easily a place to have a coffee, since Maldivians are coffee-dependent (even more than Italians), they enjoy drinking slowly their coffee while chit-chatting. Most of the places serve also food at any time of the day.
Lemongrass Seaview
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This place is exactly next to the airport ferry terminal.
Great for all meals, you will enjoy your food while appreciating the view of Hulhule (airport island)
Sometimes you can spot also cruising dolphins in the channel!
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Sea House Café
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Also, this cafe is at the airport ferry terminal area.
Enjoy your meals with the sea breeze.
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Citron by Lemongrass
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the place has a nice outdoor area where to enjoy food, sun, and the sea.
Wide variety of food offered.
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Dolphin View Cafe'
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Restaurant and bar, with a view of the airport and Chinese Link Bridge.
Nice to relax here in the late afternoon with a coffee or a mocktail.
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Shell Beans
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Good selection of juices and mocktails.
Quiet ambiance although you are sitting in front of the busy jetty at Boduthakurufannu Magu.
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City Garden
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Sometimes the place is really busy, frequented particularly by Maldivians, go upstairs where you can enjoy the sea view and your meals or drinks.
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Seagull Café
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The place is nice and doesn't even look to be in the busy capital while sitting at one of the tables.
Although is the smoking area, upstairs it seems to be on a tree-house, since the restaurant develops around a huge tree.
High recommended EGG BENEDICT and one of their fresh iced tea.
All the pastry, gelato, and sweets are delicious!!
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Big Man & Co.
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Small but pretty cozy restaurant in Chandhaanee Magu, where you can hop on and choose from one of their burgers.
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Scoop
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If you need to get a refreshment while walking around the city, stop here for an ice-cream
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Meltz Café
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Well-presented bar in the city center.
Great stop for a chilled coffee or a cup of tea.
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La Vera Pizzeria
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The restaurant is small, but the PIZZA is SUPER YUMMY!
(follow Italian recommendation :P)
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Tides Café & Bistro
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The cafe is next to the Chinese bridge and faces the Male surf spot. Most probably you can enjoy some surfers while having your meals.
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Pomelo by Lemongrass
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The place faced Rasfannu artificial beach, so if you are in this area, is going to be a good break.
A la carte and buffet menu available.
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Dinemore Central
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In the Maldives, one of the popular sandwiches is called "SUBMARINE.
DINEMORE is the right place to enjoy it! You will find different Dinemore restaurants around the city, all are equally good to give a try to this sandwich!
Submarine: it's a baguette bread filled with different sauces, veggies, and meat.
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Secret Recipe
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Are you a sweet tooth?
Well, here you will find cheesecakes, red velvet, lava cake, and more... all delish!
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Cafe de Male
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A cozy place where to enjoy not only one of their mocktails but also a good Shisha!!
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Skyfall Lounge & Restaurant
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Do you want to enjoy a lovely dinner on a roof top?
Here you can have the perfect combo.
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Backery
The Bakers
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Do you need to grab some fast food or a sweet?
Stop by here and you won't be disappointed.
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City Bakery(Sosun Magu)
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If you like pastries and bread or any kind of snacks, you should pop in here!!
Everything is so delicious!
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Shopping time
Most of the souvenir shops are in Chandhanee Magu, you can continue your walk at Majeedhee Magu for more shops.
Island Bazaar
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Bags, sarongs, scarfs, and more you can find here, with really natural and unique patterns.
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Authentic Maldives
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If you don't have enough time around Male to visit all the shops, just stop here they will products from different super local suppliers like Pepper Dots, Toddy, Thakethi, and more.
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Fantasy Pvt Ltd
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Are you missing something from home, that you can't stay without even during a short vacation? Pass by here and maybe you can find what you need!
This a Supermarket with a wide selection of imported products.
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Where to spend the night
House Clover
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This is a basic accommodation in the Capital, rooms with a shared kitchen, but all the common areas and the room are perfectly clean.
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Hotel Flora Male
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The hotel offers complimentary breakfast.
The rooms are wide and very clean, with a fridge and kettle.
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Beehive Central
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The hotel is really close to Chandhanee Magu, so if you need to take the speed boat to any local islands you will be a few steps away.
The rooms have all the facilities to spend an overnight in the Capital.
They provide airport transfers.
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Amina Residency
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The place is in a central position, rooms are nice and clean.
The Staff really professional and helpful.
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Unima Grand
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The hotel is very close to the airport ferry terminal and the new mosque, providing also airport shuttle.
The room where they serve the breakfast is amazing, with an awesome view of the city.
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Hotel Octave Maldives
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Three different types of rooms available, nice hotel for a transit stay.
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Samann Grand
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The hotel is located close to the new mosque.
The staff is really attentive to Guests' needs.
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Marukab Plaza
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The hotel offers free transfer to/from the International airport.
You will be close to the ferry terminal and different restaurants.
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JEN Maldives Malé by Shangri-La
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It's a luxury hotel in the Capital.
Everything in the property is well looked after by all the staff.
Great location and taxi transfer are available.
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Manhattan Business Hotel
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Complimentary airport shuttle.
Due to its position, from the hotel, you can appreciate nice sunsets.
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Things to know
🔸The Maldives is a Muslim country, you are expected to dress properly, especially in public areas and do not show many display of affection.
🔸You won't find any restaurants, bars or hotels serving alcohol in the Capital.
🔸Dhivehi is the spoken language although most of the people in the Capital speak also English.
🔸Maldivian Rufyaa is the local currency, 1$ is about 15.42 MVR. In Chandhaanee Magu you can find different exchange shops.
Hope you enjoy your time in Male, drop me a message if you want more info or for any feedback.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Caterina Fattori
Available for hire
Hi!
I'm Caterina, a marine biologist and diving instructor who is always seeking new adventures.
Since 2013 thanks to my job I have had some of the best experiences of my life with my biggest lover: the Ocean.
I spent 5 years working in the Maldives, where I stepped at least on one island in 16 atolls. Although I left the archipelago I preserve awesome memories about the country and I will be happy to share some tips if you need to plan your vacation in this tropical paradise!
2023, so far it has been a BLAST and I'm getting addicted to a traveling life, after 5 months of backpacking in SE Asia.
I spent the summer, working on a boat in Sicily, honestly, I fell in love with this island, but I wish to explore the world again, where will I go next??!!
Find me on Instagram
@cathoo_wanderlust to follow my travel around the world
@cathoo_oceanumamans for my underwater adventures
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