Visiting Eccentric Male

Male, pronounced mar-lay is the capital island of the group of islands or dives, known as the Maldives. Taking one of the many cheap flights to Male will get you to the dedicated airport island, Hulhule. You can transfer to Male with domestic flights, by speedboat or by seaplane. If you get the chance to fly in a seaplane, have your camera ready for amazing pictures of the atolls. Male used to be the island where the king used to rule from. It is still the business hub for Maldives’ economic and political endeavours today. So close in proximity, but worlds away from the tranquil, timeless resort islands that surround it, Male throbs and pulses with activity. Strict adherence to Islamic laws means that you will probably get to see and experience some true Maldivian culture. Book into one of the world-class hotels and start exploring.

Things to See in Male

Male might not be the biggest island you’ll ever visit, but it is definitely one of the busiest. There are some quite unique places to visit:

• Admire the rare craftsmanship in the Hukuru Miskiiy, or Old Friday Mosque.
• Visit Male fish market to admire the larger than 10kg tuna and some other strange and fishy tales.
• Find out about the history of the Maldives from the National Museum.
• Look out for cultural activities hosted at Male’s artificial beach. It is a great place for kids to swim and for parents to do some interesting crowd watching.
• Enjoy some Spa treatments. Male has some excellent spas to help you relax and get your skin soft and glowing.
• Get some pictures at the Tsunami monument in remembrance of the many lives lost during the 2004 tsunami.
• Experience the marvellous underwater world from a Whale Submarines. This is perfect for non-divers who would normally miss out on the coral spectacle.

Drink Up at the Resort

You are welcome to have as much alcohol as your system can handle when vacationing on one of the 106 resort islands in the Maldives. However, though cocktails may flow like water on the resort islands, the use of alcohol is strictly forbidden in Male itself, according to Islamic laws. Even if yours friendly waiter hands you a wine list under the table, rather decline. Ignoring this law can even get you jailed. All luggage on flights to and from Male is scrupulously scanned, so importing or exporting a bottle of bubbly in your suitcase will just get you into trouble. The friendly staff at the hotels will be able to direct you to some quaint alcohol-free restaurants. This could be quite a unique experience as well. Keep an open mind and embrace this kind city.