7 Best things to do in Malé Maldives and surrounding islands
7 Top things to do in Malé Maldives and surrounding islands
Table of Contents
Maldives Map
Informations
The Maldives are an island nation in the Indian Ocean southwest of Sri Lanka. Malé Maldives is the capital of the country.The island nation has become an increasingly popular tourist destination in recent years, which has brought increasing prosperity for the country’s residents, but at the same time has caused ecological and social problems.e capital of Egypt is Cairo, near which are the Pyramids.
When to visit: If you are aiming for the diving spots of the western side, the best time would be from May to November. On the other hand, if you are leaning more towards the diving spots of the eastern side, December to April would be ideal.
TheLanguage:Dhivehi is the national language of the Maldives and has been shaped by various languages including Arabic, French, Portuguese, Persian and English. Currency: Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) aprox. 1$=15,4 MVR 1€=18,8 MVR Food Prices:Meal in a cheap restaurant=5 USD,Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant=30 USD You can find more information about the visa here.
Things to do
Male
Malé is the capital and economic center of the Maldives. The city, with 153,904 inhabitants, consists of the main island of the same name, Malé, in the south of the North Malé Atoll, and the three islands of Villingili, Hulhumalé and Hulhulé, which together cover an area of 579.8 hectares.
Hulhumalé
Hulhumalé is a largely man-made island in the Maldives near the capital island of Malé. Hulhumalé was created through land reclamation on the base of a lagoon near the capital of the Maldives. There is a road connection between Hulhumalé and the airport island of Hulhulé via a causeway. Since 2018, Hulhulé and Malé have again been linked by the Sinamalé Bridge.
Muleeaage
The First and oldest Official Residence of the President of the Maldives,Mulee’aage (Dhivehi: މުލިއާގެ, pronounced [muliˈəːɡe]) is the “Official Residence of the President of the Maldives”. The Mulee’aage is located in the ward of Henveiru in the historic center of Malé. It is in close proximity of the Medhu Ziyaarai shrine, the Friday Mosque, and the Munnaru (Grand Minaret of Malé).
National Museum
Historical artifacts about the Maldives,Established on the National Day of the Maldives, the first National Museum of the country was opened on 11 November 1952,by the Prime Minister at the time, Mohamed Amin Didi.With the purpose of preserving history and instilling patriotism among the people of the Maldives,[citation needed] the museum has a large collection of historical artifacts, ranging from stone objects to fragments of royal antiquities from the Buddhist era to the rule of Islamic monarchs.
Sultan Park
This compact park has large shade trees plus small colorful species along with benches. Sultan Park is one of the biggest attractions in the Maldives. Located in the capital of the Maldives, this park is built on the site of the demolished Royal Palace in the 16th century. Located in the southern part of the Royal Palace, the Sultan Park of the Maldives has attracted many tourists throughout the year who visit the Maldives due to the amount of history it holds and represents. Learn more about this magnificent place while in the Maldives with this handy guide.
Vadhoo
Inhabited island with shining water,Vaadhoo (Dhivehi: ވާދޫ) is one of the inhabited islands of Raa Atoll, Maldives. Famous for the bioluminescence plankton (Redhan), the spectacular “Sea of Stars” can be experienced in this island yearly. With clean roads and white sandy beaches Vaadhoo is one of the most beautiful inhabited island in Maldives and its local tourism industry is expected to boom in the upcoming years.
Malé Atoll
Malé Atoll is an administrative atoll in the Republic of Maldives. It consists of two separate atolls: North Malé Atoll and South Malé Atoll. Together with smaller geographic atolls of Kaashidhoo Island and Gaafaru, the group forms the administrative division of Male’ Atoll which is referred to by its Thaana alphabet letter code name Kaafu Atoll.
Where to stay
A good night’s sleep is particularly important when you are travelling. Maldives offers its guests a host of luxurious, charming and also out-of-the-ordinary accommodation.
Whether in the heart of the city, near the lake or surrounded by nature – Maldives’s hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses guarantee a relaxing and invigorating stay.
We managed to find the best three companies that offer hotels, holiday homes and transportation. These are: Booking.com,Trip.com and Vrbo. We have already tested these companies and we warmly recommend them. As a result this will just bring you good deals for your next vacation.
Top Hotels in Male : Unima Grand, Tour Inn, The Somerset Hotel.
Top Hotels in Maafushi : Kaani Palm Beach, Triton Prestige Seaview and Spa, Kaani Village & Spa.
When we think of beautiful landscapes and wonderful islands, the first travel option that comes to mind is a cruise. So, if instead of flying and staying on one island, you prefer to explore several beautiful islands, this is the best option. On a cruise you can also relax on the days when the ship is only on the sea/ocean, but you also have the advantage of exploring more places if you are an adventurer. We collaborate with the best companies in the world and you can choose the perfect cruise:
Where to eat
Traditional food to try in Maldives
- Rihaakuru – A mixture of tuna in water and salt is continuously stirred on low heat for hours until it becomes a thick dark paste.
- Garudhiya involves cooking tuna in stock for a few minutes.
- Masfen is one of the simplest dishes to make, yet a truly scrumptious one. This is another dish made with canned tuna, but this time it includes fresh coconut milk, onion, lemon, and chili.
- Bondibaiy is a rice steamed with sugar, rose syrup, and pandan leaf.
- Chicken curry or fish curry
- Gulha (Dumpling)
- Aluvi Boakibaa (Cassava Coconut Cake)
- Maldivian Lady – Maldivian drink made of white rum skinned, apricot brandy, grenadine, orange and pineapple juice
- Gulab Jamun – spongy milky balls soaked in rose scented sugar syrup
- Masbaiy is a traditional rich dish. Its yellow color comes from the yellow spice (reendhoo) added into it.
- Bajiya is a triangular shaped snack that is spicy and very tasty.
- Katlas is a spicy mixture of mashed potato and canned tuna made into balls which are then soaked in raw egg and dipped into a mixture of bread crumbs.
- Bis Keemiya (Samosa)
- Sago is warmed with coconut milk, and laced with condensed milk. The essence of cardamom and rose makes the whole experience even better.
Unique restaurants
Based on the ratings given by the visitors of the Maldives and on our personal searches we found the best restaurants where you can enjoy dishes specific to each taste:M6M Restaurant, REETHI RESTAURANT, Blu Restaurant.
You can have a unique experience by having a Underwater Dinner: Maldives Ithaa Restaurant.
Located 5 meters below sea level, Ithaa can support up to 14 tourists. Tourists can enter the restaurant with the help of a jet ski, which follows a spiral road. It goes without saying that the view is unique, you can admire the fish species, but also the reef.The menu combines European culinary art with Asian cuisine
Or you can try another amazing experience at Huvafen Fushi Restaurant, whose pool shines at night. The 43 bungalows, rated five stars, increase the feeling of intimacy and comfort to the highest level.
Tips and Tricks
- Book Everything in Advance
- book your holiday during the low season which typically runs from around the end of April to the beginning of December
- Book your Maldives Hotel and Flight Separately
- Choose an All-Inclusive Maldives Resort
- Go for a Speedboat Over a Seaplane
- Be careful to check the water sports prices
- Explore Local Islands
- Refrain from drinking alcohol- is expensive
- Choose a hotel that it’s easy to reach from the airport
- Half board is suitable if you plan to frequently leave your hotel for excursions. Then breakfast and dinner are enough.
- When choosing a hotel, you should definitely pay attention to free access to Wi-fi, so as not to get paid.
If you do not go by car and need to know more informations about the tours, things to see and do we recommend this two companies that are offering tours for any kind of activity you want to do and where you can buy trips much cheaper than if you buy them when you arrive at your destination. It is always good to be able to save some money!
Viator and Get Your Guide : the best activities in town!
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Shopping
The Malé local market is a huge market located on the north waterfront. It’s a major shopping site for locals as it has a variety of local produce and food. It even has handicrafts, local snacks and gifts.
Majeedhee Magu is located in the centre of the Maldives’ capital and it’s the main shopping street for everything including local jewellery, cosmetics, clothes, electronics, snacks, and groceries.
STO Trade Centre is a big supermarket in the Maldives capital. This multi-storey building has fresh food and household products on the ground floor, as well as electronics and souvenirs on the upper floors.
Chaandhanee Magu is another major shopping street in Malé, though instead of general goods and food, it carries locally handcrafted souvenirs and imported items.
Situated in the heart of the city, Majedhee Magu is a sprawling street market in the Maldives. From garments, accessories to electronic goods, everything is readily available.
Le Cute is a duty-free outlet specialising in perfumes, cosmetics, and healthcare products.
Island Bazaar – An elegant European style boutique
Nala Boutique-this boutique will be a delight not only for women but with a wide range of toys.
If luxury brands, happening dines as well as game zones is your way to splurge, then head to Centro Mall in Hulhumale.
Getting around
On Foot
Once you’re on your island of choice, walking is the most convenient option. All of the resort islands, as well as Malé, are easily manageable on foot.
Yacht
For the rich and famous, this is one of the best ways to travel. Yachts glide through this archipelago and provide the best access to remote islands and isolated reefs
Seaplane
If you are trying to get somewhere in a hurry, take a seaplane. Your resort may use one to transport you to and from the airport.
Speedboat
Speedboat transfers have become increasingly popular in the Maldives. Some resorts will arrange for speedboat transfer and in some cases you may book speedboat transportation independently. Prices vary by resort and distance.
Taxis
You’ll also spot some taxis in Malé, and these can be useful if you have luggage or get caught in a thunderstorm. You can either hail a taxi or call for one. A trip usually costs around 20 rufiyaas (about $1.30) with a 10 rufiyaa (about 65 cents) fee for bags.
Getting here
everyone who flies here will land in Malé International Airport (MLE) also known as Ibrahim Nasir International Airport. MLE is located on the capital island of Malé, and is the main gateway for tourists into the rest of the islands.
U.S. travelers will have to make a connection in Europe, Asia, or the Middle East before heading to Velana International Airport, which sits on the island of Hulhulé, in the North Malé Atoll. From there, it’s just a quick ferry ride to the capital island of Malé. There’s even a bridge — the Sinamalé — that can take you via car from the airport to your resort.
there are no direct flights from Australia, many travellers will fly into Singapore for a short stopover, before transferring to the Maldives. Thanks to a fantastic range of flight deals in partnership with trusted airlines such as Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Scoot and Silk Air, getting to the Maldives is simple and affordable.
When planning your international flights, you have three main choices. The first (and easiest) option is to fly direct with British Airways. BA runs their service three days a week during high season (October to March). The obvious benefit here is the overall flying time (only 10 hours).
The second choice is to transit through the Middle East. Etihad, Emirates, Oman Air and Qatar Airways all offer indirect services into Malé from London Heathrow.
Your final option is to travel with Sri Lankan Airlines. This up-and-coming airline offer some excellent prices and with a flight time of only 13-14 hours they are definitely worth considering.
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If you have not found your desired flight, or you simply want more flight options to find the best and cheapest, we will help you with the best flight plans, where you will definitely find what you are looking for. With just one click you will find the flight to a wonderful destination!
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