Malé
A small capital in size, but the heart of the nation and the centre of government and commerce. Crowded and buzzing with the sounds of activities on the streets, in shops and in the markets, this island has not lost its exotic charm and relaxed atmosphere. The Museum with its wide range of historic relics and the 400-year-old mosque, the "Hukuru Miskiiy" with some of the finest coral carvings give you an insight into the country's unique history. Different from any other island in the country, Malé is a city of high-rise buildings and paved roads. While the government offices are located in one area, the main streets are lined with shops and offices. In the old bazaar area which still houses the country's hub of wholesale and retail trade, the lanes are so narrow that a single vehicle would find it difficult to navigate through, especially with its throngs of busy people.
There are no beaches on Malé; instead seawalls surround all its sides. However, a newly landscaped artificial beach area and adjoining breakwater stretching all the way round to the harbour in the southwest of the island provide a pleasant jogging route, especially popular in the evenings when it is cooler.
Hukuru Miskiiy (Malé)
Built in the 17th century the Huskuru 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 carved 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 and was built in 1675 by the same Sultan.
Mulee-aage (Malé)
Right in front of the Hukuru Miskiiy is Mulee-aage, a palace built in 1906 by Sultan Mohamed Shamsuddeen III, replacing a house dating back to the mid-17th century. The palace with its wrought iron gates and fretwork friezes on its roof edges and well-kept garden was intended for his son, but the Sultan was deposed. During World War II vegetables were grown in its garden to help relieve food shortages. It became the President's Official Residence when Maldives became a republic in 1953 and remained so until 1994, when the new Presidential Palace was built. At present Mulee-aage houses the President's Office.
The National Museum (Malé)
The National Museum is housed in the only remaining building of the former Sultan's Palace, which is now the Sultan's Park. It is an Edwardian colonial-style building of three storeys, fairly low key from the outside compared to the amazing collection inside. The articles on display range from thrones and palanquins used by former sultans to the first printing press used in the country, the rifle used by Mohamed Thakurufaanu in his fight against the Portuguese in the 16th century, ceremonial robes, headgear and umbrellas used by Sultans to statues and other figures dating from the 11th century, excavated from former temples. A variety of artefacts from times past would give an idea of the unique and rich culture and history of this island nation. A visit to the museum gives an instant insight to the wealth of history most visitors never suspect existed. No longer will you think of the Maldives solely in terms of a tourist destination. The museum is open daily except Friday and public holidays from 9.00 to 11.40 and 3.00 to 5.40. A small fee is charged for admission.
The Islamic Centre (Malé)
The Islamic Centre is the most vivid architectural landmark of Malé. You would see the spectacular golden dome in all its majesty dominating the skyline, as you approach Malé, from any direction. The building symbolizes the importance of the Islamic religion, which had ruled all aspects of life in the country for centuries. Completed in 1984, the Centre consists of a mosque big enough for 5000 people, an Islamic library, conference hall, classrooms and offices.
Malé Fish Market (Malé)
The main commercial area of Malé is located on the northern waterfront of Malé. This area is the main hub of trade and is a hive of activity through out the day. The waterfront and the by-lanes in the area are crowded with shops stocked with a variety of goods. Also in the area are the Malé Fish Market and the Local Market selling a range of local produce. While some 'dhonis' from all corners of the country unload dried fish, fresh fruits and vegetables from the atolls others are seen loading everything from foodstuffs to construction materials. The pace increases around mid-afternoon as fishing 'dhonis' start returning with their day's catch. The catch, mainly tuna are carried across the road into the open-sided market and laid out on the tiled floors. As fast as the fish are brought in they are bought and taken away by men from all walks of life. The market is kept scrupulously clean, washed down each day and disinfected.
The Local Market (Malé)
The Local Market just a block away is divided into small stalls. Here the pace is slower and the atmosphere more peaceful. The atmosphere is enhanced by the pale green light that filters through the fine green mesh that adorn all its windows and doors. Each stall is filled with a variety of local produce mainly from the atolls. Here you will find different kinds of local vegetables, fruits and yams, packets of sweetmeat, nuts and breadfruit chips, bottles of home made sweets and pickles and bunches of bananas hanging on choir ropes from ceiling beams. Another building just next door sells smoked and dried fish.
Island Resorts
In many ways Maldivian resorts are unique. For a start, each resort is on its own island and therefore when you are holidaying on one, the whole island is yours to enjoy. Consequently each resort has to be self-contained - producing its own electricity, desalinates its own water and has its own waste disposal facilities.
There are certain set standards when islands are planned for tourism development. In every resort island that is developed the building area should not exceed twenty percent of the total land area of the island. The buildings should not rise above the vegetation line. All guest rooms built should have five linear metres of beach in front.
Each resort has its own unique natural beauty, style and concept. Some have been carefully planned to give you an atmosphere of total peace and relaxation while others offer a variety of activities, games and entertainment. While some have been developed using local architectural features and designs, others have incorporated more modern international styles.
All About Atolls
According to Darwin, an atoll is formed when a volcano becomes extinct and is gradually eroded into the sea. He found it necessary to add a footnote in the case of the Maldives. There, the 19 main atolls are too large for his theory to apply. They seem to have been built up by coral, which, as it spread outwards towards oxygenated waters, left a dying core that was slowly worn away to sand and sank. When the coral wall was broken by the sea and fresh salt water entered, new, small atolls formed inside the ring.
Malé Atoll
North Malé Atoll South Malé Atoll
Male' Atoll is where it all began and what holds it all together. Located in the center of the Maldives atoll chain, Male' Atoll is where the first Maldivian tourists opened and where the capital island Male' is located. Although the principal atoll, a surprisingly small number of the islands are locally inhabited.
Baa Atoll
Until as late as 1998 there was only one tourist resort in this atoll. Another four have opened up recently. There are over 35 uninhabited islands in this atoll, most of which are on the eastern side. Many of these islands make lovely anchorages with thick tropical vegetation, surrounded by pristine white beaches and blue lagoons. Whether you are a diver or snorkeller, the natural beauty of these unspoilt islands will fascinate you.
Ari Atoll
North Ari Atoll South Ari Atoll
Being situated next to Male' Atoll, Ari Atoll became the obvious second choice for tourism expansion. Ari Atoll is one of the biggest atolls in the Maldives and has some of the best dive sites in the country. This atoll also has the highest concentration of tourist resorts but with a large number of uninhabited islands still to be found in this large atoll, the possibility of feeling overcrowded is none existent. The development of more resorts in this atoll in the future is highly unlikely as tourism expansion has now moved on towards the atolls further away from the center.
Faafu Atoll
Only one among the 23 islands of this atoll is a tourist resort. A mere five are inhabited and the rest are all desert islands. Geographically similar to Ari atoll, this atoll promises to offer some excellent dives. Many patch and reef small submerged thilas make diving in this atoll quite similar to diving in the excellent waters of Ari Atoll.
Excursions from the Resorts
Malé Excursion: Malé is the compact island capital of the Maldives. An island barely 2.5 square kilometers in area, it is the commercial centre of activity but still retains a charming tropical lethargy. Malé is the seat of government, and also where a number of historical and cultural buildings have been preserved. The Islamic Center dominated by a large golden dome, the museum and the old architecture of some houses combine with modern day high-rise buildings to create an island of contrasts. Malé is the best place for shopping, and shops packed with souvenir items line the busy streets. The local fish market is a fascinating sight when freshly caught fish are landed in the afternoon. The local fruit and vegetable market in a shaded building near the waterfront displays the local products.
Aerial Excursion: Fifteen-minutes photo flips by seaplane are ideal for enthusiastic photographers and island nuts. The view as the plane makes a swoop around Male' and then flies over resort and village islands, is so impressive, you might even want to do it again. Flights can be arranged and are a good way to pass the time while waiting to catch your plane home.
Island Hopping: An Excursion by motorboat - a dhoni, offers the rare opportunity to visit neighbouring islands - inhabited village islands, deserted islands and resort island. While in the other resorts, you can compare their facilities and beauty with Kani, and gain an idea of the variety that is the Maldives. The village islands reveal an example of authentic Maldivian lifestyle, where simplicity and close kinship weave a strong tapestry of harmony, peace and contentment.
Diving: Just a few dive locations in the world will stand the comparison with the fantastic diving environment in Maldives where you find an all year diving season. The water temperature stays more or less constant throughout the whole year, with hardly any variations outside of the range of 27-30 degrees Celsius.
There are more than 1000 species of fish in Maldives, many of them endemic and most of them living in direct connection with the reef.
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