Sultan Park in Male, Maldives is a great spot to unwind. — ZAIRON/Wikimedia Commons
Taking a tour around the Maldivian capital city, Male, gives one the opportunity to discover more about the local communities. Occupying 830ha, the island is home to many interesting attractions, from museums and galleries, to parks and beaches.
But did you also know that there is a second capital city in the nation?
Hulhumale is an artificial island created in 2000. The metropolitan island, filled with tourist sights, including stretches of soft sandy beaches, aims to ease overcrowding in Male.
There are as many things to do here as there are in Male. So here are some hot spots worth checking out in Male.
1. Feel like a local
One of the best ways to experience the local culture is by exploring its markets. The Farmer’s Market is a buzzing hub of activity, with local vendors selling all kinds of fresh produce, such as vegetables, fruits, and snacks.
Head to the Local Fish Market, just a seven-minute walk from the Farmer’s Market. Here, you will get to observe fishing boats delivering freshly caught fish to the market.
2. Cultural sights
Nestled in the heart of Male is the National Museum, which was built in 2010. The imposing building, constructed using steel and glass, is a great place to learn about the Maldives, as it hosts a unique collection of artefacts.
Visitors can also explore the National Art Gallery located a stone’s throw from the museum. There are various art exhibitions from both local and international artists.
Another must-visit landmark in the capital is the Victory Monument. It was erected to honour the victory of the Maldivian soldiers who fought valiantly against the foreign invaders, the Tamil Tigers.
3. Religious monuments
The trip is incomplete without visiting the Maldives’ oldest Male Hukuru Miskiy, also famously known as the Old Friday Mosque. Built in the mid-16th century, the beautiful structure bore testament to the craftsmanship of traditional artisans – its facade is delicately embellished with coral stonework. The Old Friday Mosque was also inscribed into the Unesco World Heritage Site in 2008.
Take a step back in time at Kalhu Vakaru Miskiy, another architectural gem, which has been around for over two centuries. The mosque, standing on a coral foundation and supported by wooden beams, has been dismantled and relocated several times in the past 200 years, hence earning its moniker “The Travelling Mosque”.
4. Evening pursuits
There is no better place to enjoy a relaxing evening than a leisurely stroll at the beautifully manicured garden of Sultan Park. It is a public park, featuring vibrant foliage.
A short walk away from the park, meanwhile, is the Lonuziyaaraiy Park. Its garden, thriving with a variety of plants, provides a welcome respite from the urban bustle.
Alternatively, you can also venture to the Artificial Beach nearby. Originally a lagoon in 1980, it was transformed into a beach after 21 years.
This is an excellent place for plane spotting, as it is close to the Velana International Airport.
Located some 2.5km from the beach is Rasfannu Beach. Also a man-made spot, locals flock to the beach often to swim or enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants in the area.
