The Republic of Maldives or Maldives in short, is the smallest Asian country when it comes to population size. It is a small island nation consisting of a group of atolls and is situated just south of India’s Lakshadweel islands and southwest of Sri Lanka on the Indian Ocean. Malé City, the capital of Maldives, is actually a combination of three islands: Kaafu atoll, the Villingilli Island and the artificial island of Hulhumale. The city is the heart of all commercial activities in Maldives and tourism is the primary earner of foreign exchange.
Malé City is the home of numerous resorts, all of them catering to tourists who wish to experience the unspoiled waters surrounding the islands. Water activities are very popular here particularly scuba diving and submarine rides. The corals thriving abundantly on the numerous atolls are home to the most exquisite marine creatures, some of them indigenous only to one atoll – and nowhere else in the world. Submerging yourself underwater for 45 minutes to 1 1/2 hours is definitely well worth the effort. You may have a long line wait though, since these two activities are the very thing that most tourists and locals want to engage in. If you are not particularly keen on getting your head below ocean level, there are boat rides you could take.
We do, however, recommend that you hire a local tourist guide. Maldives is a Muslim city state, and aside from having the tourist guide lead you to the more popular tourist destinations, they can also advise you as to the social protocol. Dress codes in particular are strictly enforced especially if you want to visit the mosques and other places of worship. We recommend that you give the Islamic Center and the old Friday mosque a look into. These two architectural wonders are truly sites to behold: richly furnished, intricately designed and large enough to house about 1/8 of the entire population of Maldives.
If you are interested in architectural tours, you may as well add the Presidential Palace to your itinerary. This is one landmark that is not difficult to miss. Its gleaming walls are enough to remind you of India’s Taj Mahal … but not quite. Still, it is an impressive sight to behold; and tours in and around Malé City usually include a few minutes walking through the Presidential Palace.
Ask your tourist guide to take you to the local markets and souvenir shops as well. Shopping here is simply grand, and you can go all out crazy with some of the very unique merchandise here, particularly the locally made cloths. These vibrant pieces of fabrics will be great as souvenirs to your loved ones back home.
But if you want a more gastronomical tour in Malé City, we highly recommend that your buy some really fresh fare at the fish market near the water’s edge. You can always ask the resort cooks to whip up something for the fish or crab (or whatever it is that) you buy. A visit to the fish market is an adventure in itself – you can actually get lost in the hustle and bustle of the area. You may want to try the local cuisine as well because they are simply good. Some of the finest fares are served in the resorts and hotels themselves; or you can ask your tourist guide to recommend a restaurant or two.
Muslim tradition bans liquor and strong spirits from being sold and consumed on the streets. Nonetheless, there are usually bars and pubs within the actual resorts or hotels you are staying in, so you could still get a cocktail or two. You do have to remember though that bars and pubs in Malé City close at 10 pm or thereabouts.
