Male, the capital of the Maldives, is different from the sun-kissed sanctuaries depicted in its travel postcards. While the other atolls have no shortage of sprawling luxury resorts that exceeds the dreams invoked by said picture-perfect postcards, Male is alone is not meant to function as a tourist magnet. The sandy white ribbons that encircle the coasts of other islands are here replaced by high sea walls, and brightly coloured, colonial or Islamic style buildings replace the palm-fringed resorts found elsewhere.
Male (pronounced Mar-lay) is one of the smallest cities in the world; the whole island is only 2 square kilometres large, making it pleasantly pedestrian to get around. However, the land area belies its population; at least one-third of the archipelagos population reside here, not to mention the influx of various tourists and expatriates. As a result, the main streets and city centres bustle with people and foot traffic night and day. Being the only commercial and passenger gateway to the Maldives, this kind of weighty tourist traffic is only to be expected.
Male is the centre-pin of the paradise archipelago. It serves as the seat of the Maldivian government, its cultural custodian and the modern face of its mercantile future. It is divided into two sections – the administrative heart, filled with government buildings ( such as the beautiful former Presidential Residence the Mulee Agee Palace)and its main streets lined with skyscrapers and boutique shops that cater to the elite tourist crowds attracted by the Maldives star-class resorts. The city has plenty of pleasant green spaces and the residential areas are shaded by tall arched trees.
Despite its cosmopolitan, fast-paced and modern façade, Maldives is at its core a laid-back city with deeply rooted Islamic traditions. The urbane environment is Westernised and far more liberal than many other Islamic cities, but the signature of their faith can be seen in the alcohol-free bars and halal restaurants, the beautiful Islamic-style buildings and heritage museums and imposing mosques such as the Islamic Centre, whose magnificent golden dome dominate the city skyline. That and the 17th century Huskuru Miskiiy function as the most prominent halls of worship in the nation.
When it comes to shopping, Male is the place to go if you’re looking for exotic garments, branded perfumes, jewellery, electronics or souvenirs. The thudu kuna fibre mats woven by Maldivians and miniature fishing boats or “dhonis” are preferred souvenirs. The northern extremity of Chandhani Magu in particular is famous for its souvenir arts and crafts. It was once even called the Singapore Bazaar due to the sheer number of Singaporean imports found there.
The island’s main road Majeedhee Magu is yet another vibrant shopping artery lined with every type of retail outlet and boutique. The unusually clean fish market is also well worth a visit, as the Maldives has quite a reputation for its fish, most especially tinned mackerel and dried fish. The street markets are also lively affairs, perfect to immerse yourself in the taste of local Maldives life and feel the living pulse of the island.
Male Island is situated near to the Hulhule Island, which operates the nation’s only international airport and is so known as the Airport Island. Passengers are usually ferried over to Male before being flown to their respective Maldives hotel. Tourists staying at Maldives Island resorts invariably find themselves in the capital at one point or the other, and so are encouraged to go off the beaten tourist track for a while and explore the cultural and cosmopolitan wealth of the Maldives. The Nalandhu Maldives Resort is recommended to travellers as a well-appointed and secluded getaway for any type of holiday maker.
