Hukuru Miskiiy The
Hukuru Miskiiy or Friday Mosque built in 1656 during the
reign if Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar contains some of the
finest samples of Maldivian workmanship. The wall are
built with finely fluted coral blocks with elaborate coral
carvings. Inside the mosque are intricate wooden engravings.
The minaet of the Hukuru Miskiiy was built in 1677.
The Presidential
Palace The
Presidential Palace, Theemuge is one of the most important
attractions for those visiting Malé and is on the
itinerary of ay tour in Malé. The design and architecture
of the palace combines the grandeur of local tradition
with modernity. The palace combines Orchid magu west of
the main shopping area.
Mulee-aage
Muleeaage
was built just before the First World War by Sultan Shamsuddeen
III for his son. The Sultan was deposed and his son never
took office. In 1953, during the First Republic Mulee-aage
was designated as the Presidential Palace and was the
official residence of the president until the new Presidential
Palace was bult.
Islamic Centre
The
Islamic Centre opened in 1984, is located between Meduziyaaraiy
Magu and Ameeru Ahmed Magu. The Centre's most important
feature is the grand mosque, Masjidul Sultan Mohammad
Thakurufaanu al A'z'am which holds up to 5,000 people.
In addition to the Grand Mosque the Islamic Centre houses
a conferene hall, an Islamic library and classrooms.
Sultan Part
& Museum The
Sultan Park and the National Museum are part of the old
Sultan's Palace and Palace grounds duting the time of
the monarchy. The Museum opened in 1952 and displays a
large variety of objects and artifacts from times gone
by. The collection comprises of relics from the pre-islamic
time to royal antiquities belonging to different monarchs.
The Museum is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. except Fridays
and public holidays.
Meduziyaaraiy
Just
opposite the small park adjoining the Hukuru Miskiiy,
is the tomb of Abu-al Barakaat, to whom the nation pays
its respect for bringing to our shores the enlightenment
of Islam in 1153.
The
'Artificial Beach' It
may sound strange in a country renowned for its beaches,
however it i true that the residents of Malé
get to enjoy an artificial beach built on the eastern
side of the island. THe beach is ideal for swimmers
and those who cannot go to the nearby islands to enjoy
the beach. There are food outlets and benches in the
area where one can sit down and enjoy the scenery.
Markets
Fish Market
One
of the most exciting places to visit in Malé is
the Fish Market. The market really comes to life in the
afternoon when dhonis, or the local fishing boats start
arriving with their catch. Maldivians buy fresh fish for
their homes every day and a visit to the fish market is
part of the day's program for many.
'Local Market'
A
little further to the west of the fish market id the aptly
named Local Market. The market consists of a series of
stalls that stock the produce of islands from all over
the Maldives. This is the place to be if you wish a sample
of some of the local fruits or preserves.
Eating out Wherever
you are in Malé, there is a restaurant, a 'coffeeshop',
or a 'teashop', or an eating establishment of some sort
near you. Ead type offers a different type of food and
social experience.
Restaurants There
are several restaurants, some of which are air-conditioned
and other providing a more relaxed open air concept. Restautants
range from those offering sophisticated international
menus to those serving more localized Asian an European
dishes. Some open from breakfast while others are open
from lunchtime. All restaurants close at 1.00 a.m. in
the morning.
'Tea
Shops' The
traditional Malé 'teashops' is still the most
popular amongst the locals. Here you get to enjoy local
foods and are sometimes noisy with lots of activity.
There are several teashops scattered around the island.
If you are in a hurry this is the ideal place as they
serve the local version of 'fast food'. Teashops open
early in the morning some as early as 5.00 a.m. and
close at 1.00 a.m.
Coffee Shops
The
coffee shops is the modern version of the teashop. Coffee
shops serve a variety of snack and quick meals such as
noodles and fried rice. Mostly small and cozy, they offer
good meals at lower prices compared to restaurants. Coffee
shops open in the morning between 8.00 and 9.00 and remain
open until 1.00 a.m. in the night.
Sports & recreation The
Maldivians are avid sports fans and enjoy playing and
watching a wide range of sports and games. Football
is the most popular sport in the country and there are
several tournaments of different levels held throughout
the country each year. Volleyball, basketball, cricket,
athletics, badminton and tennis tournaments are significant
events in the national sports calendar.
Facilities
in Malé There
are several gyms, fitness clubs and aerobic centers in
Malé, with professional equipment and trainers.
Billiards and pool are increading in popularity and there
are a few snooker and pool centers in Malé.
Maldives is known for its diving and spas, and Malé
is no exception. Although few in numbers, there are diving
centers and spas right here in the capital.
Surfing is one of the fastest growing sports in the country.
Malé Point, as recognized surf break, south east
of Malé, is popular with local surfers.
Shopping Malé
is the commercial hub of the Maldives and there are a
variety of shops, serving the needs of 80,000 residents
of the city and the thousands of shoppers who come to
Malé from the islands. While the neighbourhood
covenient stores may be open at 6.00 or 7.00, shops in
the main street open around 9.00 or 10.00 in the morning.
All shops close at 11.00 p.m. Shops are closed for 15
minutes for prayer times.
Souvenir
Shops The
northern end of Chaandhanee Magu is famed for its souvenir
shops, however there are few other good souveir shops
located elsewhere is the city. Souveir shops offer a variety
of souvenirs, local handicraft, tee shirts, batiks and
a variety of books on the Maldives in different languages.
Bookshops There
are several bookshops and stationary shops in Malé.
The main bookshops stock a variety of educational books
for students, fiction and non-fiction and children's
books from well-known international publishers.
Majeedee Magu and other main streets are
lined with shops selling clothing, shoes and a variety
of other products. Some shops specialize in internationally
renowned brands of sports goods, clothing and lifestyle
products and electronics. Shops open from moring till
11.00 p.m.
Malé with
a population of about 80,000 is the commercial and political
hub of the Maldives. It is home to all government ministries
and departments, all of the larger companies, banks,
communications and key institutions that control the
nation's economic and social life. Malé consists
of five districts or wards; four on the island of Malé,
a fifth on Vilingili, the island to the west of Malé,
just 10 minutes away by boat. The Malé International
Airport is on Hulhule Island, a couple of miles to the
north east of Malé.
Post & communications
Telephone
Services
Telephone and mobile phone services is provided by Dhiraagu,
the Maldives telecommunication company. GSM Mobile phone
services are also provided by Dhiraagu and Wataniyya Telecoms;
post and prepaid services are available. Roaming arrangements
are available for customers of major mobile operators
in the world.
Online
There are several cyber cafés located in differet
areas of Malé. Internet services in the Maldives
are provided by two ISPs licensed by the government.
Postage &
courier Service The
Maldives Post Limited provides postal services in addition
to their express courier service EMS. Most of the international
courier services are also represented in Malé.
Money matters
Currency/Money
Changers
The local currency is the Rufiyaa. A Rufiyaa is 100
Laari. The Rufiyaa is i denominations of 500, 100, 50,
20, 50 and 5 Rufiyaa notes, 1 and 2 Rufiya coins and
50, 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1 Laari coins. The exchange rates
as of November 2006 is MRf. 12.75 against the United
States Dollar. All resorts, hotels and most major shops
and restaurats are authorized money changers and can
accept payment in most major currencies and by credit
card.
Banks The
Bank of Maldives is the national bank and has several
branches in Malé. The Bank also has branches in
some of the other major population centers such as Seenu
Atoll Hithadhoo, Haa Dhaalu Atoll Kulhudhufushi and Lhaviyabi
Atoll Naifaru. There is also a branch of the bank at Malé
International Airport.
ATMs Most
of the banks represented in Malé provide automatic
teller machine (ATM) services. There are several Bank
of Maldives ATMs and ATMs of other banks conveniently
located at several key point in Malé, which offers
regular ATM services as well as cerdit card services for
some major credit cards.
Getting around
Taxis
Although Malé is relatively small you may need
the services of a taxi especially if it is raining.
In Malé taxis charge between Rf. 15.00 - 20.00
per stop, with an extra charge of Rf 5.00 for luggage
carried. Although taxis can be hailed on the street
the norm is Malé is to call one of the many taxi
centers that operate in the city.
Airport ferries
Ferries to the airport charge Rf. 10.00 per person.
If you are in a large group it may be more convenient
and economical to charter one. The price of charters
range from Rf. 75.00 during the day, Rf. 100.00 after
sunset to 150.00 after midnight. The airport ferry jetty,
Jetty no.9 is located in Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Henveiru
close to Nasandhura Palace Hotel.
Inter atoll
air and sea transport
There are four regional airports in the country. Island
Aviation operate regular scheduled flights to Gan in
Seenu Atoll, Kadhdhoo in Laamu Atoll, Kaadhedhdhoo in
Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll and Hanimaadhoo in Haa Dhaalu Atoll
from Malé International Airport. There are no
scheduled domestic passengers and cargo ships, however
many travel between Malé and the atolls on a
regular basis.
Seaplane Services
Maldivan Airways. Bookings for seats or for private
charters of seaplanes can be orgaized from Malé,
from the airport or from the resorts.
Speedboat
and Dhoni Services Dhonis
are convenient only to travel to short distances manily
because of their slow speed. Dhonis are especially convenient
for diving and excursions. There are several companies
providing speedboat and dhoni charter services in Malé.
The
Hukuru Miskiiy or Friday Mosque built in 1656 during the
reign if Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar contains some of the
finest samples of Maldivian workmanship. The wall are
built with finely fluted coral blocks with elaborate coral
carvings. Inside the mosque are intricate wooden engravings.
The minaet of the Hukuru Miskiiy was built in 1677. 
The
Presidential Palace, Theemuge is one of the most important
attractions for those visiting Malé and is on the
itinerary of ay tour in Malé. The design and architecture
of the palace combines the grandeur of local tradition
with modernity. The palace combines Orchid magu west of
the main shopping area. 
Muleeaage
was built just before the First World War by Sultan Shamsuddeen
III for his son. The Sultan was deposed and his son never
took office. In 1953, during the First Republic Mulee-aage
was designated as the Presidential Palace and was the
official residence of the president until the new Presidential
Palace was bult. 
The
Islamic Centre opened in 1984, is located between Meduziyaaraiy
Magu and Ameeru Ahmed Magu. The Centre's most important
feature is the grand mosque, Masjidul Sultan Mohammad
Thakurufaanu al A'z'am which holds up to 5,000 people.
In addition to the Grand Mosque the Islamic Centre houses
a conferene hall, an Islamic library and classrooms. 
The
Sultan Park and the National Museum are part of the old
Sultan's Palace and Palace grounds duting the time of
the monarchy. The Museum opened in 1952 and displays a
large variety of objects and artifacts from times gone
by. The collection comprises of relics from the pre-islamic
time to royal antiquities belonging to different monarchs.
The Museum is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. except Fridays
and public holidays. 
Just
opposite the small park adjoining the Hukuru Miskiiy,
is the tomb of Abu-al Barakaat, to whom the nation pays
its respect for bringing to our shores the enlightenment
of Islam in 1153. 
It
may sound strange in a country renowned for its beaches,
however it i true that the residents of Malé
get to enjoy an artificial beach built on the eastern
side of the island. THe beach is ideal for swimmers
and those who cannot go to the nearby islands to enjoy
the beach. There are food outlets and benches in the
area where one can sit down and enjoy the scenery. 
One
of the most exciting places to visit in Malé is
the Fish Market. The market really comes to life in the
afternoon when dhonis, or the local fishing boats start
arriving with their catch. Maldivians buy fresh fish for
their homes every day and a visit to the fish market is
part of the day's program for many. 
A
little further to the west of the fish market id the aptly
named Local Market. The market consists of a series of
stalls that stock the produce of islands from all over
the Maldives. This is the place to be if you wish a sample
of some of the local fruits or preserves. 
Wherever
you are in Malé, there is a restaurant, a 'coffeeshop',
or a 'teashop', or an eating establishment of some sort
near you. Ead type offers a different type of food and
social experience.
There
are several restaurants, some of which are air-conditioned
and other providing a more relaxed open air concept. Restautants
range from those offering sophisticated international
menus to those serving more localized Asian an European
dishes. Some open from breakfast while others are open
from lunchtime. All restaurants close at 1.00 a.m. in
the morning. 
The
traditional Malé 'teashops' is still the most
popular amongst the locals. Here you get to enjoy local
foods and are sometimes noisy with lots of activity.
There are several teashops scattered around the island.
If you are in a hurry this is the ideal place as they
serve the local version of 'fast food'. Teashops open
early in the morning some as early as 5.00 a.m. and
close at 1.00 a.m. 
The
coffee shops is the modern version of the teashop. Coffee
shops serve a variety of snack and quick meals such as
noodles and fried rice. Mostly small and cozy, they offer
good meals at lower prices compared to restaurants. Coffee
shops open in the morning between 8.00 and 9.00 and remain
open until 1.00 a.m. in the night. 
The
Maldivians are avid sports fans and enjoy playing and
watching a wide range of sports and games. Football
is the most popular sport in the country and there are
several tournaments of different levels held throughout
the country each year. Volleyball, basketball, cricket,
athletics, badminton and tennis tournaments are significant
events in the national sports calendar. 
Malé
is the commercial hub of the Maldives and there are a
variety of shops, serving the needs of 80,000 residents
of the city and the thousands of shoppers who come to
Malé from the islands. While the neighbourhood
covenient stores may be open at 6.00 or 7.00, shops in
the main street open around 9.00 or 10.00 in the morning.
All shops close at 11.00 p.m. Shops are closed for 15
minutes for prayer times. 
The
northern end of Chaandhanee Magu is famed for its souvenir
shops, however there are few other good souveir shops
located elsewhere is the city. Souveir shops offer a variety
of souvenirs, local handicraft, tee shirts, batiks and
a variety of books on the Maldives in different languages.
There
are several bookshops and stationary shops in Malé.
The main bookshops stock a variety of educational books
for students, fiction and non-fiction and children's
books from well-known international publishers.
The
Maldives Post Limited provides postal services in addition
to their express courier service EMS. Most of the international
courier services are also represented in Malé.
The
Bank of Maldives is the national bank and has several
branches in Malé. The Bank also has branches in
some of the other major population centers such as Seenu
Atoll Hithadhoo, Haa Dhaalu Atoll Kulhudhufushi and Lhaviyabi
Atoll Naifaru. There is also a branch of the bank at Malé
International Airport. 
Most
of the banks represented in Malé provide automatic
teller machine (ATM) services. There are several Bank
of Maldives ATMs and ATMs of other banks conveniently
located at several key point in Malé, which offers
regular ATM services as well as cerdit card services for
some major credit cards. 
Dhonis
are convenient only to travel to short distances manily
because of their slow speed. Dhonis are especially convenient
for diving and excursions. There are several companies
providing speedboat and dhoni charter services in Malé.