Malé

Malé (މާލ), pronounced Mah-lay, is the capital of Maldives. The city occupies the entire islet of Malé and is located at the southern rim of North Male Atoll.

1 Malé Halal Explorer
- 1.1 Orientation
2 Travel to Malé
3 How to get around in Malé
4 What to see in Malé
5 Top Muslim Travel Tips for Malé
6 Muslim Friendly Shopping in Malé
7 Halal Food & Restaurants
8 eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Malé
9 Muslim Friendly Hotels
10 Stay Safe
11 News & References Malé
12 Travel Next

Malé Halal Explorer

The island is 1.7 kilometers long and 1.0 kilometers wide, but with more than 116,000 people crammed onto it, Male is by some measures the world's densest city. The new island of Hulhumale, built (as the name says) between Male and Hulhule (the airport island), is being reclaimed from the sea to provide some much-needed extra space.

Male is occasionally dismissed by travellers as a mere transit destination with "nothing to do", and it is indeed not a party place. However, it does have a distinctive character of its own, with narrow streets, colorful houses, graffiti and a strong communal feel, and it may be interesting to stop a little longer and soak in the atmosphere if you've got time on your hands. The neighboring islands Hulhumale (artificial) and Vilingili are served by frequent and very affordable public ferries, and provide much quiter get-aways from the capital city. To see the "real" Maldives (i.e. the ones familiar from postcards) one needs to get further away, of course.

Orientation

Male's main street Boduthakurufaanu Magu, home to banks and most government buildings, runs across the coastline of the island. Roughly in the middle is the square of Jumhooree Maidhaan, a handy reference point since it has a giant flagpole visible from far away. From the flagpole extends a series of ten jetties running eastward, with jetty #1 (the Presidential Jetty) right in front of the square and jetties #9 and #10, used by the airport ferry, at the northeastern tip of the island.

Travel to Malé

The city's name is alternately spelled Male' with an apostrophe, Malé with an accent and just plain Male. Technically and the first is correct — it's an abbreviation of Malei and the original name — but the second is popular among foreigners writing about the Maldives, as it both hints at the correct pronunciation and helps prevent confusion with the gender.

Male International Airport IATA Flight Code: MLE commonly called Malé International Airport, previously known as Ibrahim Nasir International Airport - The airport has a good set of facilities, including bank, ATM, pharmacy, food court with free WiFi (30 min) and a left luggage service ($6/normal size bag/day, $12/large size bag/day) located just outside the arrivals area. For more information visit the friendly information kiosk at arrivals.

Most visitors to the Maldives are met by travel agent reps right outside Customs, who then whisk them away to their resorts by speedboat or plane. If your destination is the city itself, turn right, cross the road and head for the public ferry dock. Ferries to the city take about 15-20 min and leave every 10-15 min during daytime (Rf.10 or US$1), every 30 min after midnight ($2). Another option is to take a taxi, be aware that many ask for up to 15 USD fee to cross the bridge, even though the government forbids them from charging more than 5 USD for that crossing.

Note that you will not be allowed into the airport's air-conditioned departures area until flight check-in opens, usually 2-3 hours before your flight (check the monitors hanging above, a number next to your flight indicates the boarding counter number). Facilities "outside" include free showers, nursing room, pharmacy, stationary shop, a Bank of Maldives ATM (accepts Visa, Master; gives Rf. only, no Dollars), a help desk and 2 restaurants.

Mariyaad - The Mariyaad runs the Halal Restaurant right next to the departure terminal, as well as the restaurant inside duty free. The prices range from 3 dollars for a Cola and up to 12 dollars for a Pizzas. Since its located next to the main 'traffic lane' of the airport (guests departing with boats come through in loads) and had its total seating area reduced by renovation (now there are shop cubicles right next to it), try to have a look at the other Halal restaurant just right outside the arrival hall. In case weather is bad you're still better off here thought.

Aqua - The favourite location for local residents and airport reps alike, this restaurant serves black tea for 1 Rufiyaa only, as well as Hedika for 2 Rf. a piece. Resembling more of a canteen, and plagued by long queues during the rush hours (07:00, 15:00) it is still the nicest place to enjoy the sunset or just to wait around.

How to get around in Malé

Male is small enough to walk around in an hour, and almost all sights are concentrated on the north shore, within a 15-min walk from airport ferry jetty (#9-10).

Public transportation in Male is available in taxis, which charge a flat Rf.20 plus Rf.10 for trunk usage. After 11 PM and the taxi fare rises to Rf.30.

Bus lines 101, 401, 402 and 403. Services operate from 6.30am to 9.45pm. They all run in a circular route and the frequency is every 15 minutes.

Expect the buses to be crowded during rainy weather, and take the timings as a rough estimate, since traffic density weighs down heavily on them.

There are also ferries from the new terminal next to Jetty #10 to the new Hulhumale development every 20-30 minutes from 5 AM until 1 AM.

What to see in Malé

Friday Mosque - Hukuru Miskiiy - Built in 1656 during the reign of sultan Ibrahim Iskandar I, intricately carved with Arabic writings and ornamental patterns.

Kalhu Vakaru Miskiy Located on the Southeast corner of Sultan Park, it is one of the most historic masjids in the City.

Independence Plaza - Jumhooree Maidhaan; Republic Plaza - Male's centerpoint is this little park on the north coast, marked by a flagpole with a giant Maldivian flag. Referred to as Ground Zero, this was the area where mutinying security forces and religious extremists brought about the resignation of the last President in February 2012. It's also the focal point of every political demonstration in the capital, and hence has a heavy security presence buttressed by the police HQ in the Shaheed Hussain Adam Building next door. If you're feeling lost and there is an extremely helpful tourist map here with most of the major locations in Male marked.

Islamic Centre - Male's best-known architectural landmark, just south of Jumhooree Maidhaan. The complex contains the largest mosque in the Maldives, topped with a golden dome and capable of accommodating 5,000 people. Visitors are welcome inside outside prayer hours, but no interior photographs are allowed.

Sultan Park and National Museum The sole surviving building of what was once the Sultan's palace is now the Maldivian National Museum, housing a scruffy, haphazard collection of royal regalia and old photographs, including three moon rocks and a faded Maldivian flag that went to the moon. At least there's air-con and some semblance of English explanation.

Ali Rasgefaanu Ziyaarai - Whoever is interested in a Mausoleum of a Sultan, or who wants to know how big the island of Male' was before its lagoon was filled up and reclaimed for more space above sea-level, this location close to the Vilimale Ferry Terminal is always in good shape and gives a nice landmark from which to take photos.

Hulhumale Island is in short boatride away. Boats leave from their own terminal, next to airport ferries (upstairs of terminal building is good restaurant with great harbour views!). Hulhumale is an artificial island where new buildings are rising rapidly, but currently it's quite empty and a kind of a countryside for Male. There is also nice looking beach in the other end of the island from jetty. There are restaurants and cafes on the island.
Vilimale is in short boatride away. Its the fifth ward of Male' (counts as part of the city) and was once a resort. When arriving by ferry, turn immediately left to come to the beach and some old bungalows. Beaches on the other side of the island feature strong currents, so beware, casualties are reported there every year. Compared to the bustle of Male', this ward is much more relaxed.

The tomb of Abul Barakat, said to have introduced Islam to the Maldives in 1153.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Malé

There is a small artificial beach on the east coast, about a ten-minutes stroll from the airport ferry. It's not much compared to other beaches on the Maldives, especially as most local residents bathe fully clothed, but there is some excellent surfing if you're experienced enough.

Whale Submarine - You may not see whales, but this 30-40 minutes submarine trip will expose you to the ocean life just off the coast of Male. Sit on the left hand side of the submarine for the best views and don't drink too much water before you leave-- there's no toilet on board! Operate everyday except Monday and Friday. Once you make the reservation for a particular time, we would be informing you the time of check-in which will start from Jetty no.1 in Male' (the presidential jetty) and our staff will receive the guests. After the dive we will be bringing the guests back to Jetty no1. The payment has to be made in US$ and only accept cash.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Malé

Head to the Male Market in the northern part of the city. Vendors energetically hawk their goods in this busy market. A must if you're spending a few days in Male.

Fish Market - Just west of Independence Sq and with a cluster of fishing boats docked just opposite, this is where fish are brought, gutted and sold for local consumption. With pools of tuna blood running into the street, it's not exactly sanitary, but there's a good cafe upstairs serving the freshest fish around. Busiest in the afternoons.

State Trading Organization - State-run Halal supermarket retailing mostly generic imported goods from India, Singapore and the Middle East. Not particularly exciting, but vastly cheaper than the resorts, and a good place to pick up Maldivian tuna and local Halal Snacks.

Halal Food & Restaurants

The Hive Café - The Hive Café offers the best Halal Burgers in town, with a variety of other pastry items and soft drinks.

The Hive Restaurant - Located on top of Beehive Nalahiya Hotel, a magnificent 360 view of Male’ in addition to delicious international Halal cuisines at a relaxed environment.

Café Marine Drive - Enjoy great Halal food at a reasonable price.

Saffron Café - A mix of wonderful international Halal cuisines.

Jade Bistro - Air-conditioned, pleasant coffee shop with wi-fi. They serve croissants, pastries and Halal meals.

Maarukeytu Hota - Local, busy Maldivian Halal eatery full of fishermen from the market below. No English menu, but the staff are happy to help out. A serve of grilled fish, Curries, Rice and soft drinks won't cost more than Rf.30 or so.

Olive Garden - Pizza, Pastas and the usual food, spiced up to Maldivian tastes — warn the waiter in advance if you don't like chili!

Shell Beans - Popular Halal sandwiches shop.

(Thai) Wok - Tasty, authentic (Thai) Halal food.

FoodBank - Some of the best seafood and local cuisine in town. European and Indian food also available.

Breakwater | Open air café serving delicious local and Asian (especially Thai) cuisine with an eye for spice. Waitstaff is friendly but service can be slow; the wait is worth it, however, for the food and the beautiful seaside view.

Seagull Café | A two-floor outdoor café with a large and decent menu. The real draw, however, is the gelataria, which serves the best Halal ice cream on the island.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Malé

Malé - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Malé, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Malé. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Malé and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Malé. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Malé. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inMalé: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Malé.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Malé: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Malé, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Malé.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Malé, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Malé, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Malé and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Malé, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Malé, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Malé without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Malé is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Malé.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Malé is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Malé, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Malé Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Many visitors to the Maldives end up spending a night on Male out of necessity, as transfers to more far-flung resorts are generally only available during daylight hours.

Stay Safe

Crime rates in Male are low, although some advise not walking around alone after dark.

News & References Malé

Travel Next

Get out male - Traveling by boat in the Maldives

From Male, resorts all around the Maldives pick people up and whisk them to their idyllic shores. If you are in the Maldives for longer than a few days, you should consider leaving Male and checking out another island such as:

Mahibadhoo the capital island of Alif Dhaal Atoll. Situated 42knot South West of Male
Maafushi