Tour of Male' - capital of the Maldives

Male', the capital of the Maldives is located almost in the centre of the nation, on the east side of Kaafu atoll. It is the commercial centre and the location of many important historical and religious landmarks. With an area of just over 1.77 square kilometres, it is home to over 70,000 people. It is the busiest and the most populous island in the archipelago. In the past, it has been known as the Sultan's island.

For the purpose of administration the island is divided into four districts. Henveiru occupies the North-East side and Maafannu the North-West. The two smaller wards Galolhu and Machchangolhi, lie in the centre and to the south. Recently the Island of Vilingili has been added as an extension to Male'. Vilingili is been developed as an urban area since Male' no longer can accommodate the growing population and housing.

All over Maldives houses are given names and numbers. However, numbers are used rarely and all houses are referred by there given names and most of them have Dhivehi (Maldivian) names, but some reflect the British influence often quite incongruously and sometimes poetically. Heart, Snow Down, Sky Villa, Rose Burn, Night Flower, Blue Bell, Lightning Villa, Marine Villa, Dreamy Light and Forget Me Not are some names you might see on, above or by the side of the house doors.

The ambience of this small, unsoiled semi-urban environment with the historical sites and a museum with artefacts of the distinctive Maldivian culture dating as far back as 5000 BC, has unexpectedly caught the imagination of many a visitor such as Thor Hyerdal.

Where to Stay

Your accommodation in Male’ would probably be at one of several reasonably priced private and government-run guest houses or, at one of the more expensive and rare hotels in the capital. The most exclusive among the hotels include the KAM Hotel, Relax Inn, and Nasandhura Palace Hotel. The rates vary from hotel to hotel, and are usually in the range US$ 60.00 -US$ 85.00 for Bed and Breakfast.

There is also a wide range of privately owned and registered guest-houses scattered across the island. The average rate is between US$ 20.00 - US$ 60.00

Getting Around

The best way to discover Male' is by foot. It only takes about twenty minutes to walk the length of the island. It always helps if you know the names and location of the main roads. The main roads are which runs around the island; Majeedee Magu (‘magu’ means road) which runs from East to West across the island, Bodu Thakurufaanu Magu (formerly Marine Drive) and Chandhanee Magu which runs form North to South.

The main form of transport among the locals is on bicycles. Row upon row of solid Raleigh bicycles outside government offices show how the pace of life is quickening. There are no buses, but several taxi services. All charge a standard MRf 10.00 per trip anywhere in Male' without luggage, with an additional charge of MRf 5.00 for luggage. All operate 24 hours and can be called by telephone. Note that you should check the fare before you hire one.

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