Tour of Male' - Capital of the Maldives

Male' is the best island in the country for shopping, given the choice and variety of goods available in this centre of commercial activity. Local and imported handicrafts and souvenirs, cigarettes and electronic items are sold The main shopping area, a cluster of stores along and around the top end of Chaandhanee Magu, is nicknamed the Singapore Bazaar because the majority of goods are imported from Singapore.. The prices in Male' have now become highly competitive, with minimum or no duty levied on most items.
 

Most of the souvenir shops are in the main business area which is only a five-minute walk from the jetty where most tourists usually arrive. It is always better to browse through a few shops before choosing what to buy. The shops recommended by guides or shop assistants volunteering to be guides are not necessarily the best places for shopping.

North of the island centre along the waterfront stand the fish market, the indoor fruit and vegetables market and the firewood market. The fish market is relatively empty, until the fish is landed in the busy hours of late afternoon when fisher folk begin to arrive with the day's catch. The crews of the dhonis (local boats) , having worked hard under the remorseless tropical sun since dawn, carry the catch mainly bonito, swordfish and tuna to the market to be processed. The fishermen cutting and cleaning the fish have developed the process into a skilful art that can easily impress anyone watching fish being processed. The market is a well-maintained area that generates much interest from visitors and provides a glimpse into the life of typical Maldivian fisher-folk..

Neighbouring the fish market are the indoor fruit and vegetable market and the firewood market. These markets are busy and colourful places where islanders from outer atolls trade their goods These markets display the staples of Maldivian life rice, coconuts, eggs, oil, spices, sweet potatoes, onions, chillies, watermelons, mangoes, bananas, papayas, pomegranates, limes and non-alcoholic toddy made from coconut sap. Because there is so little fertile land, the vegetables are rare and expensive.

The International Airport on the island of Hulhule’ offers high quality electrical and electronic goods, cameras, hi-fi stereo equipment, watches and cosmetics along with cigarettes and other merchandise at competitive prices.

Entertainment

Male' offers little in terms of organised entertainment. There are no night-clubs or bars. However, an evening stroll around the centre of town along Majeedhee Magu, alive with shoppers, music and noise, helps to absorb Male's unique atmosphere. And there are restaurants, both European and Maldivian, and cinemas, which screen mainly Indian romances and adventures.

The Television Station transmits a mixture of national and foreign programs. The Radio Station "Voice of Maldives" is on air throughout the day. If the sleepy pace, beautiful faces and marvellous seascapes begin to pall, you can make an excursion to a nearby resort island or hire a dhoni to join the many locals who take weekend picnics in the neighbouring deserted islands such Kuda Bandos.

Or, you could visit one of the numerous inhabited islands to enjoy a taste of a more peaceful rural life. Traditionally, Maldivians are very hospitable people, at the same time, very shy with strangers. With their red faces, short shorts, colourful shirts and inevitable cameras, the tourists on Male's waterfront stand out. However, Maldivians are rapidly adapting to the increasingly common scenes of tourists walking about.

Eating Establishments

On almost every road or alleyway you will find a tea shop offering piping hot tea and delicious snacks known as "short-eats". Some of the popular tea-shops include Evening Glory, Maarukeyt Hotel, right above the Fish market (popularly known as Fisherman's hotel) and Queen of the Night. At the standard tea-shops, a dollar or two is usually enough for a small feast of rice, curry and several side dishes. You take as much as you want from the dishes, which are constantly replenished, then pay at the door.

Maldivian women never enter these tea shops and women visitors will find themselves objects of curiosity. Maldivian women usually use the more classy cafe’s which are a little more expensive than the standard tea-shops.

Bigger and modern restaurants cater for European tastes and pockets. Some big names include Quench Restaurant, "Symphony" and "The New Down Town Restaurant" on Majeedhee Magu. On Fareedhee Magu stands "The Sea Gull Cafe" which specialises in Italian ice-cream. The Indian Restaurant on Majeedhee Magu and the more expensive Park View Restaurant on Chandhanee Magu feature a variety of Indian cuisine, along with Continental and Chinese. Other restaurants of note include the Thai Wok on Bodhu Thakurufaan Magu, specialising in Thai cuisine, and "Twin Peaks" on Orchid Magu specialising in pizzas.

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