Things to do in Male’
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Whale Submarine
The Whale Submarine can hardly be described as a sight of Male’, but it’s a popular excursion. First things first, this is not a submarine for whale watching – its name is slightly misleading. It is, in fact, a submarine for looking at life on a reef. It’s hard to recommend for divers as the trip can’t really compare to a real dive, but for kids (under-threes not allowed) and those who don’t dive, this is a great, if pricey, little excursion. As the submarine departs from apoint off the coast you have to get a boat either from the airport or Jetty No 1 (the jetty in front of Jumhooree Maidan, also known as the President’s Jetty) – one boat picks up from both about 30 minu…
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Hukuru Miskiiy (Old Friday Mosque)
Hukuru Miskiiy is the oldest mosque in the country, dating from 1656. The exterior is protected by a corrugated-iron covering which doesn't look very attractive, but the coral-stone walls are intricately carved with patterns and Arabic script. The interior is superb and famed for its fine lacquer work and elaborate woodcarvings.
The mosque was built on the foundations of an old temple that faced west to the setting sun, not northwest towards Mecca. Consequently, the worshippers have to face the corner of the mosque when they pray - the striped carpet, laid at an angle, shows the correct direction.
Overlooking the mosque is the solid, round, blue-and-white tower of the mun…
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National Museum
The small NationalMuseum is well worth a visit. Housed in a small, three-storey building in one corner of the Sultan’s Park, it is the only remaining part of the original sultan’s palace – the rest was demolished in 1968 at the beginning of the second republic. At the time of writing, a rather gaudy new Chinese-gifted building was being built next door, which the museum will eventually move in to, making way for the old building to house a reconstruction of how the Sultan’s Palace’s interiors would have looked.
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Sea Explorers Dive School
There is some excellent diving within a short boat ride of Male’ even though the rubbish and pollution of the capital can be seen underwater. The Sea Explorers Dive School is a very well-regarded operation that does dive courses and trips for locals and the expat community. It costs US$50 per dive including all equipment and boat trip, or US$40 for just tanks and weights. If you do nine dives, the 10th dive is free.
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National Art Gallery
This small exhibition space is the only one of its kind in the Maldives and is therefore the important centre of the nation’s fledgling art scene. Solo exhibits from painters rotate, while the biennial Maldives Contemporary exhibition is a great chance to see the varied art produced in the country, from photography to painting and conceptual works.
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Aïoli
Definitely the sleekest eating option in the capital, this large restaurant has the feel of a boutique hotel, decked out all in dark wood and cream furnishings. The menu is just as fabulous – chose from Wagyu rib-eye steak, spicy aïoli crab and chilli prawn linguini, for example – all served up on a great outdoor balcony or in one of two dining rooms.
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from USD$1,060
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Sala Thai
With the most impressive interior on the capital’s eating scene, a mint-infused atmosphere and friendly staff, Sala Thai is an inviting venue for a meal. The menu is equally enticing, with a huge choice of soups, noodles and curries. Booking is a good idea for evening meals.
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Thai Wok
This Male’ institution has now moved to rather better premises, though there’s still something weirdly sterile about it. But the Thai food is excellent and authentic, and this is the reason to come – especially if you can get a table on the balcony.
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Seagull Café
One of the most pleasant and popular places, the Seagull boasts a delightfully shaded outdoor eating area and a delicious American-style menu with a kicking club sandwich. There’s also a rightly popular gelataria attached, serving up the city’s best ice cream.
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Symphony
This long-time favourite for Male’ residents, located off Majeedee Magu, has an exceptionally dark interior, chilly air-con and a smart look. The menu is comprehensive and the Indian cuisine is especially good. This has one of the best vegetarian selections in town.
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Irudhashu Hotaa
Our favourite ‘short eats’ place in town is this perennially busy meeting place by the Henveiru football field. After prayers at the next door mosque, it’s always rammed, and the spicy fish curries and selection of hedhikaa are delicious.
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Royalgardencafé
This great little place, with a charming garden and an air-conditioned, stylish dark-wood interior, is housed in a rare surviving example of a ganduvaru, a noble’s house. The menu is a combination of Italian, Indonesian, American and Indian cuisines.
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National Stadium
The National Stadium hosts the biggest football matches (tickets cost Rf15 to Rf40) and the occasional cricket match. More casual games can be seen any evening in the sports grounds at the east end of the island and near New Harbour.
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Saffron Café & Kitchen
This great courtyard affair offers a tempting array of both local ‘short eats’ and international food such as beef fajitas, nasi goreng and fish curry. It’s good for a quick lunch, and the set breakfast (Rf30-40) is also recommended.
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Sea House
This breezy (and sometimes downright windy) place above the Hulhumale’ ferry terminal has expansive harbour views and a great menu that runs from pizza and sandwiches to full meals. It’s very popular and a great place to meet friends.
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Shell Beans
This lifeline by the seafront serves up tasty sandwiches, burgers, takeaway coffee and pastries. It’s a great spot for lunch on the run, although there’s seating both upstairs and downstairs for a less hurried meal.
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Sultan’s Park
Surrounding the museum, Sultan’s Park was once part of the grounds of the sultan’s palace. It’s an attractive place full of flowers and trees and is the nicest public space in Male’.
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Raanbaa
Is this the largest restaurant in Male’? It’s certainly a contender, with its tree-house-like extensions into the sky. The huge menus encompass everything from tasty red cuttlefish curry to chicken chimichangas.
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Water World
Two of the best diving shops are next door to each other: Dive Shop and Water World. Both supply a full range of equipment and are authorised dealers for big-name brands.
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Dive Shop
Two of the best diving shops are next door to each other: Dive Shop and Water World. Both supply a full range of equipment and are authorised dealers for big-name brands.
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STO Trade Centre
The city’s biggest supermarket is the STO Trade Centre, which includes fresh fruit and veg. It’s handy for self-catering, which is a sensible option during Ramazan.
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Dawn Café
This is one of the bigger teashops in the area, and it’s near the fish market. You can get a brilliant meal here. Try it on Friday afternoon when people come in after going to the mosque.
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Salsa Royal
This airy, high-ceilinged hall serves up Italian and Thai food from two separate menus. The restaurant is nonsmoking throughout, extremely clean and with good service.
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South Beach
Another popular place convenient for the airport ferry, this friendly hangout serves up delicious ‘short eats’ from dawn until well into the night.
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