Male Travel Guide
Male is the bustling capital of the Maldives, often overlooked by tourists who head straight for the country's numerous resort islands. However, the packed city offers a glimpse of another side of the popular destination and is representative of everyday life in the Maldives.
Far from the tranquillity of the five-star resorts that pepper the islands, Male moves at a brisk pace as the centre of government and commerce in the Maldives. Brightly coloured buildings, business suits, and bazaars rather than beaches are the order of the day, and the independent travellers that do take a holiday in Male can sample cultural attractions such as markets, mosques, and museums in lieu of jungle hikes and watersports.
The best shopping in the Maldives is undoubtedly in Male, a city crowded with shops and markets. Most of the souvenir shops that cater to tourists are found in the business district, conveniently located close to the jetty where travellers arrive from the airport ferries. Another popular shopping district in Male is the Singapore Bazaar at the top end of Chaandhanee Magu, so-called because many of the products are imported from Singapore.
Most of the outdoor markets in Male are filled with fruits and vegetables rather than souvenirs, but it is enjoyable to spend a few hours browsing the colourful stalls. Though most countries' customs agents will confiscate coconuts and papayas, it is possible to buy some wonderful local spices, which are a popular souvenir from the Maldives.
Getting around in Male is relatively easy due to its small size. It is possible to walk around the entire city in about an hour, and most of the major attractions are clustered near each other on the north shore, about a 15-minute walk from the jetty. There is no public transportation in Male, but taxis are plentiful and relatively inexpensive.
A predominantly Muslim city, the bars and restaurants in Male are largely alcohol-free. The city is far from a nightlife hotspot, though a holiday in Male is richly rewarding for travellers looking to see the true face of life in the Maldives.
Things to do in Male
Male is filled with culture and history, all clustered together on a tiny island. Its Islamic heritage is at the forefront with beautiful buildings such as the Grand Friday Mosque and Islamic Centre, and those looking to soak up some Maldivian culture will want to plan for a visit to the National Art Gallery, Maldivian National Museum, and Independence Square.
Male's markets are a popular attraction in their own right, and range from the colourful stalls of the vegetable and firewood markets to the bustle of the famous fish market. There are few natural attractions in Male, though a small artificial beach on the east coast of the island offers surprisingly good surfing. The Whale Submarine is a popular Male attraction for those too timid to scuba dive, with a 40-minute underwater ride showcasing the marine life of the Indian Ocean.
Maldives travel info
Electricity
The electrical current in Maldives is 230 volts, 50Hz. A variety of plugs are in use, including the two-pin flat blade plug and the round three-pin plug.
Language
Dhivehi is the national language in Maldives. English is widely spoken in addition to German, French, Italian, and Japanese, which are spoken by the resort staff.
Money
The Maldivian rufiyaa (MVR) is divided into 100 laari. The resorts in the Maldives are generally expensive and travellers should ensure they bring sufficient funds. ATMs are available; major credit cards are accepted at most resorts and hotels. US dollars can be exchanged at the airport, banks, or hotels. Banks are usually closed on Fridays and Saturdays.
Tipping
Tipping is not expected in the Maldives, but waiters and room staff will appreciate a tip if the service is good, even if a service charge has already been added.
Health
Visitors to the Maldives should take precautions against mosquito bites as cases of dengue fever and Chikungunya virus have been reported. Those who will be spending a lot of time outdoors and are at risk of animal bites may be advised to get a rabies vaccination.
There are very few fully equipped hospitals on Male and in Hulhumale and, though most resort islands are within reach of a doctor, many are several hours' travel away from the comprehensive facilities on Male. Travel insurance is advised.
If visitors require a certain medication on holiday, it is best to bring it in its original packaging, with a dated and signed letter from a doctor detailing what the medication is and why it is needed.
Safety
Crime levels are low in the Maldives but petty theft does occur. It is best not to leave goods unattended on the beaches or in hotel rooms. There is a measure of political instability and visitors are advised to avoid public gatherings and demonstrations, particularly on Male Island, as these can turn violent. However, resorts in the Maldives are considered very safe and there are rarely any disturbances. The sea around the Maldives can have strong tidal currents and there is a risk of drowning; swimmers should exercise caution.
Local customs
Maldivians are predominantly Muslim, and therefore Islamic customs should be respected, particularly during the month of Ramadan when eating, drinking, and smoking during daylight hours should be discreet as it is forbidden by the Muslim culture.
No pornography is allowed (or any material considered offensive under Islamic law) and homosexuality is illegal. Same-sex relationships are not tolerated and carry jail sentences and fines. Alcohol consumption is confined to the resorts.
Dress is informal but nudism and topless bathing is prohibited. On visits to inhabited islands it is important to respect local customs that adhere to conservative dress codes, and public observance of any religion other than Islam is prohibited. The Maldives has strong anti-drug laws that carry severe penalties.
Doing business
Though business tends to be conducted in a laidback way, visitors should remember that this is a Muslim country and that they should be polite, adhere to local customs and dress conservatively (albeit in lightweight attire). Business cards are usually expected at a meeting; visitors should not expect to find any alcohol unless they're doing business at one of the many resorts that dot the islands. Meetings are usually scheduled for mornings and are typically conducted in English. Business hours are usually 7.30am to 2.30pm, Sunday to Thursday.
Duty free
Travellers to the Maldives who are older than 16 years of age do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes, 25 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco; other personal items up to the value of 6000 MVR. Prohibited items include alcohol, firearms, pork, narcotics and psychotropic substances, pornography, religious materials that may be offensive to Islam, and religious idols for worship.
Communications
The international access code for the Maldives is +960. Travellers can purchase local SIM cards for unlocked phones; all resorts, hotels and guesthouses offer free WiFi.
Passport & Visa
All foreign passengers to the Maldives must hold onward or return tickets, and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination. Those entering the Maldives without a hotel reservation or a Maldivian sponsor must hold proof of sufficient funds to cover their expenses while in the country. A disembarkation card must be filled in by every passenger, and submitted to the Immigration Officer upon entry into the Maldives. Nationals of most countries can obtain a tourist visa on arrival, for a maximum stay of 30 days. Extensions of stay to a maximum of 90 days from the date of the visitor's arrival in the Maldives are possible by paying a fee of MVR 750 to the Department of Immigration in Male, at least one day prior to the expiry date of the initial 30-day entry period. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter the Maldives if travellers are arriving from or have transited through an airport of a country where there is a risk of infection. It is highly recommended that travellers' passport have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry requirements
US citizens must have a passport that is valid for six months from the expected date of departure. A visitor visa available at the airport for stays of up to 30 days.
UK citizens must have a passport that is valid for six months from the date of entry. A visitor visa available at the airport for stays of up to 30 days.
Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for six months from the date of entry. A visitor visa available at the airport for stays of up to 30 days.
Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for six months from the expected date of departure. A visitor visa available at the airport for stays of up to 30 days.
South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for six months from the expected date of departure. A visa is required.
Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid for six months from the expected date of departure. A visitor visa available at the airport for stays of up to 30 days.
New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for six months from the expected date of departure. A visitor visa available at the airport for stays of up to 30 days.
Useful contacts
Maldives Tourist Office: +960 323 228 or www.visitmaldives.com
Emergencies: 119 (Police); 102 (Ambulance).Embassies / consulates in other countries
Maldives High Commission, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7224 2135.
Embassies / consulates in Maldives
American Embassy, Colombo, Sri Lanka (also responsible for Maldives): +94 11 249 8500.
British High Commission, Colombo, Sri Lanka (also responsible for Maldives): +94 11 539 0639.
Canadian High Commission, Colombo, Sri Lanka (also responsible for Maldives): +94 11 522 6232.
Australian High Commission, Colombo, Sri Lanka (also responsible for Maldives): +94 11 246 3200.
South African High Commission, Colombo, Sri Lanka (also responsible for Maldives): +94 11 268 9926.
Mission of Ireland to the UN, New York, United States (also responsible for Maldives): +1 212 421 6934.
New Zealand Consulate, Singapore (also responsible for Maldives): +65 6235 9966.