Male is the capital and largest city of the Maldives Republic with about 90,000 people living in the city. It is located at the southern edge of North Male Kaafu Atoll and the island on which Male is situated is full with high rise buildings, a harbour and many other facilities you would expect in a city of this size. There simply is no more space to build here. As a result the 2004 Christmas tsunami meant that two thirds of the city was under water. Most travellers hardly spend any time in this city as they move onwards to one of the many beautiful islands and atolls the country has to offer. But if you want to experience some of the islamic culture the country has to offer a few days in Male will suffice.
Male is hot and humid year round but the winds bring some relief. Temperatures are around 30 °C during the day and still above 20 °C at night. February to April are the driest months and from May to January onwards there is almost always a chance of some rain showers. The wettest months are from July to October when hurricanes can hit the island and city.
Malé International Airport (MLE) is the main airport with direct flights from Rome, Milan, Prague, Düsseldorf, Amsterdam, Paris, Moscow, Dubai, London, Munich, Manchester, Zürich and Frankfurt among others. In Asia there are connections from Colombo, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Shanghai. All these destinations are operated by foreign airlines. As of 2008, Island Aviation Services was the only Maldives based airlines to fly internationally with only one destination, Thiruvanathapuram in India.
From the airport island, there is a frequent airport ferry to take you to Male. It costs about 10-25 rufiyah depending on the time that you take the ferry.
Increasingly, the richer Male residents are beginning to purchase cars. However, with hardly any place to use them, it is simply a sign of vanity more than practical usage.
Male has taxis. To go to anywhere on the island will cost you 20 rufiyah, which is around US$2. With baggage in your taxi, there will be an additional 5 rufiyah per baggage item. Further, hiring a taxi for an hour to go around the island is around 70 rufiyah. All taxi drivers can speak some level of english so communication is not a problem and they have fixed prices so there is no need to haggle over prices or worry about safety. However, unless you have baggage you need to transport to the airport ferry terminal or your place of accommodation or you have sore feet, taxis are not really of use or advised for this tiny place.
Walking is the best way of getting around tiny Male and experiencing the local atmosphere and to stop and observe interesting spots at your own leisure.
The next best way to get around Male, besides walking, is using a bicycle. Environmentally friendly and healthy for you, it is the most advisable mode of transport around the island.
There are increasing numbers of motorbikes on the road but with hardly any place to park, all motorbikes are parked on the road themselves due to which there is more congestion.
There are several supermarkets in Male - S.T.O, Fantasy etc. which have packaged food from all around the world. If you are in the mood for cooking yourself, shopping at these supermarkets can be fun.
| Property | Address | Type | Popularity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adaaran Club Rannalhi | South Malé Atoll (Kaafu), Mald | guesthouse | - |
| Adaaran Prestige Ocean Villas Resort | North Male' Atoll | guesthouse | - |
| Cokes Surf Camp | North Male Atoll | HOSTEL | - |
| Hulhumale Inn | Nirolhumagu plot 10487 | GUESTHOUSE | - |
| Sunshine Hotel - Hulhumale | Dhigga Magu | HOTEL | - |
| UI Inn | Lot 10572, Halaveli Magu | HOTEL | 100 |
Utrecht (44%)
Ahila (42%)as well as Hien (12%), Lavafalls (2%)
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This is version 12. Last edited at 0:53 on Jan 24, 12 by sleepBot. 4 articles link to this page.

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