Malé

Why Malé is special ?

Malé, (pronounced as Mar-lay), is the capital and most populous city in the Republic of Maldives. Traditionally it was the King's Island, from where the ancient royal dynasties ruled and where the palace was located.

Malé is both a city and an island, combining cosmopolitan style with laid-back islander roots. Candy-colored skyscrapers dominate the spectacular skyline, artificial beaches beckon visitors to the turquoise waters and historic sites await exploration. The islet is only 1.7 kilometers long and just one kilometer wide, but more than 100,000 people call it home. It is the world's densest city, making it easy to explore on foot. You can walk around the entire island in about an hour, and nearly all the sights are conveniently concentrated on the north shore.

Source: http://www.visitcapitalcity.com/

What to explore at Malé?

Malé offers the best chance to see the ‘real’ Maldives away from the resort buffet and infinity pool. Overlooked by tall, brightly coloured buildings and surrounded by incongruously turquoise water, Male is a hive of activity, the engine driving the Maldives’ economy and the forum for the country’s political struggles.

Male is also pleasant and pleasingly quirky – alcohol-free bars and restaurants jostle with shops and lively markets and the general hubbub of a capital is very much present. This city island offers a chance to get a real feel for the Maldives and what makes its people tick, and to meet Maldivians on an equal footing.

Source: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/

How to get to Malé?

Male International Airport is located on the neighboring island of Hulhule. 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.