Most tourists don't give Male', the capital city of Maldives, much thought. They may wander around for a couple of hours then return to their resorts, but what they don't know is they're missing out on some great experiences. So come along with us as we give you a 24 hour tour of Male'.
05:45 – 07:00 – Sunrise
There's no better way to start off the day than by watching the mesmerizing sunrise. A great spot to go for this is Varunulaa Raalhugandu on Male's Eastern side. Not only can you appreciate the early morning here, you can watch the surfers riding the waves as this is Male's main surfing spot.
07:00 – 08:30 – Breakfast
Looking for a traditional Maldivian breakfast? Take a stroll up the road and head to Alimas Carnival and take a seat at Mins Deli. Try the mas huni (a mixture of coconut, tuna, onion, lime) best enjoyed with roshi. If you're feeling brave you can try some rihaakuru, a thick black fish paste that Maldivians simply adore.
08:30 – 12:30 – Vilimale'
A 10 minute ferry ride to the nearby Vilimale' island is a good choice to spend the morning. You'll notice that Vilimale' is less crowded than its neighbor, making it perfect for a morning stroll. Or if you fancy a more strenuous activity then water sports such as swimming, snorkeling and even jet skiing are available.
12:30 – 14:30 – Lunch
Appetite stimulated by an eventful morning, it's time for lunch. Hop on the ferry back to Male' and head to Seagull Cafe, a short walk from Sultan Park. There's plenty on the menu but please don't leave before you've had a gelato, the best in town, and the perfect remedy for the midday sun.
14:30 – 17:30 – Sight Seeing
Male' is a small island. You can actually walk the perimeter of the island in an hour and walking is the best way to catch the sights. Must-see places are: the National Museum, Islamic Centre, Medhu Zitaaraiy shrine, Sultan Park, Grand Friday Mosque and of course the markets, which are all within easy walking distance.
17:30 – 18:00 – Evening Tea
Need a break after all that walking? Well, Cafe Ier offers a cosy ambiance and the best Italian coffee on the island but if you'd prefer to sit and enjoy a panoramic view of the ocean then Citron by Lemongrass is ideal.
18:00 – 19:00 – Freshen up.
All that walking around probably means you want to kick back and relax for an hour or two, then freshen up before heading out for dinner. Luckily there are a range of hotels and guest houses strategically located around the island.
19:00 – 20:00 – Dinner
Jazz Cafe, Shellbeans, Newport or Thaiwok are all restaurants blessed with excellent reviews and all worth checking out. There're dishes for all ages and palettes. They might be a little more costly compared to other places in Asia, but you won't regret the experience.
20:00 – 00:00 Shopping
There isn't much in the way of night life on Male' but you can still have time to fit in a little shopping. Shops close at 22:00. Grab a souvenir, a dictionary of Divehi, or a new pair of sandals. If shopping isn't your thing then the cooling evening sea breeze is wonderful at this time.
Martin Wynn
