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You don't really explore the Maldives, because virtually the moment you touch down at Ibrahim Nasir International Airport in Malé, you're whisked away by seaplane or speedboat to your chosen resort. There is little to do in Malé, save a visit to the mosque, National Museum, or local market. The best option is a day trip offered
You don't really explore the Maldives, because virtually the moment you touch down at Ibrahim Nasir International Airport in Malé, you're whisked away by seaplane or speedboat to your chosen resort. There is little to do in Malé, save a visit to the mosque, National Mus
You don't really explore the Maldives, because virtually the moment you touch down at Ibrahim Nasir International Airpor
You don't really explore the Maldives, because virtually the moment you touch down at Ibrahim Nasir International Airport in Malé, you're whisked away by seaplane or speedboat to your chosen resort. There is little to do in Malé, save a visit to the mosque, National Museum, or local market. The best option is a day trip offered by your resort; that is, if your resort is within a practical distance. Island-hopping is not really an option, and you will find that, other than different styles and choices of accommodation, each island is a template of the other—beautiful white sandy beaches, waving palms, and seas so blue that ocean vistas henceforth may be ruined for you. The exception is Shangri-la Resort & Spa south of the Equator, where you can take cultural day trips to a former World War II British naval base, local farms, and the local town. Other than in Malé, you’ll be mostly cocooned from authentic Maldives as visitors are only allowed onto certain islands for short visits, apparently to lessen their impact on the traditional, strictly Muslim communities where alcohol and revealing clothing are banned.
For every one person who comes to the Maldives to dive, there may be five who come simply to relax, unwind, and enjoy the coastal scenery. The...
For every one person who comes to the Maldives to dive, there may be five who come simply to relax, unwind, and enjoy the coastal scenery. The beaches surrounding the resort islands are superb. There is, after all, a reason they chose to put your resort here. Every beach has fine, brilliantly white coral sand, coconut palm fringes, and warm, turquoise, tropical seas.
The oldest mosque in the Maldives, Hukuru Miskiy dates from the late 1650s and was built on the foundations of an earlier temple. The strangely...
The oldest mosque in the Maldives, Hukuru Miskiy dates from the late 1650s and was built on the foundations of an earlier temple. The strangely shaped squat minaret in front, which resembles a giant wedding cake, was added during the 1670s. At first glance the mosque looks a bit rough (it has a corrugated iron roof to protect it from the elements) but closer inspection of the white coral walls will reveal some lovely carved patterns. You are welcome to go inside—the interior is justly famous for its woodcarvings and lacquer work—but it is still used for prayer so dress respectfully, as you would when entering any religious building (headscarves for ladies, no shorts or bare shoulders for anyone).
Medhuziyaarai Magu, Malé, Kaafu Atoll, Maldives
Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free, Avoid visits during Muslim prayers.
Best visited as part of an escorted day tour, the Sultan Park and impressive whitewashed villa housing this museum are perhaps more impressive...
Best visited as part of an escorted day tour, the Sultan Park and impressive whitewashed villa housing this museum are perhaps more impressive than the collection within, but if you are in Malé it's worth spending a little time perusing the quirkily eclectic contents that tell the story of this miniscule island nation. The display rooms contain model boats, ceremonial thrones, and items dating back to pre-Islamic days, although some Buddha statues from this early period had to be removed when they were attacked and damaged by Muslim extremists in early 2012.
Sultan Park, Chaandhanee Magu, Malé, Kaafu Atoll, Maldives
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