Discover Maldives
Hotels, halal food, prayer spaces, things to do, and itineraries in Maldives.
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Must-see attractions in Maldives
From headline landmarks and heritage icons to parks, waterfronts, and major museums, discover 28 standout sights to build into your time in the city.
Maldives has been the most sought after beach holiday destination since it started concentrating on developing its resorts to boost tourism. Having suffered a series of natural disasters in the past few years, Maldives is currently enjoying incredible growth again. It has bounced back from major setbacks like the coral bleaching wrought by el Niño and the horror of the 2004 tsunami. With its beautiful white beaches, sapphire blue waters and friendly atmosphere, the country has become the epitome of paradise for honeymooners, sightseers and diving/surfing enthusiasts. Formed of 26 atolls, Maldives is a geological peculiarity nestled in the mid
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Muslim travel planner
Plan a Muslim-friendly trip in Maldives
Halal restaurants in Maldives
Maldives’s food scene is part of the city experience. Choose from 10 restaurants and food districts with location notes and planning tips.
maldivesSala Thai
As the name implies this is a Thai food restaurant in Male. It is a small in size with traditional Thai décor and sitting arrangement. The food tastes authentic as the cook is a Thai National. Tables have to be booked early because space is limited and the restaurant is crowded most of the times.
maldivesSalsa Royal
Salsa Royal is located in the centre of Male and is easy to find as it is one of the famous restaurants around the city. They serve a number of cuisines like Italian, Mediterranean, Thai etc. Salsa Royal is popular for its Thai cuisine. The décor is nothing to write home about. It has been decorated according to Maldivian style. The staff is very attentive and polite.
maldivesOlive Garden
If you are confused about what to eat, at the Olive Garden you can choose from delicious and mouth-watering meat or vegetarian pizzas or Continental, Western & Italian food. A variety of soft drinks and juices are also available. Address: Fareedhee Magu,Maafannu,Male' Phone: +960 3312231 Fax: +960 3317024 Email: [email protected]
maldivesShell Beans
Located just a few minutes walk from the Airport Jetty No.9, this restaurant serves sumptuous local and continental snacks and European cuisine. It is very casually decorated and has a friendly atmosphere. Open from Saturdays to Thursdays Fridays from 15:30 - 23:00 Address: Finihiya Goalhi,Henveiru,Male' Phone: +960 3333686 Email: [email protected] Opening hours: 08:30am to to 11:00pm
maldivesThe Sea House
This restaurant gives you the opportunity to enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner sitting right in front of the beautiful blue sea. It serves fresh pastries, light snacks and fresh fruit drinks.
maldivesWestpark
A very popular restaurant of Male, it is famous for its business lunches and romantic dinners. This is an outdoor restaurant located by the sea side, so you can see launches and boats passing by Male. The disadvantage to restaurants like these is that if the wind blows you might get a little bit of sea spray on your food so be prepared! The food offered includes western and oriental dishes as well as light meals (snacks and the local snack Hedhika). They also serve excellent coffee. The restaurant can also be booked for weddings, birthday parties and other events. Address: Bodu thakurufaanu Magu Male, Maldives +960 3325738
Maldives masjids and Muslim travel
Landmark masjids and prayer-aware notes for visitors planning salah, family movement, and halal-friendly days.
Hukuru Miskiiy
The oldest mosque in Maldives is the Hukuru Miskiiy. This mosque was built in 1956 when Sultan Ibrahim Iskandhar I was the ruler of Maldives. The fine lacquer work and intricate woodcarvings in the mosque attract a lot of visitors. The interior and exterior walls of the mosque, built with coral stones, are beautifully carved with Arabic writings and other ornamental designs. The doors, window frames and the roof of the mosque have been made with various kinds of woods. Also displayed in the compound of the mosque are various ancient tombstones.
The Islamic Centre,
The Islamic Centre, housing the mosque Masjid-al-Sultan Mohammed Thakurufaanu-al-A'z'am.
Masjid Al-Amaanaat-Mosque
Gaazee Magu, Dhiyamigili, Maldives
Old Mosque
Huras Bodumagu Rd, Kinbidhoo, Maldives
Where to stay in Maldives
Choose where to stay by trip style, from landmark luxury and family bases to central, airport, and neighborhood-led stays.
maldivesFour Seasons Resort
The Four Seasons Resort offers luxurious and quality accommodation with its 106 bungalows and villas built in the Balinese style of architecture and decorated with classic cane furniture, natural teak finishes, thatched roofs and terracotta tile floors. Some of the bungalows even include a private open-air garden shower or a personal pool. Water Bungalows at the Four Seasons Resort are situated over the lagoon itself, with picturesque water views and a private veranda with steps leading down to the water. The resort also houses, Café Huraa, open 24 hours, overlooking the swimming pool and lagoon where you can dine all day. Or you can enjoy your evening at the Poolside Terrace and Bar or Nautilus Lounge with innovative cocktails and exquisite drinks. The resort offers numerous facilities and services to its guests as far as recreational activities are concerned. From aerial excursions, banana boat riding, big game fishing, canoeing, catamaran sailing and island hopping to live music, Male' excursions, night diving, night fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, table tennis, water skiing and windsurfing, guests can enjoy numerous sports. Location: Kuda Huraa, North Male Atoll Number of Rooms: 106 bungalows and villas www.fourseasons.com
maldivesHilton Maldives Rangali
Hilton Maldives Resort and Spa, Rangali Island is a flagship of the Hilton Hotels. The resort has been built on two isles namely Rangali and Ranglifinolhu, which are linked by a 500 meter footbridge running across a lagoon. The accommodation is luxurious with excellent facilities. The resort’s enticing Beach Villas, furnished exclusively, have been decorated in contemporary Maldivian style. All rooms are equipped with modern conveniences and are provided with a private terrace and a wonderful outdoor bathroom. The resort also offers a variety of cuisines in a beautiful ambience. The main dining room-Atoll Restaurant serves unique "Meditoriental" cuisine, a fusion of Mediterranean and Oriental cooking styles. The Sunset Bar and Grill is the specialty restaurant of the resort providing views of the lagoon and magnificent sunset scenes. You can spend your evenings, having your favorite drink at The Rangali Bar. The option of dining in the rooms is also provided. As far as activities are concerned, guests can enjoy banana boat riding, boating, canoeing, diving, fishing, snorkeling, and surfing at this beautiful island. Guests can play games like billiards, chess, table tennis, tennis court, volleyball and darts. They are also provided facilities like health and fitness center, swimming pool, and spa.
maldivesOne & Only Reethy Rah
This breathtaking resort is surrounded by clear blue water, consists of villas and offers its customers incomparable luxury, choice and activities. The island on which this resort is located is one of the largest islands in North Male' Atoll. It has stretches of white sand coves and turquoise bays. All villas enjoy beautiful ocean views and direct access to the lagoon. This resort is just 35km (22 miles) from the airport at Male', the capital of the Maldives. A 75-minute luxury launch aboard the One & Only yacht brings guests directly to the resort.
maldivesShangri La’s Villingili Resort & Spa
If you wish to stay on Villingili Island, your first choice should be Shangri-La's Villingili Resort and Spa. It is an ultra stylish and luxurious boutique resort with endless natural dense vegetation. The resort features 12 hectares of lush vegetation, towering banyan trees, and 17,000 coconut trees, 45 species of plants, three natural lagoons and nature trails for guests to explore. This one of a kind resort offers five different styles of luxurious villas which are centrally air conditioned, each room has two iPods and a docking station, a 40-inch television, DVD player, IDD telephones with voice mail and laundry and valet services, well-stocked minibar, espresso machine, personal safe etc. To dine one can chose from a variety of traditional Maldivian or continental cuisine and a variety of seafood. Location: Villingili Island, Addu Atoll www.shangri-la.com/en/property/male/villingiliresort
maldivesSun Island Resort
Sun Island Resort is one of the most remarkable resorts in Maldives, with its deep blue lagoon and lush green tropical plants. It is located on Nalaguraidhoo Island in South Ari Atoll, approximately 62 miles from the Male' International Airport. All bungalows at this resort are tastefully decorated and equipped with modern amenities. The resort offers a vast array of facilities and services like restaurants, coffee shop, bar, business center, conference facilities, Internet, sauna, porters, jacuzzi, Pizza express, doctor on call and First Aid. The spa also provides various modern and traditional health care and beauty treatments to rejuvenate the body and soul.
History and today in Maldives
Read the city today, its history, residents, culture, and character before planning your route.
When to go
If you love the sun, Maldives is the perfect holiday destination for you. It is extremely sunny from December to April and during these months Maldives is frequented by hundreds of visitors, mostly Europeans.
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Public Holidays
Religious holidays vary annually in accordance to the lunar calendar.; 1 Jan New Year's Day.: 26 Feb National Day. -Mawlid al-Nabi (Birth of the Prophet). in Malé. 29 Mar The Day Maldives Embraced Islam. 26-27 Jul Independence Day. -Ramadan begins. Eid al-Fitr (Ramadan ends). 3 Nov Victory Day. -Hajj. 11 Nov Republic Day. -Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice). -Islamic New Year.
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Visa Information
No pre-arrival visa is required to enter Maldives. A 30 day free visa is issued on arrival for all nationalities, provided the following conditions are met (a) they possess a valid passport (with 6 months minimum validity) and (b) they have a valid ticket to continue the journey out of Maldives. Citizens of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal are given a 90-day free visa. To stay longer visitors need to apply for a visa or leave the country when the 90 days are up, then return. Visitors are officially supposed to show US$30 for every day’s stay though this is not usually enforced, and showing a credit card will usually placate concerns. However, if asked by immigration officials, one should know the name of the hotel where ones residing and be able to show a return air ticket out of the country. For further information, please contact Honorary Consulate of Maldives in UAE Office No. 13, Medina Road PO Box 5995 Zip code 21432 Jeddah Saudi Arabia (+966-2) 6608411, 6612151) (+966-2) 6611755) [email protected]
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Fast Facts
Location: The Republic of Maldives, is an island country consisting of 26 atolls (or islands of coral and within these atolls are 1,192 islets, out of which only 200 are inhabited. It is geographically located at the south-west of Sri Lanka and it stretches out from India's Lakshadweep islands to Minicoy Island and the Chagos Archipelago. The Maldives is surrounded by the Indian Ocean. Capital: Male
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Exchange Rates
Currency Maldivian Rufiya (MVR; symbol MRf) = 100 laari. Notes are in denominations of MRf500, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of MRf2 and 1, and 50, 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1 laari. Currency Exchange Major currencies can be exchanged at banks, tourist resort islands, hotels and leading shops. Payments in hotels can be made in most hard currencies (particularly US Dollars) in cash, traveller's cheques or credit cards. Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs Most major island resorts, local and souvenir shops will accept American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa. Arrangements vary from each island. There are ATMs widely available Exchange Rate Indicators
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Maldives Residents
Maldivians are friendly and extremely down to earth. Ethnically they are a mix of different descendants, and most trace their roots to the Sinhalese people who arrived first from Sri Lanka. Others are descendants of South Indian and Arab traders and sailors. Traits and customs prevalent also prove the fact that the Gujratis sailed from India during the Indus Valley period and settled in Maldives. Because of the country' s location on the main sea route on the Indian Ocean, it has been the meeting place for African, Arab, Malay and Indonesian mariners for a long period of time. In Male, most residents are the Giraavarus, who are considered to be descendents of the Tamils of South India and follow a unique set of customs and traditions, different from the rest of the Maldivian race. For instance, the women tie their hair into a neat bun on the right side unlike the rest of the country, who tie it on the left side.
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Maldives today
Maldives has been the most sought after beach holiday destination since it started concentrating on developing its resorts to boost tourism. Having suffered a series of natural disasters in the past few years, Maldives is currently enjoying incredible growth again. It has bounced back from major setbacks like the coral bleaching wrought by el Niño and the horror of the 2004 tsunami. With its beautiful white beaches, sapphire blue waters and friendly atmosphere, the country has become the epitome of paradise for honeymooners, sightseers and diving/surfing enthusiasts. Formed of 26 atolls, Maldives is a geological peculiarity nestled in the middle of the Indian Ocean. These atolls are a series of ancient coral reefs that grew up around the sides of towering prehistoric volcanoes. These immense structures have long since sunk into the ocean, leaving behind coral islands of incredible natural beauty. These islands are now being occupied by travelers seeking unmatched pampering and romance, from the modernity and hustle and bustle of Male’ to the tranquil ambience of the Southern Atolls.
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Maldives History
The earliest settlers in The Republic of Maldives probably hailed from southern India and they were later followed by Indo-European speakers from Sri Lanka between the fourth and fifth centuries BC. In the 12th century AD, sailors from East Africa and other Arab countries discovered the islands and began settling there. As a result, Maldivian ethnic identity today is a mixture of these cultures, and this is reinforced by religion and language. The early history of the Maldives is unclear but a popular legend is that a Sinhalese prince named KoiMale was stranded with his bride, a Sri Lankan princess, in a Maldivian lagoon. He then decided to stay on to rule as the first sultan. The islands, over the centuries, have been occupied by sailors from countries on the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean littorals and the Islands development has been influenced by these cultures. The Portuguese arrived in the 16th century and subjugated and ruled the islands for 15 years (1558-73). They were driven away by the warrior-patriot Muhammad Thakurufar Al-Azam. The British ruled Maldives from 1887 to 1965 but essentially the country has been governed as an independent Islamic sultanate for most of its history from 1153 to 1968. In 1953, there was a brief, unsuccessful attempt at a republican form of government, after which the sultanate was re-imposed. After gaining independence from Britain in 1965, the sultanate continued to rule for another 3 years. On November 11, 1968, it was abolished and replaced by a republic, and the country adopted its present name.
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Shopping in Maldives
Explore 10 shopping stops, from malls, markets, and book bazaars to fashion streets and souvenir finds.
maldivesLe Cute Jewellery
Jewellery Shop Address: Fareedhee Magu, Maafannu, Male' Phone: +960 3316133 Fax: +960 3324865 Email: [email protected]
maldivesThe Majeedhee Magu
Located on the main road of Male, the Majeedhee Magu houses numerous shops selling goods ranging from the smallest commodities to the latest gadgets to locally crafted items. The shops have a fabulous collection of garments, perfumes and cosmetics, jewellery, handbags, watches or electronics and much more. All the shops remain open till 11’ o clock in the night, except for prayer times, when they are closed for 15 minutes.
maldivesToo Cute Shop (Jewellery Shop)
Address: Chandhanee Magu, Machchan Goalhi, Male' Phone: +960 3334847 Fax: +960 3312995
maldivesLe Cute Duty Free
Address: Male' International Airport Hulhule Island Phone: +960 3328925 Fax: +960 3324865 Email: [email protected]
maldivesSTO Peoples Choice Supermart
Address: STO Trade Center, Orchid Magu, Maafannu, Male' Phone: +960 3324373 Fax: +960 3313182 Email: [email protected]
Signature sights in Maldives
A curated pick of the city's standout sights, led by the strongest editorial recommendations.
Festivals and events in Maldives
Plan around 7 festival seasons, public events, Ramadan/Eid periods, book fairs, art cycles, and winter food activity.
maldivesNational Day of Maldives
The National Day is celebrated in honour of Mohammed Thakurufannu and commemorates his victory over the Portuguese in 1573. It is observed during the month of Rabee-ul-Awwal,
maldivesIndependence Day of Maldives
After being a British Colony for about 78 years, Maldives attained independence on July 26, 1965. On the Independence Day, celebrated on July 26 every year, a special official event is held at the Republic Square. The celebrations start in the evening with a march past by the National Security Service and the National Cadet Corps. The march past is followed by performances of drills and traditional dances by local school children.
maldivesRepublic Day of Maldives
Maldives had been ruled by a monarchy for about a century and on January 1 1953, became a republic. However, this elected government was transitory as the monarchy was reinstated within the same year. However, on November 11, 1968, a republic was formed once again and thereafter; the Republic Day is celebrated on November 11, each year.
maldivesEid ul Al Adhaa
Eid ul-Al Adha is celebrated approximately 70 days after Eid ul Fitr. It falls on the 10th day of the Islamic month of Zul-Hijja. It is also called the "Festival of Sacrifice" because it commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismael as an act of obedience to God. Eid al-Adha is celebrated the day after the pilgrims performing Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia, descend from Mount Arafat. This Eid brings with it the longest public holiday (from five to seven days) in Maldives along with an atmosphere of revelry and feasting. People plan ahead and visit their friends and relatives staying in different islands. Sports, music and dance all form a part of the festivities with people of all age groups and from all walks of life participating in the celebrations.
maldivesRamadan
The ninth month of the Islamic calendar is the month of Ramadan and the most prominent event of this month is fasting for 30 days. Muslims observe a fast from sun rise to sun set. Laylat al-Qadr, or the ‘Night of Power’, considered the most holy night of the year, also falls during the last 10 days of Ramadan. It is the night on which the Qur'an was revealed to Prophet Muhammad. Ramadan ends with Eid ul-Fitr on the 1st of Shawwal, with celebrations and feasts. As majority of the population are Muslims, the Government offices in Maldives operate between 9.00 am and 1.30 pm during Ramadan. Even the private offices close by 3.00 pm.
Maldives tours and experiences
Heritage walks, food crawls, coastal trips, museum circuits, family days, and guided ideas for an easier day out.
maldivesTourist Submarine Maldives Private Limited.
H. Abadhahfehi Magu, Male', 20-05 Republic of Maldives Telephone: +960 333 3939 FAX: +960 333 3838 e-mail: [email protected]
maldivesNight fishing
In the Atoll Lagoon, under moonlight or starlight, using handlines and the raw fish as bait, comes Night Fishing. A guaranteed enjoyable night out for all the family since it is popular with all age groups. http://www.kuredu.com/sportˍfun/kureduˍislandˍresortˍtripsˍtours.aspx
maldivesYTM Travels
A liveaboard booking agency for cruising, fishing or diving around the Maldives http://www.yachttoursmaldives.com/
maldivesWhale Submarine
You cannot miss the most technologically advanced and mesmerizing attraction of the Maldives – the Whale Submarine. A visit to the underwater world in the state-of-the-art Whale Submarine, the deep diving largest passenger submarine in the world that takes you on an underwater adventure at 120ft below the surface.
maldivesVaagali Cruise
A luxury safari ship operator for dive trips in the Maldives. http://www.vaagalicruise.com
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Maldives travel guide sections
Focused sections for articles, directories, maps, and trip planning.
