Theemuge is the former presidential palace in Malé. It subsequently became the home of the Supreme Court of the Maldives.
Theemuge is the former presidential palace in Malé. It subsequently became the home of the Supreme Court of the Maldives.
It is a working judicial building, not the current presidential residence. Its significance for visitors is primarily as part of Malé’s civic and architectural history.
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maldivesThe National Museum was inaugurated on 19th November 1952 by then Prime Minister Ameer Mohamed Amin Didi. It houses various national artefacts including prehistoric armour, weapons, manuscripts and more. There is also a display of jewellery and clothes worn by past kings and queens, and other priceless items belonging to Sultans. There are also displays of old photographs, anthropological objects and other items that exhibit past Maldivian life.
maldivesThis is the smallest island in Maldives, without exaggeration one can walk around it in 15 minutes. Manta Point is a ‘tropical paradise’ and one of the best diving spots. It’s one of the best places in the world to see manta rays maneuver through the water around you. It’s a mesmerizing sight. They swim forward in flocks of four or five, some of them up to three metres across blocking out the sun. There’s a ledge to keep them away but they’re used to people and they’ll swoop down, often close enough for you to touch, then leap back up towards the surface of the ocean. The time between June and November is peak manta season, so be sure to visit here then.
maldivesIn the south of the country lies the heart shaped Addu Atoll from where travelers, from Gan can cycle to three inhabited islands via a causeway. Addu Atoll is the main economic and administrative centre in the south of the country and is just a little smaller than Male’. It has a population of 28, 000 across seven islands. The biggest influence on Addu’s modern history has been the British bases, first established on Gan during WWII as part of the Indian Ocean defense. The base had around 600 personnel permanently stationed here with the number rising up to 3000 during periods of peak activity. The British built a series of causeways connecting Feydhoo, Maradhoo and Hithadhoo islands and had most of the population working for them on or around the base. In 1976 when the British went for good, they left an airport, some large industrial buildings, barracks and a lot of unemployed people who spoke English and had experience working for Westerners. In the 70s when the Maldives tourism industry took off, many of the men of Addu went to Male’ to seek work in resorts and tourist shops. As a result, at resorts all over the country, most of the staff are from Addu. There are several flights a day to Male’ and direct charter flights to Gan. Island Aviation flies from Male’ to Gan and back two or three times a day. The standard fare for foreigners is US$ 271 round trip. Private yachts report by radio to the NSS in Gan or Hithadhoo to arrange security and customs clearance, but many have to continue to Male’ for health and immigration checks to complete the ‘clear-in’ process. The best way to get around Gan and over the causeway to neighbouring villages is by bicycle. Taxis shuttle between the islands and around the villages; from Gan to Hithadhoo and cost about Rf100. Taxis wait at the airport and you can order one from any resort. The buses seen on the main road are only for workers in the Gan garment factories. Resorts pick up guests by free minibus from the airport, though you may need to call at arrival.
maldivesVisiting Thulhaadhoo is important because this is where the traditional art of incised lacquer decoration is widely produced. Thulhaadhoo is the only island in Maldives doing lacquer work and many people come here to watch trained artists at work. This island is one of the inhabited islands of Baa Atoll and has been reclaimed by the government recently. Rasdhoo Madivaru For a thrilling scuba diving adventure one should visit Rasdhoo Madivaru Corner as it has the highest underwater visibility. Rasdhoo Madivaru offers divers the opportunity to see white tip reef sharks, jacks, tunas, barracudas and napoleon wrasse. It is one of the most popular dive spots in Maldives. Hammerhead sharks have been spotted here before sunrise. Dolphins and dog tooth tunas are also among the early risers lurking at the corner of the reef. One can also see ribbon eels and leaf fishes making the channel their playground. Home to beautiful coral formations, Madivaru is one of the best shark sighting sites in Maldives.
maldivesVisiting Maldives, one of the most exciting tourist attractions is the National Museum. An old palace building in the Sultan Park has been converted to house the museum. A large collection of historical objects are on exibit at the museum that portrays the rich past and cultural legacy of Maldives.
maldivesThe Republic Square is beautifully built with green grass and lush plantation, along the northern waterfront. It is Male's most popular venue amongst adults and children alike for social gatherings and recreation. On the Eastern end of the square stands the official flag post on which the largest permanent flag in the country is hoisted. When you arrive in Male, this is the place where you are mostly likely to step out to when you get off your boat. The sea is active on one side of the square with the placement of the Presidential Jetty used by the President and members of the cabinet on trips to various locations around the Maldives and the world. On the west are some commercial buildings and located in the south is the Islamic Centre and the headquarters of the National Security Service (NSS). The new Headquarters of the Police are located on the east of the square.
maldivesOne of the most popular tourist attractions in Maldives is the island of Fuamulaku. The island is exceptionally fertile and has numerous fruit and vegetable farms where one can get delicious locally grown pineapples, mangoes and oranges etc. The fruits and vegetables grown over here are not found elsewhere in the country. Fuamulaku is a secluded island in the middle of the Equatorial Channel and a very unusual place to visit. Since Fuamulaku is located out of the tourist zone, visitors need a special permit and a local person to visit this place with them. This permit can be arranged by the resorts hosting the visitors. The best time to visit the Fuamulaku, Maldives is between the months of December and April, which is the dry season.
maldivesHuvafenfushi Maldives Resort is a paradise for nature lovers. It is surrounded by picturesque silvery beaches and set amidst a serene lagoon enveloped in lush greenery; it offers just the right locale for a relaxed peaceful holiday. Located on Male Atoll, it is home to the first underwater spa in Maldives. The abundance of aquamarine species is also one of the attractions for nature-loving tourists. The resort offers unmatched extravagant accommodations and hospitality with its beautiful bungalows which overlook the azure sea and charming staff. The resort offers a number of exciting activities for the guests’ leisure like a yoga pavilion, swimming pool, CD/DVD library, in-house souvenir shop, fully equipped gym and a wide range of water sports activities for an adventurous stir. All this and much more makes Huvafen Fushi Resort one of the most fascinating places to visit.
maldivesHulhumale is an artificial island located in the south of North Male Atoll. The island was restored to create more room to meet the existing and future housing, industrial and commercial development needs of the Male region. The official settlement was inaugurated by President Gayoom on May 12, 2004 and the development and management of the island is being undertaken by a Government owned corporation. For many tourists this is an interesting destination as it provides an opportunity to be close to nature as well as see modern Maldivian architecture.
maldivesThe Helengeli Island Resort has one of the finest house reefs, making it an ideal place for divers and snorkelers. It is located on an island with a spectacular house reef and a white sandy beach bordered by a magnificent blue lagoon. Helengeli offers a variety of culinary delights at its comfortable restaurants. The resort arranges excursions to inhabited local islands to give you the unique opportunity to learn more of the Maldives way of life. A special excursion which is arranged is the dolphin search, as the waters surrounding Helengeli are home to dolphins. Guests can also go for a snorkel safari and snorkeling with manta rays. Due to Helengeli's location on the outer reef, the unspoiled house reef is just off the beach and is easily accessible to both snorkellers and divers. The "Helengeli Thila" is one of the best diving sites. A diving excursion is arranged twice a day to some of the 36 dive sites nearby Helengeli. The diving school is run by Ocean Pro and equipped with the best modern equipment. Experienced, multilingual European diving instructors teach PADI courses.
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maldivesAs 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 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.
maldivesIf 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]
maldivesLocated 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
maldivesThis 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.
maldivesA 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
maldivesThe Thai Wok is just a block away from the busy main street of Male. The food here is very tasty. Their most recommended dish is the Tom Yum Koong soup. The restaurant has very low prices and the portions served are large. A reservation is needed at the Thai Wok, as it is full most of the times. The bill can be paid in local currency or in USD. They also accept credit cards. Address: Ameer Ahmed Magu, H. 20094, Male' Tel: 310007 Fax: 329020
maldivesPizza Italiano is located on Orchid de Magu Street. It’s a walking distance away from jetty no.1 or the presidential jetty at Republic Square. This restaurant serves excellent Italian dishes, appetizers, pasta, pizza, gelato, tiramisu, etc. The restaurant has two floors, the first floor is air conditioned and on the second floor the seating arrangement is outdoors on a terrace, with electric fans on the wall. The staff is quick and attentive. It’s the ideal place to eat after a shopping spree as it is located right in the middle of a cluster of shops.
maldivesYou can find middle class politicians here throughout the day and get an update of the most recent political affairs of the country. This café is a very popular hangout and they serve good coffee and snacks as well as sumptuous meals. Most people come here to have coffee, and light drinks and discuss the current affairs and political issues. Address: Aa Harbour kan mathi Male, Maldives +960 3378665
maldivesAn Indian restaurant, specializing in chicken Biryani that is served with gravy.
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maldivesThe 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 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.
maldivesThis 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.
maldivesIf 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 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.
maldivesThe villas at Taj Exotica Maldives are constructed in the traditional Maldivian style, complete with thatched roofs. The interior is beautifully furnished with carved wooden furniture. The resort, located on Emboodhu Finolhu Island, offers various facilities like boutique and spa, living room with library, indoor games room, water sports center, gymnasium and 24 hours speedboat service. It also has conference and function halls, which are suitable for conducting small conferences. Taj Exotica Resort provides many leisure activities like Billiards, football, aerobics, volleyball, wind surfing, water skiing, catamaran sailing, scuba diving, snorkeling, banana boat riding, Spa, Island Hopping, sunset cruise, sunset fishing, and shark watching to revive your energy. Jive Grande Spa at Taj Exotica Resort provides refreshing beauty and health treatments. For dining there are two restaurants and a bar which provides captivating views of the sea and wide variety of mouthwatering cuisines. Location: South Male' Atoll Numbers of Rooms: 62 Rooms www.tajexoticamaldives.com
maldivesThis beautiful resort is surrounded by cobalt blue waters, white beaches and tropical plants. All rooms and villas face the sea. In addition to its beauty, Cinnamon Island resort boasts an extensive list of culinary delights prepared at the restaurants. Enclosed swaying coconut and Banyan trees, the Village is a marvelously designed open air restaurant, which offers a sumptuous array of dining options including that of themed dining pavilions in the middle of the tropical jungle. The Bliss bar is located by the poolside with a breathtaking view of the Indian Ocean. ‘Waves’ offers the freshest catch prepared to perfection.
maldivesThe Kandooma Resort is popular for its many recreational options and dive sites, unique plants and unusual marine life. The resort is a major diving destination and has the most number of dive sites than any other island resort of the country.
maldivesTo enter a world of peace and tranquility, visit the Komandoo Maldives resort resting amidst the sapphire blue waters of the Indian Ocean and hidden by rich tropical gardens. This resort is located 130 km north of Male' International Airport and is 40 minutes away by seaplane. Flying to Komandoo offers you breathtaking views of reefs and lagoons of the North of Male' and of the Lhaviyani Atolls. You can pamper yourself at the spa or go for world-class diving or a sunset cruise courtesy of Komandoo Maldives.
maldivesLocated on the peaceful Meemu Atoll, the Medhufushi Island Resort, is about 40 minutes away by seaplane from Male International Airport. The resort is acclaimed for its culinary delights and harmonious accommodation. The Malaafaiy Restaurant located alongside the swimming pool and overlooking the magnificent lagoon, serves International & Asian cuisine. Al Fresco Restaurant, built over water is an open air restaurant which allows you to enjoy the soothing tropical breeze. Vilu Bar is also located over water with a magnificent view of the island and the lagoon. You can also pamper yourself at the spa where traditional Maldivian-style treatments are offered. The facilities available at the resort include a gym, reading room, baby cot/crib, souvenir shops, foreign currency exchange etc. Many recreational activities are also offered like billiards, canoeing, sailing, scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing, dolphin watching trips etc.