Destinations And Sightseeing

A. Sultan Park

The Sultan Park is situated near the museum and houses the imposing white Islamic Center and the Great Friday Mosque whose gleaming towers dominate the skyline of Male'.

B. The Islamic Center

The Islamic Center is the most stunning architectural landmark of Male'. Its spectacular golden dome dominates the skyline in all its majesty and is visible from any direction while approaching Male'.

The building symbolizes the significance of Islamic religion that had ruled all aspects of life in the country for centuries. The construction of the Center was finished in 1984 and includes a mosque big enough for 5000 people, an Islamic library, conference hall, classrooms and offices.

C. Huskuru Miskiiy

Also known as the Friday Mosque, the Huskuru Miskiiy was constructed in the 17th century as the main mosque of Male'. It was the most important mosque in Male' for almost four centuries after which it was replaced by the Islamic Center and the Grand Friday Mosque in 1984.

Built by Sultan Ibrahim Iskandhar, the mosque boasts possibly the best display of coral curving and conventional workmanship in the world. The mosque's walls are hewn together with filigree-curved coral blocks. Sliding heavy wooden doors open into the inner sanctums with lamp hangings of wood and panels intricately curved with Arabic writings. The area surrounding the mosque is a cemetery with a legion of elaborately curved coral tombstones. A large Munnaaru or minaret was built in front of the mosque.

D. Mulee-aage

Mulee-aage lies opposite the Hukuru Miskiiy and is a palace constructed in 1906 by Sultan Mohamed Shamsuddeen III. The palace replaced the former house dating back to the mid-17th century and was intended for his son. The palace features wrought iron gates and fretwork friezes on its roof edges and a well maintained garden.

The palace's garden was used to cultivate vegetables and fruits to relieve food shortage during World War II. The palace was later instated as the President's official residence when Maldives became a republic in 1953 and remained so until 1994, when the new Presidential Palace was built. Currently, the Mulee-aage houses the President's Office.

E. Theemuge

The President's Palace or Theemuge is one of Male's most remarkable buildings. Designed by a Malaysian architect, the building is home to the President of the Maldives and his family.

F. Medhu Ziyaaraiy

Medhu Ziyaaraiy is also known as the shrine of Barbary and is the home of the tomb of the Moroccan traveler, Abdul Barakaath Yoosuf Al Barbary. The traveler was responsible for converting the country to Islam. The site is amongst the most revered historical areas in Male'.

G. Esjehi Gallery

The Esjehi Gallery is situated on Medhu-Ziyaarath Magu, just east of the Sultan Park and is one of Male's oldest buildings. It houses a small gallery and artists' workshop dedicated to the safeguarding and promotion of traditional and contemporary Maldivian arts and crafts. The building dates back from the 1870s and was formerly the home of a nobleman. Although it is small, it boasts handsome rooms, beautifully preserved wooden panels and some fine carvings. Special exhibitions feature, and sometimes sell, the work of local artists. The gallery is open to visitors from 8 am to 6.30 pm, Saturday to Thursday, and 2 pm to 7 pm on Fridays. The admission fee costs Rf 20. Even when there is no exhibition at the gallery, visitors may get a chance to interact with members of the Maldivian arts community.

H. The National Museum

The National Museum lies within the only remaining building of the former Sultan's Palace, which is now the Sultan's Park. The three story, Edwardian colonial-style building may not look extremely attractive from outside, but features an amazing collection of artifacts on the inside.

Some of the noteworthy exhibits are the thrones and palanquins used by former sultan, the first printing press used in the country, the rifle used by Mohamed Thakurufaanu in his fight against the Portuguese in the 16th century, ceremonial robes, headgear and umbrellas used by the sultans. Other figures excavated from ancient temples, dating back to the 11th century are also on display. The artifacts reflect the unique and affluent history and culture and unimaginable wealth of the small island nation.

The National Museum is open daily between 9 am to 11.40 am and from 3 pm to 5.40 pm except on Friday and on public holidays. A small fee is charged for entry.

I. Jumhooree Maidhan

This public square lies on the northern waterfront that leads to the official pier. The construction of the Jumhooree Maidhan was commenced in 1988. Today it is one of the most popular meeting and relaxing places for locals and tourists in Male'. The square is also a favorite afternoon spot with children.

A National Flag is hoisted on the official flag post located on the East End of the square. The first official hoisting of the flag was held on 25th March 1992. This day coincides with the day the traditional flag hoisting ceremony was held in earlier times. This flag is the largest in the country and is a symbol of Maldives' independence and sovereignty.

J. Fish Head

Fish Head is also known as Mushimasmingali Thila and is one of the most famous dive sites in the world. Its steep sides are impressive, with leveled ledges, overhangs and caves that sustain sea fans, anemones and black corals. The marine life includes fusiliers, large Napoleons and schools of hungry barracuda. The primary attractions at the site are the numerous gray reef sharks.

K. Banana Reef

The Banana Reef is a protected marine area that boasts of dramatic cliffs, caves and overhangs. One can find predators such as sharks, barracudas and gropers apart from the coral inhabitants like jackfish, moray eels and blue striped snappers. The reef was one of the first dive sites in Maldives to become internationally renown. The Banana Reef was the first site in the Maldives to become world famous as a dive site. Deep-sea fishing and snorkeling activities are also extremely popular at the Banana Reef.