Male
Long the seat of power, Male (produced Mah-ley) is the past and present capital of the Maldives. Founded in the 16th century by the Portuguese, Male has since grown into a densely populated settlement packed onto the island of the same name. Given its importance as the administrative center of the islands, Male is home to almost a third of the Maldives' population. Because of its small size, Male can be easily traversed by foot; its beaches, however, cannot compare to those on the other islands of the Maldives. Nonetheless, Male is the beginning for any trip to the surrounding islands.
Experiences
A handpicked selection of experiences endorsed by our experts. If you can’t see what you’re looking for, let us know, as our extensive network of local contacts can open many doors.
National Art Gallery
Visit the National Art Gallery of the Maldives. Home to a rotating series of exhibits, the National Gallery is a small space that features some of the premier artists of the tiny country.
National Museum
Visit the National Museum of the Maldives, housed on the grounds of the former Maldivian royal palace. The National Museum contains an eclectic collection of artifacts from Maldive’s pre-Islamic era, including a Buddha head made from coral, limestone sculptures, native fabrics, and royal furniture, textiles and accessories. Unfortunately, certain parts of the National Museum’s collection wer destroyed during a period of political unrest in February 2012.
Raanbaa
Dine at the Raanbaa, a gourmet restaurant housed within a giant, multi-story tree-house. Serving an exhaustive menu that includes western dishes, Indian specialties, and plenty of fresh seafood and cold drinks, Raanbaa is the largest, and arguably the best, restaurant in Male.
Whale Submarine
A semi-submersible vehicle with clear, round portholes and plenty of seats, the Whale Submarine is an excellent way to view the flora and fauna of the sea. The Whale Submarine, contrary to the name, is actually not used for whale-spotting purposes; instead, it embarks on short, 30-40 minute trips off the coast of Male – home to colorful tropical fish, swaying coral reefs, and the intensely blue waters of the Indian Ocean.
Maldives Regions
Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below on the right.
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Maldives Goes Well With
Why Remote Lands?
Exclusively Asia
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, in the continent that our north American founders Catherine and Jay have adored and explored for decades, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
Travelogues
An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.
A Walk on the Wild Side: The Jungles of Sabah
- Author
- Jay Tindall
Filled with curiosity and armed with some new camera equipment, I headed into the jungles of Sabah to start my Bornean adventure.
Winding River Path to the Orange Ape of Borneo
- Author
- Jay Tindall
Today the great orange ape of Asia is found only in a few remote reserves. Tanjung Puting in Indonesian Borneo plays refuge to these gentle, intelligent beasts, a chance to swing back from the brink.
Remote Lands Favorites: 7 Luxury Resorts in the Maldives
- Author
- Travelogues
The Maldives is all about the resort. It is where you are going to eat, sleep, and go on excursions — and these seven are Remote Lands favorites.
What Others Say
Here is a small selection of the kind words our clients have said about us recently.
