In Focus

Male

THE MALDIVIAN CAPITAL Male is fascinating in that it represents a stark contrast to the isolated tranquillity of the rest of the island nation.

While the city is not awash with attractions, owing largely to its pintsized nature, it is the best place to meet locals and gain a flavour of Maldivian life. The fish market is thought as the sole of Male, a hive of activity and important source of produce for many of the city’s restaurants.

That said, it does contain some of the country’s most important cultural and historical landmarks. For example, the Old Friday Mosque is UNESCOprotected and said to be one of the best structures made out of coral anywhere in the world.

The early 20th century Muleeaage, or Sultan’s Palace, is another landmark worth visiting and is next to the Medhu Ziyaarath, the tomb of Abul Barakat Yoosuf Al Barbary, known for bringing the Islamic faith to Male in 1153.

More recent architecture can be found in the form of the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge, which connects the capital to nearby Hulhule. The project has been slightly controversial, with many locals claiming it will disrupt the ferry service across the lagoon.