Situated in South Asia, the Maldives is an island nation in the Indian Ocean composed of over 1,200 small coral islands.
Among them, more than 80 islands have been developed into resorts of various grades.
The capital of the Maldives is Malé, located on the Malé coral atoll in the Indian Ocean. Covering an area of approximately 2.5 square kilometers, Malé is home to a population of 60,000 people.
Functioning as a vital transportation hub in the Indian Ocean, Malé serves as a crucial port of call connecting the Red Sea and Persian Gulf to the Pacific Ocean. In 1967, the Maldives declared Malé a free port.
Malé is the economic, political, and cultural epicenter of the Maldives.
Despite the absence of natural sandy beaches, Malé boasts smooth rocky paths along the shore, complemented by pavilions covered in thick thatch grass every 20 meters.
The beachfront water is a crystal-clear green close to the shore, revealing visible sand underneath, while the water beyond the breakwater takes on a muddy blue hue.
The optimal time to visit Malé is from December to April.
The Maldives, situated on the equator, experiences a tropical maritime climate influenced by the monsoon, featuring four warm seasons with high humidity. The temperature variation between day and night is minimal, making it suitable for sightseeing throughout the year.
Rainfall fluctuates significantly, with January to April being drier months and May to October having the highest average monthly rainfall during the southwest monsoon.
On the east side of Malé Island lies the Artificial Beach, a recreational spot for locals primarily attracted to swimming. Despite its small size, this place provides an opportunity to observe small fish while swimming.
Fast food stores, coffee shops, and restaurants line the beach, providing a lively atmosphere with local kids playing soccer and cricket, as well as a bowling alley for interested visitors.
Malé is an affordable destination for accommodation and dining, dominated by Western and Indian-style restaurants and buffets.
Dhufaa Echetai, a popular snack in the Maldives, includes betel nuts and cloves. The streets also offer piping hot tea and tasty pastries for enjoyment.
Serving as the shopping hub of the Maldives, Malé hosts numerous stores, including the fish market at Malé Market where the country's island catches are auctioned off.
The bustling sound of daily dusk sales adds vibrancy to the island.
Handicraft stores selling souvenirs such as shells are abundant, and the Maldives' beautiful stamps are a unique addition for stamp collectors seeking memorable souvenirs.