Malé & Hulhumale travel guide
Malé & Hulhumale travel guide - Start of your Maldives adventure
Dreaming of a trip to the beautiful Maldives where you stroll through white sand, snorkel among sea turtles, and encounter the most tropical fish? Then your wonderful journey often begins in Malé or Hulhumale, as many flights depart very early and arrive late, sometimes causing you to miss your ferry or seaplane departure. Hence, this travel guide about Malé & Hulhumale provides all the tips for your arrival in the Maldives.
Before your arrival in the Maldives
Before you set foot in the Maldives, you need to arrange an arrival card, which you will also need to fill out when departing from the Maldives. You can complete your arrival and departure cards via this website. Upon arrival, you will receive a visa on arrival for 30 days.
Return/Onward Flight Ticket & Accommodation Proof
Additionally, it is mandatory to show a flight ticket indicating your departure from the Maldives. This was requested from us at the departure airport to the Maldives, and sometimes, even if you are on transit, they may ask for an additional flight ticket. Therefore, make sure to book your accommodation in advance for filling out your arrival card. If you are visiting multiple islands, enter the address of the first place you will be staying.
Religion in the Maldives - Malé & Hulhumale travel guide
First and foremost, it is important to know that the Maldives are strictly Islamic, hence it is forbidden to bring alcohol or pork. This is strictly enforced at the airport. Similarly, on a local island like Malé or Hulhumale, alcohol or pork is not allowed. Additionally, the beaches here are public, so swimming attire is not permitted.
Clothing Restrictions
As a man, you should wear a shirt and (shorts) trousers, and as a woman, attire should be modest, covering the shoulders and knees. However, female tourists often adhere less strictly to these rules, opting for bare knees or shoulders. Nevertheless, it is essential to respect the culture and adhere to these regulations.
Where to stay for a layover? - Malé & Hulhumale travel guide
Where to stay for a layover? The airport is located next to Hulhumale, which is connected to Malé via a highway over the water. Check out more about both places in my small travel guides.
Malé travel guide
Both in Malé and Hulhumale, you will find ample accommodations for an overnight stay. Sometimes, your ferry or seaplane connection might not align perfectly, making it convenient to have somewhere to rest. Keep in mind that Malé can be very crowded and feels somewhat oppressive. The heat, the crowds, scooters, and towering buildings do not provide much respite. However, it is an experience that definitely immerses you in an Asian vibe. Who knows, you might even spot the Eiffel Tower in Malé? While in Malé, do not miss the opportunity to explore the fish market (especially in the morning) and the vibrant vegetable markets.
Walking tour trough Malé with local guide
A great way to explore the bustling city of Malé is to do a walking tour with a local guide. This 3hrs walking city tour brings you to all the highlights of the city & also provides inside information from a local.
Underwater photoshoot in the Maldives, a must-do!
Another special way to capture your memories in the Maldives, is to do a professional underwater photoshoot. Beforehand, it will be discussed how you would like the photos to be taken, so that your best photos are captured!
How to get to Male
Take the ferry from the airport to the Northeast part of Malé, costing just one dollar. There is also a bus connecting to Malé, which also costs one dollar and travels along the ring road around the city. Alternatively, you can take a taxi for about 70 to 100 rufiyaa, with the price slightly higher if paid in dollars, approximately $10.
Hulhulmale travel guide
In contrast, Hulhulmale is quite the opposite. It is more spacious, not as crowded, and features a beach where you can stroll, though swimming attire is not allowed. If you visit Hulhumale, be sure to explore Central Park, where you will find brightly coloured swings, a sports park, and charming water fountains. It is an experience in itself. You can also visit the fish market (during the morning) in Hulhumale.
How to get to Hulhulmale
There is a bus that travels directly from the airport to the city of Hulhulmale, costing about 60 cents and only payable by card. Alternatively, a taxi is an option, costing about 100 rufiyaas to get into the city.
Tip!
If you want to try something local, be sure to taste a Submarine sandwich, which most tourists overlook but is very popular among locals. This tip was given to me by travel blogger Vickiviaja, who worked in the Maldives for some time in a resort, and did not disappoint me!
Maldives travel guide - Malé & Hulhumale travel guide
The Maldives comprise 1190 islands grouped into 26 atolls. Not all islands are inhabited, with 200 being inhabited by local residents and 88 currently used as resort islands. As a tourist, you can visit many local islands as well as resort islands.
Maldives budget travel blog
You can choose to visit either a local or resort island. If, like me, you want to explore the beauty of the Maldives without spending €1000 per night, then opting for a local island like Ukulhas is your best bet. Here, you will find accommodations ranging from €30 to €300 (depending on the season and type of accommodation), offering a glimpse into local island life. Check out my Ukulhas travel & budget guide here!
Local islands
- You have the freedom to eat wherever you want, with several restaurants offering budget-friendly meals.
- Additionally, it gives you the chance to interact with friendly locals who are eager to share everything about their island.
- Experiencing local island life personally was a plus point for me, whether it is seeing children in their uniforms walking to school, families going fishing together, or locals enjoying a game of football. The social island life is something you will not experience on a resort island.
- Moreover, you can travel through the Maldives on a smaller budget. However, alcohol cannot be served, and there are clothing restrictions.
- On local islands, there are designated bikini beaches where you can walk along the shore in your swimwear.
Resort islands
- If you prefer enjoying a cocktail on the beach, then a resort island is the place for you. Alcohol is served here.
- You can walk around in your swimwear everywhere except in the restaurant.
- However, dining options are limited as you can only eat at the resort’s restaurant.
- The iconic overwater bungalows, often a dream for many, naturally come with a price tag. But if you manage to find one that is somewhat affordable, brace yourself for the fact that the island might be quite remote, requiring travel via seaplane, which also comes with a fairly hefty price tag.
- If your idea of paradise involves sipping a cocktail on the beach, then a resort island is just the ticket. Here, alcohol flows freely, and you can strut around in your swimwear to your heart’s content, except, of course, in the restaurant. However, dining options are limited to the resort’s restaurant.
Best time to visit the Maldives - Malé & Hulhumale travel guide
Essentially, you can jet off to these sunny shores all year round. While there are dry and rainy seasons, the rain rarely pours all day long. So, even during the rainy season, you can still bask in plenty of sunshine during your holiday.
Ramadan in Maldives
During Ramadan in the Maldives, bear in mind that many restaurants in Malé & Hulhumale may be closed. But fear not, most accommodations will happily prepare something for you upon request, often offering room service. Plus, some shops remain open for you to grab a bite to eat. Just note that buses and ferries may run less frequently during this time.
Interisland transport Maldives
When it comes to interisland transport in the Maldives, you have got three main options from the airport or Malé:
- Speedboat ferry: This is the popular choice for getting to your island swiftly. Depending on the distance, expect to fork out between $30 and $80 for a one-way trip. Keep in mind, though, that it can get pretty toasty onboard, as there is no air conditioning. You can open the windows, but be prepared to get a little wet. You can book your ticket in advance via this website.
- Local ferry: While this mode of transport takes longer, it is budget-friendly. For just 53 rufiyaas per person for a one-way ticket (that is around 3 euros), you can travel to destinations like Ukulhas from Malé in about 4.5 hours. Additionally, these ferries tend to be quieter, giving you ample space to relax. And with the breeze blowing through, the heat is far less stifling. Check out timetables & routes on the official website and buy your tickets at the ticket counter in Malé.
- Seaplane: Opting for a seaplane ride is a splurge, but it offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Prices vary widely, ranging from $75 to $400 per person for a single journey. Picture yourself taking off from the water, soaring low over the islands, and gently landing back on the water. It is a journey you will not soon forget.
Safety - Malé & Hulhumale travel guide
While Malé may have its share of pickpockets due to its impoverished population, Hulumale is generally safer. Here, you will see locals cruising around in fancy cars, which is quite the contrast. To safeguard your valuables, keep them out of sight, especially in Malé, where locals often eye your belongings.
Tip!
To store our gear safely, we use the Explore Tech Pouch. Thus, this pouch is water & impact resistant and can still be worn around you with the included strip if needed. Make sure you wear it on your chest when walking through Malé, so that all your valuables stay with you.
Currency Malé & Hulhumale travel guide
Lastly, currency matters. Upon arrival at the airport, you can withdraw cash, and both local and resort islands accept dollars. On local islands, you can also use Maldivian rufiyaa. However, keep in mind that they often prefer rufiyaa, sometimes charging a bit more for transactions in dollars, as they cannot use them locally.
Share with your friends on socials...
Book a ferry in advance
via 12Go
Last update: 03-09-2024 © Doris Leone
‘Un abrazo’ and maybe we will see each other one day; Doris Leone
