The world's smallest capital~ Male.

Male is the capital of the Maldives, located on the island of Male in the central Maldivian archipelago in the Indian Ocean. It is the country's economic center and the only seaport for foreign trade. It is also one of the smallest capitals in the world. Here is a travel guide for Male to help you plan your trip better: ### 1. Male City Sightseeing - **Sultan Park and National Museum**: Located in the city center, it is a great place to learn about the history and culture of the Maldives. The museum houses many artifacts from the Sultanate period, including thrones, crowns, and ancient cannons. - **Friday Mosque**: Located next to the minaret in the city center, it is the largest mosque on the island and one of the iconic buildings of the Maldives. - **Beach Road**: The beach road in northern Male, where government offices and shops are concentrated, is a great place to experience local life. - **Breakwater Beach**: An ideal place for swimming and sunbathing, attracting many tourists. ### 2. Shopping Experience - **Male Market**: You can buy Maldivian shell-made shell carvings and other tourist souvenirs. ### 3. Dining Recommendations - **Bombay Darbar**: Offering authentic Indian cuisine, it is a popular choice for locals. - **Manhattan Fish Market**: Famous for its seafood, especially lobster and various fish, it is suitable for dinner. ### 4. Transportation Information - **China-Maldives Friendship Bridge**: Connecting Male Island and Airport Island, it is the main access route to the city. - **Taxi**: Taxis in Male are not charged by distance, but by zone. It is recommended to confirm the price before getting in the car. ### 5. Precautions - **Currency**: Rufiya (Rufiyaa) is used on Male Island, but US dollars are also widely accepted. Resorts accept US dollars and Rufiyaa, and international credit cards and traveler's checks can be used. - **Tips**: The Maldives is not a tipping country, but it is still necessary to tip certain service personnel, such as bellhops and room service staff. - **Phone and Network**: China Mobile and Unicom GSM have international roaming in the Maldives, with a rate of about 39 yuan per minute. There are two main telecom operators in the local area: Dhiraagu and Wataniya. ### 6. Best Travel Season - The best travel season for the Maldives is from December to April of the following year, when the weather is pleasant and suitable for sightseeing. ### 7. Budget Recommendation - You can choose different accommodations and activities according to your budget. Budget-conscious tourists can choose budget hotels and simple water activities, while high-budget tourists can choose luxury resorts and a wide range of entertainment options. I hope this guide will help you have a pleasant trip in Male!