Overview
Wander the roads of Male, the capital of the Maldives with TripAdvisors' leading Hulhumale tour company and discover the history, religion and culture of the city that rises from the Indian Ocean.
Accompanied by your Secret Paradise local guide experience a sensory overload at the fish market and local market. Hear historical stories of the President's Palace, Sultan Park, Victory Monument and Friday Mosque. Rest your legs at a local café, an oasis of tranquility within the hubbub of the city and take in the view from one of the city's tallest buildings.
Through education of both guests and locals we strive to protect the environment in which we operate and limit wherever possible any negative impact preserving this country's unique location for generations to come.
Please note that during Ramadan 22 March - 20 April 2023 we are unable to include the refreshment stop at a local cafe.
Private tours available upon request.
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Mobile ticket
What's included
Snacks
All Local Tax
Tea and coffee
Safety Briefings
Secret Paradise Local guide
Gratuities
Food and drinks, unless specified
Pick Up from airport, hotels in Hulhumale and Malé at a charge of $25 two pax.
Meeting and pickup
Travelers meet at the meeting point.
Meeting point
Jetty 5 us located opposite the Bank of Ceylon. Note this tour is not suitable if you are staying on a private island resort.
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Good to know
Things to bring:
Re-fillable water bottle, insect repellent, camera, money for personal expenditure.
What to wear:
Loose lightweight clothing, sunglasses, sun hat, comfortable shoes for walking tours. We request female guests to dress with modesty (shorts/skirts/dresses should at the very least covering the upper thigh and shoulders/chests should be fully covered) when visiting local islands including Male and during Taste of Local where we will be visiting the local community and the home of a local family.
Should you wish to enter the mosques particularly on the Male City Walking tour, long trousers are required by both male and female guests.
PLEASE TRAVEL RESPONSIBLY
The following are a few simple tips that require very little effort on your part but which will help ensure that any effect you have on the locations you visit is positive rather than negative.
• Conserve energy: Be careful not to waste valuable resources. Use local resources sparingly. Switch off lights, air conditioning and fans when you leave the hotel room and don’t waste water.
• The Maldives has far less efficient waste disposal systems than you will be used to. Remove packaging from newly acquired items before leaving home.
• Choose environmentally friendly products: By using environmentally reef friendly (biodegradable) sun creams you can help reduce pollution.
• No matter how untidy or dirty an island may look to you, avoid littering, as there is no need to add to the environment. As an island state, the Maldives has a tough challenge dealing with rubbish and waste. Please consider taking home as much plastic waste as you can.
• Refuse plastic straws at cafes and plastic bags when shopping.
• It’s important to follow dress and behavior guidelines especially when within the community and visiting mosques.
• Do not touch or feed marine life and follow the Green Fin Snorkeling Principals.
What to expect
Your tour starts with an overview of Male and the harbour area, a very important aspect of any island nation.
Passing by the oldest school in the city, learn about the education system and why the Maldives has a 98% literacy rate. Visit Hukuru Miskiiy - Old Friday Mosque and the tomb of Abu -al - Barakaath and learn why the Maldives converted to Islam and how the Islamic faith underpins everyday life.
Stop for a refreshing cup of traditional black tea at Royal Garden Café, a popular spot for locals. Housed in a rare example of a ‘ganduvaru’ a nobleman’s house, it provides a great example of traditional dark carved wood interiors.
Stopping at the November 3rd Memorial, hear the story of how 8 brave military servicemen died in the protection of their country from a terrorist attack in 1988. Wander through Sultan Park, a reference to the time the Maldives was governed by a sultanate with an optional visit to the National Museum. (Note: Entrance fee not included.)
Walking back towards the harbour area, pass by the Grand Friday Mosque and the Islamic Centre, Male's famous architectural landmark and onto Jumhooree Maiden - Independence Square. From here, learn the meaning of the Maldives national flag and pick out key government buildings.
Heading west along the harbour, visit the bustling fish market and the local market, where the sights, sounds and smells will fill your senses. Chat with the local stall holders and taste tropical produce and homemade sweets.
The tour finishes at the top of one of the city's tallest buildings, providing a great back drop to your final tour photo image!
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
Times are local to the experience (Indian/Maldives).
Additional Information
- Safety has always been important to our business, this is why our guides are Emergency First Responders & Life Guard Certified. We are pleased to offer safe travel and hygiene standards as required by the World Travel & Tourism Council. Full details of our Travel Safely policy can be found on our website.
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 8 travelers per booking
- Each booking must include at least one adult.
FAQs about 4 Hour Highlights of Malé Walking Tour
Can I cancel 4 Hour Highlights of Malé Walking Tour for free?
Yes. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
How long does it take?
It takes about 4 hours.
Where does it start?
Jetty 5 us located opposite the Bank of Ceylon. Note this tour is not suitable if you are staying on a private island resort.
What's included?
- Snacks
- All Local Tax
- Tea and coffee
- Safety Briefings
- Secret Paradise Local guide
What's not included?
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks, unless specified
- Pick Up from airport, hotels in Hulhumale and Malé at a charge of $25 two pax.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in English.
Is it suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Operated by Secret Paradise Maldives
