Old Mosque

Location : Male, the capital of Maldives

Year of construction : 1656

Significance : Oldest mosque of the country


The mosque was built in 1658, during the reign of Ibrahim Iskandar I (1648–1687). It was built over an earlier mosque constructed in 1153 by the first Muslim Sultan of Maldives, Mohamed Bin Abdullah, after his conversion to Islam. Although the older mosque was reportedly refurbished by Ahmed Shihabuddeen in 1338, there are no written records attesting this.In 1656, Iskandar began building a new mosque when the old one became too small to accommodate the increasing number of devotees. Its construction, which took one-and-a-half years, was completed in 1658. Built primarily of coral, the mosque originally had a thatched roof (common during the period). After his 1668 Hajj, Ibrahim I began building a munnaaru (minaret) and a gate at the southern end of the mosque. The minaret, patterned on those at the entrance to Mecca, is surrounded by a 17th-century cemetery with intricately-carved tombstones and mausoleums.

In 1904, Mohammed Shamsuddin III (1903–1934) replaced the thatched roof and southern gateway with corrugated-iron sheeting. Further renovations were made in 1963, converting the roof supports to teak wood and replacing the corrugated-iron sheeting with aluminium. In 1987 and 1988, an Indian team from the National Research Laboratory for Conservation of Cultural Property and the National Centre for Linguistic and Historical Research in Malé did conservation work on the mosque.

Maldives' oldest mosque, it has been in continuous use since it was built. The mosque was reportedly built over an ancient temple which predated Islam; the original temple faced the setting sun, rather than Mecca.

JUMHOOREE MAIDAN – A POPULAR URBAN PARK FOR LOCALS AND VISITORS

If you are planning the perfect island getaway, think Maldives: luxury resorts galore, pristine white sandy beaches, crystal blue lagoons, over-water pavilions, colourful coral reefs and that is only the beginning. This is the kind of seaside vacation that makes you want to sit back and sip a cocktail with your feet up, in your private chalet, while watching the sunset. If you still want more, PER AQUUM Huvafen Fushi, which is Maldivian for ‘Dream Island’, promises the thrill of an underwater spa.

The Maldives is commonly associated with the beach and beach activities like paddling, snorkeling, diving and other water sports. However, there are other activities and attractions to see on the islands, for example, Jumhooree Maidan also known as The Republic Square. The small park is likely to be the first sight you see if you approach the island of Male by boat as it is situated alongside the capital’s northern harbour. Built in 1989, the square adds a welcome burst of lush greenery to the area.

Jumhooree Maidan is Male’s most popular venue for social gatherings. At other times it serves as a recreational space for locals and tourists to gather. At the square’s eastern end an official flag post has been erected, where the largest flag in the country is permanently hoisted. There is a view of the sea on one side along with the Presidential Jetty. This jetty is used by the President and other members of the cabinet when they depart the island by boat. The Islamic Centre and the headquarters of the National Security Service are located to the south of the square and on the east side is the new Headquarters of the Police, while a number of high rises housing offices occupy the west side.

Umanga Kahandawaarachchi is a passionate travel writer who writes under the pen name, Maggie Tulliver. Her field of writing covers a wide array of content and articles related to travel and hospitality industry.

The Beautiful Island

Landaa Giraavaru

Landaa Giraavaru, also often referred to Landaagiraavaru, is an island in the Coral Island Baa who became a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. The place is located in the luxurious Four Seasons resort since 2006. The place is always ogled travelers, especially for those who like the marine life. Landaa Giraavaru is surrounded by white sandy beaches with coral for sprawling. The water is calm and shallow making it favored by fans of scuba diving while swimming with turtles, mantas and whale sharks.

 

Island Vaadhoo

Vaadhoo become one of the uninhabited islands in Raa Coral Island. Its population reached 500 people and became one of the most popular places for travelers who want to enjoy a natural phenomenon. Why? Because the place is popularly known as 'Sea of ​​Stars' by the presence of phytoplankton, known as dinoflagellates and has properties bioluminescene, or emit light. This phenomenon does not happen every day, so luckily they were able to see this beautiful phenomenon. A phenomenon in which visible glow at night the waves washed up to the shore.

Beautiful Beach Maldives

Cocoa Island beach

Found in Cocoa Island, this exotic beach subscribed to foreign tourists who want to enjoy nautical atmosphere plus pass the time while surrounded by white sand. Its clear waters make this place ideal for scuba diving. Not only that, the location is close to Kandooma Channel and Guraidhoo Channel allows you to watch marine animals vary widely. To stay also no need to be alarmed because this place is available Cocoa Island Resort which provides spa facilities and yoga. So, this place is really suitable for you who want to relax while dipping feet with captivating ocean views.


Nika Island

Surrounded by coral reefs and shallow lagoons, Nika Island filled with sunlight, soft sand and clear water that looks sparkling. This place was perfect once for scuba diving, snorkeling as well as those who wanta 'sun bath' while being surrounded by the atmosphere of the beach is so comfortable. Almost no flow of seawater on the beach, meaning swimmers and divers can enjoy the underwater environment safely. In the evening, travelers can enjoy a unique culinary Maldive which has a different flavor. Get away for a moment from real life to enjoy the island's fantastic to be the reason why many tourists menjejakan foot on the island of Nika.

 
Vabbinfaru Islands

As a shelter in a tropical setting, Vabbinvaru offers beaches with romantic impression as well as some gorgeous villa that exudes an amazing luster. Surrounded by beautiful coral and colorful fish, the beaches there is also suitable for snorkeling and scuba diving. Not only that, there is also a restaurant that offers delicious international food and travelers can eat while housed within the stars that shine at night. So, here travelers will have lots of fun while relaxing activity. Marine life conservation and research based on the presence of Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru will make many fans of marine animals linger stayed in Vabbinfaru Islands. View spectacular, fun activities, food spoiling Lindah and perfect for relaxation make Vabbinfaru not to be missed for tourists who vacation in the Maldives.

National Museum Maldives

Location: Male, in the Sultan Park that was a part of the Sultan's palace

Year of Establishment: 19th November 1952

Significance: Has an awesome collection of objects belonging to the Sultans


National museum in Maldives is one of the main tourist attraction destinations of the country. Located in the Sultan Park, which was a part of the Sultan's palace, it is basically a conversion of the old palace building. The museum has a valuable collection of objects of the past that depict the history and rich cultural heritage of the country. 

The Maldives national museum was opened for public display on the National Day, 1 Rabeeul Awwal 1372 A.H., (19th November 1952). It was inaugurated by the then Prime Minister, Ameer Mohamed Amin Didi. The purpose of setting up the museum was to preserve the history of Maldives and to invoke the patriotic feelings of people. 

The museum houses a number of fabulous objects belonging to the Sultans. It consists of the ornaments and costumes worn by various kings and queens, stone items of the Maldives' pre-Islamic period, paper and cloth manuscripts, arms and armor, photographs of important personalities, anthropological objects and other such items that exhibit the past Maldivian way of life.