A Couchsurfer’s Guide to Maldives

Dreams of gazing at the picturesque strokes of a bright sunset while lazing at a captivating beach becomes a reality in any of the islands in Maldives, but how well do travelers connect with the locals through the little-known travel app that is Airbnb-meets-Tinder?

For most travelers arriving the Maldives, Velana International Airport located in the island of Hulhule will be their first experience to the 1,200-island nation renowned for its stunning white-sandy beaches, scenic luxury resorts and crystal-clear blue waters. The 2.2 square mile island of Malé is the country’s capital and home to 39 percent of the nation’s 341,256 population. In the past few decades, thousands of people from the atolls have migrated to the capital in search of jobs, better education and healthcare, making it one of the world’s most densely populated cities with thousands of people crammed into small apartments for exorbitant rents.

The lack of affordable housing is one of the most serious social issues facing the country, and the present government is hoping to resolve it by developing 5,000 social housing units before the end of 2018 on the reclaimed island of Hulhumalé near the capital. If it has already taken a while for your search to find a host in Malé on Couchsurfing, you may already understand one reason why you haven’t found one. But, don’t conclude just yet. Book an affordable guesthouse in Hulhumale and take a day trip on the 25-minute ferry to explore Malé city. It is not a very relaxing place when compared to the rest of the country’s postcard-perfect images of swaying palm trees and white sandy beaches. It is the busy, congested powerhouse of the Maldivian economy, politics and industry. If you have come to relax, do what most foreign visitors do and bypass the city. If you still want a peek into a different world, stay for a day or two.

Malé is a small city and is the perfect size to explore on foot. Stroll around the city and stop to recharge with some of the city’s top sights and gastronomic options. If you’re in the mood to venture some of the city’s heritage and cultural hotspots, there’s also a Malé you won’t find in guidebooks. Not sure what to do in Malé city? I’ve compiled the best activities so you can make the most of your trip.

Start your day with disc mas-huni – It is a widely popular breakfast across the country, “Mas” means fish and “Huni” is grated coconut, and are eaten with “Disc” or “Roshi” (Thick and Thin flat bread made of refined flour). Mas-huni is a mixture of grated coconut, tuna, chili, onion, curry leaf and salt. There are many varieties of Mas-huni, canned tuna can be substituted with smoked or dried tuna which brings a distinctly different taste to it. It is best enjoyed with a hot cup of sweet black tea with the combination of spiciness that comes along with the Mas-huni.

Step back in time at Malé Hukuru Miskiy – The oldest mosque in the country, dating from 1656. The interiors and exteriors are made from coral stone and are intricately carved with Quranic scripts and ornamental patterns. At the southern end of the mosque, stands the blue-and-white Munnaaru, a quirky shaped cylindrical minaret, which resembles a giant wedding cake. Adjacent to Hukuru Misky is Medhu Ziyaaraiy, the tomb of Abdul Barakat Yoosuf Al Barbary, a religious scholar from Morocco who is credited with converting Maldives to Islam.

Grab a Maskaashi at the Gaadiya’s – “Mas” means fish and “Kaashi” is young coconut, Mas-kaashi is a popular snack that has been around since the good old days. It consists of smoked or dried fish, mostly tuna and fresh coconut flesh, Maldivian chili, onion, mango, pepper, rihaakuru (tuna fish paste), salt and chili powder. It is served on a plate with round or square platter divided into special segments or compartments. It is best enjoyed after dinner at one of the Gaadiya’s (mini food trucks) that are found in different areas of Boduthakurufaanu magu, the marine drive road that encircles Malé.

Walk Majeedhee Magu from one end to the other – Majeedhee Magu is the main street that runs from east to west in Malé. A walk across Majeedhee Magu is a great way to people watch and if brave enough, mingle and engage in conversations with the locals and enjoy the island at a leisurely pace. It remains one of the most important trading places in the city where local merchants sell everything from imported clothes, jewelry, hand phones, electronic items, fruits retail or wholesale. It is one of the best places to experience the hustle and bustle and to get in the soul of Malé, also a great way to explore more of the country while stopping by to ask tips from some of the most friendliest people in the world. Who knows what you’ll discover?

Admire the 3rd November Memorial – The 3rd November memorial was built to honor those who fell in the unsuccessful attack on Malé on 3rd November 1988 by a foreign terrorist organization with the help of a handful of Maldivians. During the attack, a group of about 90 terrorist fighters stormed Malé city on an attempt to subdue the Maldivian defense lines that resulted killing 19 Maldivians.

Coffee with a view – Salt Café & Restaurant offers striking views of Malé and its surroundings including the busy Boduthakurufaanu magu and the water front. From great coffee to delicious food, sit back, relax and pretend you are living in a glossy magazine!

Take a boat trip to Villingili island (Vilimalé) – It is a 10-minute ferry ride from Malé and also the fifth administrative ward of the capital. Motorcycles and cars are banned on the island, only a limited number of licensed utility vehicles and electronic buggies are allowed to transport luggage and groceries for the island residents. The island also has the only natural beaches in Malé with an exotic house reef perfect for snorkeling and training for your PADI certification.

Visit the National Museum – Get your culture on! Home to a plethora of historic artifacts that serve to trace the unusual history of these isolated islands. Galleries devoted to the ancient and medieval periods of the Maldives starts out on the ground floor, with items ranging from weaponry, religious paraphernalia and household wares as well as many impressively carved Quranic scripts and pieces engraved in Thaana on wood commemorating the country’s conversion to Islam. The modern period is well represented through a display of the country’s popular lacquer-work boxes and various pieces of antique technology, and the country’s first gramophone, telephone and a massive computer are on the first floor. There is even a 6-meter skeleton of the very rare Longman’s Beaked Whale.

Watch the flag changing ceremony at Jumhooree Maidhaan (Republic Square) – In the north coast of Malé lies Jumhooree Maidhaan, the Republic Square. It was constructed so as to symbolize the splendor of the nation and is marked by a flagpole with a giant Maldivian flag. Its purpose is to remind the viewers of the country’s religion, incomprehensible losses, sufferings, sacrifices, and self-determination of the national heroes and heroines to bring about a modern, free and independent tomorrow for the future generations. The flag changing ceremony at the Jumhooree Maidhaan is a daily military practice that the security forces of the Maldives follow since 1989. Every day at 6pm the drill is followed where the current flag is lowered and a new flag is hoisted to full mast on the flagpole followed by a bugle call.

Adjacent to the Republic Square, on one end stands the headquarters of the Maldives Police Service at Shaheed Hussain Adam building; named after the young martyr who died defending our nation from foreign aggressors. Opposite the Police Headquarters is the integrated headquarters of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF). The Islamic Center stands beside it as a proud indication of our religion, and is also the largest and best-known architectural landmark in the city. The mosque is named after Mohamed Thakurufaanu who brought an end to the 17 year old Portugal rule in Maldives. Entrance is free for tourists and are allowed inside during non-prayer times, however, photographing the interiors of the mosque is strictly prohibited. Izzudheen Faalan, the sail like structures located in front of the square is the presidential jetty, designed to look like a sailing boat, the traditional means of transport used in the Maldives. It is named after Sultan Hassan Izzudheen, a national hero that liberated Maldives from the shackles of the Malabar rule.

Plane spotting and afternoon tea at Citron by Lemongrass – Do you marvel at aircraft landings and take-offs? There really is something special about flying machines, so it’s not surprising that plane spotting has become a popular hobby for many aviation geeks. If you have a couple of hours to spare in Malé, pack your photography gear and head to Citron by Lemongrass at Alimas Ufaa carnival. It is an ideal spot to view approaches and departures from afternoon until midnight, the restaurant also offers some of the city’s best hedhikaa “short-eats” and local delicacies for afternoon tea.

Host your own Couchsurfing meet-up at a local café – Getting together with locals at a country you’re travelling through makes powerful things happen. Part-time work becomes professions and ideas are transformed into techniques and products. It brings people together to create thriving communities. Try hosting your own Couchsurfing meetup in Malé and learn about the Maldivian culture first-hand or learn a few words in dhivehi (Maldivian language).

The best Maldivian souvenirs to buy in Malé – What is the best souvenir from Maldives? What represents the Maldives most, and what will best remind you of the valuable time you spent here? Read ahead for the top nine souvenirs from Maldives, as well as the best places to look for something unique to yourself.

Get spicy with Masburi-riha – If you like spicy food, you haven’t lived until you tried a Masburi-riha, a spicy curry cooked with thick chunks of fish, served with sides of fresh chili, onion, lime, omelette, poppadum and roshi. The most popular Masburi-riha is served at Faseyha Point 1 (also known as Aiybalhey Kada), a well-known “sai hotaa” meaning a less standard café. They are generally loud environments and are mostly dominated by men.