Male, Maldives - Dazzlingly Coloured Tall Thin Buildings

Scenic

A tiny islet, densely crowded with motorbikes, lively business people, stern-faced policemen, hawkers and crisply uniformed school children, Male’ the modern, commercial face of the Maldives that few people take the time to see. Overlooked by dazzlingly coloured tall thin buildings and bounded by oddly turquoise water all around, this is the centre of the Maldives, the engine driving its financial development and the forum for the country’s political debate.

Male’ is pleasant and pleasurably unusual – its alcohol-free bars and restaurants push with its implausible range of shops and lively markets and the general hullabaloo of a capital is very much present.