A
collection of 1190 little coral islands strewn across the Indian Ocean,
Maldives is a tropical treasure trove of
endless
beaches and abundant marine life. The thousands of reefs and graceful
palms create a breath-taking
splendour.
There are more than 70 resort islands that offer white sand, blue
seas and diving facilities.
The
small and densely populated capital island, Malé, is packed
to the edges with buildings, roads as well as quaint
markets
and mosques. The Islamic Centre and Grand Friday Mosque dominate the
skyline. Near the Mosque are the
Sultan
Park and the National Museum with exhibits of the Sultan’s belongings
as well as the archaeological finds of
Thor
Heyerdahl. Local handicrafts as well as marine equipment, fishing
gear and general merchandise are available
from
the Singapore Bazaar.
The
other city in the Maldives is Seenu on Addu Atoll. It is well connected
to the other islands where traditional
Maldivian
communities live. The Gan Island on this atoll has a resort located
in old RAF buildings that were
developed
by the British during World War II.
