An unexpected journey to Maldives with my dear Enji and her family. The trip worth the bucks and it left a great memory for us and also her family

After landing at Male airport, we went to stay at Hulhumale, an island just adjacent to Male (city island) which was about 20 minutes car ride. There were 3 main transportation around Maldives which were car, boats and seaplane (like the above). 

In Hulhumale, we stayed in Plankton's Beach Hotel which was very budget for us and great service too! 

Strolling around Hulumale after our breakfast. The island was a residential island where locals resided. We saw numerous Chinese established shops and water sport service provider. This showed how influential the Chinese were at Maldives.

After that, we departed to the city, Male before we took the boat to Mafushi island. We were lucky to meet a random guy who worked for the travel agency, willing to take us around for a city tour without charge.

It was a walk-able city with radius of approximate 2.5km around. More than 50% of the Maldives' population resided here. We had minimum language barrier as their English proficiency were good, some even could understand and speak some Chinese!

Medhuziyaaraiy (Central Tomb) - the tomb of Maulana al-Hafiz Abul Barakaath Yoosuf Al-Barbari of Morocco, who converted Maldives into Islam in 1153 AD. It stood as one of the most important historical relics in the heart of the city where it used to be worshiped but band after 1957. 

The residence of Maldive's president. 

Tomb of Sultan Iskandhar, the person who leaded to build the Male' Friday mosque and it now stood right beside the mosque which was the oldest mosque in Maldives. 

The November 3rd Memorial - In memorial for the soldiers of the country who stood against the 1988 terrorist attack. The wall used to be the fortress for the president but was now converted into jail facility. 

The state mosque, a diplomatic gift from China.

Police Headquarter of Maldives

Jetty No.1. There were several jetties that serve different category of passengers. Jetty No.1 serves the VIP of the country, like the president himself.

Amazingly, this was the dirtiest region of water that we could find. It was still so tranquil. 

A must come place - the local market of Male, selling local fresh goods!

Must try fruits were banana and mango! They were sweet with great texture to bite, totally indulged with them. 

Local specialty of dried food - dried tuna, salmon, anchovies, chocolate, prawns and more!

Gigantic 30-50kg yellow fins tuna!

Early market of fish mongers, you can only see local males around. The local females usually bring their children to school and prepare food back at home. 

Busy roads congested with motorcycles and cars.

Jetty No.6, where we headed to Mafushi Island for the following 3 days. The boat ride was about 20 minutes. 

Arrived at Mafushi and we stayed in a very friendly hotel, Crystal Sands Hotel. 

The sweet mummy and daughter.

There was a performance from the local in conjunction of some celebration. 

The kayak team!

Cool kite-surfing!

The day end with magnificent sunset. 

You can find arts around the corner. Muralism in action.

Local arts painting.

Seaplane to Vilamendhoo Island, a private resort island. Took about 20 minutes to reach there and a totally awesome experience on the plane. 

Astonishing view above and we were staying at the top right corner, the Vilamendhoo Resort!

Awesome service from the Trans Maldivian Airways, friendly pilot and crew. 

Reached the resort. The ambiance of welcoming was so immersive that we just wish that we could stay here for a long long time. 

Say hi to little shark right there!

Finally, parting with Maldives after 6 days of journey. It was a self planned trip and we learnt a lot from it. We would definitely be back :)