Hulhumale

Hulhumalé is a reclaimed island right beside Velana International Airport, built up from the 1990s onward to ease overcrowding in Malé. It's connected to the airport island (Hulhulé) and on to Malé by the Sinamalé Bridge, and today it functions as a modern, planned extension of the capital — wider roads, shopping, and open green space that's harder to find in Malé itself.

For most visitors it's a practical stop rather than a historic sightseeing destination: close to the airport, easy to reach, with a proper beach, a shopping mall and a park.

Where Hulhumalé is

Hulhumalé sits next to the airport island of Hulhulé, connected across the Sinamalé Bridge to Malé.

Getting there

A bridge bus runs between the airport and Hulhumalé for a small fare, though journey time depends on traffic. A taxi is quicker but costs more. Both routes cross the Sinamalé Bridge.

Things to do

Hulhumalé Beach is the main draw — a long stretch for a swim or an evening walk. Centro Mall covers most shopping needs, and Central Park is a quiet green space in the middle of the island. Some operators also run dolphin-watching trips departing from Hulhumalé.

Good to know

Hulhumalé is a planned, modern town rather than a traditional fishing island — come for convenience and open space near the airport, not historic character; for that, Malé itself is a short bridge ride away.