Getting a Drink in Malé

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No alcohol is permitted in Malé or other 'inhabited islands' in Maldives, in accordance with Islamic law. Inhabited islands are officially recognised towns. These do not include the many hotels and resorts scattered across the Maldives - these are exempt from the no-alcohol rule.

For Malé residents, the closest place to get a drink is the Hulhule Island Hotel, which is located on Hulhule Island (the airport island). This is not as much of a project as it sounds. The airport island is a quick 5-10 minute ferry ride away from the Malé jetty. Boats leave every 10-15 minutes.

Drinks are expensive. However, since there aren't too many other nearby options, the hotel is quite free to overcharge you! You can sit by the poolside or head to the Champs Bar, which has indoor and outdoor seating.

Ask if there are any offers on - the bar occasionally has deals that are not necessarily advertised out front. And make sure you get your free snack! (It's usually a mix of dry crisps, nuts and peas.) Happy drinking!