Sinamalé Bridge

About this place

Sinamalé Bridge is the first inter-island bridge in the Maldives, linking the capital Malé with Hulhulé, home of the airport, and with Hulhumalé. It runs 2.1 km, of which 1.39 km is over the sea. One of the main modern landmarks in a country divided by water, it changed how people travel between the capital and the airport, once linked only by ferry. The project was first proposed in 2007. China Harbour Engineering began work in May 2015, and the bridge opened on 30 August 2018. It cost about USD 300 million, mostly Chinese funding, and was originally called the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge. It crosses an open sea channel about 50 m deep, which made it an engineering challenge. The bridge is 20.3 m wide, with two lanes for cars, two for motorcycles and separate lanes for pedestrians. It stands out for its curves over the water and the arched gateway at the Malé end, and walking it gives a rare view of Malé's packed skyline on one side and open sea on the other. The best time is just before sunset, when the heat eases and the colours soften. The wind can be strong over the channel, so watch your hats and phones. The Malé end is about 1.3 km from the Old Friday Mosque in a straight line, an easy walk from the city centre. From the far side you can continue by bus or taxi to Hulhumalé Beach, so the two fit into half a day.