Adventure World

Oman

Combining breathtaking natural beauty with a well-preserved cultural heritage, the Sultanate of Oman is one of the least known, yet most exciting, tourist destinations in the Middle East.

Often seen as the calm heart of the Middle East, proud of its traditions, it is a land of friendly faces, unheard-of hospitality and dramatic landscapes.

Bare, jagged mountains climb 10,000 feet above green, palm-studded valleys, while the coastline has many empty white-sand beaches and offshore coral reefs.

Top Highlights

Muscat: The capital and commercial centre of Oman, retains its heritage more than any of the new-look cities of the Middle East. Muscat comprises of a long string of suburbs, and despite its length feels more like a collection of small towns than a busy metropolis. Muscat is sometimes referred to as three cities: Muscat, Muttrah and Ruwi.

The harbour is nestled between the azure waters of the Gulf of Oman and the seemingly impenetrable mountains. Most of the cities sights are in and around Muttrah and the neighbouring Walled City of Muscat.

Famous landmarks include Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Muttrah Souq, the forts of Al-Jalali and Al-Mirani which flank his Majesty's colourful and elegant Al-Alam Palace, Burj As-Sahwa, Clock Tower Square, and Al-Bustan Palace Hotel.

Muttrah Souq is the oldest market place and is located behind the Corniche of Muttrah. Frankincense, spices, dates and antiques jostle for the limelight with electronic products, Barbie dolls and fashion accessories. The Souq is a maze of pathways leading through narrow, winding alleys and by-lanes, and tucked away in a corner is the Gold Souq.

Flanking His Majesty the Sultan's Al-Alam Palace, are the so-called Twin Forts: Al-Jalali and Al-Mirani, in conjunction with the veritable defences of the Fort of Muttrah and a host of fortified structures and watchtowers along the rocky ridges of the bay, made Muscat virtually impregnable. Muscat has a number of beautiful beaches such as Qurum Beach, Bandar Al-Jissah and Yeti.

Musandam Peninsula: At the far northern tip of Oman, and cut off from the rest, is the Musandam Peninsula, a beak of land pushing out into the Strait of Hormuz and occupying a strategic position overlooking the entry to the Arabian Gulf. The coastline is at its most inviting around Salalah on the Arabian Sea, between Shinas and Mtrah and between Muscat and Sur.

The Peninsula is a land of beautiful khors, small villages and dramatic, mountain-hugging roads. It is separated from the rest of Oman by the east coast of the UAE and guards the southern side of the Strait of Hormuz. The best way to see the Peninsula is on an organised tour. Long, lovely beaches, date palms, groves of citrus and lush fields of alfalfa, are backed by the towering Hajar Mountains, whose peaks climb to more than 3,000m. The west and centre of the country is a sun-beaten land of shifting sand dunes and thorn bushes, habitable only by a few Bedouin, their camels and goats.

Muscat to Sur road: This very scenic five hour journey follows the base of the Eastern Hajar Mountains, and is known for some amazing sights.

Bimmah Sinkhole - the blue-green water at the bottom of this 40m x 20m limestone hole invites a swim and snorkel - but be warned the depth is unknown.

Wadi Shab - one of the country’s most popular walking destinations is known for its aquamarine pools, waterfalls, terraced plantations and kingfishers.

Wadi Tiwi - is home to a string of emerald pools and plantations, the wadi offers excellent walking opportunities.

Qalhat - is a 2nd Century AD settlement, and one of Oman’s most ancient sites. Have your photo taken under the picturesque Tomb of Bibi Miriam…Why? Because Marco Polo stopped here in the 13th Century.

Sur: Is an ancient port and seafaring town that lies on the east coast 310 km from Muscat and played a major part in the trade between Oman, East Africa and India. Sur was one of the renowned centres for shipbuilding in the country, until the arrival of the British India Steam Navigation Company which operated between India and the Gulf. The Sur Maritime Museum charts the history of shipbuilding in the town. With its strong seafaring connections, it is hardly surprising that the legendary sailor, Sinbad, is thought to have originated there.

Ras al-Jinz: The easternmost point of the Arabian Peninsula is an important turtle-nesting site for the endangered green turtle. Over 20,000 females return annually to the beach where they were hatched in order to lay eggs.

July is the peak laying season; while September to November is the best time to witness both laying and hatching. A warden escorts visitors to the beach around 9.30 pm every evening throughout the year.

Western Hajar Mountains: This dramatic, mountainous region is Oman’s biggest tourist attraction. Here you will find: Jebel Shams (Oman’s highest mountain at 3075m); Wadi Ghul (the Grand Canyon of Arabia); and Jebel Akhdar (the fruit bowl of Oman - famous for its fragrant, pink roses from which rosewater is made); and some of the country’s best forts, can be seen in Nizwa, Bahla and Jabrin.

Nizwa: The country's second biggest tourist destination, only two hours from Muscat, Nizwa lies on a plain surrounded by a thick palm oasis and some of Oman’s highest mountains. The fort dominates the town centre, and is famed for its round tower - worth a climb just for the views. Nizwa is famous for its bustling souq where tourists can buy copper and silver jewellery. Gateway to the historic sites of Bahla (with its traditional souq) and Jabrin, (home to the best preserved and most whimsical fort Jabrin Castle) and excursions to Jebel Akhdar.

More Highlights

• Salalah lies on the Arabian Sea and is the best place to buy frankincense
• Wadi Mayh (towering limestone cliffs, sand-coloured villages, make this an interesting place to spend an afternoon, just over 24 km from Muscat)
• Wadi Bani Khalid (famed for its natural beauty and Wahiba Sands - known for its copper-coloured sand dunes and home to Bedouins and their racing camels (regular races between mid-October and mid-April)

Fact Sheet

• Country Dialling Code: + 968
• When to Go: The Peninsula is best visited between November and March. Between April and early October temperatures are hot and can reach 50°C. Between June and September it is the monsoon season in some areas.
• Capital: Muscat
• Official Language: Arabic, though English is widely spoken.
• Currency: Oman Rials (OMR)
• Electricity: 220V to 240v.
• Famous for: Frankincense
• Internet Services: Available throughout the country.
• Tipping: A 10% tip is customary in hotels and restaurants if a service fee has not been included on the bill.
• Bargaining: Can bargain, but don’t expect to save much $$.
• Remember when planning a trip - check the weather and the region’s religious holidays, ie: Ramadan.
• Geography: Combining breathtaking natural beauty with a well-preserved cultural heritage, the Sultanate of Oman is one of the least known tourist destinations in the Middle East. Often seen as the calm heart of the Middle East, proud of its traditions, it is a land of friendly faces, unheard-of-hospitality and dramatic landscapes. Bare, jagged mountains climb 10,000 feet above green palm-studded valleys, while the coastline has many empty white-sand beaches and offshore coral reefs.
• Gateway Airport: Seeb International Airport, Muscat
• Useless Information: It is illegal to drive a dirty car - the fine is OR5!