What makes Oman a must-see travel destination?
Introduction:
Oman - is neither historic like Jordan nor glitzy like Dubai; however, the country is described as the rarest part of the Middle East. Oman is the most beautiful place, yet it is one of the most underrated tourist destinations in the world. Many tourists skip this country, but it's a shame they don't realize what they're missing.
Oman is located on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula. It is located between Yemen and the United Arab Emirates and borders the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman, and the Arabian Sea. Interestingly, compared to the entire Arab region, Oman is the most stable and developed country, according to the United Nations Development Program.
Oman tourism proudly promotes its country. Oman has its own stunning natural beauty with its copper-colored cliffs, turquoise waters, and red-gold dunes. Compared to other much-talked-about and flashier countries in the Middle East, Oman is steeped in tradition and history. Marvel at the epic landscapes, exotic natural beauty, breathtaking sunsets, mountain-shrouded deserts, bazaars or souks, sandy beaches, and more in Oman.
Unmissable experiences in Oman:
Tourists who have chosen and visited this destination can guarantee that Oman has exceeded their expectations. From impressive luxury resorts, and hotels to local families, scuba diving to dune bashing, Oman offers you an exclusive experience.
Tourism in Oman shows many reasons for choosing Oman as your next travel destination. Mountain Valley Holidays offers a wide range of Oman tour packages that include all the must-see experiences in Oman. We are sure that your tour in Oman will be an unforgettable vacation.
Let me share some of my authentic Omani experiences below:
1. Enigmatic Wadi Shab
A visit to Oman - Wadi Shab should be at the top of the list of places to visit in the country. See Wadi Shab - with blue pools, fantastic gorges, terraced plantations, kingfishers, and waterfalls. The name means the gap between the cliffs in Arabic. Just 40 minutes from the city of Sur and 1.5 hours from Muscat you get to Wadi Shab. Remember that in the beginning, you need to take a short boat ride to cross the wide river to start your excursion. November to March is the high season. During these months, the views included date palms, picturesque hills, cave waterfall. The walk is of a moderate level and presents a varied landscape. You cross pools where you can also swim or dive. Include Wadi Shab in planning your Oman tour packages with us.
2. Wahiba Sands
Wahiba Sands is a meandering expanse of glittering sand that seems to stretch endlessly along Oman's east coast. Famous for its extravagant desert experience, it's one of the best campgrounds in the country. Sharqiya Sands covers an area of approximately 10,000 square kilometers.
You can soak up the atmosphere here and have a true Arab experience. Experience an adrenaline rush on an off-road safari in 4 × 4 vehicles through the shifting dunes. For the less adventurous, opt for a leisurely camel ride and watch the beautiful sunset. Walking in the dunes is an option not to be missed. In the middle of the arid landscape - visit remote villages, and Bedouin families, observe their traditional Bedouin way of life and, if you can, don't miss their homemade Omani coffee. One of the other fascinating experiences is camping. Enjoy rustic tents or luxurious desert camps, and gaze at the starry sky - it's an experience you will remember for centuries. If you don't have much time, you can still enjoy an elaborate picnic and live cultural performances at one of the camps here.
3. Mosque of the Magnanimous Sultan Qaboos
The famous Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat was inaugurated on May 4, 2001, by Sultan Qaboos Bin Al Said. In the third century, the monarch donated this mosque to commemorate his power. The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is the largest in the country. This mosque covers an area of approximately 416,000 square meters and can accommodate up to twenty worshipers at a time. There are four sections in the mosque; in Musalla - a prayer room dedicated to women, a male prayer room, the main hall, and a library. It also has a washhouse with a fountain that visitors can access during periods of non-prayer. Here the faithful also performs purification rites.
It is one of the few Arab mosques that non-Muslim visitors have access to. The architecture of the mosque displays the fusion of Islamic, Omani, and Middle Eastern architectural styles. It is decorated with colorful mosaic patterns. The mosque's minaret has a height of 90 meters, making it one of the tallest buildings in the country. There are a total of five minarets that embody the five pillars of Islam: prayer, fasting, faith, almsgiving, and pilgrimage.
There is a huge chandelier in the mosque which used to be the largest in the world. The chandelier is plated with 24-karat gold, holds 1122 lamps, and is set with 600,000 Swarovski crystals. Not only is the huge chandelier famous but also the carpet of this mosque. This is a unique hand-woven carpet found in the main Musalla.
Follow the dress code: dress conservatively when visiting the mosque. Both men and women must wear head, shoulder, and leg coverings. Enjoy dates and coffee offered by Omani women at the mosque. Appreciate this experience by learning about their culture, insights, and stories. Much to our delight, all of this great experience is completely free. You don't have to pay any fees or ticket prices to explore this beautiful architecture.
4. UNESCO Site - Nizwa Fort
A two-hour drive from the city of Muscat brings you to Nizwa, an ancient oasis city. During the sixth and seventh centuries AD, this city was the capital of the country. Nizwa fort, the largest and oldest in the city, is famous all over the world. Nizwa fort looks like a cross between a fortress and a castle. Imam Sultan Bin Saif Al Yarubi built the fort in the 17th century on the ruins of an older fort. Its construction took about twelve years. The fort reflects Omani architecture and is surrounded by green date palms.
There are six cannons at the fort where; two are present at the entrance to the fortress and four on the roof. In ancient times, these were used to protect the city from invaders. Inside the fortress, you can see narrow staircases, a maze of rooms, corridors, portals, and halls with high ceilings and terraces. The monument also has a museum showcasing Omani traditions and lifestyles. Admire the beautiful panoramic view of the Hajar Mountains and the oasis from the top of the fortress. The fort is surrounded by a souk that is fun to explore.
5. Misfat Al Abriyeen
Among the countless places to visit in Oman, be sure to discover a more authentic experience in the country. Visit Misfat Al Abriyeen, a local mud village built on the mountainside of the Al Hamra region. It has roof terraces overlooking the beautiful gardens with dates and banana trees. Explore this Omani-style homestay. The foundations of these houses were built using large slabs of rock. The multi-level towers are built with stones hewn from the mountainside and smaller rocks. These rocks are fixed together using plaster and mud. The overall result of each building blends in with the mountains. They have stood still for decades.
Some homes now have satellite dishes and air conditioners but are still somewhat isolated from the rest of city life. Misfat Al Abriyeen can be visited 24/7. Walking around the historical village will be a surreal experience for you. The visitor center, near the village entrance, has all the information you need.
6. Turtle Sanctuary
See endangered green sea turtles on your tour of Oman. Sur, the port city of Oman, is a two-hour drive from Muscat and a short drive from Wahiba Sands. The breeding area of the endangered green sea turtles is Ras Al Jinz near Sur. The Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve was built in 1966 as a massive ecotourism mission to protect turtle breeding. It also helps educate tourists about turtle exploitation and breeding patterns.
Tourists can explore the beach during sunrise and sunset with a guide. At sunset, you can see mother turtles laying their eggs. During sunrise, you can see the fry making their way to the water. Peak spawning season is July, but the best months to see turtles lay and hatch are September through November. Visit the sanctuary museum to learn more about these turtles. It houses many interactive exhibits on all types of turtles.
7. Bimmah Sinkhole
When traveling to Oman, see a picture-perfect location on a postcard. Explore one of the most beautiful natural pools in the world. Visit Hawiyat Najm Park - to explore the famous Bimmah Sinkhole. It is located on the northeastern coast of Muscat, in the Dabab area. It is an hour and a half drive from the city of Muscat, a few kilometers from Tiwi. This position is open from 0800 to 2000.
In general, sinkholes are created by groundwater that eats away rocks such as carbonate and limestone. The formation of caves is caused by the breaking of rocks, causing the land to collapse. Legend has it that this sinkhole was created when a meteorite smashed into the ground, causing a natural depression to form a lake.
The sinkhole is about 600 meters from the sea. It contains turquoise-colored fresh and seawater, as it is connected to the ocean via an underground tunnel. The depth of the sinkhole is about 20 meters, making it an ideal place for diving enthusiasts. The local authorities have built a park around it and a staircase leading to the lake. There are several picnic tables, covered pavilions, playgrounds, paved paths, etc. to explore the place.
8. Oman Souk - Muttrah Souq
Visiting an Arab country and not visiting a souk - is a totally incomplete experience, if I have to say it! Don't rule out a visit to a souk on your Oman tour. Visit the most popular of the capital - the Muttrah Souq. It's a bustling traditional market full of incense scents and wooden decorations everywhere. It has a labyrinth of jewelry, pottery, and camel-themed souvenirs. Some of the best bargains here include leather goods, beautiful gold jewelry, Kummah - Omani men's hats, souvenirs such as Khanjar - Omani daggers, and llama wool pashminas. One can also find a wide variety of Omani antiques, perfumes, spices, and other antiques.
Be sure to haggle when shopping in these souks. If you're new to bargaining, start with an amount that's 40 to 50 percent less than the seller's asking price. You'll no doubt get the deal at a price somewhere in between. At the top of the hills, visit Muttrah Fort. The entrance gate is designed in the style of a roadway and leads to the old city of Muscat. At the top of the gate is also a museum. It exhibits Omani heritage, Omani history, geology, etc. Check it out if you want to know and understand more about the country.
9. Opera in Muscat
The Royal Opera House in Muscat opened in 2011 with the premiere of Turandot. The rich arabesque interior and the imposing facade lift the classical opera spectacle to different heights.
The immaculate complex stands out in the desert environment and is spread over an area of 80,000 m2. The complex showcases Omani architecture using Omani desert rose stones. The complex is surrounded by 40,000 m2 of well-maintained gardens. The Royal Opera House was designed by Sultan Qaboos to host classical music concerts and opera performances. This monument reflects the royal privilege, Omani heritage, and cultural exchanges. It is a feast for all our senses and well worth a visit. View our
10. Omani Cuisine:
In addition to all the other experiences that you can try on your tour package to Oman, you should also discover the traditional Omani cuisine. From rice to grilled meats, coffee, and dates, some of the best Omani food while in the country. Omani cuisine is influenced by North African, Persian, Indian, and Mediterranean cuisine. It has a delicious mix of marinades, spices, and herbs. Lamb, chicken, and rice are staples in Omani cuisine, including ingredients such as ginger, saffron, and nutmeg. Thanks to the extensive coastline, fishing enthusiasts can feast on a hearty delicacy here. Some popular dishes include Omani Breads, Shuwa, Majboos, Dates, Omani Laban, Harees, Omani Kahva - Arabic Coffee, and Omani Halwa.
Conclusion:
Of all the countries in the Middle East, Oman is the most stable country to travel to. It is unique from Qatar and UAE. You will not find any skyscrapers in this country because of the country's anti-skyscraper policies. The government has taken this initiative to preserve its unique architecture and traditional charm. The country has kept it pretty simple; there are no flashing lights, no glitz or glamour, no skyscrapers over the top, etc.
Oman is opening up to tourism. According to Lonely Planet's annual Best in Travel list, Oman will be one of the most visited destinations in the world by 2022.
While we discuss your travel plans to get off the beaten track to a safe country, the destination experts at Mountain Valley Holidays definitely recommend you visit Oman
