SULTANATE OF OMAN, MINISTRY OF TOURISM

SULTANATE OF OMAN, MINISTRY OF TOURISM

SULTANATE OF OMAN, MINISTRY OF TOURISM
Showing posts with label Muscat. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Muscat. Show all posts

Thursday 19 February 2015

You Need To See These Magical Coastlines in Oman

Where are the Oman's greatest coastlines? Do you love to spend time by the shore?




With is long, quiet beaches, tropical bays in the shade of palm trees, towering cliffs that drop into the ocean and 3,165 kilometres of coast, Oman is the ideal destination for anyone who loves to spend time by the shore.

From Muscat, the coast is sandy, with a calm sea and long stretches of beach boasting a wealth of facilities and water sports opportunities. To the north, Musandam Peninsula is famous for its dramatic fjords plunging into the sea to create spectacular inlets and coves. To the south, the Salalah region is full of banana plantations and tropical beaches with turquoise water and palm trees bordering the golden sands. 

The Oman Sea and Arabian Sea host a huge variety of animal species such as turtles, whales and dolphins, while their depths are home to coral reefs, long stretches of which are still intact. 




In this article we will show you what traveller can expect from the Omani Coast


The vibrant capital city of Muscat is blessed with many beaches and a calm sea suitable for year-round swimming. A large number of outstanding tourist facilities makes it an ideal base for visitors who want to combine relaxation by the sea with exploration of the country’s inland regions.

The most popular public beach is Qurum, just a short distance from the city centre.



Bandar Khayran, a bay that is a popular snorkelling spot .



A trip to the Dimaniyat Islands Nature Reserve is another must-do experience, particularly for diving enthusiasts.


Wadi Shab and Wadi Tiwi along the coast of Sur, also enticing snorkelers and divers.




Local fishing boats, souks and museums, is a great base for exploring Oman’s rich maritime history.




Visit some of the dhow shipyards in Sur to marvel at the craftsmanship and reflect on modern innovation and development.

www.bradtguides.com


A completely different side to Oman can be found in the far south of the country. Gorgeous sandy bays lie between crystal-clear water and lush green palm groves. 



In the town of Salalah you can see tropical fruit plantations and stalls loaded with coconuts, bananas and mangos. It is the perfect place to sit back and relax.



The best way to appreciate the rugged, fjord-like terrain of the Musandam Peninsula is to view it from the sea. 



In Khasab, half- or full-day trips include dolphin watching, snorkelling and kayaking can be organised on a traditional Omani dhow. 


These are only part of the magnificent coastline of Oman. Its difficult to capture their splendour through images, you must go there to see them. 

The serene environment and the gravel beach is something that one should be looking for. Watching sunset in some of these coastlines would be one of the most peaceful moments of your life.


What are your favourite beaches location in Oman? Would you add any of them on your holiday bucket list?

Please, take a moment to leave your comment below! 


Thursday 12 February 2015

The Very Best Of Oman (New Infographic)

Thirsty for adventures? 




Whether you want to chill out on the coast, camp under the stars, unwind in supreme luxury or simply enjoy the winter sun, each Oman's geographical regions has something unique to offer. 


With pristine beaches, magnificent deserts, rugged mountains and a history that spans over 5,000 years, the Sultanate of Oman will refresh, engage and inspire you. Not sure where to start? Here are some suggestions to help you plan the perfect itinerary. 



Do you like to feel close to nature? Do you love luxury, elegance and style?
Please, take a moment to leave your comment below! 



Thursday 5 February 2015

This Is How Your Next Kite Boarding Destination Looks Like

What’s your favourite kite boarding destination? What's going to be your next one?

 


Although relatively new, the Sultanate of Oman have developed fast as a kite boarding destination.

What makes Oman an amazing spot for kite boarding?


1. Stable and consistent wind.


Daily wind above 20 knots, 28 degrees air, all kind of spots within a short drive – shallow lagoon (8 sq-km) and waves. From May to September, the wind statics are truly remarkable on the island of Masirah.

2. Unspoilt natural environment


It's not uncommon to see flamingos and loggerhead sea turtles side by side in the unspoilt habitat.

3. Very few people kitting on the beaches


The island of Masirah it the south-east of the country is a haven of calm with a gentle Indian Ocean sea breeze blowing through it.

4. Great kite boarding & kite surfing lessons


You can learn kite boarding in a very short time and will be amazed by how fast you will love it. With kiteboarding-oman proved and tested schooling system you will get to know your new favourite sport fast and safely. 

5. Superb instruction, equipment, and service


Training is available at the centre and equipment can be hired by experienced kite surfers. There is another branch of the school on Sawadi beach which is an hour north of Muscat.

6. You won't need to walk when you can fly



Kite surfing harnesses the power of the wind to propel a rider across the water on a small surfboard or a kite board. 

7. Stunning travel experience


The island of Masirah is five - hours drive from Muscat and it has a kite surfing centre that is part of the VDWS Water Sport AssociationAfter your holiday you could travel back along the coastline of Oman. This will provide you an even more stunning travel experience.

Would you consider Oman as your next kite boarding destination? Why does kite boarding makes you happy? 

                       Richard Branson


Please, take a moment to leave your comment below! 


Thursday 29 January 2015

13 Spectacular Places You Must Visit In Oman

Why is Oman called the land of scenic beauty? What are some recommended places to visit and activities to do while in Oman?




"As-salaamu alaykum", and welcome to the enchanting Sultanate of Oman. Safe and inviting, Oman will hypnotise you with its fragrant ancient souks, mesmerise with dramatic landscapes and leave you spell bound with its stories. Home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Oman is steeped in history and has inspired some of literature’s most famous tales. 

In this article we will show you why Oman is called the land of scenic beauty. You will discover some recommended places to visit and activities to do while in Oman.


1. Royal Opera House


Royal Opera House, Muscat (iwillbehomesoon/500px)


2. Forts and Castles


Nakhal Fort (beautyeye/flickr)



3. Muthra



Mutrah (Krishna Kumar/flickr)

4. Scuba diving

(Thierry Rouchon/flickr

5. Al Ayn Village, Jabel Al Akhdar

Al Ayn Village, Jabel Al Akhdar (internationaltravllermag.com)

6. Caving



Ash Sharqiyah (pierrehaut/flickr)

7. Mountain Goat

Mountain Goat (Krishna Kumar/flickr)

8. Musandam

Musandam (panoramas/flickr)

9. Deserts

(oman-conference.squ.edu.om)

10. Salalah

Salalah (saf eins/flickr)



11. Terraces of rose bushes in Jabal Akhdar



Terraces of rose bushes in Jabal Akhdar that thrive in spring/summer (timesofoman.com)


12. Wadi Bani 

Wadi Bani Khalid (andries3/flickr)

13. Wadi Darbat, Salalah

Wadi Darbat, Salalah (wajahatmahmood/flickr)

For anyone who has ever travelled to Oman, what was your favourite thing that you saw, and why? What was the most beautiful, incredible sight you saw while there? 

Please, take a moment to leave your comment below! 

Beauty has an address ~ Oman

Thursday 15 January 2015

Top 10 Reasons To Visit The Sultanate Of Oman


Natural beauty, fascinating traditions and heartfelt hospitality make Oman a country you really should get to know better. From luxurious 5-star beach resorts to sleeping under the stars in the desert, Oman’s diverse landscapes will take your breath away.


                  


Adventure seekers can explore some of the world’s largest caves, discover spectacular diving spots or simply watch the world float by aboard a dhow.

Vibrant souks sell traditional silverware, spices and Omani dresses, providing explorers with colorful impressions, and hagglers with timeless souvenirs.
  
If you still have doubts we give you the Top 10 Reasons To Visit The Sultanate Of Oman:

1. 5,000-year-old traditions and culture, four UNESCO World Heritage Sites and more than 500 forts and castles. 


2. Variety of accommodation, from luxury, boutique, resorts, and spas to eco-friendly desert and mountain camps. 


3. Amazing wildlife, from Ras al-Jinz Turtle Reserve to flamingos in Dhofar. 



4. Real adventure, from climbing, hiking and caving to watersports, diving and kitesurfing. 


5. Diverse marine life including dolphins, turtles and whales. 



6. Unspoilt beaches, 2,000 miles of coastline and remote islands. 


Musandam beaches, Oman - Like us: http://bit.ly/OmanUK-Musandam

7. Growing golf scene, including three championship 18-hole golf courses. 



Almouj Golf, The Wave, Oman

8. Omani hospitality and gastronomy. 



9. Desert experiences, including wadi drives and oases. 





10. Non-stop daily flight from Heathrow to Muscat with Oman Air; daily flights with Etihad from London, Dublin, Glasgow and Manchester.


Still don't know where to go for your next holiday? If you need more reasons to visit Oman please see 101 Things to See and Do in Oman. 

Please, take a moment to leave your comment below!


Discover more about Oman: www.omantourism.gov.om



Thursday 25 December 2014

Top 16 Oman Travel Guides

The diversity of choice in Oman will make almost any length of holiday seem too short to take everything in.


The only way you’ll be able to accomplish that is if you plan properly. These guides will help you do that.


Did you know that if you look up the phrase “Oman Travel Guide” on Amazon, it will give you nearly 150 options to choose from? You can source additional information about the country through a range of useful Oman guidebooks.

We have compiled a list of the Top 16 Travel Guides on Oman that you can view below:


1- Berlitz: Oman Pocket Guide, Berlitz Travel (2011)


2- Insight Guide: Oman and The UAE by Gavin Thomas, Insight Guides (2012)


3- Maverick Guide to Oman by Peter J. Ochs, Pelican 

Publishing Co (2000)

4- Muscat Mini Map, Explorer Publishing (2012)


5- Off-Road in the Sultanate of Oman by Jenny Walker & Sam Owen, Motivate Publishing Ltd (2007)


6- Oman - Culture Smart! The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture by Simone Nowell, Kuperard (2009)


7- Oman and the Arabian Gulf (Travellers Survival Kit) by Dan Boothby, Vacation – Work (2003)


8- Oman by Diana Darke, Bradt Travel Guides (2013)


9- Oman Off-Road, Explorer Publishing (2006)


10- Oman Residents & Visitors Guide, Explorer Publishing (2012)


11- Oman Trekking, Explorer Publishing (2006)


12- Oman, UAE and the Arabian Peninsula by Jenny Walker, Lonely Planet Publications (2010)


13- Snorkelling and Diving in Oman by Rod Salm and Robert Baldwin, Motivate Publishing (1992)


14- The Rough Guide to Oman: Intriguing souks, Dhow cruises, Mountain villages by Gavin Thomas, Rough Guides (2011)


15- UAE Rock Climbing by Toby Foord-Kelcey, Red Armada Publishing (2010)


16- Lonely Planet Oman, UAE & Arabian Peninsula (Travel Guide), by Lonely Planet, Jenny Walker, Stuart Butler and Anthony Ham (13 Sep 2013)



For information regarding climbing, abseiling, diving, horseback riding, surfing and all other manner of adventure sports in Oman, the magazine Outdoor UAE is an excellent resource.



Please, take a moment to leave your comments or thoughts below.
Discover more about Oman: www.omantourism.gov.om

Thursday 11 December 2014

The Simplest Way to Make the Best of Dining

Omani Gastronomy


Local dining opportunities range from international fine dining to simple street food. True to the country’s marine heritage, seafood plays a prominent part throughout Omani cuisine. Muscat’s atmospheric Muttrah Fish Market is packed with piles of fresh crab, crayfish, tuna, sea-bass and red mullet.



To enjoy a genuine Omani feast, many hotels host traditional Arabian banquets, held alfresco during temperate winter evenings. Guests may sample Omani classics such as ruz al mudhroub, local cooked rice and fried fish, and mishkak, skewered meat grilled on charcoal. Omani coffee, or khawa, follows. It is served in small cups and is often flavoured with cardamom or orange zest and accompanied by Omani dates. 



The proximity of Oman to India, combined with the number of traders present in the country, means the local cuisine has also been injected with exotic Indian flavours, such as turmeric and saffron. 

Which local dining do your prefer in Oman? 
Please, take a moment to leave your comments or thoughts below.

Discover more about Oman: www.omantourism.gov.om




Monday 8 December 2014

The Best Souks in Oman: A Cultural Experience

Souks and Souvenirs - One of the most beautiful attractions of Oman.


Oman is home to numerous souks. These traditional marketplaces have been an integral part of local life for centuries. Every place has its distinctive flavour and every city has a market that relates its stories, embraces its history and accompanies its evolution.

Both Khanjar daggers and frankincense are prized local souvenirs. Khanjars are handcrafted from pure silver and may cost up to £2,500, depending on age and intricacy. Each one requires the skills of at least three specialised artisans: one each for the dagger, the filigree case and the special leather belt that fastens around the waist.

Visitors to Muscat’s Gold Souk will be dazzled by the displays of jewellery, including many Arabian designs, in 18, 22 and 24-carat gold. Prices are based on the day’s gold rate, the weight of the item and a maker’s fee. Other unique souks include:



  • Sohar Handicrafts, located in Al Hajra region near Sultan Qaboos Mosque in Wilayt Sohar in Al Batinah North Governorate. Craft shops sprawl over an area of 7,000 square metres and the souk houses under one roof various Omani traditional industries and handicrafts, such as leather, ceramics, palm leaves, cotton textiles, wool, gold, silver, as well as perfumes, herbs, natural medicines, honey, Omani sweets (Halwa) and traditional weapons.


  • Al Husn in Salalah, renowned for its traditional Arabian perfumes and frankincense. Al Husn Souq is characterised by its location in the middle of Salalah’s old neighbourhoods in Dhofar Governorate. This souq retains a traditional style with its handicrafts, conventional in their design, shape and function, such as braziers and other traditional handicrafts. Al Husn Souq retains its ancient architectural personality, having preserved the original features of its surroundings, apparent in every corner.



What's your favourite Souk so far?  Have you ever been in any of these Souks? What are other Souks you'd like to visit in Oman?

Please, take a moment to leave your comments or thoughts below.

Discover more about Oman: www.omantourism.gov.om