SULTANATE OF OMAN, MINISTRY OF TOURISM

SULTANATE OF OMAN, MINISTRY OF TOURISM

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

Friday 31 July 2015

19 Hidden Gems In The Desert Just Waiting For You


 


What are some of the best travel locations in Oman that most people have never heard about? Where are they and how to find them? 



There are an endless choices of activities and places to visit for every type of traveller. Whether seeking to indulge on a gorgeous beach vacation, getting involved in a number of unique adventures or discovering cultural wonders, the treasures of Oman will not disappoint you.


A “Wadi” is a valley or ravine that is dry except during the monsoons, when they fill with water, forming oases of cool water and vegetation. Oman has several. In this article, we will show you 19 hidden gems in the desert just waiting for you:

1 - Wadi Al Khoud: situated in Wilayat AlSeeb, Muscat, is considered one of the largest wadi basins in the Sultanate.

2 - Wadi Al Arbiyeen: one of the most beautiful wadis in Muscat. It is situated 3 kilometres away from Wilayat Qurayat on the road leading to the villages of Fins and Bamah.


http://www.omantripper.com/wadi-al-arbaeen/

3 - Wadi Ad Dayqah: one of the most easy - to - reach tourist attractions located near Muscat, about 90 kilometres from Wadi Aday. Visitors can cross this wadi and explore the Omani mountains and their natural diversity.


https://catbirdinoman.wordpress.com

4 - Wadi Darbat: located in Dhofar. This wadi carves its way through hills and highlands until it reaches Khawr Ruri, where it empties into the Arabian Gulf. During autumn, the wadi's water descending from the mountains forms magnificent waterfalls, cascading from a height of up to 30 metres.





5 - Wadi Al Abyad ( White Valley ): this wadi is about 30 km (1.85 miles) away from the main Muscat - Sohar road, where it extends west of Wilayat Nakjl, Al Batinah Region. Characterised by its abundant fresh water springs and year - round streams.


https://www.y-oman.com/2013/03/destination-wadi-abyad/

6 - Wadi Bani Awf ( Suspended Road ): if you love excitement, adventure, and winding mountain roads, you'll find a challenge in Wadi Bani Awf, Al Batinah region. To traverse this road, you must have a four - wheel drive and the driver must be an expert in mountain driving.

7 - Wadi Bani Kharous: one of the best known Omani wadis. A visitor to Wadi Bani Kharous is attracted by its fascinating flora and fauna and beautiful landscapes. You will be curious to discover unknown sights in its various villages.

8 - Wadi Al Qahfi: located nearly 50 km ( 31 miles ) from Wilayat Mahdah, Al Buraymi Governorate. Water flows most of the year and is distinguished by its fresh quality.

9 - Wadi Damm: located near Al Ayn village, Wilayat Ibri, Ad Dhahirah Region, and is about 45 km ( 28 miles ) from Ibri city. It is a seasonal wadi, dry much of the year. It relies on the rain which gathers in its water ponds. This wadi is remarkable for its characteristic rocky formation sculpted by erosion.


http://www.omantripper.com/wadi-dhum/

10 - Wadi Danak ( Fida ): this wadi originates in Fida town in Dhank Province, specifically in Al Khili, an area so steep it is considered a water reservoir for Yanqul and Shuab wadis, whose waters cascade down the face of the mountains. Wadi Danak's water runs all year round and is home to a multitude of birds.

11 - Wadi Muayden: is in Birkat Al - Mawz, A'Dakhiliyah Region, and one of the biggest and fullest wadis in Oman year round. It is a gateway to Al Jabal Al Akhdhar ( The Green Mountain ) and is home to Al Muayden village. Trekking fans can reach Al Jabal Al Akhdhar through this wadi. 

12 - Wadi ArRaydha: on the way to this valley the visitor passes many fossils and ruins that speak of civilisations past. The spring rains bring beauty to the landscape, with an enchanting, aromatic mix of wild flowers and herbs. You get glimpses of animals grazing on the lush grass in some seasons.


http://www.allwonders.com/destinations/oman

13 - Wadi AlShab: this wadi is located in Tiwi, part of Sur in the Ash Sharqiyah region. It lies 140 kilometres ( 87 miles ) from Muscat on the Qurayat - Sur Coastal Road. Fresh water cascading from tops of the mountains meet the briny sea water on its banks, creating an environmental diversity unique to this wadi. 


http://www.omantripper.com/wadi-shab/

14 - Wadi Bani Khalid: located 203 kilometres ( 126 miles ) from Muscat. Trake the Bidbid - Sur Road in the Ash Sharqiyah region, which forks into a side road leading to Bani Khalid Governorate and then weaves up across the eastern AlHajar Mountains to Bida village deep in the mountains. There you can enjoy the spectacular views of the fertile valley with its spreading trees and abundant water that tumbles down as waterfalls in some areas to form natural pools of water.

15 - Wadi Tiwi: located in Tiwi, Sur Governorate in the Ash Sharqiyah region, it is 2 km ( 1.24 miles ) from Wadi AlShab and spreads over an area of 36 km ( 22.37 miles ) at the foot of the mountain village of Mibam. You can see the valley below, and the azure waters of the sea from some elevated locations.

16 - Wadi At Ta'iyeen: located in the Ash Sharqiyah Province. It extends over 80 km ( 49.71 miles ) across AlHajar Mountain of Bidbid - Sur Road, 92 km ( 57.17 miles ) from Muscat. It is an expansive valley dotted with rocks acacia trees and small hills overlooked by the mountains on both sides. 

17 - Wadi Dimma: located in the Dimma and at Tayyin Governorate ( The Ash Sharqiyah province ) and is known as the Wadi Al Hajir, location of the natural Al Hajir Park.


http://www.omantripper.com/wadi-dima/

18 - Wadi Andam: here you'll find a seamless amalgamation of trees and rocky formations that will steep your senses in total serenity, rejuvenation and relaxation.

19 - Wadi An Nakhr: waterfalls cascading from Jabal Shams ( Sun Mountain ) form this valley. This valley contains a village that bears its name and which can be seen from the top of Jabal Shams.

Wadis form a unique environmental system characterised by variety, diversity, and a wealth of natural attractions. Within this fertile environment, people have lived in the wadis (valleys) of Oman for thousands of years. 

If you want to discover more about Oman, visit the official website here: www.omantourism.gov.om




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Oman Tourism UK is the Official Account for the Oman Ministry of Tourism MBR in The UK & Ireland. Want to be part of our community? Connect with us!

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Friday 24 July 2015

How Tourists From All Over The World Get Access To Oman


How do people access to Oman? What are the best ways to move around and discover its beauty?



How Tourists From All Over The World Get Access To Oman via @Oman_Tourism_UK #adventure



Access to and within Oman is easy and organised. There is an excellent road network with signage in Arabic and English and most tourist sites can now be reached by saloon car. 

The more remote mountain and desert areas need a 4-Wheel Drive, which can be hired locally or you can join an organised tour. For longer trips, there are domestic flights with Oman Air from Muscat.


Getting Around Oman: By Air, Car, Bus, Ferry and Camel:


All NFC’s fast ferries serve passenger and vehicle movements between key ports:


Muscat - Khasab (Musandam)
Khasab - Lima (Musandam) (currently only passengers and cargo)
Shinas - Khasab (launched on 9th May 2012)
Shannah - Masirah (launched on 14th August 2014)
Shinas - Dibba - Khasab (launched on 28th August 2014)


www.nfc.om
2- Take the Bus:
Public buses, run by the Oman National Transport. Today the company has in the region 200 buses and 320 staff with its headquarters and main operating base in Al Azaiba. There is one major bus station for local and long distance services in central Ruwi.


www.ontcoman.com

3- Take a Car Rental:
There’s never been an easier way to fill up the trunk and head out on a completely unique adventure. See some options below:


https://www.flickr.com/photos/eewei/

Some Car Rental options:

NameLocationTelFaxEmail
Al-MahaaAl-Sarooj2460337624605502mahaa@omantel.net.om
AvisAl-Bustan Palace Hotel2470324224700050avisoman@omantel.net.om
AvisIntercontinental Hotel2460122424700050avisoman@omantel.net.om
BudgetMuscat Airport2451081624798144budgetom@omantel.net.om
BudgetRuwi2479472124798144budgetom@omantel.net.om
Europe CarHoliday Inn Hotel2448409324794061eurmct@omantel.net.om
Europe CarMuscat Airport2452136924794061eurmct@omantel.net.om
Europe CarRuwi2470019024794061eurmct@omantel.net.om
HertzMuscat Airport2452118724566125nttoman@omantel.net.om
HertzWattayah2456620824566125nttoman@omantel.net.om
SixtCrown Plaza Hotel2456142724565968tracbest@omantel.net.om
SixtMuscat Airport2684661924566125tracbest@omantel.net.om
ThriftyKhuwair2448964824482515haditha@omantel.net.om


4- Take a Flight:
Muscat - Salalah. Cool off in Salalah during the Khareef season, which lasts from June to early September. 


www.omanair.com

5- Take a 4- Wheel Drive vehicles:
A four-wheel drive vehicle is worth renting if you intend to explore the rugged country outside the city.




6- Take a taxi:    
Make sure you agree the fare with the driver before commencing your journey.


commons.wikimedia.org

Fares to key hotels:

HotelLocationOne way fare (RO)
Al Bustan Palace HotelAl Bustan12.000
Al Falaj Mercure HotelRuwi10.000
Chedi HotelAl Ghubrah8.000
Crown Plaza Hotel, MuscatQurum10.000
Golden OasisWadi Kabir10.000
Golden TulipSeeb (Muscat International Airport)6.000
Grand Hyatt MuscatJawadhart Al Shatti8.000
Haffa HouseRuwi10.000
Holiday Inn, Al MadinahAl Madinah8.000
Holiday Inn, MuscatAl Khuwair8.000
Majan HotelGhubrah South8.000
Muscat Intercontinental HotelJawadhart Al Shatti8.000
Oman Diving CentreBarr Al Jissah15.000
Radisson SASAl Khuwair8.000
Ramada HotelJawadhart Al Shatti8.000
Shangri La, Barr Al Jissah Resort & SpaBarr Al Jissah15.000
Sheraton Oman HotelRuwi10.000

Fares to major destinations:


AreaApproximate distance from Muscat International AirportOne way fare (RO)
Al-Ghubrah, Azaiba,12 km8.000
Al-Kuwair, Quram, Madinat as Sultan Qaboos20 km8.000
Barka52 km15.000
Nizwa140km30.000
Qurayyat120 km24.000
Ruwi, Muttrah32 km10.000
Sohar195 km40.000

7- Take a camel:
For those that have never sat on a camel, this is an experience not to be missed. Also called the “Ship of the Desert”, camels are a vital part of the Omani Society, for it represents a deeply appreciated and highly valued tradition. 


www.razantravel.com


Oman is easier to get to than you might think. Over 20 international airlines fly directly to Muscat International Airport, 32 km west of the city centre. Take off from London Heathrow with Oman Air, our national carrier and you will be in Muscat in just 7.5 hours later. 

What do you think is the best way to move around Oman? Are there any other ways you'd like to try? We'd love to hear from you. 

Please, take a moment to leave your comments below!

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Oman Tourism UK is the Official Account for the Oman Ministry of Tourism MBR in The UK & Ireland. Want to be part of our community? Connect with us!

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Thursday 9 July 2015

An Experience Not To Be Missed For Culture Seekers

A Must if Visiting Muscat - beautiful hall, excellent acoustics.





Culture seekers can revel in Oman’s burgeoning contemporary scene, with Muscat’s Royal Opera House, the Muscat Art Festival and the city’s cutting-edge architecture attracting visitors from across the globe.

Royal Opera House

Labelled “The Jewel of Muscat” since its opening in October 2011, the Royal Opera House Muscat established Oman as the epicentre of classical music in the Gulf States. Local and international concerts, as well as one-of-a-kind operas, are staged here. Recent performers have included Milan’s Teatro Alla Scala BalletCompany, London’sRoyal Philharmonic Orchestra and legendary Spanish tenor Plácido Domingo. The Opera House’s innovative main hall (1,000+ seats, 80,000 m2) possesses a unique mobile shell designed by one of the world’s leading architectural firms, Wimberly Allison Tong & Goo. Free tours are available in the morning (10 am) and the adjoining Galleria has a selection of great lunch or dinner options.



Bait MuznaGallery

Tucked into Muscat’s Old Town, the Bait MuznaGallery exhibits artworks by emerging contemporary Omani artists. The gallery, spread over three floors of a classically restored Omani residence, has been thriving for more than a decade. Local artists also lead art workshops inside the gallery.




Ghalyas Museum of Modern Art

The Ghalyas Museum of Modern Art, which opened in 2011, stretches throughout the rooms of a traditional mid 20th-century Omani home. In sharp contrast to its permanent onsite displays of traditional local heritage, the Ghalyas' contemporary Art Gallery showcases the works of Omani as well as dozens of international artists.The museum will be opening six new areas: this additional exhibition space will allow the museum to exhibit pieces from their permanent collection that have never been on show to the general public.

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


Thursday 25 June 2015

A Streamlined Sensory Experience: Camel Trekking

Following in the steps of the traditional transport used by Oman’s Bedouin tribes, camel trekking is perhaps the most exotic way to discover the local lands. Exploration of the desert’s endless dunes is a streamlined sensory experience – a pared down combination of horizon gazing, meals prepared over open fires and silent contemplation.

Various local outfits offer day, weekend or weeklong treks through picturesque swathes of desert including the Wahiba Sands. For the adventurous, camel trekking may be paired with camping under Oman’s star-studded skies. The bravest travellers may even follow in the steps of Wilfred Thesiger, who traversed much of the country by camel using a team of local guides.



For a further understanding as to the important role that camels continue to play in Omani culture and history, it is worth visiting former capital of Nizwa’s Livestock Market. Camels, goats and cattle are sold, bartered and exchanged at this weekly market, which is held outside of the town’s souk on Friday mornings.

For anyone who has visited Oman, what was the most beautiful, incredible sight you saw while there?
Discover more about Oman: www.omantourism.gov.om

Thursday 28 May 2015

Here's Everything You Want to Know About Dhofar

Hidden beaches, lapped by the Arabian Sea, abound throughout the Governorate of Dhofar. The city of Salalah is blessed with kilometre after kilometre of soft white sand, the main beaches including those at Dahariz, Al Baleed and Haffa, near Al Husn Palace.



West of the city the mountains give way to the beaches of Mugsayl and beyond, creating dramatic backdrops. To the east of Salalah, unspoilt beaches can be discovered all the way to Taqah, interrupted only by a few creeks. Beyond Mirbat, the nature of the coastline changes to one of small coves; some with Dhofar's famous white sand, others of multihued granite pebbles worn smooth by the power of Oman's Arabian Sea.



Al Baleed, Dhofar

Set on the edge of the Arabian Sea, just to the east of Al Husn Palace and the souq, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Al Baleed is a combination of open air archeological site and The Museum of the Frankincense Lands. The Museum of the Frankincense Lands focuses on three themes: one is The Governorate of Dhofar's historical and archaeological heritage; the remarkable maritime tradition Al Baleed and the other UNESCO sites, including Sumhuram which is located east of Al Baleed and Ash Shisr, set on the edge of the Rub Al Khali desert. The maritime room includes superb models of Omani boats from 3,000BC to current times.


Mountain drive along Safait Road in Dhofar

Ancient travellers such as Ibn Battuta and Marco Polo knew the trading town and its port as Dhofar / Zafar, the name now used for the entire southern region of Oman. The impressive southern sea walls of Al Baleed form part of the fortifications of the town. Protected by the walls were the citadel and grand mosque. Both of these impressive buildings were originally approached by a bridge over the surrounding lagoon. 


Mirbat Fort, Port & Bin Ali Tomb


Situated between the extraordinary escarpment of Jebel Samhan and the Arabian Sea, Mirbat is a charming coastal town. Historically it traded in horses and frankincense, more recently in abalone and from its fishing harbour, fish. Overlooking the harbour entrance is Mirbat Fort which, in origin, is an early 19th century fortifications. Beyond Mirbat the coastline becomes more rugged as the road winds through outcrops of granite rock on its way to Sadh, with its small fort, and Hasik, set on a vast sweeping bay.



Taqah Castle 06
Omantripper.com
The town of Taqah's charming coastal setting to the east of Salalah makes it an attractive town to visit or stay in. To the west of the town is Khor Taqah, a lagoon edged with natural reeds and a section landscaped to enjoy the views. From the lagoon, a long walk or drive along the beachfront will take you past coconut plantations towards the older part of town. Here is the Sheikh Afif Mosque, which is located next to Taqah Fort. The fort is build around an open courtyard offering its residents privacy and security and, from its upper storey, allows visitors views of the town, mountains and sea. From the fort it's possible to take a short walk through the back streets of the town, where visitors will see several old buildings in traditional Dhofar Governorate style.


One can imagine the magnificence of this province when most parts of the Arabian Peninsula witness a rise in temperatures of up to 45 degrees Celsius in summer. But, in Salalah, the capital of Dhofar that lies 1,040 kilometres away from Muscat, temperatures never rise above 27 degrees Celsius. There are daily flights between Muscat and Salalah, as well as other Arab Gulf states.


Please, take a moment to leave your comment below!