Oman Tourism UK: Travel

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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

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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:

1- Take a Ferry:

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:

Name	Location	Tel	Fax	Email
Al-Mahaa	Al-Sarooj	24603376	24605502	mahaa@omantel.net.om
Avis	Al-Bustan Palace Hotel	24703242	24700050	avisoman@omantel.net.om
Avis	Intercontinental Hotel	24601224	24700050	avisoman@omantel.net.om
Budget	Muscat Airport	24510816	24798144	budgetom@omantel.net.om
Budget	Ruwi	24794721	24798144	budgetom@omantel.net.om
Europe Car	Holiday Inn Hotel	24484093	24794061	eurmct@omantel.net.om
Europe Car	Muscat Airport	24521369	24794061	eurmct@omantel.net.om
Europe Car	Ruwi	24700190	24794061	eurmct@omantel.net.om
Hertz	Muscat Airport	24521187	24566125	nttoman@omantel.net.om
Hertz	Wattayah	24566208	24566125	nttoman@omantel.net.om
Sixt	Crown Plaza Hotel	24561427	24565968	tracbest@omantel.net.om
Sixt	Muscat Airport	26846619	24566125	tracbest@omantel.net.om
Thrifty	Khuwair	24489648	24482515	haditha@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:

Hotel	Location	One way fare (RO)
Al Bustan Palace Hotel	Al Bustan	12.000
Al Falaj Mercure Hotel	Ruwi	10.000
Chedi Hotel	Al Ghubrah	8.000
Crown Plaza Hotel, Muscat	Qurum	10.000
Golden Oasis	Wadi Kabir	10.000
Golden Tulip	Seeb (Muscat International Airport)	6.000
Grand Hyatt Muscat	Jawadhart Al Shatti	8.000
Haffa House	Ruwi	10.000
Holiday Inn, Al Madinah	Al Madinah	8.000
Holiday Inn, Muscat	Al Khuwair	8.000
Majan Hotel	Ghubrah South	8.000
Muscat Intercontinental Hotel	Jawadhart Al Shatti	8.000
Oman Diving Centre	Barr Al Jissah	15.000
Radisson SAS	Al Khuwair	8.000
Ramada Hotel	Jawadhart Al Shatti	8.000
Shangri La, Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa	Barr Al Jissah	15.000
Sheraton Oman Hotel	Ruwi	10.000

Fares to major destinations:

Area	Approximate distance from Muscat International Airport	One way fare (RO)
Al-Ghubrah, Azaiba,	12 km	8.000
Al-Kuwair, Quram, Madinat as Sultan Qaboos	20 km	8.000
Barka	52 km	15.000
Nizwa	140km	30.000
Qurayyat	120 km	24.000
Ruwi, Muttrah	32 km	10.000
Sohar	195 km	40.000

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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Thursday 16 July 2015

5 Reasons Why You Should Absolutely Visit Salalah This Year

Towards the end of June each year, as the Khareef (monsoon) season begins, the landscape around the southern city of Salalah, is almost magically transformed. The dull browns are replaced by rolling green hills, misty woods and sparkling mountains springs.

1 - Because of its incredible rock formation.
The rocky outcrops on the beach in Mughsayl contain many blow holes that spout dramatically during high tide.

2 - Because there are gorgeous landscapes.
Travel down long winding wadis through dense forest set along rocky slopes and see them suddenly disappear into the mists.

3 - Because you can have so much fun.
The annual Khareef Festival offers the best in entertainment for the whole family.

4 - Because its stunning green colours.
Overnight, the rugged brown hills around Salalah are transformed magically into a lush green landscape.

http://travelleroasis.om/en/

5 - Because of its mountains.
Green mountains drop to the very edge of the Indian Ocean.

During Khareef season, temperature drop to a comfortable 30 degrees making Salalah a perfect place to escape the summer heat and enjoy the annual Khareef Festival which takes place every July and August. The Salalah Tourism Festival runs from mid June to the end of September.

New website for travellers heading to Dhofar here: travelleroasis.om/en/
Discover more about Oman: www.omantourism.gov.om

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 18 June 2015

A Quick Guide to Exploring the Captivating Capital of Oman

What are some recommended places to visit and activities to do while in Muscat, Oman?

Muscat is the capital of the country – where traditional architecture sits beside stunning beaches and bustling souks – reflects Oman’s past and its present. Set between the sea and rugged mountain ranges, Muscat, with its melting pot of cultures, is the perfect starting point for an Omani adventure.

Located at the foot of the Hajar Mountains, Oman’s major mountain range, Muscat faces the Arabian Sea. Architecturally, the city is characterised by a typical oriental Arabesque style with its white and sand-coloured low-standing houses. The skyline is dotted with the minarets and domes of the city’s mosques.

Archaeological remains suggest this was the site of an early fishing settlement as far back as the fifth millennium BC, making Muscat one of the oldest cities in Arabia. As a trading port, Muscat experienced continual growth and attracted sailors and merchants from all over the world.

In 1507 it was conquered by the Portuguese, who occupied the city until 1650 when it was freed by Sultan bin Saif, who founded an empire that stretched from Pakistan to Zanzibar. In 1832 a second capital city was settled on the African island of Zanzibar. This marked the beginning of a period of decline for Muscat, which only regained its former glory after the current sultan, His Majesty Qaboos bin Said, rose to power in the 1970s.

Today, there is plenty to captivate the visitor. Start with a stroll along the Mutrah corniche. First thing in the morning, this busy port is the site of a fish market, while in the early evening locals flock there to take in the sea air. Looking out over the seafront are some of the city’s oldest and most beautiful houses, as well as the Lawati mosque, with its blue minaret and majestic dome decorated with mosaics. The same area is also home to the best-stocked souk in the Arabian Peninsula.

Here, in its maze of alleyways, it is possible to find traditional clothes, jewellery, spices, antiques, hand-woven Bedouin carpets and craft workshops. Look for the craftsmen making traditional sculpted silver and ivory daggers known as khunjars.

Within walking distance of Mutrah is a magnificent private home called Bait al Baranda, or “House of the Porch”, now a museum dedicated to the history of Muscat from prehistory to the present day, with a section dedicated to the current ruling dynasty. The museum is open from Saturday to Thursday, 9am to 1pm and 4pm to 6pm. The breathtaking Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, opened in 2001, is a must for anyone visiting the country. It's elegantly carved arches lead to the courtyard and from there you can enter the huge main prayer hall, entirely decorated in white, blue and gold. An opulent Swarovski chandelier hangs from the dome and the floor is covered with a Persian carpet handcrafted by 600 weavers and spanning 4,263 square metres.

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Set between sea and mountain, the capital of the Sultanate seduces with its blend of ancient and modern charms.

One of the first nations to embrace Islam in a peaceful manner, Oman converted Ibadi Islam in 700 AD. This denomination – also called Ibãdiyya – is believed to be a division of the Khawaji school of Islam. Formed some 50 years after the death of Mohammed, Ibadi is the dominant form of Islam in Oman and Zanzibar, although there are also Ibadis in the Nafus mountains in Libya, the Mzad valley in Algeria, the island of Jerba in Tunisia and in East Africa. The Grand Mosque is open from Monday to Thursday, 9am to 11am.

You may not be able to venture inside the Al Alam Royal Palace in the Old Muscat area, but it still worth a visit. Built by Sultan Qaboos in 1972, its elaborately decorated façades and the impressive courtyard give visitors a good idea of the opulence within the palace, which is used for high-profile public ceremonies and meetings. Opposite the Palace, the imposing forms of the Jalali and Mirani Forts stand on the high ground around the city and are among its most distinguishing features. Built during the Portuguese occupation in about 1580, their exceptional structures make these two of the most beautiful forts in the country.

ROYAL OPERA HOUSE

Opened in 2011, the Royal Opera House – the first of its kind in the Arabian Peninsula – is the Sultan’s vision for the future of Oman’s cultural heritage and legacy. It is in the heart of the city and its calendar features classical music, jazz, symphony and ballet, as well as international acts. To see the list of performances and to buy tickets, visit www.rohmuscat.org.om

The fortress-style Old Town gates now house a magnificent museum that allows you to explore how the city appeared – from its ancient wells to sprawling souks – in days past. From its highest windows, there is also a panoramic view of the city and ocean.

The beautiful home of Bait al Zubair is a complex of private buildings transformed into an ethnographic museum. It has recently been extended, with the addition of an Oman Renaissance building. Its broad collection of traditional clothes, objects and jewellery helps paint a picture of daily life in the Sultanate over the centuries.

The museum also has a collection of local and contemporary art and organises temporary
exhibitions, concerts and events to support young and up-and-coming artists. It is open
from Saturday to Thursday, 9.30am to 6pm.

The old French consulate – Bait Fransa – has also been renovated and converted into a delightful museum. Focusing on the building of ties between Oman and France, it also has a cool, luxuriant inner garden. It is open from Sunday to Thursday, 9am to midday.

Nature lovers will take great pleasure in discovering the flora and fauna of the Sultanate – including some in fossilised form – at the fantastic Natural History Museum in the Ministry of Heritage and Culture Building in the Al Khuwair area. The star exhibit, dominating an entire room, is an enormous skeleton of a whale. The museum is open from Sunday to Thursday, 9am to midday.

Need more inspiration? Check this Note: An Evening in Muscat

Thursday 11 June 2015

Discovering Salalah to the Press #Salalah2015

Thursday 4 June 2015

Glamping - A Luxurious Version Of Camping

The trend for glamping – a luxurious version of camping – has hit Oman.

Have you ever thought about giving a chance to different concept of accommodation?

Many people like to take a break away from the hustle and bustle of city life with its pampered lifestyle and go camping to break the routine of their lives.

With its open wide spaces, the Sultanate of Oman is a paradise for outdoor activities. - CLICK TO TWEET

The Sultanate of Oman has a wide range of fascinating accommodation options: from luxurious 5-star beach resorts and boutique hotels to sleeping under the stars in the desert. Oman's diverse landscapes will take your breath away.

Among others, Desert Nights offers sumptuous, en-suite tented cottages dotted through the dunes, along with plenty of opportunities for sand boarding, exploring the desert by 4WD and camel rides. Hud Hud Travels sets up glamorous desert camp sites, complete with plush beds, private chefs and bonfires under the stars. 1000 Nights Camp tempts with an open-air swimming pool and guided stargazing tours. Eco-friendly mountain top camp The View is as tranquil as it is exquisite.

In addition to the camps created for tourists around Oman, visitors are allowed to pitch their own tents. Lovers of the natural environment and outdoor life can choose to camp in some truly remarkable locations. The laws of the country impose no restrictions in this respect, so you can camp wherever you like: near wadis, in the mountains, on the beach or in the desert. The only requirement is to show respect for the environment and local people. The ideal period for camping is between October and April, but even in the summer pleasant temperatures and astounding views can be found on high ground, such as the Sayq plateau and the peaks of Jabal Shams.