Oman Things to Do

 
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Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

Touristy but worth a visit: Wadi Bani Khalid

by JessH

Wadi Bani Khalid is one of the touristy things to do in Oman... sometimes we're not all in the mood for a crazy adventure on the wild side, so why not?We stopped here on the 2nd day of our road trip towards Sur. It is located approx. 200km from Muscat and approx. 100km from Sur, in a region known as Sharqiyah. Wadi Bani Khalid is famous for its natural beauty and is pretty easy to find. The Omani government has "improved" on its natural beauty and has made the wadi more accessible for tourists and locals alike. A road (often with signs) runs in a zig-zag through the mountains and small villages before dropping down a steep path into the palm groves and the lush green valley below. You don't need a 4x4 to reach Wadi Bani Khalid, as you park your car in the main car park and walk into the wadi. You can reach it after walking about 500m along a faraj (irrigation channel). There are numerous...

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Nature never seizes to amaze: Bimmah Sinkhole

by JessH

This sinkhole is about 500m inland and is 40m wide and 20m deep, and is one of Oman's many natural wonders. It is located near the coast (ca. 200m) and there is a fresh-water spring and cave system inside this limestone crater. It appears that the smashing waves created a deeper and deeper cave underground, working their way towards the underground spring, until one day the unstable layers of rock collapsed.The gorgeous turquoise colour of the water comes from the mixture of fresh and salt water here. I had read about the sinkhole on an Omani expat forum and definitely wanted to stop here. The government has built a small "park" area with a fence around the sinkhole. There are some changing rooms and toilets here (but be warned, they are very basic).This is a lovely place to stop, stretch your legs and cool off in the lovely water. We took a dip and enjoyed the tiny little fish nibbling...

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The Ras al-Jinz Scientific and Visitors Centre

by JessH

If you are interested in wild life and especially in marine biology and conservation, then a trip to this centre is a must!The Omani coast provides one of the world's largest breeding and nesting sites for various species of turtles, and thankfully over the past few year the Omani government has stepped-up its efforts to protect the natural habitat of the turtles along its beaches.Until a few years ago, these beaches were open to the public and many turtle nests/eggs were destroyed by people driving their cars onto the beach, digging them up, etc. Thank goodness this is no longer the case!We came here with a large group (all guests of our friends' wedding) and there are tours at various times of the day. For large groups, it's best to book in advance.Small groups are taken down onto the beach in intervals, and you are instructed to walk closely together behind the guide, no lights...

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Off the beath path: Wadi Al Khaba

by JessH

On our drive from Dubai (United Arab Emirates) to Ras Al Jinz, we decided to spend our 1st night of the road trip camping in a wadi. Our friend had been to Wadi Al Khaba before and sure enough, it was a great place!The wadi* is very long with various small villages clinging to its steep sides. The drive in took us about 1 hour (you will definitely need a 4x4!) but once we reached the half-way point, the going got tough... huge rocks and boulders were scattered all over the canyon, and even in my Landrover Discovery the rocking, bumping and jumping over big rocks was starting to worry me!Thankfully, we spotted a small dirt path on the side of the wadi (yes, it had been there all along and we had decided to be stupid and take the really difficult route.... Argh!) and we made much better progress - after all: we wanted to set-up camp before the sun set.At this time of the year (March) there...

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shadow photo shoots

by kuldip.rawal

when you visit the sand dunes, you have good option to take shadow images, the provenance of this is based on the sun side you shadow image will vary and you can create multiple themes like groups, animals or even jumping photo shoots . i have uploaded some for your quick references.

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Wahiba Sands

by PierreZA

The Sands can be visited as a daytrip from Muscat. Beautiful copper coloured sands, with camels, Bedouins and authentic desert living.A 4x4 vehicle is a must, and might be best to go on an organized trip with a driver and guide.It is a destination in Oman that can keep you busy for a few days. The road from Muscat to Wahiba Sands is extremely picturesque and almost a trip in itself.This is a must visit!

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Western Hajar Mountains

by kishkish

Distance from Muscat - 200 km (to Al Hamra)Average drive time - 2.5 hoursHow to get there - Saloon cars and 4-wheel drives can be hired from Car rental agencies. Four wheel drives are required for off road into the mountains and wadis. Beyond Nizwa, the southern flanks of the Western Hajar Mountains can be readily seen rising over 2000 metres above the surrounding countryside. Within these mountains, rugged networks of wadi channels have carved networks of dramatic canyons and caves. The most fertile of these have been cultivated by the hardy shuwawis, mountain people, who have adapted to this harsh lifestyle under the tropic sun. At Wadi Tanuf, the ever-flowing springs are tapped to produce a commercially popular brand of drinking water. In Al Hamra, 400 year-old mud houses are still standing and occupied to this day. Out along the nearby wadi at Hasat bin Sult Rock, ancientpetroglyphs...

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FOR 1 TO 2 DAYS TRIP

by plgilbuela

Visit 1) the Grand Mosque 2) The Sultan's Palace 3) Take a walk around corniche at sunrise or at sunset 4) Go to Riyam park and check out the view of the city from the tallerst tower 5) Go shopping at the Mutrah Souq and 6) Visit the Bait al Baranda Museum behind Naseem Hotel. Make sure you taste the seafood platter at Marina Hotel.

Walking Tour: Mutrah to Muscat

by PierreZA

This walking tour can take up one full day. I started my tour at Mutrah Port. If you are there early enough, visit the fish market. Walk along the cornishe, pass the Al-Samak roundabout. From here one already have a beautiful view of Mutrah Fort. On the right hand side you will see the beautiful merchant's houses. Further on, at the traffic lights, cross the street to visit the Mutrah Souq. One should return to the souq to spend more time there. Continue along the cornishe. As you leave Mutrah, you will see a interesting fountain, which is visited by many locals. Next you will reach Al-Riyam Park. Continue along the cornishe, which will eventually bring you to Muscat gate, where you can find the Muscat Gate Museum. Continue into Muscat proper. Here you will find the Sultan's Palace, Al-Jalali Fort, Al-Mirani Fort, Bayt -Az-Zubair, French-Omani Museum and many places, buildings of...

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Camel Races

by PierreZA

On the way back from Wahiba Sands to Muscat (about 80km before Muscat), camel races were taking place in a small road side village. If you get the oppurtunity, you should try your best to watch this local sport. Men, young and old are dresses in traditional attire, with belt and khanjars. The race was attended by a huge crowd of men, women and children. There were camel races as well as horse races.It seems that these races are not advertised, and one should ask around as to they are to be held.This is one of the highlights in Oman.

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Top 3 Hotels in Oman

InterContinental Al Bustan Palace Muscat  Muscat

 16 Reviews and 184 Opinions  If you have a chance to visit this prestigious hôtel , you will not regret it. Outstanding... 

 Hotels in Muscat

Hilton Salalah  Salalah

 6 Reviews and 98 Opinions  The minute I entered this hotel I knew something was special and it did not take me long to discover... 

 Hotels in Salalah

Sur Beach Hotel  Sur

 4 Reviews and 23 Opinions  This hotel is a three star option and in my opinion the best you can choose in Sur. Having stayed... 

 Hotels in Sur

Questions and Answers

JOSERAMON6D profile photo

Q:  who could inform me about a really good local travel agency or tour operator in oman, in order to book with them a 15 days round... 

lynnehamman profile photo

A: I recommend Nomad Tours in Oman. We stayed at Nomad Guest House in Muscat- it was excellent, and Lorna (the owner) can organize any tour that you might like to... 

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