An exotic canvas of desert, mountain and coastal scenery, and an
unlikely mix of ancient and modern, Oman packs a powerful ‘wow!’ factor.
Rich in history and culture and surprisingly beautiful gives it tremendous
appeal to those in search of somewhere unique but where tourism has had little
impact on the environment. To confine your stay to one of Muscat’s beach hotels –
superb though they are - would be to see this extraordinary country with one eye
closed.
WHAT TO SEE
Muscat
Oman’s
historic capital, divided into three main districts, simply demands exploration.
Muscat proper is
formed by old walled port town, dominated by the Sultan's Palace, buildings of
the Royal
Court and Government offices. Two 16th-century
Portuguese forts watch over the entrance to Muscat - and the city walls contain three
wonderfully carved ancient gates. The city’s narrow streets and old houses are
guarded by the hillside Mutrah Fort. The spectacular Ali Mosque, Sultan Qaboos
Grand Mosque and the New Mosque beside the sea add to the district's character.
Mutrah port is the commercial centre, with a fish market, souk and many bazaars
to visit. Ruwi is the business district, home to some especially good shopping
streets, the National Museum (with fine silverwork displays) and the
Sultan's Armed
Forces Museum.
Salalah & the South
Capital of Oman’s
southern region and a city enfolded amongst coconut groves and banana
plantations, Salalah sprawls along sandy Arabian
Sea beaches. The lush vegetation creates an almost tropical air –
especially as this is one of the few corners of the Arabian
Peninsula which has a monsoon. The ancient cities of Al-Balid and
Samhuram are a major attraction and Nabi Ayoub (Jacob) Tomb and Tomb of Prophet
Omran also merit a visit.
Sur
Set where the Gulf of
Oman widens into the Arabian Sea, the
historic town of Sur began trading along the African coast in
the sixth century and has long been famous in the area for its boat-building.
It’s fascinating to wander around its winding streets, full of carved wooden
doors and old Arabesque buildings.
Nizwa
The main town of Oman’s interior, Nizwa was the country's
capital during the sixth and seventh centuries and the centre of the town is
still dominated by the huge circular tower of one of the country’s oldest and
largest castles. Famous for its copper and silver handicrafts, exotic Nizwa
features an extensive palm oasis stretching for eight miles along the course of
two wadis.
Jabrin
For one of Oman’s most spectacular views over
the desert to the mountains, look out from Jabrin’s 17th-century fortified
palace - also notable for its painted wooden
ceilings.
Bahla
Dating back to the third millennium BC and a World Heritage Site,
this ancient town boasts seven miles of ancient defensive walls. There’s an
interesting souk here and the town is
known for its pottery. Not to be missed is the picturesque nearby village of Al Hamra.
Jebel Akhdar
Amid the fertile lush surroundings of this 10,000 ft peak (its name
means ‘The Green Mountain’) you can swop the desert for date-palm groves,
valleys and terraced villages. On its northern slopes are Al Hazm fortress,
built in 1708, and the oasis town of Rostaq,
containing the tombs of Oman's early rulers. On the side of a
deep wadi on the mountain’s south
slope stands Misfah, one of Oman’s most attractive
villages.
WHAT TO DO
Sports
Contrary
to expectation, perhaps, Oman is no land-locked desert
country. With a coastline stretching for over 1,000 miles, much of it lined with
stunning beaches, the Sultanate can provide watersports of virtually every kind,
spanning snorkelling, kayaking and other boating, diving and surfing – and the
beachfront resort hotels and marina in the Muscat area are well-equipped in this
respect. Oman’s clear waters and many coral
reefs make diving here a very special experience (see
At a Glance section for more
information on scuba-diving). Deep-sea fishing trips and jet boat hire are other
popular options.
Excursions
You’re
highly unlikely to be short of things to do here. The sea offers dhow sunset
cruises; scenic coastal cruises among rocky coves and lagoons; and
dolphin-watching trips (pods of spinner, common
and bottlenose dolphins are regularly seen off the coast and whales are also
occasionally spotted). Turtle-watching by the shore is another fascinating
experience.
Adventure
Don’t leave without trying a spot of 4x4 ‘wadi-bashing’, being driven into the
desert and exploring the rivers and mountains, perhaps with a chance to swim in
a ‘wadi’. More sedate – just! - is a little camel-riding on a short desert
safari.
Camel-racing
Omanis are obsessed with camel-racing and meetings are held on Friday
mornings. The sheer novelty of the occasion – and perhaps a bet on the
best-looking steed – could make a ‘visit to the races’ a memorable feature of
your stay.
Shopping
Muscat’s
shopping options encompass both air-conditioned shopping complexes (mostly in
Ruwi and Qurum) and traditional market souks. Most fascinating of the latter is
the Muttrah Souk, with a maze of narrow winding alleys and lanes. You won’t come
away without having been tempted by the silverware, rose-water sprinklers,
coffee pots, incense burners, fragrant frankincense, rugs and more – and even
modern electronics, Barbie dolls and fashion accessories. In the Gold Souk you
can take your pick of gold, pearls, precious and semi-precious stones. Nizwa
also has an especially interesting souk –
visit the weekly goat/animal market a colourful, exhilarating experience to
see the Bedouins bartering for goats and cattle.
Entertainment
Night
owls could develop withdrawal symptoms in Oman.
The relatively few nightclubs and bars in Muscat are mostly found in the hotels. Apart
from these, there are three air-conditioned cinemas in Muscat’s Ruwi
district
. . . but not a great deal else!