10 things to do on your holiday in Oman
10 things to do on your holiday in Oman
Oman is one of the most colourfully diverse countries in the Middle East, meaning there are so many things to see and do if you’re on holiday there. But obviously, you don’t have unlimited time to leisurely go through all these wonderful places.
So we’ve come up with a list of ten things you should do when holidaying in Oman. This isn’t to say you should try to do all 10 things if you don’t have the time, nor should you avoid any other wonders you might come across, but when planning your trip to Oman, these are some of the things you must consider.
Visit Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat is one of Oman’s most marvellous pieces of architecture, making it one of the top locations to visit in Oman. Unlike many mosques that do not allow non-Muslim visitors inside, Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is open to the public from Saturday to Thursday between 8-11am.
The place has a strict dress code, however, which you should bear in mind when visiting –arms and legs should be covered completely, and women are required to cover their hair in a shawl.
Shop at Mutrah Souq
Mutrah Souq is among the Middle East’s oldest and largest traditional markets, making it a superb melting-pot of culture and tradition, with so many things available including food, clothing, jewellery and more. The Souq can be a bit crowded with both locals and tourists, so it is ideal to visit as the sun is not too harsh, around 5pm. It stays open till very late in the night.
Explore Bahla Fort
Declared a UNESCO heritage site, Bahla Fort is a piece of Oman’s past, and offers you the chance to explore and catch a glimpse of what life would have been like in a bygone era. Still, this 13 century fort is not only ideal for history-buffs; the building and locations are beautiful and romantic, and creates many photo opportunities.
What’s great about Bahla Fort is that it’s affordable and isn’t crowded with visitors and tourists, meaning you can stroll through the place in peace.
Marvel at the Al-Hamra Ruins
Another ancient site in Oman is the Al-Hamra Ruins, which are estimated to be between 700-1,000 years old. Once a thriving community, the inhabitants of Al-Hamra simply moved away to find a new place to live long ago, leaving this hauntingly captivating set of ruins standing as a testament to their conquering of the desert.
These ruins are also less visited by tourists, making the visit to Al-Hamra Ruins a very peaceful one. The location offers you a chance to do quite a bit of exploring, through which you can step backwards in time to an era that has long since passed.
Camp in the Wahiba Sands
Also known as the Sharqiyah Sands, the Wahiba Sands are home to dunes of soft, pure-white sand that are eerily beautiful in both day- and night-time, making camping here a totally unique experience. In case, you prefer to keep your luxuries, you don’t have to settle for a tent, Desert Private Camping Company operates 3 wonderful camps from unique bedouins-stay to traditional chalets up to the luxury tents-stay. They will provide you with luxury camps that boast the best of facilities and comfort, while giving you the experience of the desert sands.
Swim in Wadi Bani Khalid
Wadi bani Khalid is one of Oman more underrated places to visit, and it is sure to deliver a memorable experience. The place is popular among locals, but a short hike will take you to some natural pools that are not crowded, meaning you can enjoy the beautiful location in tranquillity and at your leisure. Time will easily fly by as you explore the picturesque location and enjoy yourself in the natural beauity of this place.
Take the plunge into Bimmah Sinkhole
The Bimmah Sinkhole is a natural wonder that is easily on almost every list of things to do in Oman. The location is easily accessible, it offers so many fun things to do, like swimming, hiking, relaxing and more, and it also gives you the chance to take some amazing photos.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can scale the cliff walls to make an epic jump into the natural pool of Bimmah Sinkhole, or you can just dip your feet in the water for the little fish that live inside to come and give you a free foot spa treatment!
Catch the sunset over Wadi Dayqah Dam
On the east coast of Oman sits the Wadi Dayqah Dam, which offers an impressive view that will take your breath away. Not many people have heard about this marvel, but the view alone is so stunning that you’ll find yourself clicking photo after photo. Still, nothing compares to watching the sunset in the beautiful location with your own eyes; it is something you definitely must experience on your holiday in Oman.
Hike to Wadi Shab
‘Wadi’ is what Omanis call a canyon/gorge, where you sometimes find pools of crystal clear waters and often see breathtaking views that leave you marvelling at the epic scale of nature. Wadi Shab is no exception, and it is one of the most picturesque places to visit in Oman.
Wadi Shab is accessible via a short boat ride that costs 1 Omani Rial, followed by a 45-minute hike. The hike isn’t very difficult, but you should keep a pair of walking shoes handy, just in case.
Wadi Shab gives you the chance to hike, explore and swim, allowing you several opportunities to have fun in the water, discover the secrets of caves and cliffs, and take beautifully timeless photographs.
Explore Jebel Shams
Known as the Middle East’s Grand Canyon, Jebel Shams, sitting at nearly 10,000 feet, is the topmost point of the Hajar Mountain Range. As its nickname suggests, this place offers some spectacular views that showcase how epic Mother Nature truly is. The best times for photography at this location are during sunrise and sunset, so plan your visit accordingly.
This place will require a bit of hiking, so if you’re an explorer at heart, put on your walking shoes and be ready for the experience of a lifetime.
Victoria and Terrence’s experience about Oman