When someone mentions traveling to Oman, it’s often met with quizzical looks and questions. After a few minutes of sharing a mini-geography lesson, answering some political history questions and reviewing the laundry list of the incredible sites, the questions move from “Why Oman?” to “Why did you wait so long?”
The Sultanate of Oman is in the Middle East, on the southeastern end of the Arabian Peninsula. It borders the United Arab Emirates to the northwest, Saudi Arabia in the west, and Yemen in the south. Omani’s are very proud of their beautiful country and rightly so. Although relatively small in size, Oman is packed with stunningly diverse landscapes to explore. From pristine coastlines to sweeping deserts and soaring mountain peaks, Oman is nature lovers dream.
All Oman adventures generally start in the bustling capital city of Muscat, where 25% of the country’s 3.5 million people live. Once a key trading center for seafaring merchants, its cuisine reflects the influences of middle eastern, Indian and African flavors and its harbor is surrounded by ancient forts, built to protect this strategic commerce gateway. Such an integral part of the cities history, the Sultan Qaboos has decreed that Muscat’s buildings can never rise more than ten stories so they won’t overshadow these forts.
WHAT TO SEE:
Muscat
Muscat is a bustling port city that offers a blend of modern and traditional. You can get lost in the colorful souks, clamor up ancient forts or admire the breathtaking architecture of the modern opera house. Here are a few highlights of this captivating city.
Visit the Mutrah Souk
Spend an hour wandering through the meandering alleys of this expansive and colorful market. Filled with the distinctive smell of frankincense, the souks main alleys are filled with tourist trinkets and baubles. Further inside you will find where the locals socialize and shop for their everyday essentials.
Stroll along the Corniche
A perfect way to combat your jet lag is a pleasant stroll along the 3-kilometer seaside walkway. Peppered with sculptures from local artists, this well-maintained promenade provides a perfect vantage point to enjoy the harbor and architectural history of Muscat, including Portuguese merchant houses, mosques, and ancient forts. In the evening, locals and visitors come out to enjoy the cool breeze, as the multitude of mosques fills the warm night air with the call to prayer, and the streetlights twinkle on the harbor water.
Admire the architecture and enjoy a performance at the stunning Opera House
Opening in 2011, the Royal Opera House offers an unusual marriage of Italian and Islamic architecture, combined with state-of-the-art technology. If you are lucky enough to score tickets to a performance you can experience the pitch-perfect acoustics first-hand. At a minimum take the architectural tour to learn about the secrets of this palace of the arts.
Frolic in the warm waters of the Arabian Sea
With its clean beaches, warm water and gentle waves lapping at its doorstep, Muscat is a water-lovers dream. Take a long walk along one of its beaches, rent a kayak or stand up paddleboard or book a sunset, snorkeling or dolphin cruise.
Be awed by the scale and beauty of the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
Located an easy taxi ride out of the city center, the Grand Mosque dominates the Muscat skyline. Open every day from 8:00 – 11:00 for tours (except Friday), it is the only mosque in Oman that allows non-Muslim visitors. Dress conservatively and women should be prepared to cover their hair.
Once inside, you are free to explore the expansive and meticulous gardens before moving on to the prayer halls. The building which took 6 years to build and was completed in 2001, can hold up to 20,000 worshipers and is made up of 300,000 tonnes of sandstone polished to perfection. A highlight of the men’s prayer hall is the 8.5-ton chandelier that features 600,000 sparkling Swarovski crystals and took over four years to complete.
FURTHER AFIELD
While Muscat has enough activities to keep you occupied for a few days, to experience the true beauty and spirit of Oman you must travel further afield. In its efforts to diversify its economy beyond petroleum and into tourism, Oman has invested heavily in roads and infrastructure. This makes renting a car and traveling along the beautifully maintained and well-marked roads easy. The camel crossing signs are truly legitimate, the animals are allowed for free-range graze and that means they may decide to randomly cross the road in front of your car if the shrubbery on the other side looks more appetizing.
Here are a few must-do experiences that will provide you a taste of the diverse splendors of this incredible country.
Bimmah Sink Hole
Located just east of the city of Muscat, this striking natural phenomenon features in so many travel photos is the perfect stop on your way down the coast. Filled with turquoise waters, locals and tourists can enjoy a quick swim in its warm and clear waters.
Wadi Shab
Located less than two hours from Muscat, this popular wadi provides the perfect blend of adventure and bliss. From the parking lot will need to take a small boat across the river for a small fee. Once across, a well-marked trail takes you over large boulders, through canyons, and along the flowing river until you reach the turquoise pools, perfect for a refreshing swim after your 45-minute hike. Adventurous travelers with a little more time can swim to a cave that features a small waterfall. Remember to keep track of the time as the last boat back to the parking lot leaves at 5:30 pm.
Wadi Bani Khalid
This stunning oasis is a contract of turquoise green waters against a backdrop of white sandstone. A brief hike beyond the snack bar leads to a series of spring-fed pools, each unique in its depth, temperature, and shade of green. Prepare to spend at least an hour frolicking in the green waters, hiking between pools and simply admiring the natural beauty of this unique location.
Wahiba Sand Desert
No trip to Oman would be complete without an overnight camping experience within the expansive and magical Wahiba Sand Desert. There are many desert camp options from the rustic to the luxurious and a number of desert activities are available for every taste. Especially popular are the camel rides at sunset. While not the best in terms of comfort, the camels are truly designed for traversing the fine sand and certainly make for a great photo opportunity. During sunset or sunrise, the shifting shapes and shadows turn the striking red dunes into an alien landscape, changing with each puff of wind.
Most desert camps will provide a dinner and breakfast and may have interactions with some of the neighboring Bedouin families. After dinner, enjoy the desert silence and stellar stargazing in the clear night sky.
Jabal Akhdar – Grand Canyon of Oman
The area around Jabal Akhdar remains untouched by modern technology. Small villages cling to the mountainsides, with farmers carving tiny terraces into the stone to grow their roses, pomegranates, and vegetables. You can hike from village to village following well-marked trails or hire a guide. Recently a few luxury hotels have popped up that allow visitors to enjoy the spectacular views, cool mountain air at nearly 9000 feet mixed with a little pampering at the spa. Four-wheel drive vehicles are required and there is a checkpoint you must pass where your vehicle is validated or where you can park to wait for a driver to take you up the steep switchback road. As your ears pop from the altitude your eyes will be popping at the dramatic views.
Jabal Shams – Rim Hike
At almost 10,000 feet in elevation, Jabal Shams is the highest mountain in Oman. Its name literally means “Sun Mountain” in Arabic because it is the first place to experience sunrise in Oman. With the high altitude temperatures are significantly cooler and it is has been known to receive snow during the winter. Hiking trails are well marked with red, white and yellow flags painted on the rocks. The rim trail is a casual hike that provides spectacular views of Al Nakhr Canyon making it a must-do for any visitor to Oman. The Rim Hike, while popular, lacks crowds and congestion. The only traffic jam is waiting for a goat to finish nibbling the trailside shrubs.
HOW TO DRESS:
Omani’s tend to dress conservatively, the men in traditional pristine white robes called dishdasha or in typical western wear of long pants and buttoned shirts. You will not see Omani’s in shorts and T-shirts, which are the uniform of choice for the visitors streaming off the visiting cruise ships.
Women should dress conservatively. A headscarf is not required, but out of respect for the Omani culture women should attempt to cover their shoulders and wear a skirt or pants that go past the knees. If you are staying within the grounds of a western hotel, typical resort wear is allowed. Blondes will attract a bit more attention and may find that they receive stares from the locals, but it is not anything to be uncomfortable with and you will not feel unsafe.
WHERE TO STAY:
Muscat:
Within Muscat, there is a multitude of international hotels they typically falling into two different categories, those that cater toward the business traveler with conference facilities and city-center location and those that are focused on delivering a luxurious report experience with sprawling grounds, expansive pools, and seaside locations.
Grand Hyatt Muscat
Surrounded by embassies, the Grand Hyatt is located in the heart of the diplomatic district in Shatti Al Qurum. Half-way between the airport and city center, this hotel beachfront property straddles the needs of both business and resort visitors. The striking facade and impressive lobby give way to large guest rooms with spacious bathrooms, which could use a facelift.
Sheraton Oman
Located in the heart of the business and financial district, the Sheraton is the tallest building in Oman and it is perfect for those seeking a modern business hotel. Fully renovated in 2016, the rooms are comfortable, stylish and afford expansive views of the city.
Shangri-La Al Husn Resort & Spa
Perched on a cliff overlooking the blue waters of the Gulf of Oman, the Shangri-La Al Husn is the epitome of luxury resort living. The resort’s design fuses Moorish and Omani architectural elements and its guest rooms are spacious and feature luxurious amenities and impeccable service.
FURTHER AFIELD:
Sama Heights Resort at Jebel Shams
The first eco-resort in Oman, Sama Heights Resort is located at the foot of Jebel Shams Peak and features a selection of accommodations including private villas and bungalows made using locally sourced, beautiful Omani stone and recycled materials and stunning Bedouin-style tents. Conveniently located near the premier W4 and W6 hiking trails, the resort marries comfort and tradition in a spectacular setting.
The Anantara al Jabal al Akhdar Resort
One of the newest luxury hotels in Oman and part of the Anantara family of pampering properties, the Anantara al Jabar Akhdar Resort is perfectly perched like an imposing fort upon the stunning cliff. Guest feel like the sultan, with the spacious and regal guest rooms, each providing expansive views of the dramatic gorge. Service is impeccable and guests are encouraged to immerse themselves in the scenery with biking trails, mountain climbing, and guided hikes through the nearby villages.
WHAT TO BRING:
Hiking through the turquoise water of the dramatic Omani wadis is one of the highlights of any visit. Good water socks help protect your feet from the sharp stones and tiny hungry fish who like to nibble on toes.
Perfect for drying off after a swim in the wadi, or to use as a scarf, wrap or a blanket in the chilly desert night, a Turkish towel is easy to pack and quick to dry.
Oman is a dry desert country with hot summers and warm winters. To ensure you are properly hydrated during your explorations and to help combat the high altitudes of the interior, a water bottle is essential. Pick on that is BPA free and is comfortable for carrying on long hikes.
With its stunning scenery, modern infrastructure and friendly English speaking citizens, Oman has something for everyone. Now is the time to add it to your bucket list and discovery its secret regal beauty, while the biggest traffic jams along the backroads still are the four-footed kind.
(Above: The ruins of Birkat Al Mouz, a fascinating if not eerie place to explore.)
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