Ten Reasons Oman Rocks

Posted by Kaire Kalam (That Estonian Girl) on July 15, 2013 in Stories | 1 Comment

Oman sits at an ancient crossroads with cosmopolitan Dubai to its West, an unstable Yemen to its South, and India and Iran across its waters to the East and North. Although Oman shares history and culture with its neighbors, it is an altogether different place that goes relatively unnoticed by the tourist crowd. Here are ten ways to get to know Oman just a little better and to begin to appreciate all that it has to offer.

1. Visit The Traditional and Authentic Souqs Of Nizwa And Muscat

Muttrah Souq is located in the centre of Muscat and is one of the oldest marketplaces in the Arab world, where spices, jewelry, perfume oils and leatherwork and so much more is on sale. Don’t forget to bargain!

Shatti Al Qurm is located just outside of Muscat and is a great spot for authentic Omani silver.

Nizwa Fort Souq in the town of Nizwa is small but popular with locals. It is best for handicrafts, pottery and silver jewelry. Don’t forget to visit the Nizwa Fort! It is Oman’s most visited national monument.

2. Set Sail On A Traditional Dhow

From Oman’s dhows you can go diving, snorkeling, site-seeing, and wildlife watching. Watch for dolphins in the Gulf of Oman. There are 10 different types of dolphins and 10 different types of whales that inhabit the waters around Oman.

3. Catch A Performance At The Royal Opera House In Muscat

Influenced by the grand style of modern Omani palaces, the Royal Opera House’s concert hall provides seats for 1,000 guests. It offers performances from some of the world’s best performers in opera, ballet, Arabic music, and world music. It also houses a cultural souq with retail, food and beverage outlets and an arts centre.

http://www.rohmuscat.org.om/

4. Ride A Camel 

Get out to the Wahiba Sands Desert and experience the Bedouin way of life.

5. Go For The Adventure

Oman is an adventure seeker’s heaven! It offers rock-climbing, caving, abseiling, camel safaris and SCUBA diving.

Check out Muscat Diving And Adventure Center to get your adventure on. www.holiday-in-oman.com

6. Take Breathtaking 4-Wheel-Drive Road Trips

Experience a drive along Oman’s backroads that snake through spectacular and rugged scenery and tiny mountain villages.

7. Take A Plunge

Splash and swim in crystal clear, refreshing emerald pools nestled in ancient canyons!

8. Pitch A Tent

Camp in some of the most off-the-beaten-path and remote camping spots anywhere in the world! Why not try the edge of a cliff, a wadi (dried up riverbed), or a beautiful secluded beach between Muscat and Sur. Don’t be surprised if in the morning you are visited by free-roaming goats, camels or a donkey or two.

9. Because It Is Safe And Friendly

Experience true Middle Eastern hospitality! When making stops in small mountain villages and remote towns, it is not uncommon to be invited by the friendly locals to join them for a cup of coffee or lunch.

10. Be the Ultimate Anti-Tourist

Don’t like visiting your tour book’s top 10 list? Get outside of Muscat into the surrounding villages and you will likely be the only tourist for miles.