Oman has a lot to offer and there is a variety of activities to do and places to visit, but unless you have lived in Oman for a while you will not have heard of many of the places I am going to mention in this blog. Below is a list of 10 must do things in Oman (according to me). Tourists tend to visit Wadi Shab, the sinkhole and the Mutrah area; surprisingly none of these make an appearance in my list. Below are some of the most unique and spectacular places you will ever see on your travels.
Al Hoota Cave
Al Hoota cave is truly one of Oman’s hidden treasures. It is probably the most understated place in the Sultanate, hence why it is not well known by tourists. For some unknown reason Al Hoota cave is not well advertised and when researching information on places to visit in Oman, you would be lucky if you come across it on any website. The irony in this is that it is probably one of the most tourist and child-friendly places to visit in Oman.
2 hours drive out of Muscat will take you straight to the cave, it is well sign posted and an easy drive.
Al Hoota cave is estimated to be 2 million years old and is the 2nd longest cave in the Middle East, second only to the well known Jeita Grotto in Lebanon. It is 5 km long but only 500 meters is accessible to the general public.
When you arrive there is a main reception area to collect tickets, next to which is a gift shop, coffee shop and a museum showcasing the rocks and ecosystem found inside the cave. You will be taken to the cave via train and have a local guide give you a tour and brief you on the history. This cave has taken over 2 million years to form, by the dissolution of limestone by acidic water that has created stalagmites and stalactites. It’s the only place to home Omani blind fish (yup they have no eyes), can be seen in the museum. This place really is an underground wonderland and I highly recommend a visit.
Practical information:
- More information can be found on the official Al Hoota website: http://www.alhootacave.om/
- Book tickets in advance online as there is a limited number of visitors allowed in the cave per day.
- Ticket price is 7 rials ( $18).
- Photography is prohibited inside the cave.
Wakan Village
Hidden high in the Western Hajar Mountains is a true Omani gem. Wakan is a small mountain village surrounded by farms, greenery and a magnificent mountain range. The villagers use the terrace gardens to grow vegetables and herbs as well as cultivating pomegranates, apricots and grapes.
Wakan Village is one and half hours drive out of Muscat. The final stretch up to the village can be challenging and you will need a 4×4 to drive up. We decided to stop at the Wakan Village sign and hike our way up but you can drive to the top if you want.
Once you arrive at the steps of the village there is a sign asking tourist not to pick any of the fruits as the villagers rely on the crops for their livelihood. A beautiful path consisting of 700 steps will take you through the village. The views are absolutely breathtaking, on the terrace walk you will pass a variety of plants, flowers and foliage as well as the Omani Falaj system. Once you reach the top of the village it is the ideal place to stop for a picnic and take in the view.
Dimaniyat Islands
There are many small Islands of the coast of Oman, Dimaniyat Islands is a protected site due to the abundance of marine life and home to migratory birds. It is composed of 9 small islands and located 17km of the shore of Wilayat Al Seeb. To get to Dimaniyat Islands you can join a tour or a private boat, access is regulated and a permit is needed to visit the islands. Tours and boats leave from Al Mouj marina and it takes just over 30 minutes to reach the islands.
The main attraction of Dimaniyat Islands is the marine life, visitors can enjoy diving, snorkeling and relaxing on the white sandy beaches. The turquoise waters home the most beautiful sea life including turtles, sharks and stunning coral. The beauty and tranquility of Dimaniyat Islands will take your breath away, it is definitely one of the most spectacular places in Oman.
Wadis and Beaches
Oman is well known for its wadis (valleys) and beaches, throughout the Sultanate from the north all the way to the south wadis are scattered around the mountain ranges. Some of these wadis are well known among the tourists, Wadi Shab, Wadi Bani Khalid and Wadi Tiwi, while others are more popular with the locals. Wadis are the oasis of the desert with palm trees, pools of water and breathtaking mountains and rocks all around. You can not visit Oman without venturing out to a wadi. Wadi Dayqah Dam is the biggest dam in Oman, it is surrounded by mountains, streams, greenery and villages. There is a nice park for picnics and plenty of photo opts. The 1 hour 20 minute drive from Muscat is well worth it.
Oman’s coastline is absolutely breathtaking, crystal clear water, untouched sand and lush palm trees line the coast. I can’t name any one particular beach, there are just so many that need to be visited, you can’t go wrong with spending a day on one of these beautiful beaches.
Jebel Shams
Jebel Shams is the highest mountain in Oman and known as the Grand Canyon of the Middle East. Located 240 km and 3 hours away from Muscat airport. There are resorts and hotels in Jebel Shams as well as camping sites. The views are breathtaking and photos just can’t do it justice. More information can be found on Jebel Shams on my ‘Hiking in Oman’ blog.
Jebel Akhdar
Jebel Akhdar also known as the Green mountain is part of the Hajar mountain range and is 2 and half hours drive out of Muscat. Jebel Akhdar offers cooler weather, farms, villages and is well known among hikers. You can also go camping or stay in one of it’s hotels. More information can be found on Jebel Akhdar on my ‘Hiking in Oman’ blog.
Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve
Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve is one of the most special and unique places in Oman. There are 7 species of turtles in the world and Oman homes 5 of them. Ras Al Jinz beach is the only place in the world where the green turtle visits every single night of the year. The reserve has rooms and ECO tents for visitors, I would highly recommend staying overnight as you will get a guided tour at dawn and night of the nesting turtles. The locals and turtles have been sharing this beach side by side for centuries, which is what makes this experience so incredible. This is not a sanctuary and you are prohibited to hold the turtles, this experience is about observing the natural habitat of the turtles and not a scheme to make money out of tourists.
If you stay overnight at the reserve you will also have access to the beach during the day. The beach itself is absolutely beautiful and home to many other marine life. There is also a small museum at the reserve which is full of information about the turtles that reside on this beach.
Turtle nesting season is between May to August and you are almost guaranteed to see female turtles laying eggs and spot hatchings emerging from eggs. The tour at night takes place in the dark as light from torches or lamps might alarm the turtles. Take off shoes to stop yourself from stepping on any hatchlings.
3 hours drive out of Muscat will get you to Ras Al Jinz. A regular saloon car is all you need as it’s a straight forward drive.
Bandar Khayran
Bandar Khayran is only a half an hour drive out of Muscat. It is known for breath taking views of isolated beaches, rocky shorelines and turquoise waters. It is the perfect location for hiking, snorkeling, swimming and picnics. More information can be found on my ‘Hiking in Oman’ blog.
Salalah
Salalah is the second largest city in Oman and is located in the southern Omani governorate of Dhofar (close to the Yemen boarder). Salalah is known for its lush beaches, banana plantations and Khareef (monsoon) season. During the summer months Omani people from other cities and tourists flock to Salalah for its cooler weather and green landscape. More information can be found on my ‘Salalah’ blog.
Nakhal Fort and Al Thowarah Hot Springs
If there is only one fort you can visit in Oman I would recommend this one. Nakhal fort dates back to pre-islamic era and is located on higher ground overlooking vast palm orchards, which makes it so spectacular. The added bonus of Thowarah hot springs in close proximity makes this a must visit place. Just over and hours drive out of Muscat will take you to this magnificent fort. More information can be found in my ‘Forts and castles in Oman’ blog.
Prints and Stamps 