Tag: Oman attractions

What to Do on Your Holiday to Oman – The Best Places to Visit & Experiences

Oman has much to offer intrepid travellers looking for diverse adventures; here are some of the best destinations to visit and the key things to do as well.

Salalah

In southern Oman is Salalah, a city known for its lush greenery during the Khareef (monsoon) season and idyllic beaches home to properties like Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara. Here, you can enjoy water sports, dolphin watching, sunset cruises and visits to the Al Baleed Archaeological Park and the Museum of the Land of Frankincense.

Image via Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara

Dhofar Deserts

The deserts of the Dhofar province provide captivating exploration in Oman. Attractions abound here and are best experienced on luxury mobile camping escapades. You will get the chance to travel to secluded spots in the Empty Quarter, the largest sand desert on the planet with dunes sometimes reaching heights of 200 metres!

Green Mountain

Also known as Al Jabal Al Akhdar, the Green Mountain is a destination where travellers will feel as if they have stepped back in time. Hiking amidst the inspiring mountain landscapes is not to be missed and on your journeys of discovery, you will come across terraced orchards, intriguing wadis, secret waterfalls and ancient villages.

Muscat

Last but not least is the capital, Muscat, where you can soak up the local culture. Amongst its top attractions is the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque with its stunning chandelier and handmade Persian carpet. Other sites of interest include the Mutrah Souq, a bustling historical market and the Mutrah Corniche with its waterfront promenade.

Exploring Jebel Samhan in Oman – Discovering A Breathtaking Viewpoint

Towering above the landscape, Jabal Samhan is the tallest mountain in Oman’s Dhofar Governorate and offers stunning vistas from its viewpoint that’s well worth visiting.

A Protected Sanctuary

Apart from being one of the key Oman attractions, this mountain that reaches a height of 2,100 metres, is also home to a wildlife reserve where the critically endangered Arabian leopard resides; other wildlife can be found here too including the Arabian gazelle. Keep in mind, to visit this sanctuary, special permission is needed.

Planning an Excursion

Jabal Samhan is about an hour’s drive from Salalah and the Kharif or monsoon season (end of July to early September) is an ideal time to visit since the landscapes are more verdant. Properties like Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara organise excursions here which also include visits to other local attractions such as the Tawi Atayr sinkhole.

StellarD, Tawi Atayr Dhofar Oman, CC BY-SA 4.0

Making the Ascent

Depending on the tour, you can drive to the plateau viewpoint or undertake a six-hour trek. Set amidst deep mountain passes and limestone caves, Jabal Samhan also features fascinating flora. On your journey, you may come across spiky dragon trees that are centuries old, beautiful desert roses and frankincense trees.

The Famed Viewpoint

Near the summit, you will find the viewpoint with some truly spectacular coastal panoramas over 1,000 metres above the ground. Depending on when you visit, you will also see thick clouds below which add to the area’s charm. Be mindful that the wind can be quite strong and don’t forget your camera to capture this spellbinding sight!

 

Mobile Camping Adventure

There’s a myriad of camping adventures that you can be a part of – and some of them offer facilities that let you experience a comfortable and luxurious stay. One such instance is the modern mobile camping adventures offered by Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara.

Overview

These new mobile camping adventures will let you wander through the diverse landscape of Southern Oman’s Dhofar. It is indeed one of the best Oman attractions.

What to Expect

While the sun continues to shine, one may look forward to exploring the endless deserts, craggy mountains, and long stretches of empty yet beautiful beaches. And by night, you can expect to relax under star-studded skies, while immersing in complete luxury.

Image Credit: Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara

Adventures

If you choose to venture away from the comforts of your luxury tent, you will find yourself gliding along with dolphins with marine experts, discovering intriguing historical sites with archaeologists, and even pointing out the marvels of the night sky with astronomers.

Guidance

You will be traversing to all kinds of sites in the luxury of a 4×4 while being accompanied by the members of the Mahrah tribe.

Diving in Salalah

Salalah is a city of wonders. With many attractions, dining spots, and shopping hubs, Salalah has already won the hearts of many travellers. But what about water adventures? Does Salalah have good diving spots?

The closest diving spot to Salalah

If you have thought of holidaying at Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara or any other similar place, Mirbat is just 70km away from where you are. With many Oman attractions including China Wreck, Rocky Beach, and Eagle Bay, it’s indeed a paradise for those who love underwater explorations.

Photo by form PxHere

What to pack for the tour

The relevant equipment will be offered by the licensed diving instructor you choose. But make sure you take a hat, sun protection cream, towels, and sunshades with you for the tour.

Diving experience

The total diving experience may go on for around 5 hours. It’s a beautiful experience to meet the underwater creatures and plants during your exploration under the guidance of the instructor.

When to enjoy this experience?

Diving sessions do not function when it’s the high tide. So, make sure you schedule your tour somewhere from January to April or October to December. Happy Diving!

Top Things to Do in Oman

From beachside bliss and historical sites to desert landscapes and bustling souqs, Oman has plenty to offer; here is a glimpse into the best things to do on your holiday.

Spend Time at the Beach

There are some sublime beaches in Oman where you can not only visit but be based at as well. Amongst such popular places is Salalah home to pristine stretches of shore. Properties here like Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara offer luxurious pool villas and water sports such as snorkelling, diving, fishing and stand-up paddleboarding.

Visit Historical & Cultural Sites

You can find out more about the country’s heritage by visiting key Oman attractions including the Bahla Fort (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Sohar Fort and the Al Baleed Archaeological Park. Ancient Sumhuram ruins can be seen at Wadi Darbat, while the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is not to be missed either.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/pukomuko/, Al Balid Archeological Park 5, CC BY 2.0

Explore Deserts & Mountains

Amongst the best things to do in Oman is to explore the deserts be it the Wahiba Sands or those in the Dhofar province; you can enjoy camping, dune bashing and camel safaris too. More adventures await at the Jabal Akhdar Mountains and Jabal Samhan Mountain including trekking amidst spectacular vistas.

Shop at Local Souqs in Oman

Souqs are the name for traditional Arabian markets where one can not only shop for unique souvenirs but soak up some local culture as well. Such markets to visit include the historical Mutrah Souq with it numerous stalls, the Sohar Handicrafts Souk and Al Husn Souq, known for its frankincense products.