Tag: oman

Bull fighting in Oman

The origin of bullfighting dates to the Matadors of ancient Spain (on foot) and later the Picadors (on horseback), and its inception in Oman is believed by many to be traceable back to Spain. It is a riveting and exciting encounter solely undertaken by men who pit three spate varieties of bull against each other to secure bragging and “prize bull” rights. The best way to soak up the bull fights and other cultural attractions during your stay here is to check into a luxury Oman hotel which is what you will discover at the Al Wadi Hotel Sohar. With elegant interiors graced by warm hospitality, this stellar choice of all the Oman hotels on the market is sure to beckon your interest. Held bi-monthly on a Friday, the bull-fights of Oman are charged with excitement and anticipation – not so much for the bovine participants as much as for the human instigators. Four different wilayats – Shinas, Sohar, Liwa, and Saham – take turns to host these events that draw huge local crowds eager to see a roster of around 30-35 bulls lock horns and grapple for victory. Spanning around 10-15 rounds, with the prize of the winning bull increasing with each win, the final price can be as high as OMR 2,500 (USD 7,000), although there is no set minimum or maximum. The shouts of the crowd, the mounting anticipation in the air, and the palpable emotion of the animals as they grapple under the encouragement of their owners make bull fighting in Oman a thrilling sport for those that enjoy this spectacle.

Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and intends to visit them all someday.

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Sand Skiing

Who said you need snow to go skiing? The newest rage amongst adventure sports enthusiasts is sand skiing which can be practiced at destinations such as the deserts of Oman. Those heading to the region and looking for Oman hotels set amidst the desert itself can stay at Desert Nights Camp. This luxurious hotel in Oman offers easy access to the enchanting desert and gives you a chance to take part in activities such as sand boarding which is much like sand skiing.

The dunes of the desert are much like mountains, and the sands that cover them are much like snow. These sand dunes provide the perfect surface in which to glide your way downhill as you take in the breathtaking views of the seemingly never ending desert landscapes. Temperatures can reach quite high levels so this adventure sport is best tried early morning or late afternoon. An activity that can be enjoyed by young and old alike, sand skiing provides plenty of fun in the sun when in Oman.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+

Wildlife in Oman

Oman is home to numerous species of mammals, birds and fish that add to the pageantry of this desert paradise. A number of nature reserves have been created to protect the country’s endangered species such as the oryx, leopard, desert fox and the gazelle. Choose a Muscat hotel from where you can explore these fascinating creatures. Offering travellers unmatched service and comfort, the Millennium Resort Mussanah which is an Oman Muscat hotel will be your home away from home during your stay in the country.

Those heading out across the ocean will be able to feast their eyes on many of the 22 species of whales and dolphins. The areas of Ras al-Jinz and Dimaaniyat Island are known to be turtle breeding reserves while you can also catch of a glimpse of the migratory birds like the nightjar, white stork and golden oriole that flock to Oman.

Trekking on Dunes

Set amidst hauntingly beautiful landscapes, the deserts of Oman may seem foreboding, but in actual fact they offer some truly thrilling adventures. One activity that you can enjoy here is trekking on dunes and those in search of Oman hotels that offer such excursions can stay at Desert Nights Camp. This hotel in Oman is ideally located in the desert itself and provides a luxurious oasis from which to embark on unforgettable excursions.

Dune trekking is an activity that takes you on a journey of discovery over the impressive dunes that stretch across the desert. One of the most popular areas for this activity is Wahiba Sands where you will find colossal red sand dunes, some reaching to awe-inspiring heights of around 200 metres. Treks in the desert are best done early in the morning or in the evening so as to avoid the harsh midday sun. As you walk across the dunes it is easy to be over-awed by the sheer scale and beauty of the sea of sand that stretches all around you. Those venturing out on a dune trek in the evenings also have the opportunity to witness the stunning sight of the landscape being bathed in the colours of the setting sun.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

Diving in Daymaniyat Islands

Making up what is the sultanate’s main nature reserve, the Daymaniyat Islands in Oman offer an incredible diving experience for those looking for adventure. Travellers in search of Oman hotels that would make a good base from which to set off on excursions to these islands can stay at Al Wadi Hotel Sohar. Located in what was once the maritime capital, Sohar, this Oman hotel is a convenient starting point to your trips to this marine reserve.

Made up of 9 islands, the Daymaniyat Islands can be found near the Batinah Coast and are home to around 12 dive sites each offering something new to discover. On your excursions below the waves you will come across colourful fish, coral gardens, moray eels, sharks, turtles and wrecks seemingly lost in time. Among the many dive sites you can explore are the ‘3 Sisters Daymaniyat’ where you will find an array of soft corals and ‘Aquarium Daymaniyat’ with its huge array of species including snappers, jacks, batfish, barracuda, eagle rays, moray eels and bull sharks. Noodle Daymaniyat is a site known for its leopard sharks, while the Fahal Wreck is also worth visiting when on a diving tour.

Sand Boarding

Sand boarding is almost exactly like snowboarding except that it is done in the desert instead of snow-topped mountains. Although not as popular as snowboarding, sand boarding is quickly catching on as a fun recreational activity. It is a highly thrilling sport and riders can reach speeds in excess of sixty miles per hour, all on a simple board made out of fibre glass and wood. Unlike snowboarding, one can go sand boarding at any time of the year and good locations are easier to find. After all, it can be carried out at any place with large dunes, be it a desert or a beach.

Those interested in trying out the sport should try the Middle East region. It is, aptly enough, one of the best places in the world to try out this adventure sport. Although popular in countries throughout the Middle East, sand boarding has found a special place in Oman. The most popular spots in the country are the Bousher Dunes in Muscat and the Wahiba Sands in Sifah. One need not be an expert to ride here as there are dunes of different sizes and inclines found here.

Other popular activities in Oman include quad biking, dune bashing, mountain climbing and desert trekking. Dune bashing is an activity where people drive around sand dunes in four wheel drive trucks – it is a little scarier than it sounds as some dunes can be quite steep. Tourists visiting Oman should also think of taking a safari on camel back and spending a night at a Bedouin camp. Staying at a Bedouin camp is the best way to experience the desert at night and enjoy the famous Arabian hospitality.

There are many places in Oman that provide facilities for adventure desert activities. However, one can minimise the hassles of finding a good one by staying at proper Oman hotels that already come with such facilities. The Desert Nights Camp is one such hotel in Oman that provides facilities for a variety of desert-related activities such as trekking and quad biking. The accommodation on offer is stellar and guests get to sleep in large Arabian-styled tents that come with air conditioning. It is truly an excellent place to stay.

Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and hopes to visit them all someday. Google+

Trekking In Oman

Tourists with a love for the outdoors will definitely enjoy trekking around Oman. The country contains many interesting trails and trekking is the best way to explore the country’s rugged landscapes which are otherwise inaccessible. The trekking period runs from November to May, with the best time being from October to April. The climate is a lot cooler during this time. However, those who want to explore trails at higher altitudes should be able to do so anytime of the year without too much trouble from the heat.

During most trails, one is likely to come across diverse landscapes so one need not worry about scenic monotony. With trekking becoming a popular tourist activity in Oman, the government has taken several steps to ensure that it is easier and safer to do. Recently, trekking routes were marked with signposts and graded according to difficulty. Not only can trekkers decide on a route based on how easy it is to complete, the signposts will be very useful in navigating these routes.

Grade 1 routes are easy, Grade 2 routes are for those in good shape, while the Grade 3 routes are for seasoned trekkers. To make the activity easier, one should wear comfortable clothing, shoes and a hat. Bring along some food and plenty of water. Camera buffs should not leave their cameras behind. Some of the most popular spots for trekking include the Grand Canyon, the Jabal Shams, Samhan Mountain, the Bandar Khayran Reserve, the Jabal Hareem Fossils, and the Snake Canyon.

Tourists who do not want to miss any of the action should try to stay at a hotel in Oman that provides a lot of facilities. The Desert Nights Camp offers a myriad of activities such as desert trekking, sand boarding, dune bashing, and even camel safaris. It is one of those Oman hotels that is completely surrounding by desert giving it a secluded feel.

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.

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Guests will get to sleep in tents fashioned after those used by the Bedouins. Although the tents look pretty simple from the outside, they contain all the amenities one would expect of a top hotel and guests can live in style and comfort.

Wahiba Sands

The Wahiba Sands area stretches across 180km from north to south and around 80km from east to west. It is an area of geographical significance and scientific interest, and is a definite must see for tourists in the area. The name ‘Wahiba Sands’ was coined from the Bedouin al-Wahiba tribe who are the inhabitants of the area. The way of life of these inhabitants provide an interesting glimpse into a nomadic way of life that is fast disappearing under the wheels of modernity.

The landscape boasts a rich biodiversity of both plants and animals in the area, ranging from 200 species of flora (plants) to over 15,000 invertebrates. At the edge of the desert is an oasis named ‘Al Huyawah,’ which is an intriguing site for tourists. Also, close to the oasis, Bedouins can be seen harvesting and farming dates, which are sold to local markets and are a delicacy in the region. The desert landscape also opens up an opportunity to interact with Bedouin women, whose lifestyle affords them with more social and economical mobility as they often come to the rescue of lost tourists, and are skilled crafters who will offer a range of homemade product for sale.

If one is adventurous, there is a rugged path that can be used for trekking. Tourists can hire a local guide for 80 OMR or use one of their own cars with fuel which will cost 30 OMR for the trip. If one wishes to travel with real Middle Eastern authenticity they can make the journey on came back. This will take 7 days in total to complete the journey, and car support will be necessary. The price ranges from 20 – 30 OMR for a camel ride per day. Also it must be kept in mind that a fee must be paid for the camels’ return journey home.

In order for one to begin their odyssey at Wahiba Sands, it is highly recommended that visitors to Oman seek accommodation at a quality Oman Hotels such as the exclusive Sur Plaza Hotel. This elegant Hotel Sur Oman combines modern amenities with spacious rooms to cater to an ideal stay for both business and leisure visitors.

Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe. Google+

Adventures at Wahiba Sands- Desert Stories

Wahiba Sands is a 12,500 sq km desert area in Oman that aroused scientific interest after an expedition in the late 1980s discovered an uncommon diversity of terrain and flora and fauna. Scientific interest aside, this is the type of desert in everyone’s imagination with miles upon miles of rust and honey coloured dunes, some towering over 100 meters interspersed with flat sandy areas. Except for parts occupied by Bedouins of the Al Wahiba tribe that has given the region its name and tracks left by dune bashers, the desert remains empty and gets even more magnificent further into the interior.

One of the best ways to have an adventure as well as experience the vastness and solitude of the desert and explore the sands is to stay in a nomadic desert camp in the middle of the dunes, run by local families. The accommodation is rustic, a ‘barasti’ house built of palm logs and leaves with a basic wind tower and absolutely no frills, not even electricity. The houses are set in a circle in the middle of which is a campfire in the evenings with Arabic style seating of colourful cushions and rugs. Desert experiences at the camp includes camel and horse rides over the dunes in the mornings before they heat up, Bedouin music, camaraderie and food round the campfire and dune bashing under the stars in the night. Quad biking trips, sand boarding on the dunes and trekking are other ways to experience the desert. The fact that there is no sign of life other than in the camp for miles around is the most remarkable experience here and the fact that anyone can get atop a dune to take a closer look as it is just a matter of a few steps from the accommodation.

For an experience of a somewhat more vigorous kind, the best option is to hire an experienced driver and race up and down on the steep slopes of the dunes in any part of the desert. For those wishing to have a bash themselves joining one of the many 4×4 clubs and getting some training will be a good idea.

For guests who like adventurous holidays Millennium Resort Mussanah is very well placed to offer them an active lifestyle. An onsite private marina, swimming, diving and snorkeling opportunities and dune bashing and mountain trekking are some of the activities within easy reach from the hotel. Additionally guests can enjoy spacious contemporary accommodation and many excellent facilities and amenities at this well known Oman Muscat hotel. Stay at this Muscat hotel to enjoy the many adventurous opportunities that Oman has to offer.

Off Road

Quad bikes are ATV that comes as four wheelers that travel on low pressure tires and are designed to handle a variety of terrain than most vehicles. Most are designed to carry a passenger and have engine capacities going up to 1,000 cc. The bikes are generally small and light and easy to manage and the controls are simple. The accelerator and the break are operated by buttons on the handle bar. There are no gears and pedals. As no previous experience is required, novices and experienced riders can discover the great outdoors anywhere in the world with minimum damage to the environment.

Why be disappointed that some of the most exhilarating activities have not been experienced. Throw caution to the winds and try a new adventure. Quad biking is an ideal way to have that adventure and an exhilarating experience and to discover desert scenery from sun up to sun down. There’s plenty of space to open the throttle and negotiate dunes, sandy valleys and canyons and to stop and take photos. It is also one of the best ways to get a close up view of the local scenery and the way of life of local people on the route. Crawl up and around dunes and hillocks and whizz down with sand spraying behind making a sandy mist. See the sand sweeping out in all directions in great waves from the top of a dune. Experience the stomach falling away when coming down a really steep dune, one of the most exhilarating experiences ever. Weave around the desert scrub land along a course that involves a refreshment break and some local colour at the same time keeping away from villages and animals so as not to disturb them. Whether first timers or regulars the experience is fun. Touted to be one of the best ways to explore the desert it must be experienced to find out.

Wearing a helmet, safety jacket and suitable clothing is a must as are sun glasses during the day as it is a very dusty ride. Riders at the back must be aware that the exhaust gets hot during rides and they will be covered with dust.

Stay in Bedouin style tents fitted out with all 21st century luxuries at Desert Nights Camp, which are the stuff of dreams. As a luxury hotel in Oman guests can not only experience spacious, comfortable and air conditioned tented accommodation but the isolation of a vast desert setting. Enjoy the quintessential desert adventures of camel rides, dune bashing on quad bikes and diner by a flickering campfire at one of exceptional Oman hotels.