Tag: oman

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.

Wadi Bani Khalid, a wonderland for the adventurous

Located at the very tip of the Arabian Peninsula, Wadi Bani Khalid is a picturesque valle, or a wadi, in the Arabian language, located in the Sharqiyah region. Covering a large area of low land mountains, this area known for its scenic beauty is fully equipped with a large number of caves and springs of water. Exploring this piece of land takes days and it is always wise to book an Oman Muscat hotel to lodge in during the excursion. Millennium Resort Mussanah is a popular Muscat hotel that is known to enhance this amazing experience, serenading the senses of the travellers with all the comforts and amenities that the luxury seeking traveller would yearn for.

Low sandy walls of the wadi enclose tranquil turquoise pools glistening invitingly in the sunlight in this valley of serenity. The numerous caves that hide among the wilderness are quite a feature and are the perfect places to explore for the adventure seekers. Among these is also the Kahf Maqal, one of Sultanate’s underground chambers, a cave that must simply be visited regardless of the difficulty in reaching it. The geography here is dramatic and therefore exciting. One never knows what one may run into when exploring this enchanting place known for the many delightful surprises that it harbours within.

Dune Bashing, a sensational pursuit

Dune bashing is a popular recreational activity in the expansive deserts of the Middle East. It consists of driving powerful off-road vehicles, often large sport-utility vehicles across the immense sand dunes of the local deserts. This is definitely a sport for experienced drivers but it is also possible to take a hired ride with an expert dune basher at the wheel.

The amazing sensations of travelling up and down the dunes, sand spraying from the SUV’s tyres and at times obscuring the vision, is an experience that will linger long in the memory. This inimitable experience is now very popular in Middle Eastern nations like the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Oman.
When ascending sand dunes in a vehicle, it is vital to understand the off-road angles. If the driver does not understand the method of using the correct angle of approach, the vehicle may get immobilized in the sand. If the driver miscalculates the angle of break-over, the car could get stuck at the summit of the sand dune.
Another factor is the momentum of the vehicle, which must be sufficient to ascend the dune without halting. If the vehicle starts to lose momentum it will be necessary descend the dune or turn around in a large arc. However in the hands of an experienced dune basher this activity is an exhilarating adrenaline rush, one of the most extraordinary sensations in the world.

Oman is an excellent venue in which to try out dune bashing, with its vast tranquil sandy expanses. The destination of choice is the Wahiba Sands, as the shimmering Ramlat Al Wahaybah is popularly known. By going on an excursion here you will also be able to watch the sensational desert sunset, an amazing sight that never fails to enthral the visitor. You can also try out an exotic camel ride, understand the Bedouin way of life by visiting a Bedouin village and savour the delectable flavours of a traditional ‘shuwa’ meal in the tranquil environment of the expansive desert.

The selective visitor selecting Oman hotels will find an outstanding accommodation in the Desert Nights Camp. This fine hotel in Oman offers excellent accommodations and attentive hospitality.

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Exotic Camel Rides

The first image that runs through a person’s mind when they think of Oman is a camel back ride across a burning dessert with an amazing backdrop of the sun setting in the distance, the dusty sand dunes surrounding the horizon and the starry skies during the nights. This is exactly what most people love about this dessert country. These exotic animals have great strength and endurance. These ships in the dessert as they are often referred to as, have served the people of Oman in trade and in war. From their wool, to their milk and their meat have become parts of a nomad’s everyday life. They are comfortable with humans and enjoy being caressed.

Camel back rides are a very sought after experience by travellers to the sultanate of Oman. Dessert adventures in Oman are now well geared to provide the discerning traveller a great experience whether they choose four wheel drives or the traditional camel backs. The experience also includes sleeping in Barsti huts, Omani Barbeque under the stars, visiting the Bedouins and of course camel rides. The newest addition to the desert safari is sand-boarding.

Omani residents take pride in taming and breeding their own camels. Nourishing them and training them intensively for races of national and international level. These races are held usually on public holidays and national day celebrations. There is a lot of money involved in these races and proud camel owners parade their hoses to the public.

In your search for a convenient accommodation option to experience the best of Oman, consider booking a Desert Nights Camp to have the ultimate dessert experience. These private Bedouin style tents are an excellent place to admire the surrounding red golden dunes. This very interesting hotel in Oman provides excellent service standards and a romantic adventure. Although there are plenty of Oman hotels to choose from, for a truly Omani experience, you need to stay in the dessert itself. Experience an exotic sunset camel safari and marvel at the history that these sand dunes have seen passing by, visit the local Souq to beauty some exotic souvenirs to take back home, such as pottery, embroidery and silver jewellery and when the night falls, enjoy the beauty of the night sky hanging above the dessert like blue velvet carpet with a champagne glass in hand.

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Muscat Adventures

Muscat in Oman is an exciting city that has of late really made its mark on the tourist industry. Planeloads of holiday makers fly to this city every year for a taste of Arabian culture merged with an adventurous and an exciting twist. Enjoy the rolling golden sands and sparkling blue ocean in an ambience that echoes true Arabia. Taste the unmatched Arabian Cuisine and feel the kiss of the sun. Whatever you want to do, Muscat offers you a plate full of unmatched surprises.

For those of you craving for an adrenaline kick Muscat certainly has an array of truly exciting activities to fulfill those wild fantasies. Muscats spectacular landscape that combines the sand and the sea makes the perfect backdrop for authentic adventure. There are so many fantastic activities to try from and there are centers especially set up to make sure you have a spectacular time. Take the Muscat Diving and Adventure Center; this is one location that makes sure you have a fabulous time trying out whatever your heart desires. The best part above all is that with the assistance and guidance you receive in this place, you need not even worry about any training or experience, just a good fitness level and a keen adventurous spirit is enough for you to soar up in the sky. The Muscat Adventure center caters to all types of thrill levels that range from the armature to the pro. Here you can choose activities like the giant abseil, Rock climbing, Sea Kayaking, Canoeing, Scuba Diving and the Wet Wadi Walks. You can even try hiking up 2400m on Jebel Akhtar. There is a fascinating list of things to do and only visiting Muscat will give you an authentic insight into all the fun you can have in this exciting city.

When touring the Middle East hotels are found in abundance. For the ultimate holiday experience in Muscat or anywhere else in Middle East choose the Millennium & Copthorne Hotels Middle East. This group, famed as one of the finest UAE hotels, has all the luxurious amenities making it live up to its glorious reputation in every way.