Beaches, resorts, deserts, adventurous excursions, camel races… The land of Sinbad the Sailor and its glistening white capital of Muscat have it all. Here are a few of the lovely sights to see in and around Muscat.
It seems ominous, Bayt al-Afreet, which means something along the lines of House of the Demon. This nickname refers to the Cave of Bimmah, located about two hours by car from Muscat. Inside the cave there is a hole in the ground which is about 65x130 feet (20x40m) and filled with a mixture of rainwater and seawater – because the cave connects to the sea. The mystery of this great hole is that no one knows how deep it actually is; perhaps it is in fact home to a demon that will try to tempt you into a watery grave…
From Muscat in the north, two roads run to the fishing town of Sur, about 220 miles away (350 km). It’s quite a drive, especially if you take the spectacular coastal road. It is worth it, because the lovely beaches of Ras al Jinz await you at the end of your journey. In this protected nature reserve, giant greenback turtles come out at night to lay their eggs. It is a fascinating sight which is sure to amaze you and your guide. Definitely worth a trip!
Once upon a time, Oman was the most important supplier of incense. The Incense Route ran right through Oman, creating a trade route that extended as far as the courts of the Egyptian queen. Cities that arose along this route in 1500 B.C. grew into independent kingdoms. In 2005 the famous route was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Starting from Muscat, you can follow the route and visit such wonders as the incense trees of Wadi Dawkah and the ancient archeological sites of Shisr Khor Rori/Sumhuram and Al-Baleed.
The many forts along the port of Muscat remind visitors that life in this city has not always been so free of impending danger. The imposing edifices seem to have risen whole from the enormous rock formations on which they rest. Although the bastions of Muscat (such as Al Jalali and Al Mirani) are not open to the public – because national military units are housed there – some forts located in other areas of the country are partly open for viewing. This includes the fully restored fortress in Nakhal, situated at the foot of the western Hajar mountains, which transports you back to the seventeenth century.
It is the most costly perfume in the world and it comes from Oman: Amouage. If you’re entranced by the scent, pay a visit to the Amouage perfume factory, located just outside Muscat, which is open to the public. The tour includes an explanation of the ancient Arabian art of making perfume by hand and a visit to an actual perfume bar.
The Al Alam Palace is the ceremonial residence of Sultan Qaboos. The castle with its gold and blue traceries was built in 1972. Although no visitors are permitted to enter, a view of the outside makes up for it all. Absolutely gorgeous! Also note the seventeenth century Portuguese forts of Al Mirani and Al Jalali on the hills on each side of the palace.
The mosques in Oman are generally not open to non-Muslims, but the Grand Mosque of Muscat makes an exception in the mornings, offering access to what is not only the biggest mosque in the country, but also one of the most beautiful in the world. Definitely a must-see! Please note: women must wear long pants or a long skirt that goes past their ankles, cover their arms, and wear a headscarf over their hair.
The Omani Museum possesses an impressive collection that relates a history dating back 5000 years. Visitors come here to find out all about the origins of Oman, Islam, architecture, culture, the shipbuilding industry, minerals, agriculture, and the importance of the ancient forts in the sultanate.