Joanna James
Oman occupies an eastern tip of the rustic Arabian Peninsula. The beautiful landscape is made up of deserts, oases, mountains & coastlines. Here are some things to keep in mind before you visit.
Oman is a large country and no tourist is satisfied with sitting back and enjoying just one location; the interior, for instance, is home to the fabled Green Mountain and the Arab world's highest placed 5 star hotel Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort, sitting on the Saiq Plateau located in the Al Hajar Mountains. And apart for the thought of visiting Oman luxury resorts perched at heights of 2,000 feet above sea level, you have ancient forts and traditional bazaars to discover, as well as, the Wahiba Desert and its endless dunes, attracting many a tourist eager to savour desert nights. Also, the coastline with its huge cliffs and verdant trails are wonders to be relished. To enjoy a comprehensive experience hook up with a local guide, for insider information.
Almost 46% of Oman's population is made up of expats. These people are made up of Pakistanis, Indians, Bangladeshis and others, from surrounding regions, working there for higher pay. Hence, visitors to the country are in for a treat, as cuisine consists of diverse flavours and cultures that make up these varied ethnic groups. You will be able to browse the Lebanese, Pakistani and Indian eateries during your exploration sojourns around the nation.
In Oman weekends are from Friday to Saturday; this is because Friday is deemed a holy day under the Islamic religion. Weekends are also the busiest at popular tourist attractions; for it is the weekend that many locals reserve to explore their stunning land.
Oman is home to a number of wadis; these are ravines formed between mountains which fill up during the rainy season to form bodies of water. These wadis are the perfect swimming holes, so, don't get caught without your swimsuits. Wadi Shab and Wadi Bani Khalid are the most popular and well worth a visit. Mind you the wadis are just as popular amongst the local community as visitors and it is common to see many Muslims enjoying the swim holes. Mind you since Oman is an Islamic state it is important you dress conservatively and it is best to take along a pair of shorts and t-shirt to wear over your bathing suit. If you want to enjoy a wadi in private, try visiting one on a weekday.
Taking a break from all your adventure to savour a cup of Omani coffee is important; a treat not to be missed the coffee served in the nation is full of flavour and often served with dates. The coffee made with spices instead of the traditional milk and sugar is served in small handle-less cups; a real treat to savour to stunning views of a rustic desert mountain backdrop.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
