Joanna James
Muscat, the capital of Oman is flanked by mountains & deserts while affording ease of access to rewarding leisure thrills and spills. Have a look at 5 travel tips that will help you along the way.
Before boarding your flight, it is wise to have a thorough understanding of the region that you will be holidaying in and ensure that you have all bases covered before landing in the Omani capital. Given that the Muscat Airport is devoid of any points of information while sourcing the same can be quite difficult within city limits, it will serve you well to read up on the locale as much as possible. A quick search online will inform you that budgets tend to be sky-high in Muscat as tourism does not come with a cheap price tag. Further, your fact-finding escapade will reveal that as an immediate course of action upon disembarking, obtaining a local sim card with acceptable internet would be of paramount importance.
Taxis and private transfers will appear as practical forms of getting to the city. If it is the latter, then be mindful that making a booking in advance will stand you in good stead and importantly, will not see you bargaining for a price that works well from the perspective of the driver alone. In the case of the former, charges are known to be steep and if picking up one from the airport, then expect to pocket out large sums. However, never shy away from putting your bargaining skills to good use and if you happen to end up with a fee exceeding 5 Omani Rial, then it is advisable to look elsewhere.
Seeking out a favourable mode of lodging which complements your every whim and fancy cannot be spoken of mildly. As a way forward, consider investing in a facility that will see you exploring the very best of what Muscat represents. Added to this, do factor in cost, the standard of rooms or suites together with on-site activities & facilities that are provided. For example, make note of Avani Muscat Hotel which is a hotel Seeb has to offer from where journeying to popular landmarks such as the Mall of Muscat and Seeb Souq can be arranged.
Although there is no need to be seen attired in abayas, hijabs, kunmahs or the white long robe called the dishdasha which is worn by men, as a visitor one will be called upon to show respect when out and about in public places. A word of caution! Skimpy clothes are a massive "No" is not just in Muscat but in all of Oman given how conservative the nation is. Ideally, if shorts are your 'go-to,' then opt for ones that reach down to knee level and avoid sporting bikinis at any of the local beaches including Qurum Beach or Sifah Beach. Airy, long pants and t-shirts will work best for the women while shirts, t-shirts, trousers or shorts will certainly come in handy if you're a man hoping to visit Muscat shortly.
To have lived out a few days in Muscat and to not have stepped out would be quite unfortunate for the city showcases a wide spectrum of cultural and leisure destinations. Be it the sublime site of Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque which is the sole Omani mosque which allows entry to non-Muslims, the glitz & glamour found under one roof at the Mall of Muscat which is the nation's most talked-about shopping centre to the historic allure of view within the four walls of the Oman National Museum; one would certainly be left incomplete admiration of these structures that add to the growing image and flair of Muscat.
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