Joanna James
Oman is a nature lovers' paradise, and many would find that hard to believe, considering it's in the middle of the desert. But be prepared to be mesmerised by the sheer beauty that lies in the secret locations of Oman.
Take a trip to the Bimmah sinkhole when travelling from Muscat towards the south. Legend has it that a falling star made the sinkhole thousands of years ago. Swimming here will be an unforgettable experience, as it is a truly astonishing creation of nature. There are steps to take you to the bottom, but if you are feeling adventurous, dive in! However, know that the depths of the sinkhole are unknown, so do exercise caution.
Tawi Atair Sinkhole means the 'well of birds'. This captivating sinkhole with honeycomb limestones can be visited with a guide, who can take you to the base of the third biggest sinkhole in the world. Many of the hotels in Muscat will be able to recommend other interesting places near the sinkholes. The likes of Avani Muscat Hotel are among the accommodation options you can consider for your stay.
Masira Island is located on the eastern coast of mainland of Oman on the Arabian Sea. It is the biggest island in Oman, and if you wanted to explore and know what it's like to live on a deserted island, Masira Island should be on your travel list. The stunning island has empty sandy beaches, rough, rocky peaks, and free-roaming wildlife. The island is ideal for a camping trip, but there are few accommodations available if you're in no mood to rough it out!
This location is usually omitted from most Omani travel itineraries as it is disconnected from the mainland. It is probably the best-hidden location in Oman! The best way to reach it is via Dubai; however, there are plenty of options to travel by sea from Muscat.
Found buried among the Jebel Shams are the 2-million-old limestone caverns known as the Al Hoota caves. Travellers will have to take a train to the centre of the mountainous terrain. From there, it takes another 1.6km trek through many caverns to reach the Al Hoota Caves. Guided tours are held each hour in English and Arabic. Bookings have to be made prior to the trip via the government website as only a limited number are taken inside each. Photography is prohibited inside the caves, which is quite unfortunate as they are stunning and worthy of the journey to get there!
It is a seldom heard tropical paradise awaiting nature lovers and diving enthusiasts! The Daymaniyat Islands Nature Reserve is right off the shore of Muscat around 18km away from Barka. This group of small nine islands are home to over 350 types of coral and hundreds of species of exotic fish, birds, and sea turtles. Daytime trips, overnight stays and twilight cruises are all possible with some planning ahead. If lucky, you will even get to see whale sharks and dolphins on your island expeditions!
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.
