Snorkeling in Salalah Oman – An Adventure in the Waters

Posted on September 26, 2019 by Catalina Forbes

Offering a plethora of exciting things to and attractions to see, Salalah is one of Oman’s most sought-after destinations. Read on to know about an activity that is rapidly gaining popularity among the tourists who visit here.

Man Snorkeling While Looking at Ocean Turtle

Snorkelling in Salalah

Salalah is home to a beautiful coastline that is home to clear and calm waters. The sea surrounding the beach teems with marine life making it ideal for snorkelling.

What can you see

As mentioned before, the oceans near the coast teem with marine life and some of the amazing creatures that you get to see while snorkelling are, whale sharks, sea turtles, thousands of colourful corals, a variety of reef fish and sea turtles.

Image Credit: Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara

Where can you get snorkelling gear?

If you are planning your stay at resort properties, the likes of Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara the resort itself offers you with the necessary gear you need. You could also buy them at surf shops that are located near the beach.

Things to remember

When you plan to snorkel around these Oman attractions, you should always be aware of your surroundings. Never venture alone and do not swim towards the deeper regions, also try not to touch any marine creatures while you are in the water.

Catalina Forbes is a travel writer who bases her content on many thrilling escapades experienced across the world. Google+

Starwatching in Oman – Discover the Universe

Posted on September 19, 2019 by Catalina Forbes

Gaze upon the sky and slip into a sense of tranquillity during your time in Oman! Witness millions of stars and appreciate that you are alive and breathing in a small planet out of the millions of galaxies that decorate the night skies.

Image Credit: Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort

Why Oman is ideal for stargazing

Oman is a nation that is mostly composed of dessert, most of its land is uninhabited apart from major cities. This significantly reduces light pollution and in most of the regions, one could observe the night sky very clearly.

Best places for stargazing

Remote locations and less populated regions in surrounding cities like Nizwa are the ideal places for this activity if you are wondering how you could find a remote location in Oman, you could opt to stay in a resort property the likes of Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort which is located on top of a mountainous region away from the cities.

Stargazing facts

Being one of the popular things to do in Nizwa and around many other regions in Oman, this activity brings you a sense of peace to your mind. It is also proven to be therapeutic.

Things remember

During winter months at night, the temperature tends to reduce drastically so it is advised that wear appropriate clothing that will keep you warm. Also, if you are into photography it is better to bring your DSLR cameras for those spectacular long exposure shots.

Catalina Forbes is a travel writer who bases her content on many thrilling escapades experienced across the world. Google+

Diana’s Viewpoint; Jabal Akhdar – A Sight Worthy of Royalty!

Posted on August 30, 2019 by auburn

When you’re travelling to Oman, its mountains, namely the Al Hajar Mountain range is often one of the highlights that many others who have been here would recommend. Want to know more about Diana’s viewpoint that is here?

1) Who it’s named after

The late Princess of Wales, Lady Diana Spencer is who this viewpoint is named after. Once she married Prince Charles, they travelled all over the world, and when they visited the Middle East, Lady Diana came to the Jabal Akhdar in Oman in the year 1986. Since then, this viewpoint was named after her.

Image Credit: Anantara Al Jabal Akhdar Resort

2) How to get there

Diana’s viewpoint is located in Jabal Akhdar which is on the Sayyaq Plateau, close in proximity to the Nizwa city of Oman.

3) Where to stay

There are plenty of excellent places to stay here. Any Oman resort will offer a memorable experience. You can choose from great options like the Anantara Al Jabal Akhdar Resort for instance.

4) What you’ll see

When you’ve reached the viewpoint, you’ll be greeted to a glorious view of the rocky hills along with a drop that is sure to take your breath away.

Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+

Damask Rose Hunting in Oman’s Jebel Al Akhdar – The Scent of Eden!

Posted on August 30, 2019 by caleb

When you’re thinking of all the flowers and the fragrances they contain, if you’ve experienced that of a Damask Rose, it would always be at the top of your mind. Want to know more about Damask Rose hunting in Oman?

Image Credit: Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort

1) What is the Damask Rose

The Damask Rose is a rose hybrid that is well regarded for its fragrance and is popularly harvested to make oil for perfumes and for rose water. Its petals are edible and are used for various herbal tea blends.

2) Where to find it

Found in abundance in Jabal Akhdar, tourists from all corners of the world travel here during the annual Damask Rose season to witness this sight of beauty.

3) Where to stay while searching

If you’re planning all the things to do in Nizwa, and Damask Rose hunting is your priority, you’ll find plenty of great places to choose from that are nearby to where these lovely flowers are found, such as the Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort for example.

4) What it’s like

These flowers are a marvel to observe, and their harvest even more so. You’ll learn many things about the Damask Rose and the myriad of ways in which it is used.

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

A Tour of Oman’s Forts – A Peek into the History of Oman

Posted on August 30, 2019 by auburn

Stone walls, towers and unique arches make up Oman’s forts, all of which are significant in their own way. For an insight into the heritage and history of the unique forts, read on.

Bahla Fort

Located in the Al Dakhliya region is where you’ll find the Bahla Fort. A UNESCO World Heritage Site declared in 1987, this fort is located at the very bottom of the highlands of Al Jabal Al Akhdar. The fort was built in the 13th and 14th centuries. The fort went through renovations and was reopened in 2012. The fort is the perfect example of the medieval Islamic period and the means of engineering at the time.

Dudva, Bahla Fort in Oman 4, CC BY-SA 4.0

Taqah Castle

30 minutes from any Salalah beach resort, the likes of, Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara, is where Taqah castle is located. Built in the 19th century as the residential house for a tribal leader, the castle is named after the old city Taqah. The castle now has several museums exhibiting artefacts.

Allan Grey, Taqah Fort, CC BY-SA 2.0

Nizwa Fort

Established in the 1650s, this fort took approximately 12 years to be built. Back in the day, the construction of the fort made it easier to protect the city. You can explore numerous rooms, narrow staircases, corridors and terraces when you visit.

Andries Oudshoorn, Nizwa (5), CC BY-SA 2.0

Nakhal Fort

Named after the state of Nakhal in Al Batinah Region, situated in North Oman, the history of this fort extends well before the Islamic period. Inside of the fort is a museum displaying historic guns.

Andries Oudshoorn, Nakhal Fort (2), CC BY-SA 2.0

Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+

Birdwatching Guide to Oman – A Birding Adventure Awaits!

Posted on August 30, 2019 by roland

The Sultanate of Oman sits at the perfect spot for migratory birds as they choose this area to rest on their way to the south, away from the northern hemisphere. Here’s a little more information for the birding enthusiasts.

Image Credit: Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara

The season for birds

There are two best times to see the migrating birds in Oman – from late August to November and from February to May, and the best time to see winter birds is from December through February. If birding is a part of your Oman attractions itinerary, make sure you book your hotel such as Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara during these periods, in advance. There are great birding sites all over the country.

Muscat

The capital is a great place for bird watching. You’ll find Omani breeding species such as laughing dove, grey francolin, Arabian babbler, Indian silver-bill and so much more in these areas.

Bar Al Hikman and Masirah Island

Both of these regions are quite popular for bird watching, and if you visit during the right time of the year, the region holds up to a million winter water birds.

Marlon Cureg, Masirah Island2, CC BY 2.0

Qatbit and the Dhofar Governate

If you have the time, make your way down South to the Dhofar Governate and stop by Qatbit, where you’ll easily spot desert species of birds. Along the coastline, there are numerous spots for a variety of water birds throughout the year.

Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe. Google+

Snake Canyon of Oman – Slide into some fun!

Posted on July 9, 2019 by Fritzjames Stephen

Oman is home to a rather interesting valley known as Snake Gorge or Snake Canyon which is full of quirky bends, nooks and crannies. The main reason travellers visit this place is due to its abundance of rock pools, swim holes, cliffs, jumping points and water slides, all carved by nature! Interested in learning more about the Snake Canyon of Oman?

Ji-Elle, Snake Canyon (3), CC BY-SA 3.0

1). Some Facts About the Snake Gorge

It’s called the Snake Gorge because of the shapes the mountains have created. The gorge is also more than 100 metres high easily in certain places. You will most definitely need an all-terrain four-wheel-drive SUV to get up there.

2). Why You Will Love It

This is truly a bucket-list location to visit as it’ll be with you forever. A work of art by nature, this place boasts immense beauty and fun! If you’re looking for Oman luxury resorts while you explore, there are several including Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort for example.

Image Credit: Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort

3). An Adrenaline Rush

Looking for the ultimate thrill? Experience climbing, diving and canyoning, all in the same place! Natural waterslides are galore as well. A geographically diverse site, the colours of the rocks and its suddenly fluctuating rock formations make for an interesting trip.

4). The Terrain

There’s beautiful rock pools with crystal clear water to swim in. Slide down a wet cliff and jump off into a pool!

Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life. Google+

Nizwa Souq: The Best Place to Shop in Nizwa – Enjoy a spending spree!

Posted on July 9, 2019 by caleb

A small town in Oman, Nizwa offers plenty for travellers looking to take home authentic souvenirs! A centre of Omani culture, the Souq itself is a great place to visit if you need a raw experience. Interested in learning all there is about the best place to shop in Nizwa?

1). What Is Nizwa Souq

Nizwa Souq is made up of a primary entrance which contains a series of sections within. There is a date market, an organic produce market but the majority of stalls are showcasing textiles, pottery and various antique items.

Francisco Anzola, Nizwa souq (8730535574), CC BY 2.0

2). What to See

Fridays are particularly interesting to visit the souq on as Bedouins and traditional Omani folk come by to trade animals, especially goats. While you tick items off your list of things to do in Nizwa if you’re keen on looking for a place to stay there are options like Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort for example.

3). Facts About Nizwa Souq

Entrance to the souq itself is free but you’ll want to spend money on items inside! There’s also a huge free carpark outside.

Paul IJpelaar, Souq Nizwa – panoramio, CC BY 3.0

4). What to Eat

You’ll want to energise, so why not experiment and try the camel kebab! There’s plenty of food stalls near the carpark so you’ll not be left lacking in options.

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

Museum of the Land of Frankincense – Dive deep into history!

Posted on July 9, 2019 by roland

The Land of Frankincense Museum is a significant site of great history as it contains facets of culture and tradition from the different time periods of Oman. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Interested in learning more about the Land of Frankincense Museum?

1). History of The Location

The Al-Baleed Archaeological Park, located next to the Museum, was the Dhofar province’s central encampment region from the 8th century to the 16th. This blossomed a sector of great activity in terms of commerce and economy. While you check out Oman attractions, if you’re looking for accommodation there are several options like Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara for example.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/pukomuko/, Al Balid Archeological Park 5, CC BY 2.0

2). Highlights of The Museum

This gorgeous location accounts for the tale of humans dating back to 2000 B.C.E. which is no easy task and it focuses on maritime trade and tradition, which is essentially due to the Dhofar region.

3). What to see

Explore an ancient mosque, ramparts and take in the views of the sublime Indian Ocean at sunset. This site is renowned to be one of the most valuable remains of an ancient Islamic city.

4). Active Role in Society

The Museum gives back to society via upping the tourism rates in the country. The Museum also organises educational events, student visits, and several other community charities which help the private and public sector.

Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe. Google+

Crystal Clear Waters of Ayn Khor Waterfall – Nature at its most serene!

Posted on July 9, 2019 by Fritzjames Stephen

The southern region of Dhofar in Oman is geographically diverse, and the climate here varies throughout the year, resulting in a beautiful topography that blossoms into life. During the prime season, Ayn Khor, a stunning waterfall, comes into life and attracts thousands of visitors. Want to learn more about the crystal-clear waters of Ayn Khor waterfall?

1). The Seasons of Ayn Khor

The Khareef season starts in June and goes on until September and this is certainly the season to visit Ayn Khor. Consistent rain transforms this region into one of greenery and waterfalls appear out of nowhere as if by magic!

2). Facts About Ayn Khor

The waterfall begins from the top of Wadi Jardum, several kilometres away from the second biggest city in Oman, Salalah. Four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended when visiting the location! If you’re looking for Salalah hotels while you explore, there are many to pick from like Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara for instance.

3). The Beauty of Ayn Khor

When heavy rainfall occurs at the source of the waterfall, expect to hear the sound of Ayn Khor from over kilometres away! Crystal clear water is collected in beautiful rocky pools that seductively invites visitors.

4). Warnings at Ayn Khor

Several people have had accidents here, so swimming is not encouraged! Please be wary of kids who may venture in.

Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life. Google+