Tag Archives: cuti Oman

Wadi Shab, Oman

April 2016

Although this post is titled Wadi Shab, we did not trek all the way into the wadi (a valley, ravine, or channel that is dry except in the rainy season) itself. It will take a good 45 minutes to reach the wadi from the river estuary.

A ½ hour drive, about 32 kms from Bimmah sinkhole, we arrived to the estuary of Wadi Shab. It is just off the highway and under one of the highway bridges, Here you can park your car and for 1 OMR return, you take a boat ride to the other side of the estuary. It’s merely a couple of minutes ride as it probably less than 50 meters to the other side.

From this side of the estuary, it will be a good 45 minutes hike to the wadi itself. As this was the last day of our 21 days vacation, me and my wife were drained of energy and with aching legs decided to walk for a few minutes to soak in the sights.

It was worth it, as it has a desert sort of view with palm tress and tropical vegetation with banana trees against the mountain valley. Just like a film set for Indiana Jones. After about 10 minutes of walking in the hot midday sun, we decided to get back to the air-condition of our car. (We were in London the previous day with a temperature of 2°C). Once we were within sight of the guys running the boat service from the other side of the estuary, they will come to fetch you.

Oman highway.

Road off the highway leading to Wadi Shab. To the right is Gulf of Oman. Wonder in high tide whether this road would be submerged. It’s literally inches off the water.

The ‘jetty’ under the highway. You’ll need to cross over to the other side to start your hike to Wadi Shab.

Graffiti Omani style. Catchy actually.

The other side of the estuary leading to Wadi Shab. The boat service is only on this side where you park your car. Once they spot you on the other side, there’ll despatch a boat to fetch you.

Typical desert scene off the highway.

Wadi Shab is 45 minutes hike beyond that point.

It will cost you 1 Oman riyal to & fro to cross the estuary.

sampaisudah.com reached the other side safely.

No. You don’t get to ride the donkey to Wadi Shab. You hike for 45 minutes.

Palm tress against the cliff.

Tropical vegetation awaits you.

Film set for Indiana Jones ?

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Bimmah Sinkhole, Oman

April 2016

About 133 kms and 1½ hours of driving from Muscat, we reached the Bimmah sinkhole. It’s an easy drive on flawlessly paved highway. The sinkhole is located in Hawiyat Najm Park just a couple of kms off the highway. You do not require a 4 wheel to reach here. The park has a car parking area and toilet facilities. The park (if can be said so) is free to visit.

There is an information board detailing both the mythological and scientific explanations for the existence of this sinkhole for you to read and form an opinion on how it was created.

Depending on which day you choose to visit, it can be very crowded or near empty. Better not on a Friday, as it’s day off for Omanis. We came early on a working day and there were only a handful of visitors. Concrete stairway leads down to the a small ‘beach’ area, so even if you don’t plan to swim do walk down for the great views.

The sinkhole has clear, blueish/greenish water in the pool. The water is cool and is a great way to refresh yourself on a hot day. Being 500 meters off the beach, the water is salty. The pool can get quite deep towards the middle. At the ‘beach’ are tiny little fishes off the water edges that will nibble on the dead skin of your toes and legs.

From this junction off the highway, the sinkhole is a couple of kms away on your left.

From the gated entrance of Hawiyat Najm Park, you walk a little bit towards the sinkhole.

A section of the park facing Gulf of Oman.

The walled ground level of the sinkhole.

The Bimmah sinkhole as seen from ground level.

Swimming in the cool but salty water.

Some facts about the sinkhole.

You descend to the sinkhole by concrete steps.

The full length of the concrete steps to the sinkhole. Not really physically challenging for the ordinary person.

Sinkhole level of the pool.

Another section of the pool.

Getting ready to dip into the pool.

Visitors enjoying a swim in the pool.

Swimming to the cliff edge of the pool.

The colors of the water in the pool. Clear, blueish/greenish.

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Mutrah Souq Muscat

April 2016

Many tourist and locals come to Mutrah corniche to visit the souq. It retains it’s traditional Arab market atmosphere albeit housed under modern timber roofing. The souq carries mainly household goods, shoes, ready-made garments, pots, pans, laundry detergent or cheap souvenirs made in China. Other things sold at the souq include paintings, hookah pipes, framed daggers and leather works.

Further inside, you can enjoy or get a headache from the smells of incense, perfume oils, fresh jasmine and spices. You can also obtain Omani silver and multicoloured head scarves.

All in all Mutrah souq does not rival the Grand bazar of Istanbul nor the medina of Marrakesh. It felt more like a flea market found anywhere else in the world. It’s quite unlikely for you to get lost inside the souq as it’s not as big. But if you do, just walk downhill and you’ll emerge at the entrance facing the croniche.