"Barka', an important town on Oman's Batinah Coast" Barka' by DesertRat

Barka' Travel Guide: 8 reviews and 6 photos

Barka' and the Batinah

Barka' is one of some four important market towns spread out along Oman's Batinah Coast, which stretches between Sohar near the UAE border and Seeb, the westernmost "outpost" of the so-called "Capital Area." The town's history goes back centuries -- I have been unable to find even an approximate founding date -- and the fort, which saw the expulsion of the Persians for the last time in the 18th century, dominates the townscape.

There are two reasons for a foreigner to go to Barka': the bullfights and the fort. Otherwise the place doesn't have a lot to show for itself. There is, to be sure, a fairly active fish suq (market) down along the beach in the morning, but there's very little else. Essentially, it's a fairly prosperous farming/fishing community that is gradually becoming a bedroom community for industries appearing on the edge of Muscat.

Pros and Cons

Pros:The fort, the fish market, and the bullfights make for a fun day out.
Cons:Not much to shop for, very little full-time entertainment, dull surroundings

Last visit to Barka': May 2003
Intro Written Nov 29, 2003
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Reviews (6)

The entrance to the Sawadi Beach Resort - Barka'

An out-of-the-way 5-star beach retreat Hotels (2)

My wife and I stayed here only weeks after its opening in 1996, and have just returned to visit it again a few days ago.... more travel advice

Omani bullfighting in Barka. Things to Do (1)

In Oman, men don't fight bulls; bulls fight bulls. People bring their livestock together at an arena outside town. Ropes... more travel advice

Take care at night along the beach Warnings and Dangers (1)

Personal Safety Generally speaking, Barka' like every other place in Oman is about a safe as it can get. Even so, as a... more travel advice

Hotels? Hotels? What are those?? Hotels (2)

There's no point trying to stay in Barka. There are no accommodations whatever -- at least not yet. The nearest would... more travel advice

Favorites (1)
To the Bullfights We Go!

Transportation (1)
Drive, take a bus, but avoid the taxis

Comments (2)

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maykal Dec 14, 2004 at 4:12 AM

An Omani bull fight sounds like one of those events I'd really enjoy!
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alza Dec 4, 2003 at 3:54 PM

Maybe a bit quiet but I'd like to see the views from the fort. Thanks for the info.