Oman Things to Do Tips by JohnniOmani Top 5 Page for this destination

Incredible Cave

The Al Hota or Hooty (Ive seen both) Cave is being developed into quite a tourist attraction as of late. It is located just outside the city of Nizwa (old capital) in the Sharqiya region of Oman. The cave has a visitors center and Omans first train (quite small but people get excited) to ride it into the cave. The cave has to be one of the most incredible things I ve seen in the Middle East and nobody knows anything about it. I cant even imagine how deep or high the cave walls and ceilings are but it is a massive cave complex complete with staircases and guard rails to help you along. There are strategically placed tour guides at certain points that tell you all about the history of the cave as well as info about the stalagmites etc. It is DEF worth the trip out there and was one of those hidden gems that Omans seems to possess at every corner. Fantastic place.

Directions: Ask anyone in Nizwa and they will give you the exact directions.

Tours in Oman

I am against tours in any country because I firmly believe you cant really gain insight into a place if you dont mingle with the people and get to know them and the Middle East is a fantastic place to do this but there are folks out there that have to get a tour for whatever reason. It is true that Oman is not an easy place to travel around due to lack of public transport (Yemen actually has more options than Oman if you believe it) so tours are often organized through agencies in Muscat and they are generally really expensive. Be warned that if you decide to travel this country alone then your costs will be cut by nearly 60% but tours are great if you are older or nervous of the region. I recommend Desert Discovery Tours because I only recommend a tour agency or hostel etc if I know it personally and this one is top quality. This tour group focuses on the amazing Wahiba Sands in the Sharqiya Sands (near my home) and you get the chance to visit the Wahiba Sands or Ras Al Jinz (to see the giant and beautiful turtles). The tour operators are good but the guides are even better because they are local Bedouin and after meeting them and conversing with them on four seperate occasions I can say they are legit, down to earth and provide a great service. Great.

Directions: Madinat Qaboos, Muscat Oman

Other Contact: tours@omantel.net.com

Website: http://www.desert-discovery.com

Spectacular Sand Dunes

Oman has some of the best sand dunes in all of Arabia. The Wahiba Sands which is luckily enough only 25 km from my apartment is a place to see true Arabian Dunes. The camp is run by Bedu and despite having all the modern day conveniences such as toilets and lights, the overnight camp gives you the chance to do some serious dune bashing in the old landcruisers or simply take in the vibe which includes traditional music at night, sand surfing and camel rides. The dunes are something special and they raise to several hundred feet in some areas. The place is off the beaten track and it is a place where you can experience world class sand dunes and bedu hospitality without the addition of mass tourism.

Directions: Near Al Qabil. Turn right after the Al Qabil Guesthouse near the BP station on the Muscat Sur road.

Learning Arabic

One of the best ways to learn Arabic in Oman (and for free) is to sit down at a cafe and chat with the local Omani men (obviously for foreign men but women can do it by visiting the local univ or colleges) and they are happy to converse. This is how I learned Arabic and you will not only learn the language but you may end up meeting some great friends that you will keep in touch with for the rest of your life. It was one of my fav things to do in Oman and my memories are beyond words.

Al Sawadi

This place has to be one of my true favorites in the country. It is a classy beach resort where tourists and expats can get away from the Islamic everyday life and relax by a beach with a drink or book in your hand. You can swim in the sea, play anything from beach volleyball to badminton to using the gym. You can play basketball, rent sea scooters, drink and eat at the 3 local pubs on site or camp on the beach (using their facilites) Winter offers some great discounts and this place is the absolute perfect place to get away from it all. The rates vary from season to season ranging from 15 rials a person per night to 25 rials a person per night but the camping huts on the beach (10 rials a person per night) is dynamite. You gotta love the 20$ buffet because it is incredible and non muslims can even get pork etc ! Overall, I love the place! I copied the most recent information as of October 2006.

Room Rates
Garden / Sea View
Room Bed &
Breakfast Half Board Full Board All Inclusive
Single 50.00 55.00 60.00 70.00 48.00
Double 50.00 60.00 76.00 90.00 70.00
Child (6-12) - 2.00 5.25 8.00 10.00
Extra Bed 5.00 9.00 15.50 21.00 48.00

Divers' Rates (Garden/Sea View)
Garden / Sea View
Room Bed & Breakfast Half Board All Inclusive
Single 61.00 66.00 73.00 75.00
Double 85.00 93.00 107.00 110.00

Address: Barka, Oman

Directions: P.O. Box 747, Postal Code 320
Barka, Sultanate of Oman

Phone: +968-26795545

Website: http://www.alsawadibeach.com

Movies!

I had to find ways to beat the heat in Muscat and other places during the spring and summer and this cinema is one of the best in the country. You can enjoy this cinema anyday of the week and it is one par with any cinema in a Western country. The movies are in English and they are usually up to date. It is very popular with expats and locals during the hot summer days. Any daytime show costs 2.5 omani rials. Great budget option!

Address: Shatti Al Qurum, Muscat City

Directions: Near the beach and fancy shops. Everyone knows this place.

Phone: 968 24 692 656

Website: http://movies.theemiratesnetwork.com/showtimes.php?cn=72

Picnics with locals

One of the best experiences you can have in Oman is sitting down with some locals and enjoying some food and drinks(non alcoholic of course). If you are lucky to find someone who speaks English well you are in for a true delight as Omanis stop at nothing to be polite to their visitors. Omanis will give you enough food for two lifetimes and they will even explain the culture and traditions to you if you ask. Overall, sitting with Omanis is a blast!

BarberShop

My favorite thing to do in Oman is to get a shave by the Indian and Bangali men. They are absolute wizards and have amazing skills especially with the straight blade. The whole process takes about 45 minutes and it is heaven. For $3 US it is an amazing deal!! Try it and you will love it!!

Snorkelling and Diving

There are some excellent snorkelling and diving in Oman, and the untouched coastline is perfect for anyone wanting peace and quiet. Diving courses are given at the Al Sawadi Beach Resort as well as Blue Zone. Omans waters are full of life!

Directions: Anywhere along the coastline.

Hiking, Rock Climbing and Caving

All of these activities are becoming more and more popular in Oman. Oman has some amazing caves which many have never been explored. With a pair of boots, sun hat and water Oman will not dissappoint you. My personal favorite is hiking in the Hajaar Mountains.

Directions: Anywhere in Northern Oman