Your full Wanderlust guide to
Oman
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Oman has so much to offer travellers. After all, for many years Oman was the epicentre of a travel network: as far back as 5,000 BC frankincense merchants traced a spider’s web of trails across Arabia and as far away as India, while over the past few centuries Omani trading dhows plied the coasts of Africa and the subcontinent.
Oman’s current renaissance owes much to the measured modernisation of Sultan Qaboos bin Said. When he came to the throne in 1970, the country boasted just 10km of tarmac roads. Oman now has a comfortable travel network and a range of activities to tempt any adventurous traveller – while keeping sight of its traditions and heritage.
When you add the natural advantages endowed on Oman – the golden dunes of Wahiba Sands, the solitude of the Empty Quarter, the fjord of the Musandam Peninsula, the heights of the Hajar Mountains, the many unspoilt beaches (let’s hope they keep them that way), and the wealth of marine life – it is no wonder this is such an up and coming destination for travellers.
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In Muscat visit the Grand Mosque (with the second-largest carpet in the world), take a stroll along Mutrah harbour, visit the early morning fish market and haggle at Mutrah souk. The Bait al-Zubair museum is worth a visit too
On the coast, drop in at Sur to see traditional dhows still being built by hand. The town makes a good base for exploring the region, including the turtle-nesting beaches of Ras al-Jinz and Ras al-Hadd
The Wahiba Sands (also known as Sharqiya Sands) are stunning. It is worth staying in one of the tented camps, especially if you’re not visiting the Empty Quarter from Salalah
The Musandam Peninsula is a beautiful enclave separated from the rest of Oman by the UAE. Dhow cruises along its coast are popular; it’s a renowned diving spot too
Salalah and the surrounding area have a very different feel to the rest of the country – sub-tropical and more laid-back. Explore the deserted beaches and buy some frankincense in the souk. Although there is little to see, it is fascinating to visit Ubar, the reputed ‘Atlantis of the Sands’, rediscovered through the satellite imagery
Wanderlust tips
Although Oman is a tolerant Muslim country, visitors should dress conservatively – keep beachwear for the beach. If visiting the Grand Mosque (or any other mosque), legs and arms should be covered; women should cover their hair too.
Ramadan is 11 August to 9 September in 2010. While visitors are not expected to fast, do refrain from eating or drinking in public during daylight hours. Many restaurants will be closed during the day.
When to go to Oman
November to March is winter and so most comfortable for activities and sightseeing. However, it is also the high season in the north. Summer is hot and humid. The khareef in the south is usually between mid-June to late-August. September to November is the best time to see the turtles laying and hatching at Ras al-Jinz.
International airports
Muscat (MCT), 40 km from Muscat. Salalah (SLL) receives some charters from the UAE and Scandinavia. It is being expanded.
Getting around in Oman
Hiring a car is straightforward and petrol is incredibly cheap. The biggest hazards are camels in the road (and you’ll have to compensate the owner if you hit one) and overtaking drivers coming towards you on your side of the road.
If venturing offroad, for example into wadis, make sure you hire a 4WD. If you only have a 2WD, check whether your insurance covers you for off-road. You would be foolish to venture into the desert alone.
Intercity buses run between the largest towns. They are comfortable and reliable. Shared long-distance are good value, but city taxis are generally very expensive. Internal flights run between main centres such as Muscat to Salalah.
Oman food & drink
Oman has its own regional dishes. Nowadays there are many restaurants serve the traditional food such as Bait AL Luban restaurant and Rozna
Indian dishes are very common, with lots of options for vegetarians. Arabic dishes, such as moutabel (aubergine dip) and hummus are also found. Fish and seafood tend to be very good – hamour (grouper) is very common on menus, and kingfish, tuna, large prawns and ‘lobster’ (actually crayfish) feature. Limes are used a lot.
Wash your meal down with tea or cardamom-flavoured coffee. Alcohol is available in international hotels but is expensive.
Health & safety in Oman
No specific vaccinations are required for travel to Oman. Tap water is safe to drink. Be prepared for the heat with sunscreen and a hat. Do not drive in the desert unless you are experienced in offroad driving. The crime rate is low.
