Muscat to Quriyat, Bimmah Sinkhole, Wadi Al Shab, Wadi Tiwi
Details
We start the tour on the coastal road from Muscat to Quriyat, Bimmah Sinkhole, Wadi Al Shab, Wadi Tiwi, Qalhat, Sur, Wadi Bani Khalid, Wahiba Sands, Al Hoota Cave(3/5 days)
Day 1
Quriyat, Bimmah sinkhole, Wadi Al Shab, Wadi Tiwi, Sur
Sur is located in the Sharqiya, the southeastern region of the Arabian Peninsula. Enjoy a 200km road trip from Muscat to Sur, with superb photo ops along the way. As you head out of Muscat, you will enjoy panoramic views of the Hajar range of mountains to your right and the Arabian Gulf Coast to your left.
About 80 kms from Muscat’s Corniche area, we will stop at the quaint fishing village of Quriyat with its dhows (traditional Omani boats), long stretch of beach and a restored castle and fort. You can also stroll through the small souk or walk upto the Quriyat dam for some scenic photos.
Approx. 38 kms south of Quriyat is the Bimmah sinkhole– a natural limestone crater which was once an underground cavern. Ground water flows through the sinkhole and some parts are around 20m deep. Adventurous swimmers often seek out this spot for a quick dip in its blue-green waters.
A little while later, Wadi Al Shab beckons! It is surrounded by date palms and picturesque hills. We will stop here briefly only for photos. There is a roaring waterfall inside one of the caves in the mountain, which can be reached after a 45-minute trek through rugged terrain. You will know you have reached the end of the trail when you hear people splashing around in the rock pools. Longer stops at this wadi are available under our ‘Wadi Tours’ package.
A few kms south of Wadi Al Shab, is Wadi Tiwi with its emerald pools, lush vegetation and plunging canyons. Wadi Tiwi is also known as the Wadi of nine villages most of which can be found as one passes through the canyon. We will stop here briefly for photos only. Longer stops at this wadi are available under our ‘Wadi Tours’ package.
Around 20 kms south of Wadi Tiwi, we reach the medieval city of Qalhat which is a World Heritage site; it was destroyed by an earthquake in the 14th century and later occupied by the Portuguese. Marco Polo visited it in the 13th century. It was an important stop in the wider Indian Ocean trade network and a second city of the Kingdom of Hormuz. You can visit the ruins and the 13th century tomb of Bibi Miriam, the wife of Bahauddin Ayez, King of Hormuz. Today, Qalhat is better known for its important Oman Liquid Natural Gas processing plant.
Another 30 kms later, we finally arrive at our destination- the ancient fishing village of Sur, in time for dinner. We make an overnight stopover at a hotel here.
Day 2
Sur Dhow Factory visit
This morning after breakfast, we head out to Sur’s traditional dhow-building yard where artisans still handcraft dhows. Inspired by the legend of Sindbad the Sailor who is thought to have travelled through this ancient maritime route, Tim Severin, the British explorer and historian, also came to the dhow factory prior to his epic “Sindbad Voyage.” His ship, the ‘Sohar’, an 87-foot replica of a 9th century, lateen-rigged, cotton-sailed Arab dhow, which he then sailed from Sur to India and on to China in 1980. The factory is located just south of the western end of the Khor Al Batah suspension bridge.
Al Ayjah Fort and Lighthouse
Close by, is the historic town of Al Ayjah. The mountains surrounding Al Ayjah include some military fortifications including a fort and towers to protect the area in case of an attack. The Al Ayjah fort and lighthouse overlook Khor Al Batah. From the lighthouse area one can enjoy scenic views of the houses, mosques and mountains. While we drive through the old town, don’t miss the white coloured houses which retain an old-world unique charm and beauty; some have beautiful carved doors and lotus pillared porches.
Sur corniche and beach
Free time to take in the sights and sounds at the Sur beach area, before we head back to your hotel for lunch.
Day 3
Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve
Every year, thousands of sea turtles migrate from the shores of the Arabian Gulf and the Red Sea to lay their eggs on Oman’s beaches. It is a fascinating sight! The Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve is a key destination for people of all ages who would like to witness the nesting processes of different breeds of turtles.
Enjoy sunrise or sunset on a beautiful beach while the turtles make their nests or swim out to sea. During the night, turtles drag themselves out of the water and on the sand to dig a hole and lay their eggs. They then slide back to the sea. The green turtles are seen at Ras Al Jinz. Turtles come all the year round, however, there could be days in low season where you may not see any; peak season may give you 20 sightings or more.
Night turtle viewing is from 9:00 pm and non-inhouse guests have to be in the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve by 8:30 pm.
Dawn turtle viewing is from 5:00 am and non-inhouse guests have to be in the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve by 4:45 am.
Please note that timings may change depending on the season. We can plan your trip to suit your convenience.
Entry fees to the Turtle Reserve
- Tourist Adult – 08 OMR Per Person
- Tourist Child – (03 to 10 Years Old) will pay 3 OMR.
- Child below 03 Years will be free of charge.
Wadi Bank Khalid
Today we set out for Wadi Bani Khalid which is the most famous wadi in the Al Sharqiyah region and favoured spot for hikes and picnics. Its inviting emerald pools are sheltered by palm trees and cosy rock slabs on which swimmers can bask in the sun. This wadi receives a constant flow of water all the year round. The rocky canyon and cliffs of the Hajjar mountains make it breathtakingly beautiful.
Wahiba Sands
Wahiba Sands also known as Al Sharqiya Sands is an ocean of golden sand dunes which rise upto a height of even 200 ft. The Sharqiya Sands extend over an area of 10,000 sq kms. Here’s a wonderful opportunity to interact with bedouins, experience sand sports- such as dune bashing, sand boarding, going on a camel safari, and night camping in Oman. Excellent accommodation with modern amenities are available on site. At dinner, you will sit around a campfire and be entertained with Omani music and traditional folk dances. Food is a mix of continental, traditional Omani and Mediterranean. It’s also your night for star gazing and dreaming about what lies beyond the endless horizon! Night Camping is suggested here to enjoy the serene beauty of the desert, Bedouin camp music and dance for entertainment.
Day 4/5
Depending upon your convenience and budget, you can opt for night halt at Bimmah Sinkhole and even go for trekking which will make your trip more relaxing and enjoyable while stretching it to 5 days. Return to Muscat either on 4th day or 5th day after breakfast/lunch from Wahiba Sands and on your way visit Al Hoota Cave.
Al Hoota Cave
Al Hoota Cave is a cave located in Al-Hamra’, Ad Dakhiliyah Governorate, Oman, that is 5 km long. The cave was first discovered by locals several hundred years ago and was officially opened as a tourist destination in December 2006. The Omani blind cave fish lives in this cave system.