Oman – neither as historical as Jordan nor as glitzy as Dubai; still, the country is described as the rarest part of the Middle East. Oman is the most beautiful place, and yet it is one of the most underrated holiday destinations in the world. Many tourists skip this country, but it is a pity they do not realize what they are missing out on.
Oman is set on the Arabian Peninsula’s south-eastern coast. It is placed between Yemen and UAE and borders the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and the Arabian Sea. Interestingly Oman, compared to the entire Arab region, is the most stable and developed country, as per the United Nations Development Program.
Oman tourism promotes their country with pride. Oman boasts its stunning natural beauty with its copper-colored cliffs, turquoise waters, and golden-red dunes. Compared to the other much-hyped and flashier middle-eastern countries, Oman is brimming with tradition and history. Get thrilled by the epic landscapes, exotic natural beauty, exquisite sunsets, deserts wrapped with mountains, Bazaars or souks, sand beaches, and more in Oman.
Discover Oman by exploring the country with our Oman tour packages. Get in touch with destination experts at Flamingo Transworld and find out all the details to make your holiday a memorable one.
Tourists who all have chosen and visited this destination – can vouch that Oman has surpassed their expectations. From impressive luxurious resorts, hotels to local homestays, diving to dune bashing, Oman will give you an exclusive experience.
Oman tourism showcases tons of reasons for you to choose Oman as your next travel spot. Flamingo Transworld offers myriad options of Oman tour packages that incorporate all the unmissable experiences in Oman. We are sure your tour to Oman will be a memorable holiday.
Let me share some of the authentic Oman experiences as below:
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Visiting Oman – Wadi Shab should be on the top of the list of must-visit places in the country. Visualize Wadi Shab – with blue pools, fantastic gorges, terraced plantations, kingfishers, and waterfall. The name in Arabic means Gorge between the cliffs. Just 40 mins from the town of Sur and 1.5 hours from Muscat will bring you to Wadi Shab. Remember that one has to take a short boat ride at the beginning to cross the wide river to start your hike. November to March is the peak season. During these months, the views would include date palms, picturesque hills, waterfall inside the cave. The hike is of moderate levels and has a varied landscape. You will pass through pools wherein one can swim or dive as well. Do include Wadi Shab while planning your Oman tour packages with us.
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The Wahiba Sands are a meandering expanse of glittering sand that appears to stretch endlessly along Oman’s eastern coast. Popular for its extravagant desert experience, it is one of the best camping areas in the country. The Sharqiya Sands cover an area of around 10000 square kilometers.
You will be able to soak in the atmosphere and have a true Arabian experience here. Experience an adrenaline rush during an off-road safari in 4×4 vehicles across the shifting dunes. For the less adventurous –opt for a leisurely camel ride and watch the gorgeous sunset. Walking across the dunes is an option not to be missed. Amidst the arid landscape – visit remote villages, Bedouin families, check out their traditional way of Bedouin lifestyle, and if you can, do not miss their homemade Omani coffee. One of the other glamorous experiences is overnight camping. Indulge in the rustic tents or luxurious desert camps, gaze at the starry night sky – it is an experience you would remember for ages. If you do not have much time, you can still enjoy a sumptuous picnic and live cultural performances at either of the camps here.
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The world-renowned Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat was inaugurated on 4th May 2001 by Sultan Qaboos Bin Al Said. In the third century, the monarch donated this mosque to commemorate his power. The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is the nation’s largest. This mosque is spread in an area of around 416000 square meters and can hold up to twenty worshippers at any given time. There are four sections in the mosque; a Musalla – prayer hall dedicated for ladies, a men’s prayer hall, a lecture theatre, and a library. It also has an ablution room with a fountain wherein visitors can enter during the non-prayer times. It is here where the worshippers also perform purification rituals.
It is one of those few Arabian mosques that allow entry for non-Muslim visitors. The architecture of the mosque demonstrates the fusion of Islamic, Omani, and Middle-Eastern architectural styles. It is embellished in colorful mosaic patterns. The minaret of the mosque has a height of 90 meters, making it one of the tallest structures in the country. There are a total of five minarets that epitomize the five pillars of Islam: prayers, fasting, faith, giving of alms, and pilgrimage.
There is a massive chandelier in the mosque that was formerly the world’s largest. The chandelier is 24-carat gold plated, houses 1122 bulbs, and is trimmed with 600,000 Swarovski crystals. Not only is the enormous chandelier famous, but so is the carpet in this mosque. It is a single-piece hand-loomed carpet found in the main Musalla.
Follow the dress code – dress conservatively while visiting the mosque. Both men and women should wear head, shoulder, and leg coverings. Enjoy the dates and coffee offered by Omani women in the mosque. Cherish this experience by knowing more about their culture, insights, and stories. To our delight, this entire magnificent experience is completely free. You do not have to pay any fees or ticket prices to explore this marvelous architecture.
A two-hour drive from Muscat city will lead you to Nizwa – an ancient oasis city. During the sixth and seventh centuries AD, this city served as the country’s capital. Nizwa Fort, the city’s largest and oldest fortress, is world-renowned. Nizwa Fort looks like a cross between a fort and a castle. Imam Sultan Bin Saif Al Yarubi built the fort on the ruins of an older fort in the 17th century. The construction of it took around twelve years to complete. The fort reflects Omani architecture, is surrounded by green date palms.
There are six cannons at the fort wherein; two are present at the entrance of the fort and four at the rooftop. During ancient times, these were used to protect the city against invaders. Inside the fort, you will notice narrow staircases, a maze of rooms, corridors, doorways, high-ceiling halls, and terraces. The monument also has a museum that displays Omani traditions and lifestyles. Check out the panoramic and beautiful views of the Hajar Mountains and oasis from the top of the fort. The fort is surrounded by a souq which is fun to explore. Check out the Best Of Oman Tour Packages!
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Amongst the myriad places to visit in Oman, do not miss out to explore a more authentic experience in the country. Visit Misfat Al Abriyeen, a local mud village built into the Al Hamra region’s mountainside. It has roof terraces that overlook the beautiful gardens consisting of dates and banana plants. Explore the Oman-style homestay. The foundation of these houses was built using big rock slabs. The multi-levels towers were built using stones excavated from the mountainside and smaller rocks. These rocks are fixed together using plaster and mud. The total outcome of each building camouflages with the mountains. They have stood still through decades.
Some of the houses now have satellite dishes and AC units, but they still are a little aloof from the rest of the city life. Misfat Al Abriyeen can be visited 24/7. Strolling through the historic village will be a surreal experience for you. The visitor center, which is near the village’s entrance, has all the information you need. Our destination experts will be happy to add this experience to your customized Oman tour packages.
Watch the endangered green sea turtles during your tour to Oman. Sur, Oman’s harbor town, is two hours from Muscat and a short drive from the Wahiba Sands. The nesting stretch for endangered green sea turtles is Ras Al Jinz near Sur. Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve was built in 1966 as a huge eco-tourism mission to safeguard turtle breeding. It also helps to educate tourists on the exploitation and breeding patterns of the turtles.
Tourists can explore the beach during dawn and dusk with a guide. At sunset, you will get to see mother turtles laying their eggs. During sunrise, you will get to see the hatchlings make their move towards the water. The peak laying season is in July, but the best months to see laying and hatching turtles are September to November. To have a deeper knowledge about these turtles, visit the sanctuary’s museum. It hosts numerous interactive exhibitions about all the species of turtles.
Traveling to Oman, check out a perfect postcard location. Explore one of the world’s most magnificent natural pools. Visit the Hawiyat Najm Park – to explore the renowned Bimmah Sinkhole. It is positioned on Muscat’s northeastern coast, in the Dabab area. It is a 1.5-hour drive from Muscat city, just a few kilometers from Tiwi. This location is open from 0800 to 2000 hours.
Generally, Sinkholes are created due to the groundwater eating away rocks like carbonate and limestone. The formation of caves is caused by the disintegration of rocks, which results in the ground caving in. A legend says that this sinkhole was created when a meteorite hit the ground, which resulted in a natural depression, thus forming a lake.
The sinkhole is around 600 meters away from the sea. It contains turquoise-colored fresh and seawater, as it is connected with the ocean through an underground tunnel. The depth of the sinkhole is around 20 meters, which makes it a great spot for diving enthusiasts. The local bodies developed a park around it and a stairway that led down to the lake. There are several picnic tables, covered pavilions, playgrounds, paved walking paths, etc. to explore the place.
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Visiting an Arabian country and not visiting a Souq – is a completely incomplete experience, if I must say so! Do not, by any chance, rule out a visit to a souq during your Oman tour. Visit the most popular one in the capital city – the Muttrah Souq. It is a lively traditional market filled with the Frankincense scents and with timber wood decorations all over. It has a labyrinth of jewelry, ceramics, and camel-themed souvenirs. Some of the best buys over here are leatherware, exquisite gold jewelry, Kummah – Omani caps for men, souvenirs like Khanjar – Omani dagger, and llama wool pashminas. One can also find a wide range of antiques, perfumes, spices, and other Omani antiques.
Make sure that you bargain while shopping at these Souqs. If you are new to bargaining, start with a sum about 40 to 50 percent less than the vendor’s asking price. You will undoubtedly get the deal at a price somewhere in the middle. On the top of the hills, visit the Muttrah fort. The entrance gate is designed in the style of a carriageway and leads to the old Muscat city. There is also a museum on top of the gate. It exhibits Omani heritage, the History of Oman, geology, etc. Check it out if you want to know and understand more about the country.
The Royal Opera House in Muscat was inaugurated in 2011, with an opening night performance of Turandot. Its rich arabesque interiors and imposing facade elevate the classical opera performance to different heights.
The immaculate complex stands out in the desert environs and is spread across 80,000 square meters of area. The complex displays Omani architecture using Omani desert rose stones. The complex is surrounded by 40,000 square meters of manicured gardens. The Royal Opera House was conceived by Sultan Qaboos, to showcase classical music concerts and opera performances. This monument reflects royal prerogative, Omani heritage, and cultural exchanges. It is a feast to all our senses and worth a visit. Have a look at our
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Along with all other must-try experiences during your Oman tour package, one should also explore the traditional Omani cuisine. From rice to grilled meat, coffee, and dates, some of the top Omani dishes during your stay in the country. Omani cuisine is influenced by North African, Persian, Indian, and Mediterranean cuisines. It has a delicious fusion of marinades, spices, and herbs. Lamb, Chicken, and rice are the staples of Omani food, including ingredients like ginger, saffron, and nutmeg. Owing to its vast coastline, seafood lovers can feast on a rich delicacy here. Some popular dishes are Omani bread, Shuwa, Majboos, Dates, Omani Laban, Harees, Omani Kahva – Arabic coffee, and Omani Halwa.
Amongst all the Middle-eastern countries, Oman is the most stable country to travel to. It is unique from Qatar and the UAE. You will not find any high-rises in this country due to the no-skyscraper policy of the country. The government has taken this initiative to retain its unique architecture and traditional charms. The country has kept everything quite simple; there are no flashy lights, no glitz or glamour, no over-the-top skyscrapers, etc.
Oman is to open to tourism. According to Lonely Planet’s annual Best in Travel list, Oman one of the world’s must-visit destinations in 2022.
While discussing your travel plans to experience an off the beaten to a safe country, destination experts at Flamingo Transworld – would surely recommend you visit Oman. Oman is perfect for those travel enthusiasts who are fans of wild camping, forts, deserts, adventurous 4WD trails, etc. Without much ado, visit the nearest Flamingo Transworld office, or reach out to us on call to create your customized Oman travel experience.
Nikita Karia has eleven years of experience working in the B2B travel trade, focusing on international destinations. Thus, writing tourism content comes naturally to her. She has traveled across countries- like Singapore, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and South Africa.
Additionally, she has a flair for writing about healthcare, technology, mental health, education, and e-commerce. Her purpose of the write-up is to simplify the contents in a way that resonates with the reader. When she is not writing, she enjoys tweaking her gardening skills
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