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Oman Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Round about muscat Round about muscat M.Saeed Oman is one of the few Arab countries that ever distinguished itself in its history as a major seafaring nation. Most of Oman lies along the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, and the proud seamen of Oman colonized the coast of East Africa as far Zanzibar and even further south. Since the discovery of massive oil deposits, Oman has seen spectacular economic growth and modernization. The country has kept faithful to its Islamic traditions, however. Even so, Oman has managed to create a relative open society, more open to influences from the outside than other Gulf countries. In 1970 when the current Sultan took over the government in a bloodless palace coup, Oman was barely out of the Middle Ages. Now, a mere 30 years later, women drive, can be elected -- or appointed -- to the Majlis as-Shura, Oman's quasi-parliament, which advises the Sultan -- and run many successful businesses around the country. The Gulf has been an important waterway since ancient times bringing the people who live on its shores into early contact with other civilizations. In the ancient world the Gulf peoples established trade connections with India; in the Middle Ages they went as far as China; and in the modern era they became involved with the European powers that sailed into the Indian Ocean and around Southeast Asia. In the Twentieth Century the discovery of massive oil deposits in the Gulf region made the area once again a crossroads for the modern world. In Oman, high mountain ranges running parallel to the coast effectively cut off the Interior from the rest of the country. The highest peak, Jebel Shams (Sun Mountain), is just over 3,000 meters, and is a favorite destination of locals, expatriates, and tourists alike. It's also a good place to go to escape the stifling heat of the summer. _________Practical Information Edit This Currency The local currency is the Omani Rial (OMR) [Add Practical address] SALALAH Travel Edit This for holidays, tours and hotels in Muscat and Oman . Explore Muscat in a private tour, stay in a superb beach front hotel type: Tourist information World66 rating: [rate it] url: www.Salalah.Travel address: P.O. Box 3073 Salalah 211 Oman Holidays Edit This Camels in the Wahaiba Sands Camels in the Wahaiba Sands photo by: http://www.OmanHoliday.co.uk Oman Holidays is a specialised tour operator in Oman approved by the Oman Ministry of Tourism. The company, whose management have over a decade’s experience of tourism in Oman , specialize in interpretive guided cultural tours throughout the country. type: Tourist information World66 rating: [rate it] url: www.OmanHoliday.co.uk address: Muscat Oman email: ArabesqueTours@OmanHoliday.co.uk Muscat Travel Edit This Information about travel to and in Muscat Oman and other areas in Oman type: Tourist information World66 rating: [rate it] url: www.Muscat.Travel address: Muscat Travel email: muscattravel@Muscat.Travel Holidays to Oman Edit This Information about travel to and in Oman including Muscat, Nizwa, Salalah and other areas in Oman type: Tourist information World66 rating: [rate it] url: www.Arabesque.Travel address: Oman Holidays with Arabesque email: arabesquetravel@arabesque.travel __________Getting There Edit This [Add Global transport mode] Duncan Edit This Nizwa is about 1.5 hours drive inland from Muscat by a well maintained road. However a 4x4 is advised. Cars can be hired at the airport or downtown Muscat. type: By Road World66 rating: [rate it] tel: 0567812345 address: 121 email: duncangrant33@hotmail.com ________Economy Edit This Economy—overview: Economic performance is closely tied to the fortunes of the oil industry. Petroleum accounts for 75% of export earnings and government revenues and for roughly 40% of GDP. Oman has proved oil reserves of 4 billion barrels equivalent to about 20 years' production at the current rate of extraction. Agriculture is carried on at a subsistence level and the general population depends on imported food. The year 1996 was marked by higher oil production and prices. The government is encouraging private investment both domestic and foreign as a prime force for further economic development. GDP: purchasing power parity—$17.2 billion (1997 est.) GDP—real growth rate: 3.5% (1997 est.) GDP—per capita: purchasing power parity—$8 000 (1997 est.) GDP—composition by sector: agriculture: 3% industry: 43% services: 54% (1995) Inflation rate—consumer price index: 1% (1996 est.) Labor force: total: 780 500 (1997 est.) by occupation: agriculture 37% (1993 est.) Unemployment rate: NA% Budget: revenues: $5.2 billion expenditures: $6 billion including capital expenditures of $1.3 billion (1998 est.) Industries: crude oil production and refining natural gas production construction cement copper Industrial production growth rate: 3% (1994 est.) Electricity—capacity: 1.744 million kW (1995) Electricity—production: 7.8 billion kWh (1995) Electricity—consumption per capita: 3 670 kWh (1995) Agriculture—products: dates limes bananas alfalfa vegetables; camels cattle; annual fish catch averages 100 000 metric tons Exports: total value: $7.6 billion (f.o.b. 1997 est.) commodities: petroleum 75% reexports fish processed copper textiles partners: Japan 29% South Korea 17% China 12% Thailand 11% US 7% (1996) Imports: total value: $4.8 billion (f.o.b. 1997 est.) commodities: machinery transportation equipment manufactured goods food livestock lubricants partners: UAE 22% (largely reexports) Japan 15% UK 15% France 6% US 5% (1996) Debt—external: $3 billion (1997 est.) Economic aid: recipient: ODA $82 million (1993) Currency: 1 Omani rial (RO) = 1 000 baiza Exchange rates: Omani rials (RO) per US$1—0.3845 (fixed rate since 1986) Fiscal year: calendar year ___________Advice to Tourists Edit This When visiting Oman -- or any other Gulf-Arab state -- there are a few things one should keep in mind. First of all, the Gulf states are all very devoutly Muslim. It's hard for a secular Westerner to comprehend just how deeply affected these conservative socities are by Islam. Unlike the West, religion permeates every aspect of life, from the foods one eats to the way one should treat one's guests. The tenets and taboos associated with Islam are taken deeply to heart and visitors are expected to respect them. So how does this affect you as a tourist? Dress If you follow these guidelines, you should encounter no difficulties of any kind: Women: Do not wear shorts or sleeveless blouses in public unless you are at the beach. Even there, do not wear two-piece bathing suits. The only exception to this is at a five-star resort on its private beach -- if it has one. Don't wear excessive amounts of make-up, and be relatively circumspect in your approach to local men. Steady eye-contact and broad smiles are highly unwise and may lead to unpleasant encounters. Men: It is not wise to wear shorts in public unless you are at the beach or are participating in some kind of sporting activity which justifies them. In sophisticated parts of the Capital Area -- Qurum, Al-Khuwair, or Medinat Qaboos -- it's okay. Outside of those up-market areas, it's not the best idea. That said, you won't be arrested or deported; however, someone may tell you to "dress properly." Short-sleeved shirts and tee-shirts are permissible, but tank-tops are not. Visiting Mosques With few exceptions, non-Muslims are not encouraged to enter mosques in the Gulf. I have lived in the region since 1982 and have never been inside one, the one exception being a tour of the spectacular, new Sultan Qaboos Mosque which is now open to visitors. ________Climate Advisory Edit This Summer Oman is a hot country, a very hot one! Between the end of April and the beginning of November daily high temperatures average around 38 C or 100 F. Today, 8 May 2001, the high was 45 C (113F), and temperatures or 48 or 49 (about 120F) are not uncommon. Happily, however, when it is this hot, there is very little humidity, so you can deal with the heat. Unfortunately, in June, the temp often drops to around 38 or 40C (100 - 104F) and the humidity soars to as high as 95%. That is when coastal Oman is truly unbearable. Of course, everything is air-conditioned, so as long as you're inside, everything's fine. Winter There is nothing like an Omani "winter." From the middle of November until middle of March or so, the climate here is nothing short of superb. Along the coast, the highs are generally in the low 20's C (low 70's F) and the lows virtually never go below 13 C (55 F). Once during the past 13 years in Oman I saw 9 C (48 F). That was the absolute coldest. Daytime is usually bright and sunny with a few scattered clouds; nighttime it's generally clear with a light breeze blowing. In a word, it's ideal. And clearly, this is the time to visit. Rain Oman gets precious little. In the past 12 months, it's only rained once, for example. However, when it does decide to rain, a strong 45-minute's or hour's shower will cause flooding. Since there is virtually no vegetation on the mountainsides, it all runs off. In no time, wadis or dry riverbeds will be running at an amazingly fast clip. If you're driving across one -- or worse, camping in one -- and happen to be caught in the torrent, you can be in big trouble. It is not uncommon for 4x4s and whole campsites to be washed away. Clothing Men and Women In the Gulf, there are two fabrics that rule: Cotton and Linen. Don't even consider bringing polyesters here; they are simply too hot. Cotton-poly blends with less than 30% polyester are okay, but otherwise you'll pay a high price. I'd also recommend light colors. And if you're planning to go up in the mountains in the winter, then a light sweater (jumper) and/or a jacket -- preferably leather to stop the wind -- should be considered. Women However much you may want to wear shorts or dresses with spaghetti-string shoulder straps, don't! Culturally, these are not on. That said, light-weight cotton trouser-top outfits (e.g., Indian/Pakistani kameez/shalwar) are fine -- and just as comfortable. If you're staying in a five-star hotel, then a bikini is permissible; otherwise, it's one-piece bathing suit only on the beaches. Again, if you're staying at a 5-star facility, you might want something a bit dressy Men Bermuda shorts are just acceptable, although I wouldn't wear them in villages in the Interior. Otherwise, tropical weight cottons or wools are the thing. In winter, Levi's are fine; they're too hot in the summer. T-shirts are perfectly acceptable, of course, as are half-sleeve shirts. If you're staying in a five-star hotel, a sports jacket and a tie might be good, although they are never required here. The only men you see wearing suits, white shirts, and ties are Indian businessmen, who are by nature a pretty formal group. Westerners almost always opt for the most comfortable items they have in their closets. My favorite trouser choice is a pair of "convertible" hiking pants with zippers so that the legs can be removed. This way, I can drive or hike in shorts, but put my legs back on when I come into a town or any public area where I think I should be more "properly" dressed. ______Nizwa Edit This Nizwa is a small town located west from the Hajar mountains. It is very nice and centered unlike other towns in Oman and famous for it's markets. Due to its location close to the western Hajar plateau it seems to be a suitable spot to tour the mountain region including trips to the Djebel Schams. _______People Edit This Photo: Omanis celebrating National Day on 18 November in Barka Population: 2 363 591 (July 1998 est.) Age structure: 0-14 years: 41% (male 488 244; female 469 831) 15-64 years: 57% (male 835 872; female 514 236) 65 years and over: 2% (male 28 966; female 26 442) (July 1998 est.) Population growth rate: 3.45% (1998 est.) Birth rate: 37.83 births/1 000 population (1998 est.) Death rate: 4.37 deaths/1 000 population (1998 est.) Net migration rate: 1.08 migrant(s)/1 000 population (1998 est.) Sex ratio: at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.04 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 1.63 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 1.1 male(s)/female (1998 est.) Infant mortality rate: 25.55 deaths/1 000 live births (1998 est.) Life expectancy at birth: total population: 71.02 years male: 69.04 years female: 73.1 years (1998 est.) Total fertility rate: 6.13 children born/woman (1998 est.) Nationality: noun: Omani(s) adjective: Omani Ethnic groups: Arab Baluchi South Asian (Indian Pakistani Sri Lankan Bangladeshi) African Religions: Ibadhi Muslim 75% Sunni Muslim Shi'a Muslim Hindu Languages: Arabic (official) English Baluchi Urdu Indian dialects Literacy: definition: NA total population: approaching 80% male: NA% female: NA% :::::::: Al khuwair Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see AL Khuwair Highway AL Khuwair Highway Ashwin G Kallianpur,Muscat city ,Oman Al khuwair is part of the Muscat region. There are a few hotels here and it has an English pub. :::::Barka Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Another town, another fort, Barka sits on the waterfront easily within reach for a daytrip from Muscat. The fact that the sea is so close, makes for a nice change from the inland desert forts. :::::::Buraimi Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Que at Buraimi Border Que at Buraimi Border A Law Bruraimi (pronounce Buramee) is Omans half of the Al-Ain oasis. Most of the things to see are in Al-Ain proper in the UAE, but since there are no border formalities here, this isn't much of a problem. Hotels are a lot cheaper in Buraimi, so staying here and hopping over to Al-Ain might be an idea. Note that the UAE taxis have meters and do cruise around in the Omani part of town, but refuse to use them while in Oman or even when driving to Oman. Haggle or have yourself driven to the roundabout on the border and walk if your hotel is close. Note also that most Omani shops will readily accept UAE currency, but the other way around is much more of a problem. Please note that starting from September 1st most probably, there will be a border checkpoint with all formalities between Al Ain and Al Buraimi. Under growing security threats the Border controls have now been implemented on September 16th at Hilli which is around 8 kilometers away near the traditional camel market. The border near Al Ain town centre is now only open to GCC nationals, clearly signposted, otherwise you will be diverted to Hilli and will need a valid UAE visit visa. You can experience long delays at the new checkpoint at times. You will be entering Buraimi via a delapidated industrial area, keep going the traditional souk, fort are a couple of kilometers further in towards the commercial district. These border controls will be extended to many areas of Oman and the UAE which have been open for decades. ::: Ibri Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see ibri ibri ibrigate Located half way Muscat and the border with the Emirates, Ibri is an old caravan town, with a nice fort and a good souq (market). It is a good starting point for exploring the desert region around Ibri. ::::::::: Jabrin Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Jabrin is a relatively small city in the Hajar mountains with an impressive fort. Entrance to the fort is 0.5 Rial and on most days you can wander around pretty much on your own. If you don't have your own transport, getting to Jabrin is slightly difficult. The bus to Nizwa drops you off the junction from where it is another 8 kilometers to the fort. You might find a taxi, but you're probably better of hitching a ride with the locals. ::::::Masirah Island Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see A baby Turtle I found about 300 meters away from the sea, going in the wrong direction. Took it down to the beach and placed it on the sand facing away from the sea it turned around and went as fast as it could in to the sea and swam away, hope it made it. A baby Turtle I found about 300 meters away from the sea, going in the wrong direction. Took it down to the beach and placed it on the sand facing away from the sea it turned around and went as fast as it could in to the sea and swam away, hope it made it. Richard Stallard Not really too much to do here, as it's an island off the coast of Oman. Many rocks and camels, but some pretty nice beaches. This depends on what you are looking for. It is a windsurfing, geologist, and Landrover Paradise. It is a very nice place for camping and coast fishing and diving. you can play any sea sport and the weather is very good compared to other gulf costs. the most important thing don't rely on shops for sports equipment. Most everyday requisites are avaliable. To get to Masirah Island. You do need a four wheel drive to explore the deep sandy isalnd. With new tarmac roads now alsmost circumnavigating the island, even that is not needed anymore. You can camp anywhere, but there is one inexpensive hotel in town and a big 5 star one almost finished being built. The 5 star is 13 min. out of town and if arriving at night get clear directions. Ferry The Ferry is wonderful and regular. Dependent on tides? Perhaps, but more so on the weather and traffic. A ferry leaves either when it is full or the one from the other side arrives. If you miss the ferry and you don't want to sit around waiting for the tide. Be prepared to either pay 2 OMR per person to get over to the Island by speedboat, while your 4whd or car sits waiting 5-6 hours for the tide to come in. You will leave your keys in the ignition. And pick it up at the other end. The one way journey is about 10 OMR for a vehicle (April 2006). There are good restuarants on the island. Don't count on eating in the hotels..better to eat out. Ask for the new Egyptian restuarant..yum. You can eat and sit and watch a movie size screen on TV, usually football..LOL. Supplies of ice can be obtained at the ICE FACTORY and the Petrol station is the place for for juice, milk, cans of tuna, maybe fruit. There are a few food shops in town, but the selection of items available seemed limited at the time of writing this. Fuel up. Once you leave the centre, there are no petrol stations. But hard to imagine running out of fuel on this small island. Huge massive waves great for surfing ...4 -5 footers...min. Big fish like \barcuda and sharks jump through the waves while you body surf. Be careful. This is the single strongest riptide and surf I have ever experienced. Weak swimmers do not venture out far, or alone ever. This kind of riptide can pull off your swimming costume leaving you naked ! The people...perfect. All Bedouin- All the Time. Really kind, and helpful. If the police stop by your camp site offer them a soft drink or juice, or if you are eating ALWAYS offer to share your food. This is the custom. And if you don't it will look bad on you. Simple place but that is what is so special about it. Plus the BEDOUINS. They make it the good place it is. Enjoy and respect all spieces. Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: personal experience ________Practical Information Edit This Masirah Island, located on the East coast of Oman is an interesting place to visit and get away from it all, amazing beaches with no one around for miles, on the East coast of the Island you can watch turtles coming on the the sands to lay eggs, and you can find perfect inlets for wind surfing during the yearly monsoon season (June,July, August.) which makes it about 10 to 15 deg F cooler than the main land. We went there one time with windsurfers and also our mountain bikes, when the wind wasn't up to it we cycled around the Island, which can be done fairly easly on the tracks. We went back 3 years later and there is now a new tarmac road which nearly goes all the way around the island. Fishing off the island is very good, and fisherman can be seen bringing in their catch of Hammer Head Sharks every morning, destined for Hotels n Oman and the United Arab Emirates. If you want to see something differant and get away from it all then Masirah could be the place for you. :::::::::Musandam peninsula Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Khasab Khasab Joyce Carey The Peninsula is the rough northern part of Oman on the other side of the border with the UAE. With the visum situation improved, this shouldn't pose much of a problem, but note that if you rent a car, your insurance might not cover you while you are on UAE soil. The fjord like canals yield spectacular views and chartering a boat is a good option to experience the area, if not very cheap. A lot of Iranians come to the peninsula to smuggle all kinds of contraband. The Musandam Peninsula is the northernmost part of Oman jutting out into the Strait of Hormuz at the entrance to the Persian Gulf. The province, or governorate of Musandam as it is officially known, is separated from the rest of Oman by various of the United Arab Emirates - Ras al Khaimah and Fujairah. Musandam more or less begins where the mountains rise from the plains of Ras al Khaimah. The mountains have isolated communities for centuries. Coastal villages can be reached only by boat rather than by road. Pockets of flat land support meagre agriculture. The population of approximately 29,000 is concentrated in the capital, Khasab (18,000 in 2004) in the north and Dibba (5,500) on the east coast. Fishing is the principal economic activity supported by employment in government jobs. Tourism could be a major earner. Traders from Iran boost the port trade of Khasab. At its nearest point Musandam is just 55 km from Iran across the strait. See the satellite image which will open in a separate window. The file size is 72.5 K and takes up to 30 seconds to download fully at 28.8K. In 2000, we flew from Muscat to Khasab, the main town, in Oman Air's twin engine aircraft. A new, international airport opened at Khasab late in 2003, which can take larger aircraft flying from Dubai. ________ Khasab Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Khasab Khasab Joyce Carey Khasab is the largest town in Musandam with a population of around 19,000. ::::::::Muscat Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Fort by side of the corniche Fort by side of the corniche Archana G Kallianpur,Muscat city,Oman Muscat, the official capital of Oman, is only a small part of a larger grouping of cities and towns strung some 40kms along the coast of the Gulf of Oman, which is known locally as the "Capital Area" or the "Muscat Municipality." Never much deeper than 3 or 4 kms, this string of towns forms a sort of necklace sandwiched between the sea to the north and a very rocky, primeval-looking range of barren mountains to the south. Despite its ceremonial position as capital, the neighboring cities of Muttruh, with its superb corniche encirling a charming bay, and Ruwi, the traditional commercial center of the area, are both much more important. A thriving and strategically located port of the Arabian peninsula in ancient times, Muscat is the capital of modern Oman. It has a somewhat medieval appearance with two old Portuguese forts, Jelali and Merani. These picturesque old structures co-exist with modern, commercial, and residential quarters of the neighboring coastal towns, and lend the city an ambience all its own . The seaside, ceremonial palace of H.M.Sultan Qaboos Said, nestled between steep rocky hills, offers a spectacular sight, especially at night. Things to see Muscat proper There's actually not a lot to see in Muscat. There's the Al-Alam Palace, which is a mostly ceremonial building because the Sultan prefers another palace near Seeb, which is secluded and never seen by outsiders. Then there are a couple reasonably attractive mosques plus the Beit Al-Fransi, which was once the French Embassy, the Beit al-Zawawi, once the British Embassy, and another building, where the American Embassy was once located. There's also a small suq. Finally, there are the two forts, which are rarely open to the public. A walk by the palace and around to the side for a view out over the cove and maybe a couple hours in the museum at the Beit al-Fransi and that will probably suffice for Msucat. Muttruh Muttruh is the real sight in the Muscat Municipality. The Corniche is worth the trip alone, especially at night with the lights reflecting off the water and the white facades of the old merchants' houses that front the promenade. Just behind the Corniche is the old covered suq or market. In this rabbit warren of narrow streets you can find anything from Rolex watches to frankincense and from 22-24 k gold to cheap plastic cups and plates, not to mention dozens of fabric and tailors' shops. Muttruh's Lawatiyah Quarter On the western end of the Corniche and extending back two or three streets that run parallel to it is a section of Muttruh that is off-limits to all but locals. The Lawatis are a group of generally wealthy merchants who originated in the Kutch area of Gujarat, India. They are Shi'a Muslim, while the majority of Omanis are Abadhi, a branch separate of Sunni and Shi'a. They have lived in their own sort of self-imposed ghetto for generations and intend to continue to do so. Although they interact with the population at large, there is virtually no intermarriage (or so I have been told). For a visitor, this exclusivity is somewhat frustrating, for some of the most beautiful houses along the Corniche are owned by Lawatiyahs, the streets behind seem very interesting and inviting, but if you attempt to enter, you will soon be turned away... ______Sights Edit This [Add Sight] Riyam Public Gardens Edit This Just along the Corniche, this park offers excellent views of the harbour from the incense burner monument.There is also a Children's fun park with lot's of rides. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] Dhow trips Edit This i One of the best way to get a perspective of the country, especially the Muscat Bay. Most tour operators organize dhow trips. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] Muthrah souq Edit This This meandering maze of the shops offers unique sights and smells. The entrance to this souq is off the Corniche. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] Forts Edit This Restored forts at Jabrin, Rustaq and Nizwa are well worth a visit. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] Fish Market Edit This Fascinating array of fish is available at the northern end of the Mutrah Corniche. Best time to get there is early in the morning. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] Qurum Natural park Edit This A sprawling park which features a boating lake and water fountains, is also the home for Funworld, a children's entertainment park. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] _______Getting There Edit This AL Khuwair Highway Flyover-resembling that in Tokyo AL Khuwair Highway Flyover-resembling that in Tokyo Ashwin G Kallianpur,Muscat city ,Oman [Add Global transport mode] By Air Edit This Muscat is frequented by a large number of flights from all over the world including Air India, Indian, Lufthansa, Sri Lankan Airlines, Kenya Airways, Oman Air which is the national carrier of Oman, Gulf Air, Modiluft, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Etihad, Air Arabia, Air France, Saudia, Pakistan Int'l Airlines (PIA) and many ohers. Muscat has a huge airport namely the Seeb International Airport loacted in Seeb which is almost a 25 minutes drive from the heart of Muscat city. type: By Road World66 rating: [rate it] tel: 24790296 address: PO Box 2973;PC 112,Muscat,Oman email: ashg62@hotmail.com _________The Al-Bustan Hotel Edit This Muscat's flagship hotel is unquestionably the Al-Bustan Palace Hotel, which is managed by Intercontinental. Built originally as a meeting place for Arabian Gulf Co-operation Council heads-of-state, it is one of the Gulf's -- and the world's -- most luxurious resort hotels. The hotel hosts seven different restaurants and bars, from coffee shop, the Al-Khiran Terrace , on the pool level with its wonderful Friday brunch, to the seriously expensive and seriously French, Le Caprice . Dinner can easily cost over US $120 per person -- if you let it! The Al-Bustan offers guests not only different sized rooms and suites, but different room styles as well. You can choose between a Western room or an Arab one. The Western-style rooms are very nice, but little different from others you'll find in any Hyatt, Hilton, Taj, or Intercontinental. Rather than choose the dull and pedestrian, if you're going to splash out and spend the money on the Al-Bustan, the Arab option is highly recommend: inside you'll find blue ceramic mosaic wainscoting, seating alcoves built into the walls with Arab cushions, and decorative wood-framed mirrors. The Arab rooms seem larger, too, which is another obvious advantage. Amenities All the usual amenities are offered: pool, health spa, sports facilities, e.g., tennis, squash, skin diving, scuba diving, etc. (The Al-Bustan is the only hotel in Muscat that has its own private beach.) Business people will find secretarial services, in-room Internet connections, and all the rest of the goodies that executives seem to demand nowadays. :::::::::::Nizwa Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Nizwa is a small town in central Oman on the mountain plateaus. In more ancient times it was the capital of Oman's interior, prominant features of the town are a 17th century fort and a 9th century castle. Nizwa is also a good base for those wanting to tour the mountains ranges of Northern Oman. :::::::Saham Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see located only 30 KM from Sohar. Famous in exporting lemon. :::::::Salalah Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Wadi Dirbat Wadi Dirbat A twelve hour drive from the capital, but worth the ride. Unbelievably lush thanks to its tropical climate and even in summer the temperature never rises above 30 C. Salalah the main town of the region is fringed by these mountains which in summer change like a chameleon into an emerald green land. Instead of date, the palm in Salalah is the sub-tropical coconut. However Salalahs' fame is enhanced by the Frankincense tree which provide the sap that was so sought after in the ancient world. The best place in Oman to buy Frankincense is Haffa (Al Husn) Souq where you can chat with traders speaking one of the ancient languages that are spoken domestically here instead of Arabic. Out of town there are the UNESCO World Heritage sites associated with the Frankincense trade. Perhaps the most attractive is that of Sumharam set in the picturesque Khor Rori a creek opening out into the sea. :::::::::Sohar Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see photo_1 Mohd Saad Sohar. Well, it is in a great location. It is very green, lush tropical Omani fruit farms, Dairy farms, ... One side there is the sea the other the desert. 2 hours from busy mad mad Dubai, 90 minutes from Al Ain. A few hours from Musandam. And two hours from MUSCAT. The capitol of Oman. It is a boomtown as of writing this ( anuary 2006). Within the past year foriegn companies have innudated this small town with expats who are here to work at building factories and the newest PORT. With this comes the effect of capitalism. Rents have gone out of control, and are higher than the CAPITAL !!! Shops, still, not much. A SAFEER centre. A LuLus...and the typical assortment of Indian and Arabic eatries. A KFC and a PIZZA HUT, Filipino Food. Few hotels, none of them are really 5 star although ONE claims to be it definitely IS NOT. Annoying cause the rates do not match the quality. The great old Portuguese built fort is a must see. The souq is decent for an Omani 'town'. You can get basically anything you need here. A really excellent FISH market on the sea where the fishermen bring them in fresh daily. You bargin and take your catch home by its tail ! A few Universities, which make it a centre for studying for area locals and not -so -locals who commute from nearby mountain towns. A new language school, for the working adults to study at night and upgrade their English to be better prepared for jobs at the PORT. A french language institute, parlez vous francais? :::::::::Sur Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see a view to ship yard a view to ship yard surcity.net Sur is on the edge of the world. A seaside town 350kms approximatley from the capital Muscat. Before you arrive in Sur driving from Muscat be sure to go to the incredible Wadi Bani Khalid. You will need a good four wheel drive, a bathing suit, and a solid packed lunch to make a day of it. Follow the road signs, and be alert to traffic and smaller route signs. Sur is an old port town, with a few old forts, Al Alijah, ... and well, I will leave the historic information to someone with the facts at their finger tips. Once in Sur, go to the market for arabic food, or a curry and juice. At night catch a film on the seaside screen, playing DVDs projected on a large white wooden manmade screen. There are a two hotels to choose from but I recommend camping. It is completely safe, and your only worries will be a fresh water shower. Bring a portable solar shower. A large plastic container you can hang from a tree. Don`t worry it will heat up all on its own. You will have a harder time keeping things cool. Eat veggie for the trip if you are camping much easier. Sur is well located with the Wadis and Turtle Beach (RusAlHhad) being so nearby. A great day trip is to the nearby Wadis, drive towards Wadi Tiwi, and ask directions before you get on the unpaved roads. Camp down by White Sands beach, and swim in the smaller nearby Wadis. Again, bring food and lots of liquids. Back track and head to Ras-Al-Hhad, see endangered green back sea turtles laying eggs. Please respect the environment and all species. Tread lightly. In Sur, they still make the dhows by hand. These are wooden boats that have been used for centuries. From the downtown beach area, the dhow yard is down the beach as it archs to the right. The locals will point you in the right direction. See them create big boats out of huge teak logs, cut and fitted by hand.