We decided to spend our week-long Eid holiday in Muscat. I’ve been in the city for three times but it’s my first time to travel by the bus. I thought it would be difficult for me to bear the 12-hour ride from Salalah to Muscat. It turns out that travelling at night with good company of colleagues made the entire ride manageable.
We left Salalah at 9:30PM and reached Muscat at 9:30AM. We planned to spend our first day around the city and the remaining days exploring the great outdoors.
Here are a few snaps of our drive around the city:
Muttrah Souq
For almost a year living in Oman I haven’t been to a Souq, and it were my first time to visit one in Muttrah. The souq has shops selling local products for souvenirs, home decors, traditional costumes and more. I’m fascinated with the vintage finds being sold here like old cameras, clocks and brass made products.
After visiting the souq, we went for a nice dinner in Tche Tche in Al Qurum with some friends, and spent the rest of the evening drinking coffee on the beach.
Arbae’en
The way to Wadi Al Arbaeen is one of the best off-road rides I have experienced. The road is steep and seem scary but the view of the surrounding mountain is breathtaking!
We rented a 4×4 vehicle which is efficient and safe to use for off-road trips. We saw some visitors in saloon cars on the way to the wadi, but due to the steep, rocky and high slope road, it is advisable to go on a 4×4 vehicle.
Look at the road we had to pass through!The mountain ranges were a great sight as we drove along. We expected the mountain to be mostly dry, but as we get closer to the wadi we sighted a nice green area. Near that area is a small village.
Upon reaching the wadi, there is a small stream and a lake divided by the rocks. Some people swim here although it is not recommended for safety.
Some visitors swim in this area.
Bimmah Sinkhole
The sinkhole is not on a mountain but in a nearby park close to the sea. The area is well-maintained and developed for tourists. It’s also my second time to visit here and it is is crowded with visitors as always. Facilities in the park include comfort rooms, parking area, picnic huts and play area for kids.
Wadi Shab
It’s my second time to visit Wadi Shab but I’m still thrilled to explore this area. This is one of the best places I’ve been to in Muscat, and I would love to be back here again and again if only it were easier to come. lol. I struggled the first time I went here as we had to trek under the extreme heat and we were unprepared with no water and no food. This time me and my friends made sure that we’re all geared up and packed.
Read my separate post about Wadi Shab.
Al Jabal Al Akhdar
Driving to this mountain requires a 4×4 vehicle. There is a checkpoint inspect and ensure everyone is following the rules and safety measures. The drive was quite long but the view and things to see here are endless.
One of the best highlights of our trip was visiting Jabal Sharaf which I have visited before. This place is famous for camping and I would love to come back here and camp anytime.
Read my separate post about Al Jabal Al Akhdar.
Usually after every trip at night, me and my colleagues would head to the mall like Grand Mall, Avenue Mall and City Centre to unwind and grab something to eat. We did a lot of shopping especially stuff that we don’t often get in Salalah. A night before our last day, we went to Trader Vics to meet fellow colleagues who were also on a holiday in Muscat.
We had a great time and a productive Eid holiday having to do everything we wanted and explore the most exciting places in Muscat. I will definitely be back here soon which means more Muscat posts are to come 🙂
