1. Visit Salalah, Oman
The beautifully lush area of Salalah is the capital of Oman’s Dhofar region but a world away from the usual desert environment. It has its own micro-climate and the monsoon weather carried from India creates perfect conditions for the many coconut, banana and papaya trees that grow all over the area. As well as admiring the natural beauty, other fun things to do in Salalah include visiting the Land of Frankincense Museum which explains why and how the resin is so important in Omani culture. In fact, some of the world’s best frankincense comes from trees in Salalah. The museum is in Al Baleed and open from Sunday through Thursday from 8am until 2pm and 4pm until 8pm. Al Mughsail Beach in Salalah is another popular day trip; it’s free of all the usual sun bed and cafe stalls which is good if you’re looking for seclusion, all you need to take is your towel, a good book and some sunscreen!
Read more: Best things to do in Salalah
2. Turtle watch on the beach
Thousands of sea turtles descend on Oman’s beaches in the breeding season to dig holes and lay their eggs. The country actually receives five of the seven sea turtle species, including the Loggerhead and Hawksbill. Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve is one of the most popular places to witness the incredible journey of the endangered Green Turtle. Rent a luxury weather-proof eco tent equipped with mini fridge, television and dressing table. The cost of the room includes breakfast, and dawn and evening excursions to the nearby “turtle beach”. The resort is situated south of the coast from Sur.Another place which is slightly more off the beaten track is Masirah Island, which is the breeding spot for the Green, Loggerhead and Olive Ridley species of turtle. You can reach the island on the local Alyasoora ferry and stay at one of the few hotels there, returning to the mainland on the same boat. A good option is the Masira Island Resort which has a wildlife museum, gym, children’s play area, and beach tennis and volleyball courts, as well as nesting turtle populations on its beaches.
3. Explore the Nizwa souk
Nizwa souk is a doable drive from Muscat (a few hours) and one of the best things to do in Oman. Aim to visit on a Friday to witness the Nizwa livestock market where locals come to trade goats and cows. The animals are paraded (some of them quite reluctantly!) around a ring while the owner shouts to the crowd – and vice versa – to agree a price. Chances are even if you know your Arabic numbers you won’t be able to follow the chatter! It’s popular with tourists but doesn’t lose any of its authenticity because of it. The rest of the city has a much calmer feel about it, thankfully, and is steeped in history. It’s considered more conservative than Muscat, so be mindful of this on your visit. Elsewhere in the souk you’ll find ceramics, handicrafts, the traditional curved daggers, khanjars, and some beautifully designed pieces of silver.
4. Hike on Jebel Akhdar
Oman has some excellent options for hiking, and Jebel Akhdar is one of its best. The area described as Jebel Akhdar actually refers to a mountainous area 2,000m above sea level, not one particular mountain. The trails and walks aren’t always obvious to newbies so we recommend getting a guide to go with you (if you don’t know anyone who lives there). Bike & Hike Oman offers beginner walks which take around 4 hours and go through 4 mountain villages, or an intermediate 4-hour walk that climbs higher and tours through some more remote villages. They run from mid October to mid April. Tours costs from 33OMR (Dh315) per person. If you want a more laid back way of enjoying the mountains, check into the glorious Alila Jabal Akhdar Hotel which is one of the most luxurious hotels in Oman. The views are second-to-none and can be enjoyed from your room terrace, the outdoor infinity pool or during a free morning yoga class. Rooms start at around Dh1,000 which, in our opinion, is money well spent.
Check availability at Alila Jabal Akhdar
5. Spend an evening at the Royal Opera House Muscat
Muscat’s Royal Opera House is established enough to attract some big names in ballet, classical music, opera and dance. Previous billings include the cellist Yo Yo Ma and tenors Andrea Bocelli and Placido Domingo. Virtually every concert and performance has sold out since the opera house opened in 2011, so act fast if you see something you like on the calendar. It’s certainly one of the most sophisticated things to do in Oman!
Read more: Top attractions and things to do in Muscat
6. Swim in Wadi Shab
Wadi Shab is one of Oman’s best wadis for swimming and probably best enjoyed in the winter months when the weather is cooler. If you’re staying in Sur (near the Ras al Jinz Turtle Reserve), it’s a fun day trip. The hike up to the freshwater pools takes about 40 minutes and most of it is on rough rock so you’re best doing it in something other than your sandals. There’s caves to explore, opportunities to snorkel, a waterfall to swim under and cliffs to dive off. Take plenty of food, water and sunscreen. Another popular wadi is Wadi Bani Khalid, which is also a good day trip from Sur.
7. Take in the views from Jebel Shams
If you’re staying in either Nizwa or Muscat, Jebel Shams is a doable day trip (albeit a long one from Muscat), and the views are very much worth it. It’s Oman’s highest mountain at more than 3,000m above sea level and the name translates as Mountain of Sun. It looks into the Omani equivalent of the Grand Canyon, Wadi Ghul, which plunges down more than 1,000m from Jebel Shams – be careful, all that separates the track and the bottom of the cliff is an iron railing, so watch your footing. One of the unique things about the mountain is despite the apparent isolation, carpet sellers often appear as if from nowhere to sell hikers and tourists their wares. They’re not cheap, but hey, you’re paying for the experience right?!
Looking for other ways to spend your long weekend? Check out these:
Top 8 attractions and things to do in Amman
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It’s amazing where you can fly to for under Dh1,500 if you’re willing to be a little flexible about when you jet off…
Top attractions and things to do in Muscat
Whether you’re a lone traveler or visiting with family, here’s our list of the best things to do in Muscat…
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*Published June 2017. Prices correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change and/or availability.
