Tag: oman

Dune Bashing –Wild Driving in the Dunes

The vast stretches of rolling golden dunes have always been one of Oman’s biggest attractions. In fact a holiday in Oman is not complete without experiencing all the wonders that these vistas have to offer. There is feeling of being whisked away from the world when one is on these dunes. While exploring the authentic side of Oman, try staying at the Desert Nights Camp. This is one hotel in Oman which will give you the fullest experience of the authentic Omani World.

There is a blissful tranquility in the Omani stretches of Dunes. Unlike the UAE, Oman is more quiet and subdue, yet gives the same ravenous thrill with all its wonders. A popular activity on Dunes -anywhere where there is a desert- is dune bashing. Dune bashing is a sport where large 4 wheel drive vehicles are driven off road into the dunes. It might sound easy but it is not. In fact a lot of skill and technique is required to maneuver the vehicle around the many slopes and curves of the dunes. But rest assured all the hard work completely pays off for Dune bashing gives a thrill and adventure like no other sport.

In Oman one of the best places for Dune bashing is the Wahiba Sands at the Bidiya Village. Since Dune bashing is immensely popular in this area, there is plenty of 4×4 for rent, roaming the area. Unless you are an expert driver or have plenty of experience with dunes in the past, it is advisable to hire a professional driver. Omanis are found in plenty in this area who are more than happy to drive you around so that you can enjoy an optimum experience of Dune bashing. In addition to being your drivers on the desert, these Omani’s serve very well as guides and may even give you a sneak peek of a typical Omani desert lifestyle.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

A bit of Desert Life

Oman hotels of the Aitken Spence Group spread out in strategic locations offer a choice of city, historic sites and desert experiences to its guests. These Oman hotels are considered some of the top hotels in Oman as they offer a selection of contemporary accommodation, services and facilities to suit business and leisure clients.

Eighty two percent of Oman’s land area is covered by large swathes of desert. Bedouins still live in some parts of the desert farming camels and goats and many visitors to the country look forward to experiencing the traditional lifestyles and hospitality of these people whose ancestry goes back hundreds of years. Wahiba Sands is where About 3,000 Bedouin families are found living on the edge of the desert.

Camel Safaris are the closest experience that visitors to Oman can have of actual desert living. These safaris can be tailor made to suit individual and group requirements without detracting from experiencing authentic Bedouin culture and the desert itself. As a safari can take two or three days packing light is an important condition. Mastering sitting atop a camel without falling off and making it move forward is the next hurdle. Advice for comfortable travel atop a camel includes wearing long pants, as the swaying motion of the camel is likely to make clothing ride up. Socks need to be worn to stop itchiness from coming into contact with the camel’s coat. Wearing sunscreen is a must as travelers will be totally exposed to the sun. Due to the swaying motion of the camel’s gait, rides longer than 25 minutes are liable to give body aches therefore suitable analgesics need to be packed. Getting a leg across the camel to achieve a sitting position may need some practice. It is important to sit and hold the reins confidently to show the camel who is the boss. Get on and off a camel when it is in a sitting position. Two people can sit atop a camel. Camel Safaris usually comprise of a convoy of several camels.

At the Bedouin campsite the accommodation is basic, a selection of tents and wooden huts scattered on the sand. All accommodation is decorated with Bedouin carpets, a Bedouin chest and the usual bedroom furniture. There is generally no air conditioning as electricity is available only for a limited time. A camel ride can be taken to the top of dunes nearby to see the sunset which is always spectacular. After dark guest retire to a Majlis tent to drink coffee or tea, eat dates and have dinner which is a .traditional Omani meal eaten at low tables sitting on cushions spread out on carpets. After dinner going out to look at the star filled sky is an incredible experience. The best times for camel safaris has been identified as between November and March as it can be unbearably hot at other times.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

Rustaq Dunes

Oman is the new big thing in the Middle East. Boasting a rich heritage, kilometres of golden dunes, modern entertainment and unmatched scenery, the nation is being thronged by tourists all the more each year. Among the endless attractions that Oman is famous for the Rustaq Dunes almost always stands out.

Sand dunes are a symbol of Arabia so much so that a visit to the Middle East is not complete without them. The stretches of golden velvet that create soft hills before you make the most picturesque scenery in the Middle East. The rolling dune in an instant transports you to an Arabian tale. It still has that un-spoilt look; in fact nothing can ever spoil the beauty that sand dunes emulate.

The Rustaq Dunes go one step further in enticing its many visitors. In addition to the raw beauty it possesses, the dunes have significant historic value. The Al Hazm Castle stands tall in the dunes and displays striking wooden gates from an era gone by. The castle offers so much to explore with its eerie ancient dungeons and its hallways displaying an array of old military weaponry like daggers and swords. There is something absolutely majestic about the Al Hazm Castle. So neatly preserved it gives you an intriguing peak into Oman’s architecture and royalty from the times gone by. The famous hot water springs of Oman, also happen to be located at the Rustaq Dunes. These hot springs are of naturally warm temperatures and have therapeutic powers. The healing power of the hot water wells attracts a large crowd each year.

Oman is still blossoming in a big way and since each of its attractions is gaining immense popularity, the crowds visiting the nation are steadily increasing. The tourism industry has given rise to hotels and resorts, all of impeccable standards. While visiting the city, one Muscat hotel that you must try out is the Millennium Resort Mussanah. This Oman Muscat hotel is known for its luxury. With state of the art facilities, impeccable services and cuisines that will leave you craving for more, you will simply fall in love with this place.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+

Kiteboarding

Wind power may be used as an alternate form of energy these days, but this naturally powerful force is also ideal for exciting outdoor sports such as kiteboarding. Enthusiasts of this sport heading to Oman will be happy to know that there are several sites in which to practice kiteboarding. Before heading off to these areas however, ensure you stay at one of the well placed Oman hotels by the sea. Located in an idyllic coastal town, Sur Plaza Hotel is just such an accommodation option and is an exceptional hotel Sur Oman has to offer.

Those looking to learn or try out kiteboarding in Oman can sign up for training courses offered by various companies, which will even help you in obtaining a kiteboarding licence. One of the best spots for kiteboarding in Oman is Masirah Island which boasts gusts of winds that range from 25 to 45 knots especially during the monsoon season of summer. Featuring expansive lagoons and offering easy access to the wide open Indian Ocean, the island is a kiteboarder’s paradise. Another hotspot for this activity is the resort town of Al-Sawadi which is also popular amongst divers.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+

Kite surfing

Although not traditionally known for its water sports offerings, the sultanate of Oman has seen a rapid boost in the tourism industry over the past few years, and it aims to please visitors from all corners of the globe, of a variety of temperaments. Ensure that you book a Muscat hotel with an excellent record of hospitality and luxury facilities for an utterly unforgettable holiday. Consider the Al Falaj Hotel which is among some of the best-ranked Oman hotels in the state. If you are an avid water sports enthusiast and you happen to find yourself in Oman, fear not, for the sultanate now offers visitors the chance to engage in that most fun of water sports activities: kitesurfing. If you are a seasoned pro, then you already know what this fun pastime entails. If you are intrigued and want to find out more, many have described it as an exciting sport that combines surfing, windsurfing, paragliding, gymnastics, and wakeboarding into one thrilling ride across the waves. A parachute is hitched to the rider’s back and the sport calls upon the power of the wind currents to propel riders across the foamy waves on a kite board or surfboard. With daily wind speeds above twenty knots and a balmy temperature of 28 degrees in a shallow lagoon spanning about eight kilometers, kite surfers are sure to experience a multitude of thrilling spills.

Desert Biking

How about speeding across the golden sand dunes of Oman on board a bike? Seem interesting? Travel to Oman and experience the thrills and spills of desert biking that will give you a whole new perspective of a holiday in this country. Choose the luxury of a hotel in Oman that will be more than happy to assist you in planning your day’s journeys. Desert Nights Camp which comes across as one of the most sought after of Oman hotels would be a great place to come home to after a day out in the searing heat.
Go over the dunes at breakneck speed on your bike which is part of quad biking which is the term by which such an activity is referred to. Weave your way through the twists and turns that are sure to leave you covered in the golden sands of Oman. Leave the comfort of your hotel and savour the joy of this engaging experience that is bathed in hours of excitement and adrenaline. The seemingly infinite sands would pose the greatest of challenge to those looking for a different twist to their holiday in the charming surroundings of Oman. So what’s stopping you from grabbing the nearest quad bike and beginning an adventure you would always want to come back to.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+

Wadi Tiwi

If you’re in the mood to commune with nature and explore the natural wonders of the Omani landscape, the Wadi Tiwi is a splendid gorge that has been carved into the mountains, flanked by soaring cliffs and runs down into the sea. Explore this and other features of Oman when you make your base at one of the stunning Oman hotels in the city of Muscat, such as the Al Wadi Hotel Sohar. With a central location and welcoming hospitality, this Oman hotel is sure to please you. Escape the bustle of the city and head to Wade Tiwi, which is home to a charming array of traditional desert villages that are framed by lush expanses of date and banana plantations, with bubbling streams meandering through the landscape. Close to about five kilometers into the gorge, you will encounter the idyllic community of Harat Bidah, featuring quaint dwellings of another age and towering walls of stone. If you fancy a drive that will give you an inspiring adrenaline rush, five kilometers out of Wadi Tiwi will bring you to the village of Mibam, which is located at the end of a rough stretch of road (used here loosely), and is the perfect excursion into the Omani wilderness if you’re coming in on a four-wheel drive vehicle.

Oman Adventures

Happen to be travelling to Oman? Then you must take time to pay a visit at the numerous attractions that scatter the area. Looking for a Muscat hotel to stay at? Look no further than the Millennium Resort Mussanah which comes across as an Oman Muscat hotel that offers you affordable accommodation and easy access to the country’s tourist hotspots.

The forts in Oman stand testament to the country’s rich and glorious past and are sure to entice all you history buffs for a day out in the Omani sunshine. Nakhal Fort is one such edifice that dates back to the reign of Imam Said bin Sultan in 1834 A.D. Discover the intricate features of its architecture as the fort also comprises of certain portions of rock. Nestled amidst iconic mountain peaks and palm orchards, Nakhal Fort is an experience you do not want to miss out on. Rustaq’s Al Hazam Castle with its hidden passes and dungeons will offer you an essence of Oman military. Be awed by daggers, swords and guns on display but the most striking feature perhaps are the two wooden gates which have been carefully crafted. For those in the mood for water sports, the country never fails to disappoint. Daymaniyat Islands is where one should be heading over to if one seeks some snorkelling. Its coral reefs are home to moray eels, barracudas, clown fish and even hawksbill turtles that make for pleasant viewing.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+

Sailing in Oman

Sailing has been a favourite pastime of the Omanis for centuries, a valued and treasured heritage that has been their pride and joy. Try an Oman Muscat hotel to get the most of this Omani experience. The most recommended would be a Muscat hotel such as the Millennium Resort Mussanah of which the reputation precedes it. As a means of rekindling the proud maritime heritage of the Omanis, their Ministry of Tourism has introduce Oman Sail, an initiative that aims to encourage the current Omani generations to indulge in this national pastime. Historically a seafaring nation, it is easy to see why the wide open ocean has so many allures for Oman. It is hard not to launch oneself across the waters picturesque coastline facing the Gulf of Oman and the glistening Arabian Sea as it lies beckoning the lovers of the sea to its bosom. Sailing is also a favourite pastime of visitors who visit Oman as it is easy to see that they too tap in well into the irresistible call of the sea.

Jayani Senanayake is a writer who dabbles in travel and all things exotic. Under the pseudonym of Calliope Sage, she writes of the allures that must simply be discovered. Google+

Exciting Off Road Driving on the Wahiba Sands

With mile upon mile of sand covered desert stretching as far as the eye can see, the Wahiba Sands of Oman offer thrilling escapades on off road vehicles. Those in search of Oman hotels from which to set off on such expeditions can consider the luxurious Desert Nights Camp. This hotel in Oman is uniquely located amidst awe-inspiring desert landscapes and also offers a variety of outdoor activities including desert treks and quad bike excursions.

Four-wheel drive vehicles provide the perfect mode of transport when it comes to exploring the Wahiba Sands. These off road vehicles will take you on an unforgettable ride over imposing dunes and across landscapes that are hauntingly beautiful in their desolation. Such excursions can be combined with other activities such as quad biking, sand boarding and even visits to traditional Bedouin camps. Dune bashing is a popular activity that can be enjoyed when off road driving here, while those heading out in the evenings can also enjoy the spectacular sight of the setting sun.

 

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

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