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The Sultanate of Oman is in the Middle East, southern end of the Arabian Peninsula. Its borders the United Arab Emirates in the northwest, Saudi Arabia in the West and Yemen in the southwest.
The climate of Oman is tropical desert similar to Dubai (UAE).
Summers are very hot and humid. Springs and Autumns are warm to hot. Winters are pleasant.

Our Trip Season: October (pleasant warm)
Duration: 5days
Visa: You can get Visa on arrival at Oman border, if you're holding a UAE/GCC Residence Visa. 

Please note the following requirements:

  1. Insured that your UAE visa should be in professional category, because other categories may get rejected. You may check on this link 
  2. Passport must valid not less than six months. 
  3. Must have car insurance original documents that covers Oman territory. Or if your registered vehicle insurance doesn't have Oman coverage, you can buy Oman insurance coverage from UAE-OMAN border check post.
  4. Driver License and Mulkiya card are mandatory. Be sure that the car is registered under your name otherwise, you'll have to get an NOC from the car owner. 
Type: Road Trip & Wild camping
Route: Dubai-Muscat-Sur-Dhofar-Salalah-Nizwa
Getting-in by Car: We took the road from Dubai and Sharjah - Hatta border at Wadi Hatta and Al-Wajajah

Seeing Oman without private car is extremely difficult and inconvenient.  As most of Oman public transport systems don’t serve remote places which is famous destination like in the wadis, desert or mountains. Getting a taxi to move is more expensive. Renting a car in Oman is the best option, plus gasoline per litter is very cheap. 


Itinerary:
Day 1: We left at 5:30AM from Dubai to Hatta Oman Border, to Muscat (arrived 12:30PM). Four hours drive from Dubai border finally we arrived at Muscat. We skipped the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, since the viewing is from 8:00AM to 11:00AM(Sun-Thu). So, exactly lunch time we had our first meal at one of Omani restaurant in Muttrah.

Also Read Here: CORNICHE AND MUTTRAH SOUQ, MUSCAT

After spending afternoon break in Muttrah, we are in searching for a place to spend our first night and were ready to set up our tent. Upon leaving Muscat-Muttrah, this Muscat Gate caught our attention.
Muscat Gate
You might not know there's museum on top of the Muscat Gate, it mainly focuses the history of its capital Muscat from various stages of growth and development.

Muscat Gate Museum timings: 8:00AM - 2:00PM (Sunday - Thursday) No Entrance Fee

Then we came on accident to Al Alam Palace, we figured out this is the last stop to explore after Muttrah.
Al Alam Palace
Al Alam Palace is one of the residencies of H.M Sultan Qaboos in Old Muscat, the architecture palace has shades of blue and gold, it looked a bit different from the traditional Arabic style.
The settings outside are remarkably clean with manicured landscaping, this place is perfect for Instagram!
Visitors aren't able to enter the palace but can take pictures from the outside. There are old forts around but still you cannot to inside. 

Where to camp?
You can camp almost anywhere in Oman.

Okay, so before the sun goes down we are in hurry to As Sifah, as there are a few good spots to camp. Wild camping in Oman is wholly legal as long as you don't do camp at private property.



We felt safe of the entire days

Jimson and I have always felt safe, local people are friendly and welcoming. Believe me, Oman is one of the most beautiful and safest countries in the Middle East.
Yey! tent was set up!! and this is the best option to camp near to the beach 
cooking for dinner..
morning view 🌞

Day 2: Its day two of our journey. First thing in the morning we had our breakfast then packed up and ready to move to the next location by 8AM.

Heading to Bimmah Sinkhole (estimated travel time 2hrs from As Asifah). On that day were too excited to see the natural pools and can't wait to go swimming!

Also Read Here: BIMMAH SINKHOLE                                            

Staying one hour at Bimmah Sinkhole would be enough and the rest of the afternoon we preferred to spend it at Wadi Shab. Wadi Shab is about 27mins drive away from the Bimmah Sinkhole.

Also Read Here: HIDDEN WATERFALLS AT WADI SHAB

After having a great experience in Wadi Shab, we traveled to Ras Al Jinz before nightfall. Ras Al Jinz a nesting site for green turtles, located easternmost point of the Arabian Peninsula.

Following our road map it lead us to Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve Private Camp Resort which we are not allowed to camp, so we turned back our way and find good spot to set-up the tent around the area, while I am busy browsing mobile map and instructed Jimson to continue driving entering the village area, after passing the village we found a stunning coastline, which is perfect to see the turtles during dark hours. But Jimson felt strange with the place (oh by the way he's very fearful person).
So I don't want to argue cause its almost 7pm, I immediately look for another campsite. But that time we opted to stop at public beach near to villagers and Jimson felt less scary as we camp near to lighthouse. When at dawn we tried to find green turtles, we saw tracks and holes but no turtles 😢

When to See Turtles?
*Peak season is between July and October
*Night time turtles drag themselves out of the water and on the sand to dig a hole and lay their eggs, then they slide back to the sea.

Campsite Option No.1:

Campsite Option No.2:


Toilet
Sort of funny but this not a big problem, there are numerous public toilets in Oman such as far-off highway drive and tourist sites. But in our case we prefer to use Gas Stations toilet 😄(brushing teeth, pooping, face wash up, showers is absolutely not allowed). 

Day 3: (took route from Ras Al Jinz to Dhofar). Dhofar is such a different and beautiful region in Oman. This mountainous region attract the Khareef(southwest monsoon) blowing off the Indian Ocean, resulting a cold weather.

Although, we did not do anything in Dhofar since the initial plan was to spend only one night in this region before our last south destination which is Salalah.
This were we camp near to fishing village in Dhofar

Day 4:

Coincidence we were greeted with this amazing view going to Salalah
Jimson really excited for Salalah wanting to see the waterfalls, this itinerary was assigned to him. Salalah is the southern part and the only greenery place in Oman. As I was in-charged for the MAP our first stop was in Wadi Darbat, 

surprisingly when we arrived the wadi was almost dry, alongside the place is actually a lush of green, and perfect for family picnic. You can even take a boat ride along the Wadi but we never tried and decided to go to Gogob Waterfalls.

were on the right place but couldn't see Waterfalls (whaaatt 😱??). Yes, we ask some of locals they knew Gogob waterfalls but they are saying no waterfalls is existing for the last six years!OMG...
I told Jimson if he did a research whether waterfalls is seasonal, and he wasn't sure if which month is the perfect time to visit! 😡 okay, I got upset.

Still Jimson doesn't lose hope and ask me the way going to Ayn Khor Falls, but still no waterfalls!! Then he ask me to go to Salalah Mall to eat fancy food and do some research then, we found out if we want to see the waterfalls the best time to go is during khareef season (July - August), to cut short that day we ended staying at Hotel. (we drove for the whole day and we did nothing 😭😭) on next day we decided not to tour Salalah since we both disappointed!

Day 5: Heading to Nizwa and had a short time to explore Nizwa Fort, we are extremely exhausted coming from Salalah. The fort is well maintained, there are plenty of information and exhibits while wandering around the vast complex.

Also Read Here: NIZWA FORT 

Arrived in Dubai on the same night~That's actually happened during our trip to Oman. If you want to travel to Oman and have some questions, hit me up! by the way if you guys doesn't have mobile data to run or navigate the map, just download the MAPS.ME 

Things to Bring:
*warm clothes *tent *sleeping bags
*Firewood *grills *stove
*Barbecue set *Charcoal and matches
*First Aid Kit *Rubbish bags *Tissues and wipes
*Maps and GPS (when off-roading)
*Cooler Box *Water- for drinking
*Torch or flashlight *Extra Gallon for fuel

Our Expenses for 2pax:.

ExpensesAEDOmani Riyal
GASAED 77.00 OMR 28.20
Gate-Pass UAE exitAED 70.00
Oman visaAED 100.00
FoodAED 210.00 OMR 18.08
Hotel (Salalah)AED 120.00
Nizwa Fort EntranceOMR 1.00
AED 577.00 OMR 47.28
Over All Expenses for Entire Days:AED 1,028.59
Nizwa was the capital city of Oman in 6th and 7th century and, this fort was originally constructed by Al Sult Bin Malik Al Kharusi in 9th century, it was then reconstructed by Sultan Bin Said Al Ya'ribi in 17th century. During 1950s part of the tower was bombed, after which the tower was then restored. 
two canon guard the entrance
Nizwa has become a modern city maintaining strong traditional architecture way back from 1970s. So, now Nizwa Fort is  Open for tourist!
One of the most visited place in Oman is Nizwa Fort its actually a combination of castle, a fort and a museum. The fort exhibits traditional way of living in Oman, there are lots of artifacts displayed in each of the rooms. Nizwa Fort features also Omani defense mechanisms they used in the past such as pitfalls and gun shooting windows.
view from the Fort of Nizwa
Words will not fully explain the realistic feel of the fort and its surroundings, this is a must visit!

Getting there: Nizwa will take you 2hours from Muscat.
Entrance Fee: 500 Baisa


Warned you this place is pure nature. Once you embarked on the trek restrooms and food/drink stalls are available only at the parking area. 

Here's what you need to do:
  • Arrive early to beat the heat and the crowds.
  • Bring drinking water to avoid dehydration since the trekking will take about 40mins (depends how fast you are) and Food incase you get hungry after your swimming.
  • Leave your valuable things inside the car just bring some clothes, towel and sun-screen.
  • water proof camera (otherwise you won't get to take any picture inside the cave)
  • Life jacket is needed for those who don't know how to swim

Free Parking Area
Parked your car and take a one minute boat ride to cross the creek (One Riyal round trip boat ride per pax and last boat to return is 6PM), then start to hike. The track starts with flat, sandy and pebbly it can get a bit slippery so wear good hiking shoes.
Me.. yelling at Jimson to be quick while his taking pictures
Wooohooo!! and he's so excited.
I guess we are near since we saw flowing waterssss..
But were wrong! walked furthermore and lots of visitor are now showing up
Finally we arrived at the first stop! Did a 30mins rest and eat some snack we bought, look for a place where we can leave our backpack, though we've been informed by a local guy that nobody will touch our stuff. But you'd rather to keep always on the safe side, so don't bring your passport and lots of money here.
kids can enjoy at low tide wadi
The views going to hidden waterfall at the cave are spectacular. A natural stream of beautiful, clean and clear turquoise water. The watery part of the trek starts shallow then becomes deep enough that you will need to swim (good swimming ability is needed). Keep swimming and you get to a cave that barely allows enough room to stick your head out of the water.   ~wooo honestly I almost die here really its too deep.
Breathtaking 😱 cave well lit most of the part by natural day light and has a limestone ledge on either side so you can hold on to the sides as you cross. I won't spoil more photos 😜 to leave you wonder how gorgeous it is. Really worth the effort!


Drove towards to our next location, Bimmah Sinkhole was perfectly placed from where it is, surrounded with stunning sea view and mountain view on the other side. Bimmah Sinkhole was formed by a collapse surface layer due to dissolution of underlying limestone, a deep hole filled with fresh turquoise water.
Hawaiyat Najm Park
Jimson and I wasn’t sure if we reach bimmah sinkhole at the right place, and wonder why were we at the entrance gate of the Park? So with the help of Omani local, the direction was to enter the Hawaiyat Najm Park, walk further and you’ll reach the huge sinkhole. The Omani officials did a great job to preserve the Sinkhole, they have set up the park with gazebos, palm trees, and picnic ground area. The huge sinkhole walled round the edge and set a manageable steps all the way to the bottom.
Tadaaa.. Hello from Bimmah Sinkhole
People can swim in Bimmah Sinkhole and yes we did of course! The water is cool and clean.
There are many small fishes the ones who like to nibble your skin like in the spas.
Entrance Fee: doesn’t cost you anything! yes, absolutely FREE for everyone and hope you can visit this place.


Jimson at the spacious golden Gazebo (pavilion structure)
Muttrah Corniche is a well-develop charming coastal seafront. The day when were in Muscsat the weather was perfect enough that's why Jimson and I enjoyed a lot of walking in corniche area, with such a nice view and the cooling breeze from the sea. On the other side, you too can enjoy restaurant and bars lining in the seafront with great atmosphere and a span view of Gulf of Oman. 

Probably corniche is the local’s favorite place as they often came in the afternoon or weekends to hang out with friends.

Muttrah Souq
Ready for a hundreds of eye-catching stalls selling Omani goods at souq and try your bargaining skills. Muttrah Souq is an oldest open air market, a tradition Arab commercial are where colorful stalls selling textile, spices, fresh juices, perfume, frankincense, antiques, pottery, jewelry and so on. 
The souq get busier at night and be sure to check the timings to visit this place.
Daily Open at 8:00AM - 1:00PM & 4:00PM -10PM


Haven’t heard the GOOD NEWS yet? 

EMAAR and RTA announced that all UAE Residents will have a chance to experience 360 degree sweeping views from levels 124 and 125 of Burj Khalifa for only 65AED. 

Hurry! Its about 50% limited discount until August 31, 2017.

How to avail discounted fee to At the Top Burj Khalifa?
  • Get a FREE VOUCHER from any of RTA Dubai Metro Stations, the voucher placed on the shelf near to information or ticket counter. Ask RTA staff if you cannot find it. 
  • You must present the voucher at AT THE TOP BURJ KHALIFA ticket counters located on the lower ground level of the Dubai Mall.
  • Must be a UAE residents and present a valid EMIRATES ID at the time of purchase and upon entry to attraction.
  •  Daily Time viewing from 9:00AM to 1:00PM
  • This offer is valid until 31st of August 2017.
  • Voucher not redeemable for cash and valid for one ticket only.
  • This offer not valid during Public Holidays.


In my 6years of living here in Dubai. This is a great chance for me to enjoy and visit for the first time AT THE TOP BURJ KHALIFA. When I knew about this news I was pretty excited, imagine before I couldn’t afford 😆😆😅the normal ticket rate cause its really expensive though and now its very affordable. View normal charges here.


Here’s some of my photos and ENJOY your experience!











Being such a fan of Disney's classic Beauty and the Beast. I was so ecstatic when I have found the newly opened Riverland here in Dubai, this place is actually a setting for Belle's hometown. A small provincial French city lined with colorful home, cobblestone streets and quaint shops.
Those French houses were designed for retail outlets and restaurants
You can find more than 50 different restaurants and retail outlets, as well as street theatre and performers.

Riverland is the gateway to the three main theme park namely; Bollywood Park, Legoland Dubai  Park / Legoland Water Park and Motiongate, unlike the main parks Riverland can be access with NO Entrance fee.(Hurray!!)

This waterbody connects the entire zones and visitors can be able to take boat rides.

Riverland Zone

Walking along the river and discover four different zones represent different eras, which fascinate me a lot. A medieval French Village showcases historic architecture of Europe in the late 1600s. India Gate designed to a mimic 1930s India with its vibrant colors and flavors. A 1950s sytle American Boardwalk, this zone set for casual diner and quick service restaurants. Surrounded by the river The Peninsula a (19th century architecture) you'll be able to enjoy various festivals, concerts at the large outdoor venue.


Riverland Dubai Parks and Resorts 
Located at Jebel Ali, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Timings: 10AM to 11PM (Weekdays) / 10AM to 12MN (Weekends)

How to get here?
Take Dubai Metro (Red line) get off to UAE Exchange station and take taxi.



If happens you still can't decide how to spend your weekend in UAE, yet you want to see something different other than Dubai sky scrapers. 

Why not head to Hatta Dam? 
Drove an hour and half of travel from Dubai-(E102Sharjah-Kalba Road) via (E611 Emirates Road) route which has less traffic.
Click the photo for directions

Note:
 Non-GCC nationals (expatriates) are no longer allowed to take the direct E44 route between Al Madam and Hatta, which enters Omani territory. 
Makes me feel like I wasn't in UAE
Hatta to Hatta Dam;

  • Once you reach Hatta see a signboard towards Hatta Heritage Village from Hatta main round about.
  • From round about you can see Hatta Fort Hotel, Hatta Co-operative Society and Hatta Mall.
  • Follow the Heritage Village signboard then go straight until you reach T-Junction.
  • Then take left and on the right side you can see a mosque, keep going straight and  you'll see a steep road going top of the mountain. The road is well maintained and tarred.
Entrance Area for Kayaks/Paddle boats

Price:

Single kayaks - 60AED (1person)
Dual Paddle boats - 120AED (4pax maximum)
Note: This is first come first served, No reservations!
Instructions:
  • No swimming, No skimpy clothing
  • Every passenger should always wear a Life Jacket when using boat.
  • Not permitted to bring personal boats
  • Never throw trash in the water
  • Never cross prohibited areas.
  • Boats are slippery when wet and never stand up in the boat.
  • Never carry heavy items on the boat
  • Hatta Kayak Trading is NOT responsible about losing and damaging any personal item during the rental time.
  • Hatta Kayak Trading is NOT responsiblr in case of drowning or death
  • Children must be 56inches(140cm) to ride alone
  • Handheld infants are not permitted.
  • Company will keep the deposit until receiving the receipt on agreed time after ensuring the boat integrity.
  • Customer must comply with rental terms.
Another way around, don't miss to visit Hatta Green Lake, it takes only 8mins drive from Hatta Dam.
Click the photo for directions
Hatta Green Lakes


Apart from Hatta Dam/Hatta Green Lake beautiful scenery, you can visit Hatta Heritage Village in the central town with Free-Entry.
Heritage Village showcases life in ancient times and here you'll see restored houses and hut.
Visiting Hours
Saturday 8:00AM - Thursday8:30PM
Friday 2:30PM - 8:3PM
Official Holiday 8:00AM -8:30PM

In this city you can see historical buildings including two 18th century towers and mosque dating back to 1780.

Take a Hike
Hatta is perfect for hiking surrounded by the Hajar Mountains, you can trek along winding wadis and you'll see wide ranging terrain from sandy patches to sharp rocks.

While having our short trek we saw these four cute little donkey.

Camping Site 
If you're planning to go on camping, this place is suitable to stay overnight specially during winter. It can be found near to Hatta Mall on the way to Heritage village, you can easily recognize the area because the river can be seen from the driveway.

Have a pleasant stay! 😉
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SealedSuitcase

SealedSuitcase
Hi! I'm Jessica. A Filipina expat in Dubai. A full time surviving worker!

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