Muscat
Muscat is a warm, welcoming city surrounded by rugged, mountainous peaks and the beautiful beaches of the Arabian Sea.
Oman is an intriguing mix of rich history and diverse landscapes; from Arabian palaces and historic forts to towering sand dunes and lush verdant mountains. Find your adventure in scuba diving, fossil hunting, desert camping and witnessing turtles hatch.
Providing a fantastic choice for adults and children alike, a holiday to Oman offers huge diversity from relaxing beaches to adventures into the mountains and desert.
The hotels are superb and, as Oman is a relatively small country, it is easy to venture out on day excursions or longer more varied trips away from Muscat without incurring long, uncomfortable road journeys.
Oman is squeaky clean (it is a fineable offence to have a dirty car), safe and organised but still reminds you that you’re in Arabia. The weather is consistently good much of the year and it is only a relatively short flight from the UK. Plus, it is possible to be met air-side off the plane in Muscat, to receive assistance with the visa process, and more importantly, with bags and children.
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Yes, while staying at a hotel normal swimwear if fine. The beaches are public so you may feel more comfortable wearing a full piece and having some sort of cover-up to wear over.
Oman is a moderate, yet conservative country so always best to wear sleeves below the elbow and bottoms below the knee to show respect to the local culture. A headscarf for women is required for the mosque and long trousers for men.
The short answer is no. Alcohol is only available at licensed bars and restaurants(and usually found in hotels), and should only be consumed at these locations. Some camps and smaller hotels do allow you to bring your own and this can be organised before hand.
Being a conservative country, when photographing people you must ask beforehand to ensure you do not cause offence. To ask “May I take your picture?” in Arabic is Mumkin sura, min fadlak? (To a man) or Mumkin sura, min fadlik? (To a woman).
Most of the decent restaurants are in Muscat and the majority of those within hotels. Outside the capital, the food is pretty basic and some places are not overly clean. When travelling through the country a picnic is often a good option.
Yes, renting a car is a great way of getting off the beaten track and the majority of the roads are ‘black top’. Getting up the mountains needs a permit and a 4×4 vehicle. Driving in the desert requires some skill.
Roaming agreements exist with a few international mobile phone companies, but these can be expensive. It is possible to purchase a local sim card which will be cheaper when making local and international calls. Phones are available at most hotels and restaurants. Phoning from any hotel room can be very expensive, enquire at the reception.
Roaming agreements exist with a few international mobile phone companies, but these can be expensive. It is possible to purchase a local sim card which will be cheaper when making local and international calls.
Phones are available at most hotels and restaurants. Phoning from any hotel room can be very expensive. Enquire at the reception.
968
Oman is four hours ahead of GMT.
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