Musandam in Oman is famously known as the “Norway of Arabia” for its serene and unreal beauty. Much like a photo still from Norway, this pleasing place offers a range of landscapes including mountains, seas along with a variety of marine life and local dwellings. The following list of facts will help you learn more about this exotic tourist destination in the Middle East.
1. History
Dating back to the 17th century, Musandam used to be colonized by the Portuguese. They built two forts that remain standing to this day in Khasab and Bukha respectively. The walls of these forts still hold many of the carvings that were done to depict the lives of the sailors and settlers along with their animals that resided there. You can also explore their history by visiting the fossils that are present in Jebel Al Harim.
There are many local traditions that are also held in display for tourists to learn and immerse themselves into the fine culture that this exceptional destination offers. One being “Bait Al Qufl” that are storage houses built by the local people to store their personal items as they travelled to other destinations. This provides an excellent opportunity to learn about the distinct culture and traditions that Musandam and their people practice on a daily basis.
2. Heritage
Musandam has many archaeological sites within its Hajar mountains that have been declared as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO namely Bat, Al Khutm and Al Ayn. The historical crafts and relics that have been found and preserved from these sites date back to about 5000 years ago. These locations allow you to experience the greatness of the civilizations that existed in these areas as the location remains well preserved. There are many traditions and artistic finds in the region, the most famous being carpet weaving. These are handcrafted goods that are sold internationally and are well known for their unique quality and design.
3. Activities
As Musandam offers a distinct variety of terrains that include both land and water, there are many activities that the tourists can undertake as they visit the location. For nature enthusiasts, the Hajar mountains offer hikers, trekkers, rock-climbers and campers a perfect landscape to enjoy these activities. To engage in any of them, it is advised to bring appropriate clothing, footwear and supplies to ensure an enriched experience.
As for water activities, a range of them are available starting from swimming, snorkeling to scuba diving in the waters of Musandam. If you have taken any particular tour package that allows you access to the traditional “dhow” sailing, then you can also indulge in the traditional style of fishing. You can also enjoy dolphin watching as dolphins are present in large numbers in the area. These activities provide for perfect photo opportunities at every point of the visit.
4. Access
If you are interested in visiting Musandam, there are two options available for you to choose from. The first is a car ride from Dubai or Sharjah where you can cross borders and enter Oman to drive on to Musandam. The other is to book a full package that will take care of multiple necessities and offer you with a comfortable means of travel from your home or hotel to the ultimate destination.
These tour packages vary from mountain safari and beach camping on land to half-day, full day and overnight cruises for travel over water. The cruises offered can be boarded once you have entered Oman from the road borders. You will be provided with food, drinks and overnight stay provisions depending on your package.
To visit this wonderful destination, book a trip to Musandam by picking a tour package that best suits your needs and desires. You can be assured that many necessities will be taken care of and you can enjoy a fun packed trip with your friends and family.