Musandam Peninsula, the governorate of Oman is situated into the Strait of Hormuz. Musandam Governorate is an exclave and is separated from the Oman by the UAE. The Musandam Peninsula is considered one of the fascinating place to explore nature and enjoy the beauty. Wonderful mountains of Musandam distinguish it from the other regions and old coastal villages can be explored by boat. Almost 29,000 population of the Musandam is located in the capital that is Khasab. Khasab is in the north of Musandam and on the east coast, there is a small port town of Khasab Musandam Oman.
Visa Trip Requirements For Musandam Trip
Visa rules for the Musandam are the same as for the rest of the Oman
- Allowed nationalities would get a visa on the arrival and the price for vise would be 50AED (14USD) for UAE residents and 200AED (55USD) for non-UAE residents.
- Before booking the Oman Musandam trip don’t forget to contact your embassy for the rules based on your passport and your residence.
- You also have to pay a small entry and exit fee for the UAE that is around 10USD.
- If you don’t have UAE travel insurance for Oman before booking the trip make sure about it.
How Did The Musandam Peninsula Come To Be?
It is very difficult to explain the emergence of the Musandam Peninsula geographically. Musandam peninsula is a part of Oman and enclave that it is separated from the rest of the country by the UAE. In the early 20th century the boundaries were drawn around the region and Oman keep control of the Musandam Peninsula with the strategic position over the Strait of Hormuz.
When you have a look at the map you will find the Omani enclave of Madha with the Emirate of Fujairah. Madha also includes the Nahwa village which is also a part of Sharjah Emirate. Along with Fujairah, there is also another enclave called Dibba Al Hisn. Both enclaves are the part of Musandam Governorate.
Geographically the Musandam region is thrilling. Years ago Kumzar valley is now filled with the water and still attached by the land near to Khor Ash-Shams.
How To Get To The Musandam Peninsula?
To get to the beautiful region Musandam peninsula there are three options b which you can choose of your own availability and preferability. Options details are given below.
- Flying to Musandam from Muscat (By Air)
Two flights daily are booked by Oman Air flight from Muscat to Oman and vice versa. These flights are flying only through a small regional aircraft. Prices are varying according to situation so before booking your flight don’t forget to check for price and timings from our website.
- Boating into Musandam (By Ferry)
There is also another option to use the ferry from Muscat to Khasab Musandam. You can also catch a ferry from Dibba al Hisn to Khasab and it takes 2 hours and 30 minutes. Ferry is offered two times in a week.
Along with the ferry option, you can also book day trip boats from Dibba and get into the Musandam by enjoying Musandam waters without touching the land.
- Driving into Musandam (By Car)
If you want to drive to Musandam Oman by road then you can choose the driving option. Driving to Musandam is considered the most common approach to drive from the main part of Oman. It takes approximately 2 hours to reach to Musandam Oman without border crossing.
Below is the distance overview to get into the Musandam Oman.
- Muscat to Khasab – 500kms; 6 hours 15 minutes
- Sohar to Khasab – 300kms; 4 hours 15 minutes
- Ras al Khaimah to Khasab – 120kms; 2 hours 15 minutes
- Dubai to Khasab – 200kms; 2 hours 45 minutes
- Abu Dhabi to Khasab – 335kms; 4 hours
- Muscat to Dibba – 380kms; 4 hours 20minutes
- Dubai to Dibba – 145kms; 1 hour 45 minute
Things To Do In Musandam Oman (Activities)
There are unlimited activities to explore the beauty of Musandam Oman. You can explore the Musandam fjords by sitting on the traditional Omani dhow comfortably. Enjoy full and half-day dhow cruise into the Musandam fjords along dolphin watching and exploring the historical Telegraph and Seebi islands. Enjoy the overnight stay at Khasab Musandam beach camp to spend a romantic night under the moonlight and shiny stars by enjoying the dolphin dance, snorkeling the crystal water of Musandam and exploring the historical islands with your family and loved ones. Overnight stay at dhow cruise is also another fantastic activity to experience the Omani waters under the moonlight. A trip to mountain safari will give you a chance to watch fossils going back a few million years. You will also explore the Bedouin town of Sayh that is arranged at 1100 meters above the ocean level. Khasab city tour offers you to explore the beauty of Khasab, find the unique traditions, best places to visit in Khasab Musandam.
Places To Visit In Musandam Oman (Attractions)
There are many of the amazing places that can be explored during the visit to Musandam Oman. It is assumed that you will enjoy your trip to Musandam Oman by exploring the historical places in Musandam Oman. Acacia forest that is also known as Wadi Sall Ala is a very beautiful shaded area to do relax and calm. Enjoy the mountain climbing to have a wonderful view of complete Wadi or forest. Explore the beauty of Jebel Al Harim which is also known as the “Mountain of Women”. It is a high mountain pass which is 2.087m above the sea level and is situated in the Musandam Peninsula of Northern Oman. To enjoy the camping you can visit the Khor Najd which is considered one of the best places to camp in Khasab Musandam. Don’t forget to explore the beautiful landmark Bukha Fort that is one of the amazing locations of the Arabian Peninsula which is locating towards the Iran and Strait of Hormuz.
Places to stay in Musandam Oman (Hotels)
No need to worry about the stay in Musandam Oman. There are many of affordable and luxurious hotels that can be chosen to stay in Musandam Oman.
Enjoy the wonderful stay at Atana Khasab Hotel which is located on a stone face and it is a 4-star hotel. This hotel offers you all the surrounding amazing views of beautiful Musandam. Atana Hotel is situated at one of the best spots in the Sultanate. You can select the room at the hotel of your own choice to enjoy Mountain View, sea view or deluxe room. Enjoy the room and restaurant facility for lunch and dinner to enjoy your stay at the Atana hotel. You can enjoy traditional dishes and all kinds of beverages at the Atana Hotel.
Diwan Al Amir is also another wonderful hotel which offers modern accommodation with the facility of elevator, parking and luggage storage. This hotel is 20 minutes away from the city center by walk. Diwan Al Amir is consists of 55 rooms with all necessary facilities and climate control environment. You can enjoy the mountain views from your room. All bathroom facilities are available in each room.
Atana Musandam resort is a very beautiful resort that offers the clusters of 8 low rising buildings with the private car parking at your doorstep. This resort is consists of 110 well-furnished rooms and suites with the facility of the balcony/terrace presenting the wonderful view of the waterway. Enjoy the beautiful scenes of fishermen’s daily routine and enjoy the beauty of the sea and mountains. Atana Musandam resort is at the 10 minutes’ drive from Khasab Airport and 55 minutes flying distance from Muscat.
Places To Eat In Musandam Oman (Restaurants)
Musandam is always known as famous for the traditional dishes in food. The most common dishes are made up of chicken, fish, and lamb. Spicy and warm food is the specialty of Oman Musandam restaurants from the rest of the peninsula. You can enjoy your lunch and dinner at Al Shamaliah restaurant by enjoying fresh juices with Indian and seafood. Telegraph Island restaurant that is situated at the end of the Lulu market also serves Arabic and Indian cuisines along with tea and coffee.