Oman

About
Climate
Getting there
Getting around
Accomodation
Things to do
Food
National Holidays

The country of Oman is something of an enigma. It borders the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Yemen. Oman has something for everyone, World Heritage listed ancient archaeological sites, deserts, beaches, islands, mountains, caves and springs, Oman proves it is a country full of contrasts.

language

Language

Arabic

schedule

Current Time

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Current Weather

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Currency

Omani Rial

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Electricity Plugs

TBA

Visa

Australians can now apply for their Oman visas online before they travel, a convenient alternative to visa-on-arrival. Australian passport holders can apply online through the Royal Oman Police website before they travel: www.evisa.rop.gov.om Applicants must register as a user prior to completing the step-by-step process which is in plain English. The different visa types are described along with pricing and permitted lengths of stay. To complete your online application, you will need a scanned copy of the photo page of your passport, as well as a digital (jpeg) passport photo. Passengers eligible for a visa on arrival at Muscat International Airport can make their visa payments at the Travelex Foreign Exchange counter located in the immigration arrivals hall. Payments are accepted in most currencies or by credit card. On payment, an automatic receipt will be issued to the traveller. This receipt is then presented at the immigration desk for the visa. A 30-day tourist visa fee is 20 Omani Rials - approximately AU$71.00 (subject to exchange rate on the day)

Tipping

As a general rule, 10% of any restaurant bill is recommended. With regards to tipping guides and drivers, we suggest putting aside US$2 per person per day.

Climate

The climate between November and March is widely considered to be the best time to travel due to the cooler temperatures averaging 25°C. Throughout the rest of the year, Oman can be extremely hot, particularly between May and August. However, between mid-June to late-August, the rainy season in the Southern region of Dhofar and Salalah comes alive with grassy green hills and a comfortable drizzle of rain. Generally, winter is cool and pleasant while summer can be very hot and humid.

Getting there

By Air: Getting to Oman is relatively easy as there are many airlines flying, including Emirates, Etihad, British Airways, Lufthansa, Royal Jordanian and Qatar Airways. There are daily flights between the airlines with links via Asia, UAE and Europe.

By Sea: While there is a port at Muscat there are no passenger services arriving as yet. There are, however, some cruise ships which will stop.

By Land: Arriving by land is easy as there are three 24-hour border crossings from United Arab Emirates. Visa can be arranged at the Border. Muscat lies approx. 4 hrs east of Dubai. There are also daily bus services from Dubai into Oman.

Getting around

Taxis tend to be the easiest way to get around. Prices are negotiated before leaving, so make sure to bargain for the best price. Public transport, although reasonably fast and reliable, do not connect all major tourist attractions. Car rental is an easy way to see everything you want, take care as there are strict rules in place for drivers. The maximum speed limit is 120km/h, mobile phones are forbidden while driving, blood alcohol level must be zero while driving, speeding and parking fines must be paid before leaving the country, fines also apply for driving with a dirty car.

Accomodation

The majority of the hotels are modern and have a focus on luxury, exclusivity and opulence. Oman provides accommodation for every budget from city and beach hotels, apartments and even desert camps.

Things to do

Muscat: Once 3 smaller towns, present day Muscat is a combination of the original walled city, a fishing village and the commercial and diplomatic centre. The city features a long beach road & corniche (seafront walk) boasting kilometres of beaches, fisherman and
open spaces. Highlights of Muscat include the Al Jalali & Al Miriani Fort, built during the late 1500’s by the Portuguese, Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, known as the third largest mosque in the world and lays claim to a Swarovski crystal chandelier and the second largest hand-made Persian carpet. Muscat also features museums, galleries and a number of local and national parks.

Nizwa: The ancient capital of Oman, Nizwa was a creative haven for all scholars, scientists and poets. Famed for the popular Nizwa Fort and souk located within the walls. Located nearby is the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Bahla Fort. Known as the biggest fort
in Oman, it features 132 watch towers and a 13km long wall dating back to the ninth century.

Musandam: Separated from the rest of Oman by United Arab Emirates, the peninsula of Musandam is a unique enclave surrounded by mountains creating completely isolated villages only reachable by boat. Take the opportunity to enjoy some snorkelling or scuba diving to view the abundant sea life or hike the mountains to experience some of the natural wildlife.

Salalah: Known for being a tropical city from May to August, this city is known as the second city of Oman and famed for the Frankincense trade. Popular as the birthplace of the current Sultan. Other notable sights include the al-Hisn Souq or marketplace where bargains can be found.

Other locations: Wahiba where local Bedouins still reside and introduce visitors to camel riding, dune bashing and an overall desert experience. Another sight to be seen is Wadi
Shab. Located approximately 100kms southeast of Muscat. Explore caves and discover pools of the brightest green. Hajar Mountains separates Batinah Coast from the rest of the country but offers some of the best panoramic views of the area. Hidden oasis towns dot the slopes of the mountain range.

Food

Due to its geographical position, the cuisine in Oman is influenced by its surrounding countries. It bears similarities to the foods found in Arab, African, Indian and Asian cuisines. Being a key spice trading country, Omani foods are a mix of rich flavours, textures and smells. A must try dishes includes machboos, or kabsa, a rice dish rich with flavours such as saffron.

National Holidays

1 Jan – New Years’ Day

21 Mar – Leilat al-Miraj (Ascension of the Prophet)

24 May – Start of Ramadan

24 Jun – End of Ramadan

23 Jul – Renaissance Day

30 Jul – Arafat (Haj) Day

30 Jul-3 Aug – Eid AL Adha

20 Aug – Al Hijira (Islamic New Year)

29 Oct – The Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday

18 Nov – Oman National Day

19 Nov – Sultan’s Birthday

Ramadan: During the month of Ramadan Muslim abstain from eating and drinking during daytime. Restaurants are closed during the day and eating, drinking and smoking in public is generally forbidden between dawn and dusk.

Featured Tours

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