The following is a summary list of the 10 best things to do in Oman for free. The best things in life are free, and there are really some amazing sights here in Oman. These sights are my personal ranking as follows, at least for those sights which I have been to. Whilst free, it is still necessary to get a car and in this case a 4-wheel-drive to get to some of these sights. Most of these sights are outside Muscat. Even within Muscat, it’s best to do so with a car. Some sights are easy to get to and is right beside the carpark. Then there are those that require a walk and hike/trek of sorts. Some involves the journey in getting there which could be as exhilarating and tiring, requiring once full concentration of maneuvering the vehicle, while soaking in the sights.
- Wadi Bani Khalid
- Al Ayn Necropolis
- W6 Balcony Walk at Jebel Shams
- Bimmah Sinkhole
- Wadi Shab
- Crossing Al Hajar Mountains via Hat
- Jabal Akhdar Viewpoints
- Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
- Bat Necropolis
- Muttrah
10. Muttrah (or Mutrah)
“Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh”. These were the context of the the first time I had ever encountered the word Frankincense. So what is Frankincense? It is an aromatic resin that is derived from a certain tree species that is found in Oman, and is used for aromatherapy, for its anti-inflammatory properties, which has been treasured for centuries and extensively appears in historical texts involving the region.
One of the UNESCO world heritage sites in Oman is also the Land of Frankincense, though in the southwestern region of Oman. The most eye-catching Frankincense are found in the more bustling Souk at Mutrah, which has a bustling night life and shopping scene. One may also climb up to the top of Mutrah fort for a view of the surroundings though entry to the Mutrah Fort is paid. Mutrah is also the place where the Mutrah Harbour is, where one of the world’s largest yacht is usually moored. The city is also along one of the roads leadings to the National Museum at Muscat. All these make Muttrah one of the 10 Best Things to do in Oman for free.
9. Bat Necropolis
The pyramids of Giza are UNESCO World Heritage burial sites to Egypt, as the Necropolises in Oman are also UNESCO World Heritage Burial Sites. At first approach, the site at Bat seems to be restricted and cut off by a fence. However, the fence line stops and it is possible to ascend the hills and get close to the remains of the tombs themselves. These date to 3000 BCE and are around for almost 5000 years, much older than the age of the Cheops pyramid at Giza. The site is a huge sprawl of tombs and commands a view of the sunset at the top. Visits to various museums in Oman would have explained that the tombs house many and not just one.
8. Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque
The Grand mosque named after the Sultan behind Oman’s new Renaissance has one of the grandest compounds open to public, and is one of the nearest attractions to the Muscat International Airport. The mosque interior is usually only open to public before 11am though the grounds may also be accessible during the day. Unless one is a Muslim visiting for prayer during one of the prayer times, access will likely be restricted at other times. Despite this, the mosque and its grounds are still one of the 10 best things to do in Oman for free.
7. Jabal Akhdar Viewpoints
Princess Diana came here by Helicopter in November 1986 and had a commanding view of the canyons here. There are quite a few viewpoints along the road up to the plateau where a viewpoint would be named after the famed peoples’ princess, and the drive both up and down the roads up the mountain offers spectacular views are certain sections. If you have the budget, do consider a stay at one of the hotels by the canyon, of which the most luxurious would be the Anantara.
6. Crossing Al Hajar Mountains via Hat
Driving up from Al Hamra was much of a breeze and the view at Hat Cafe was memorable. From here there are various trails and roads leading to satellite villages and resorts. It is the stretch of road between Hat Cafe and Wadi Bani Auf that is exhilarating and this is almost 2 hours of unpaved driving by some steep slopes. It would certainly more challenging to drive up then to drive down, though offering a different vantage point.
5. Wadi Shab.
Three pools and a moderately challenging walk, where the midsection involves walking along the edge of the rocks. Embarking on this trail, I didn’t quite know how long the trail will take. I had taken about 45mins one way. Although the trail is free, it still costs OMR1 for the short boat ride to get over to the trail head at Wadi Shab. There are also other guided activities to be arranged separately (and to be paid up of course!) conducted by group tours in the pools for snorkeling and cave exploration. Due to the popularity of the site, it is difficult to get parking and most visitors resort to parking along the road.
4. Bimmah Sinkhole
As this sinkhole is a short walk from the carpark where many make stops for, it is arguably one of the easiest to reach. This is also the first natural attraction after leaving Muscat towards the east. The water is clear and alluring and I would have jumped into the pool for a soak, if the water isn’t that cold. The pool in the sinkhole is supposedly one of the points where fresh ground water and sea water mix.
3. W6 Balcony Walk at Jebel Shams (Third of 10 best things to do in Oman for free)
Why call W6 trail the Balcony Walk? Because it literally takes place right beside the edge of a cliff like you are on a Balcony. Certain points along the trail requires much care and focus to manage precarious rocks. No permits and no access fee required. The trail takes about 1.5hours one way to the end of As Sab village, and the climb up to the hidden pool will take about another 15 more minutes. There are distinct human-made landmarks along the trail, like a cafe, the wreck of a car, a memorial amongst other natural ones.
I started late morning as the drive up to Jebel Shams took some time. Walking out in the afternoon , the canyon walls offer some shade . I hung around to appreciate the sunset on Jebel Shams after the trek. It was pretty windy along the trail and I stayed behind on Jebel Shams for the sunset after the trek. One could also reportedly see the stars in the evening.
2. Al Ayn Necropolis (Second of 10 best things to do in Oman for free)
One of the other Necropolises that constitute the UNESCO World Heritage status for Oman, these distinct bee-hive shaped tombs are also one of the 10 best things to do in Oman for free. Located at the top of a hill, these tombs are accessible to the public. However, there is a through road between private land and it is possible to walk up all the way to get up close with the tombs themselves. A distinct mountain outline marks the point when one gets near to the site. Like the Necropolis at Bat, these also dates back to 3000 BCE.
1. ‘Wadi Bani Khalid (Top of 10 best things to do in Oman for free)
At the top of my list for 10 Best Things to do in Oman for Free, is Wadi Bani Khalid. It was a pretty easy walk towards the end near to Muqal Caves. It is chargeable to enter Muqal Caves (OMR3), but it is free to soak in the pools of the Wadi. Further in from the main pool which would be pretty open and exposed, the rock forms many linked yet separate enclosures allowing one to hide and disappear away from the crowds. Most importantly, the water is at a comfortable temperature due to geothermal mixing. Come early to secure a good parking spot.
Did I miss anything? Or was my ranking disagreeable in any sense?
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