These are things I wish I had known before reaching Oman. Perhaps, if I had known all these, I may have save some detours. I would also have saved some time and better prepare myself mentally.
Check the Schedules
- At the Royal Opera House of Muscat, I arrived smack right when the venue is hosting the Lion King show. I went to the Galleria and the music Museum and came back the next day.
- I missed entering the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque itself as it is only open to non Muslim before 11am.
- My trip had 3 days overlapped with the Ramadan period. This means that I could not get any food from eating establishments when the sun is up. Almost all eating establishments except for those in hotels are closed by law.
Manage Time and Expectations
- I was hopeful that the time to get out the plane to the baggage hall will be short. However, it was almost an hour with 40minutes queuing for immigration clearance. I am apologetic for arranging for the car pickup at the airport within 30mins from deplaning. It was very kind and understanding for the car rental staff whom simply waited courteously.
- I had almost missed the store opening hours of a chocolate store listed on Google Maps as being opened till 11pm when it is 10pm. I heaved sign of relief for arriving at the nick of time 5mins before 10pm as the store were lowering the window curtains .
Prepare the right currency for OMR Exchange
- I had known to change cash even before I left my home country but the money changers at home just didn’t have Omani Rials. At the few money changers in Oman, they didn’t accept my home currency or offered at a very disadvantageous rate, where I might be better off withdrawing cash from the ATM and paying the service fee. It is best to bring some USD, EUR, or GBP for the exchange. While I did make do without cash, having cash would have faciliated the purchase of food from smaller food vendors at more economical prices.
Driving off-road or unpaved is quite a common thing
- Jabal Akhdar was comparatively an easy drive, despite many vehicles overtaking me and exceeding the speed limit.
- There is this 20km of unpaved road between Al Ayn and Bat Necropolises. I took it one way and took a longer detour on a paved road in the evening.
- Part of the road up to the W6 trail at the Balcony Walk at Jebel Shams is also unpaved and will take about 45mins.
- The road from Hat Cafe to Wadi Bani Auf is also unpaved and is a 2 hour drive out of the mountains.
- I had wanted to do a sedan rental and glad I did not because I was going up Jabal Akhdar.
The above round up the things I wish I had known before reaching Oman and I hope it helps you in some way!
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